Time was, when in fashionable society a blouse was a nonentity, when it maintained only a precarious social standing and that with extreme difficulty. But now, far. from being. on the fringe of stylish circle, it thas taken the centre of the stage and threatens to become practically the weill-dyassed woman's uniform, so universally is if worn, For a season the blouse almost dropped out of existence except for those who looked best in tailor-mades and were sensible enough to stick to their type. The one-piece frock with its ease and freedom was hailed "as a veritable life-preserver and emancipator from the laborious adjustment of collar and belts. But the blouse of the moment is a very different thing from the tuck-in waist, and the two-piece costume gives us quite a much comfort to-day as the chemise frock.
Skirts don't make much difference, but since they must be worn it is well to select a pleated model in crepe de chine, homo-spun or a|# wool crepe novelty and hang it from a silk brassiere bodice. If you ave a prudent damsel you will take advantage of the new mode and have the pleats put in at the sides, ior even in the front, but never at the back where a desire to maintain the appearance of your costume will keep you standing up till you drop with fatigue. is Japanese batik in bright, changeable cloud effects.
A sarong (we trust we use the correct expression) from Java) which had done duty as a table cloth in a studio, was ruthlessly snipped unto two blouses which were the envy of all observers and caused a raid on the art curtains and hangings of many an artist's den.
Tf batik chiffon or silk is; used, georgette in some solid colour BLOUSES, BLOUSES EVERYWHERE, Now that the blouse has come back to its place in the sun it is bound to call attention to its re turn by a few innovations thought up during its period of seclusion. Its sphere has extended itself tremendously, no longer stopping at the waist but extending to the hips. It suggests the Russian blouse, it hints at the. good old middy standby, it is reminiscent of the jumper, of the Chinese coat, and yet it is none of them. It is worn from morning to night and manages to be all things to all women. There is no time or occur sion where its voice is not heard—and we must confess that at times it talks rather loudly. But who wouldn't be a bit exuberant when there are such riots of colour turn-
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.