Fashion Hints for Islands Women

By Therese

SINCE colour contrasts are the dernier cri, a colour sense is more important than ever. Much may be learned from nature —from the exquisite cloud effects, the glorious tints of autumn leaves, the gorgeous colourings of flowers against their background of brilliant green; or one may be inspired by all that is beautiful in art —lovely old Japanese prints or the clever blendings of modern art.

Colour contrasts for evening spell chic all along the way, so a slim Eugene model of speedwell blue has its square decolletage outlined by crimson velvet ribbon, ending in a bow at the back with tails that sweep the floor train-wise.

Perfection in itself is the exquisite gown of white satin, severely classical in line; but when detachable sleeves in black and white striped effect are added, it simply shrieks sophistication. The sleeves are held in place by a panel in the middle of the back. Slim fitting gowns of perfect cut sport gaily coloured contrasting coats

and capes, hip, three-quarter, or floor length, with a result that is satisfaction complete.

Evening wraps are irresistible, and in this direction taffetas still play an import ant part and a coolie coat evolved in taf fetas is all that could be desired.

To be an angel is such an easy matter in these days of enormous bows worn on the shoulders in wing-like effect, and a satin coat treated with taffetas in this wise soars rapturously to the heights, and fills the wearer with exhilaration in its flight.

Black, popular as ever, is now allied with brilliant colours. Little frogs of vivid, hue fasten the bodice and neckline of a black afternoon frock with a fascinating air that is different. A black crepe dress is the perfect medium for transformation tricks, and spells Economy with a capital E. It is the foundation for a variety of tops to suit every hour. A sequinned tunic, and you are ready for the rise of the cur tain, a lame blouse, and a cocktail hoves into view; a jacket of two colours is trumps for bridge, and the frock itself, with shoulder or waist posy of real flowers or boasting barbaric jewellery as its sole adornment, belongs to formal hours.

The woman of sophistication risks her throw on massive barbaric jewellery, and achieves the much-sought Cleopatra-ish effect —glamorous beyond dreams.

If pleats you must have for your even ing gown, do let them be knee high only. ’Tis only thus you can avoid that wilted sat-out appearance, and you will go through the evening happily, complacent in the knowledge that all is well.

The palest of pink satin, slim to the knees, flares widely to the l hem by reason of its shirred godets, giving the very new inverted wine-glass effect. It makes the sweetest dance frock for the youthful dam sel. A brilliant clip catches the draped bow adorning the low square decolletage.

“Flowers, and still more flowers,” is fashion’s latest decree —at neck or waist line, cascading down the bodice or skirt in gay abandon —and we love them wher ever they be. Because of this, the low flower decolletage increases in popularity, with or without its picket frill, and is completely charming.

Pierrot frills of tulle from which peep forth demure posies are such an attractive idea and make a delightful frame for the Quaint “Little Women” frocks rustle along in taffeta or faille, with low square neck, fascinating little puff sleeves, and bodice buttoned in approved style. They charm the heart of man with their demure air of innocence, and the eternal feminine that lies in their old worldliness.

A joy to its wearer in the perfection of its simplicity is the afternoon frock with the new bloused back, its fullness spread ing from grouped fan-wise tucks at the neck line, its slim skirt boasting fullness at the centre front only, and with sleeve

wide to the elbow, tapering to slimness at the waist.

Blouses are such gay little affairs these days, and prove their utility the clock round. Russian tunics have a friendly way with them, and readily adapt them selves to anything at any hour. Russian sleeves are intriguing, too, and the last word in chic. The tunic blouse with floor length skirt, is the answer to the prayer of the “not so young and not so svelte,” whom it clothes in dignified distinction.

Gay and attractive are the little cotton frocks, unrivalled for tropical wear. Sprigs, checks, spots, and designs innumerable, they please our hearts. String linen suits hold their own, offering as they do such a wide scope for colour blending.

Adorable are the cape collars of net, with huge cuffs en suite. They are banded and bordered with rouleau and make the little silk frock look cool as a summer breeze—“nor hot, nor cold.” The simply cut sports frock of silk or linen looks charming with the addition of either halter or sling scarf, which hangs one-third of the way down the bodice, or a gaily coloured handkerchief that falls loosely round the neck in cowl fashion.

Old-fashioned hail spot muslins in pas tel shades make deliciously cool little frocks for tropical evenings. A huge taf feta sash and bow in vivid contrasting shade would make it more attractive than ever.

The tender green of the newly-opened leaf is the perfect shade for tropical wear —for the golden haired lass, of course.

Her brunette sister may choose daffodil yellow and wear green accessories, among which must be counted a green glass bangle, when a full measure of success is assured.

A clip on the ear—a jewelled clip, gleam ing and lovely—smacks sophistication and charm. We catch these clips in our hair o’ nights with will o’ the wisp effect. Twin clips are still dear to our hearts —large star-shaped ones, shining clear in the fir mament. One on either side of the neck line, or one at neck and one at waist, and joy is complete.

Sports jewellery is really delightful— bracelets, brooches, buttons, clips, are made in patent leather, and are at their best on the heavy linen tailored sports frock or suit. Log buttons come in many varieties and wear a tailored look. If you are clever, you can paint your own initials on a long-shaped button of natural wood, and be well in the forefront of fashion: or if you are floral minded, a quaint little flower design will make you the envy of your friends.

For nautical occasions, there is the flying pennant brooch in navy blue and scarlet, or a fetching little anchor that catches your scarf or clips your belt in approved style. Jaunty little sailor men perch on your clothes in a manner that is intriguing.

With one eye on the sea, give the other to your beach wear. As shorts ousted slacks from pride of place, so now do shorts give way to beach frocks (though in a lesser degree, of course); and why not, for they are really charming. In striped material cut on the cross and moulded to the figure, they are entirely backless, or else boast only the slimmest of braces. Attractive matching or con trasting coats are a further justification of their popularity.

Miss I. Foulcher, Methodist Missionary of Matavelo, Fiji, arrived in Sydney re cently by the Niagara. She will return to the Colony at the end of March.

By the January Makoa three Samoan natives were sent by the Administration to Fiji to study at the Medical School, Suva.