SHOPS AND SHOPPING.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 18, 30 April 1892, Page 457

SHOPS AND SHOPPING.

(BY

MADAME MILLICENT.)

tHAVE just had a present of the ‘ latest idea ’ in veils. I have not yet dared to appear in the streets shut in by this hideous ‘idea.’ I put it on for Bertha’s benefit, and she promptly declared I was a fit candidate for one of the colonial asylums. Alas I one's bosom friend is sometimes refreshingly candid. But I must describe this wonderful veil. It is made of black net, and the part of it which covers the upper portion of one s visage, that is to say, to the tip of one’s nose, is exactly three times as thick as the lower part, which extends to one’s chin. I couldn’t see very well how it looked in the glass, because it was so thick. Ido fervently trust it won’t become fashionable out here. It would be two dreadful to have to wear it in the streets. From veils to coiffure is not a long step. The newest style is neater and simpler than that of last season, but alas ! those who adopt it must perforce wear false hair, unless, indeed, nature has been liberal to a degree in her thatching. A strand of very long hair is needed to make the elegant little coil at the back. A bow at each side is necessary. This can be made of the wearer’s own hair. The front requires, says Madame a la-Mode, to be slightly waved, and a glimmer of a parting is really visible. The pompadour style is pretty, being composed of waves, like the sea slightly agitated, all over the head, and with very little on the forehead. Men laugh at the trouble we women bestow on our hair, and at the ribbons, aigrettes, jewels and flowers which we may now use to enhance our capital beauty. Red hair, my London donor of the veil assures me, is quite chic. A bright’red model appeared in oneof the hairdresser’s windows one morning, and three ladies promptly went in to have their hair died that shade ! There’s enterprise for you ! Bertha takes great pains to have neat little waves over her white temples, and she showed me her curling pins today. I sketched them, and mean to send for some at once.

She says they work so well and so quickly. Certainly her hair always looks nice.

I made a further sketch of Bertha’s hair when dressed by the aid of these useful w avers. She could hardly arrange it, as she was telling me of a manager, who, on taking authority over some works where girls were employed in the

machinery, made them all cut their hair off close so as to avoid any chance of its becoming entangled and causing an accident.

Chrysanthemums are being greatly used for decorative purposes. Bertha has had one of her rooms panelled in white. The centre of each panel she has painted with variously-coloured chrysanthemums. One is of pure white, artistically shaded underneath so as to throw them up. Another is of pinkish-amber, etc., etc. Really, it is quite surprising the number of different kinds she has. There are two panels to be finished, and she is waiting for a rare specimen someone has promised her to transfer to her wall. The effect is excellent.