FASHION NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18630, 7 May 1932, Page 13 (Supplement)

FASHION NOTES.

UPS AND DOWNS IN MILLINERY. Spring felts show a tendency for squarish crowns with the brim pulled well down over one eye. There Is more depth at the back of the hat and frequently the brim turns up to counteract the dip In front. Hats In coarse, shiny straw will be much worn, taffeta ribbon being a favoured trimming. In straw hats, crowns are a little deeper and larger. There Is definite return to the cloche brim. A new Idea in these straw hats Is to have the ribbon threaded through the crown, with a perky little bow in the front, or a bow and long ends at the side back. Black Is much favoured for shiny straws, trimmed with a bright colour, followed by dark brown, trimmed with beige. Shiny straws are also in three colours, such as red, beige and black, sometimes trimmed with a small patent leather bow.

Straw plait is used in such combinations as black, brick, and beige, being particularly attractive when mixed with brick-coloured felt. Dull fancy straws are mixed with felt.

Hats in reptile skins are both smart and practical for sports wear. Ties and scarves to match are quite a new idea and should become popular, as they can be dyed to match the tweeds. In addition to small feather mounts, coque feathers and pheasants’ feathers are used to droop down on to the neck. Velvet and petersham ribbon are also used as trimming, and occasionally patent leather. Hats will be more conventional. The new line Is high at the back. There Is no speolal run on any one material; satin, velvet grosgrairi, petersham, and straw all being used. A few flowers are an Important trimming note. A blue pink introduced on navy is being shown. Flamingo, dark brown and black will be much favoured.

The hat to match the coat Is becoming more and more important, and there Is every Indication that this will be an Important fashion note for the spring.

Tweeds Well to the Fore. London reports that tweed coats and suits will be very fashionable in the spring. At the same time it Is interesting to note how boucle fabric is gradually creeping collections. It Is now made in England and the colourings are excellent. Practioally all coats are fitting and straight or slightly flared. Wide revers predominate and 'collars either stand up at the back, are wholly of fur, or are trimmed with narrow flat fur. Stitching Is featured on nearly everything. But the most important thing about coats are the sleeves. No plain sleeves are seen at all. Deep gauntlet cuffs are much favoured, or there may be a deep plain cuff with fulness gathered in below the elbow. The variety is great, and sleeves must be trimmed in one form or another. Trimming at the elbow is prevalent, one Idea being a puff let In and then a long, tight cuff. There is a decided tendency towards raglan and magyar effects, and the modified “leg of mutton.” Cowl necks 'continue, but are more draped than formerly. Cape effects are still liked, and embroidery Is featured. Tho cravat collar is new. This is attached at the back, and makes a most smart finish to a coat. Heavy silk is used either to tone or In contrast, the latter being the most favoured. Short coats are likely to be favoured in the newest suits. They are frequently belted, and trimmed with flat fur or fur farbrlo. Three-colour effects will undoubtedly be very much worn. There is a rather bright blue appearing, between royal and navy; this is often used with a darker or lighter blue and white. Purple and parma violet shades seem to be gradually pushing their way forward. Skirts are a little shorter than last season, but half-way between knee and ankle, or Just a little shorter, is a length that Is easy to wear and looks well, and is therefore much favoured. Cravats will be most popula_r, and are in great variety. When forming part of the ensemble they are In the same material as the dress and hat.

American Hosiery Shades. For early spring wear, to be worn with black and blues, Patou beige will oontlnue, with dusky grelge also important. Nude and skin tones will figure Importantly for all afternoon and evening wear. Off-white tones and the palest nudes will be worn with the high style dull surfaced crepes in white, In iced pinks, blues, greens and grey. A very light golden brown will be worn with brown, and with bright reds, greens, rusts, eto., worn with brown accessories. One light gunmetal should be shown with the high style greys represented in every high style costume collection. Light gunmetal Is suitable for wear with grey and yellow, grey and red, grey and blue, grey and black. The trend in hosiery browns Is toward the clear, dark and bright brown tones rather than the dull, soft shades hitherto used. Meshes will be good for sports and spectator sports wear. For evening and formal wear, openwork lacej meshes In Irish and Spanish lace patterns are to be good. These tie up well with ready-to-wear fashion trends. Starched linen and cotton lace evening dresses are distinctly new and appear in almost every style.