Noticed Here and There.

Several bridesmaids lately have been forecasting summer in their hat-brims. Width is the thing, but the correct tilt must be allied to it. Such hats have a Marina air and seem to require the Marina demeanour (unexpected rhyme!), figure, what-you-will, to carry them off with the éclat worthy of such creations.

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A simple type of hat, in a style suited to most of us, was in woven hemp-straw, the brim lined with a contrasting shade and the crown banded with the new spotted ciré ribbon.

Spots, by the way, are dancing before our eyes—bronze or silver beaded spots on sleeves or yokes of hostess gowns, spots accenting cravats or “bibs” worn with the new suits, gay and charming spots on spring tub frocks.

Capes, coats with cape sleeves, or just plain coats accompanying many of the new season's models. The little extra, suits the vagaries of our New Zealand climate admirably. Capes lined with contrast, plaid or plain, are specially dashing. And with your cape wear a hat reminiscent, even though faintly, of the sailor.

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Noticed, also, some smartly permed heads, very neat, very trim, but—un-cared for!—although they are taken to the hairdresser regularly for shampoo and set. These women would be horrified at the suggestion that they neglect their hair, but, judging by its appearance, they do.

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Brushing does not hurt a perm., but neglect of the scalp does. Daily stimulation of the scalp, by brushing or massage, is necessary. Part the hair, and brush along the partings with short sweeps of the brush. Always brush the side and back hair up.

Remember that brushes need washing more often than hair. Hair regularly attended to will soon shine and gleam again, losing that dusty, faded, frizzled look.

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Which reminds me of a little girl I met at my hairdresser's. It was the tinting of her nails I noticed first—a delicate shade of coral. Quite charming, and I didn't object to tinted nails in her. Some time ago, in a tram-car, I saw my first coloured nails—a brilliant red, matching the carmine mouth of a woman who was fighting age, not very successfully. Mentally, I shuddered, and conceived an instant prejudice against tinted nails. Since then, I have modified my opinion, though I still object to it in all but those few who can afford to be impeccable from head to foot, and those others whose job requires the little extra in the way of smartness.

Hollywood, by the way, is focusing even more attention on nails. The latest idea is to apply transfers. Imagine ten little dogs' heads running up and down the keys of a piano, or a hand in no trumps held by ten clubs! I can't imagine the directors approving, can you?

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We all appreciate glass ovenware. This material now fashions a whole dinner service—and it is artistically patterned too.

Watch the new spring goods for un-crushable linens or linen tweeds for the suit which is an indispensable adjunct to your wardrobe this summer.

The most fascinating blouses and vests of lace and net are seen with jabots and bows finishing a V neck. Also in all of the shops one sees charming collars with pleated jabots in net and organdie which make lovely finishes for a Spring frock.

Hats and scarves to match are very popular. For instance, a frock crowned with a halo hat made of spotted silk with a scarf to match can be very smart. In fact, there is no end to “matching” this season—hats and handbags, hats and gloves, gloves and handbags, and so on as far as our imagination will take us.

The new cotton materials are beautiful—the new designs and colourings absolutely enthrall us. We notice among the prevailing colours our old stand-bys of navy blue, brown, lemon, alongside new combinations of these shades, pinky beige, etc.

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