Fashions and Impressions.

“Upright pianos, by the way, are now much lower in height.

“Novelties were wooden fire screens with pictures on them formed from inlays of different woods (I have seen the same treatment on the walls of a restaurant). One buffet I saw had slots to hold such a picture. Other fire screens and kerbs were of chromium and coloured enamels. Wood, by the way, is being used again to frame wall mirrors. Period rooms may have elaborate gilt framed mirrors. Over a large marble fireplace in Upper Wimpole Street I saw a convex mirror with gilt rays surrounding it. Very beautiful in such a room as that, but unthinkable for a bungalow.

“To return to the B.I.F. Kitchen cabinets become more and more useful and elegant. The newest finish is mottled enamel. Cupboards are ventilated, and slide-out tables, bread-bins and vegetable racks are included as a matter of course.

“In the fabrics section the choice was bewildering. The main effect, for summer, was of a profusion of gay floral designs.

“On one stand I saw a charming idea for bridesmaids—coatees and muffs made entirely of pink blossoms. A bride was dressed in white lace, with a six-inch tulle frill edging her trained gown.

“A ‘spectator sports’ model had rows of 11/2 inch pleats round the bust and short sleeves, round the hips and in a panel down the front of the skirt.

“Bathing suits are briefer and gayer. Some are woven in satin and lastex or in silk stockinette. One, in a gay printed cotton, was ruched down the middle front.

“I have seen charming designs in oiled silk for curtains, mackintoshes, umbrellas, table-covers, toilet and linen bags, etc. For your bathroom, imagine pale-green with silver and black seagulls; or, for your kitchen, your chosen shade spangled with silver stars.

“I was impressed by the large display of handbags. Most geometric shapes have been utilised for new designs in suede, patent, crocodile, shagreen, and woven fabrics.

“In the toy department emphasis is laid on occupational toys. Besides the metal outfits for building bridges, aircraft, etc., I saw wooden constructional sets which are fitted together with wooden pegs. The newst doll's pram is a dog or a teddy on wheels!”