Author: Florence Hull Winterburn

Publisher: Theclassics.Us

Published: 2013-09

Total Pages: 42

ISBN-13: 9781230270791

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1914 edition. Excerpt: ... Ill OCCASION SHOULD GOVERN TOILETTE IT may be protested that I am endeavoring to inculcate extravagance. But I am not, as you shall admit very shortly. I am trying to reconcile two of fashion's present demands--the one for individuality and the other for occasion. But in fact these two demands are really one. First, let me define "occasion." In the morning we will admit the suitability of a tailor-made gown worn with a blouse of excessive neatness. Such a gown the American wears at breakfast, in that respect differing from the Frenchwoman, who takes her chocolate alone in the seclusion of the boudoir, clad in a muslin or cashmere peignoir. But suppose there is a wedding, a charity bazaar, or a luncheonparty to be attended; a drive en automobile; a hunt or a ride? Each occasion will determine the choice of attire. Yet there are women who will go in tailor-made attire to an afternoon reception, or to that smartest of affairs in the eyes of the Frenchwoman, a wedding. Excuses of great number and variety the defaulter will find for herself if questioned. She will say, "This is my new frock," or, "I haven't anything else fit to go in," or, again, "The day was dull," or, "The tailor-made is my choice, you know; I never wear anything else." All poor excuses, madame, not to be tolerated in any grade of society. The governess, the employee who is earning the most modest of incomes, can do better with logic as her possession, for her wardrobe will contain all her requirements. And its items shall be at once individual and fitting to the occasion. One year she will add to her store a single evening costume and a single tailor-made dress in which to walk out with her pupils; the next she will find occasion to buy one afternoon gown of ceremony and...