COSTUMES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume V, Issue 44, 1 November 1890, Page 14

COSTUMES.

As many of our last year’s gowns will do very well with a little modernising for this season, we give an illustration of a stylish bodice, the idea being one that can be easily carried out for freshening up any gown one has got a little tired of. The materials here used are a very light check Cheviot tweed, the over-basque and scarf being in dark brown silk. Young ladies will find this make a very pretty afternoon dress, and as the sleeveless silk over-jacket and scarf are made quite independently of the dress, they can be worn over it or not at will, thus allowing of variety in the one gown. Of the many delights of summer, there is none greater than boating, excepting to the few timid people who as firmly believe a boat will immediately cast into a watery grave anyone rash enough to enter it as they do that a gun will ‘ go off ’ and shoot everyone within reach of its own accord, whether loaded or not. But these needless, not to say unreasonable, alarms are not shared by the majority. The taste and enjoyment for boating is very general, and to many quite a passion ; personally, we think it one of the most delightful pleasures in life, on a hot summer’s day, pulling slowly and easily down one of the lovely New Zealand rivers, banked with ever-varying scenery, or on the smooth harbour, or indulging in a dolce far niente under the shade of some overhanging trees, with the water swishswishing amongst the weeds, or lapping the sides of the boat. Boating is quite admissible as an exercise (and a splendid one) for ladies, though they should never attempt it without experienced oarsmen with them till thoroughly at home with

the senile, the boat, and the river or sea they row on ; then with a fixed precaution against what is classically termed ‘ larking about,’ such as standing up in the boat, changing seats, etc., there is no rational reason why they should run in danger ; and for river rowing, where little strength and more tact, nicety and finish is required for a good and neat stroke, there can be no doubt but that they may, with practice, become thoroughly graceful and proficient oarswomen, with very great benefit to their health and vigour, as well as deriving much pleasure from the pursuit. As our second illustration, we have sketched a good boating dress in cream flannelette. The skirt is made with several pleats facing in front in order to give perfect liberty of movement to the limbs, in bending the knees, and moving generally in the boat, the rest being plain with a few pleats, organ fluted at back. A plain loose skirt or Garibaldi, with full sleeves gathered into small wristband. On no account must tight corsets be worn ; exertion is dangerous in such, besides spoiling all chance of rowing properly. But a fancy leather waistband, fastened at ease, may be worn, and a broad-brimmed sailor, or any pretty shady hat, looks well and suitable.