AT HOME WITH THE LADY EDITOR.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 5, 30 January 1892, Page 115

AT HOME WITH THE LADY EDITOR.

‘Carlotta.’—Yes, you are ouite right in your remark that now a-days ladies are adopting more sensible ideas with regard to mourning. In a hot country like ours, a mass of crape and heavy black draperies on a warm summer’s day makes one even uncomfortable to look at ! what must it be then to wear ! I would suggest that you get one of those pretty black-and-white cotton gowns, which are fashionable, and quite light enough for summer wear. Have it made with a blouse bodice, and plain gathered skirt ; or you can have it to fit you, with a properly boned bodice, and bell-shaped skirt, a graduated flounce appearing at the hem in front. Whalebone is of necessity used even in washing gowns when a basque bodice is required. Buy a black lace straw hat, trim it with thin black silk, wear black gloves, and use a black sunshade. Or you can have a very thin black material for a best gown. Do not wear crape. Have the courage of your opinions. For slighter mourning a black skirt and white blouse bodice is admissible, also a white hat trimmed with black—either ribbon velvet or silk. Some people are advocating no black at all, a band round the arm indicating that the wearer has lost a relative. Probably this sensible fashion will be arrived at in time ; till then a modified form of mourning may well be adopted. Even if crape and black stuffs be worn, remember they are now laid aside much sooner than was the case a few years ago. ‘Gertie.’—No gentleman shakes hand with a lady until he has removed his glove, or it he is suddenly called upon to salute her, and she proft'ers her hand, he must say, ‘ Please excuse my glove.’ Yes, I know it was done by the Bland Holt Company, but probably their first walking gentleman had not studied etiquette. I noticed his gloved hand extended frequently to a lady. ‘ Bella Mia.’—l am so sorry for you. Ido not think ‘ a good flirt with another man ’ will recall your recalcitrant lover. Certainly jealousy is very potent, but I think a really ‘nice’ man would only despise you for so readily taking up with some one else. Treat him with as much indifference as you can. Talk freely and pleasantly to other men in his presence, making yourself as agreeable as you can, without flirting. Let him see that others appreciate your society. This will bring him back, especially if he finds that a smile or a word from him has not the fascination for you that he fondly and conceitedly imagines. Men always prize most what is hardest to win. Write again if I can help you at all.