Ways and Means.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVI, Issue 1, 5 July 1911, Page 69

Ways and Means.

There are numbers of methods of bringing an old evening gown up to date. A Princess foundation of white satin which has already had a long and useful career can be once again pressed into service by means of the addition of one

of the detachable tunics of the moment, which have only to be slipped on over the gown to provide a new and n*»ractive .toilette. .Majiy of these,-carried out in white ninon, net, or chiffon, are frosted over with tiny crystal beads, and finished at the rounded decolletago

either with a fold of silver tissue or a little fringe of crystal beads. In lieu of white, too, there are coloured tunics, which make a eharming addition to the white gowns. For a brunette, nothing is prettier than a cherry coloured ninon overdress, with a touch of dark fur introduced upon it. The simple little evening gowns of the moment in the scmi-Einpire style are besides so easy to make over old foundations, which need by no means follow the Empire lines as well, that many a mediocre home dressmaker will be tempted to try her ’prentice hand on renovations. The plainest of little white frocks of this description can be greatly enhanced by one of the new Hat sash ends of satin depending from one side of the high waist-belt, and hand-painted in a loose, light cluster- of poppies or roses in soft delicate tints. The design is outlined all round with close-set, tiny crystal beads, while the ends are finished with a crystal fringe like a little sparkling border of icicles. This is a pretty touch which can be easily achieved by the girl who is clever with her brush, while it immensely enhances the appearance of the gown. A shaped band of satin outlining the decolletage just below the tucker, and likewise hand-painted and sewn with crystals to correspond, represents another charming addition which is every whit as successful as the most elaborate embroidery.

A head dresH of h imV painted satin m the form of of the a ide shaped fillets of to day can b added to (his toilette with capital (‘fui-t, the hair being gathered into a cluster of soft curlt in the centre uf the fillet, ami parted in front.