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Our Women's Section
Timely Notes and Useful Hints

By Helen.

Have you seen my togs?” “I hope my helmet's still water-tight. And can one go bathing in a towel? My suit has disappeared. Where? Oh, yes! This looks like it.” After much skirmishing, delving and stuffing into suit-cases the party sets off.

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On any summer day, in almost any household in New Zealand situated within walking, biking, tram or car distance of a beach, such a conversation is likely to be heard. It is surprising what a large percentage of our population is so happily situated—not to mention the many who splash in baths (of the swimming variety), rivers and lakes. According to an advertisement appearing recently in leading newspapers, the coastline of New Zealand nearly equals that of the United States. As to our proportion of swimmers per population I cannot say, but I surmise we are among the leading amphibians.

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Even when we are not gazing at the ever-changing blue of the sea, our fellow-followers of fashion will be reminding us of it. From the palest of duck-egg blue through the gamut of shades to navy, the leading fashion houses have contrived frocks and coats for our delight. The daintiest of pastel blues is popular once more for undies.

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And so to the sea once more! Somehow, at the beginning of a new season, last year's smartest swimming togs have lost their dash. We feel quite justified in buying new ones, as, really, one needs one pair on and the other drying. Swim-suits vary from business-like affairs in plain but attractive colours, to the gayest combinations of multicoloured-striped tops with plain pants, brassiere tops, button-on tops, zipper tops, fronts gathered on to a cord round the neck, all featuring backs slightly more cut away than last season. A bathingsuit I admired was fashioned in crinkled rubber, prepared by a new process. The helmet, of course, matched exactly.

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Bathing shoes are a necessary investment, for even though one's usual swimming place may have a sandy bottom, opportunities may arise for trips further afield with possibilities of rocks, shells or pebbles.

Bathing gear and toilet accessories may be packed in a neat zipper bag resembling the leather shopping kit, but made of a woven wool material to match the suit. A wrap of flowered terry-towelling, corded at the waist, completes a workmanlike beach ensemble.

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Having packed these essentials in your holiday kit, it would be well to add a few extras. Shirts and shorts are very important among these. Have them matching or with contrast or striped tops—and don't forget pockets. Patch pockets set at an angle on the shorts are smart. If you purpose launching, or sitting for long hours in a row-boat dangling a fishing-line, draw an extra black line on your list under large hat. Have it a real cartwheel, but provide for anchoring it by means of strong elastic (not dainty hat elastic) or some fetching arrangement with ribbon. A “flyaway” hat is not a success when errant breezes are about.

Have a wrap-over skirt to go with your shirt and shorts. The addition of the skirt and a dashing scarf solves many a problem of what to wear.

Slacks are smart and comfortable. See them in grey or navy flannel, with gaiety added by the shirt. I wonder whether the increasing colourfulness of men's shirts is due to seeing what the girls can do in that line?

Sun-tan frocks are a specialty this season. Have them with a matching cape or jacket, so that they are suitable for more dressed occasions. For tennis, shirts and pleated shorts in linen look charming and form the coolest of kit.

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Anti-crease materials (hang them up and their creases disappear) will be a great boon to the holiday-maker whose ironing is a problem. For your holiday-by-the-sea a shirt-waist frock with its button front closing, a simple linen perhaps in natural colour with stitched linen hat to match, an “afternoon” frock in uncrushable crepe silk and a crisp; ruffly voile for evenings should complete a fairly extensive wardrobe. Don't forget a warm coat and a pullover or cardigan for those grey days we can expect even in the height of summer.

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Be wise about this sun-tan business. Don't ruin your holiday by frizzling up your skin. If possible acquire the first coat before vacation, even if you have only a back-yard for sunbathing. In any case, brown gradually. Peeling and unsightly redness may thus be almost entirely avoided.

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You know yourself what creams and lotions best suit your skin. Remember to give extra time to skin and hair when they are exposed to sun, sand and sea. Nothing will remove that salty deadness from your hair so well as a warm oil shampoo. Wet the hair and wrap a hot towel round the head to open the pores. When the towel has cooled, apply warm olive oil to the roots of the hair, with the tips of the fingers, using a massaging motion. Apply hot towels again for about fifteen minutes. Then wash with your usual shampoo powder or a pure soap jelly and rinse carefully. If your hair is inclined to be dry, leave a little of the oil in the hair. You will find your hair will “come to life” again.