Evening Star Newspaper, May 7, 1940, Page 33

WOMEN’ S FEATURES,. Fitted Handbags Suitable And Very Smart Looking In New Smaller Size Shawls, Hose and Housecoats Among Suggested Presents; Gardening Togs Available By HELEN VOGT. It’s certainly comforting to know that you're not the type of person who dashes out at the last minute and picks up a bunch of assorted posies for Mom on Mother’s Day. And we're mighty glad that you've been giving the matter of presents a little serious thought—or could we be /8iving you too much credit? Anyway, we're just optimistic enough to think that you are baffed by the serious problems of finding a slightly different and entirely suit- able gift. If so, we'd like very much to lend a hand and a typewriter to the cause and suggest that you look into some of the not-too-different, but really acceptable offerings to be found. In the first place, it's hard to go wrong on flowers, but it's equally nice to give them with a little variation and a slight indication of origi- nality. Instead of the usual corsage or bunch of assorted posies, why not try sending a spray of fresh flowers for Mother's hair? You might think that this fashion is strictly for the very young, but really it isn't. It just depends upon an appropriate choice. For Instance, if the lady has gray hair, pink flowers are very flattering. Spray orchids, carnations, roses and gladioli make up into beautiful hair ornaments and almost any white or purple flowers are excellent for older women. These sprays are best worn high in the hair if her face is full, on the side to add becoming width 4f she has a thin face. We think%- the idea is a good one for evening and we'd like to bet that the re- cipient will think so, too. Another infallible choice is a Jovely handbag and there really are some honies. In one shop there are stunning fitted styles that leave nothing to be desired in sheer beauty, style or convenience, and, what is more important, there is a type for every woman. Some of the very good-looking ones have adjust- able handles so that they may be ~carried over the shoulder or in the ordinary manner, according to pref- erence. These are available in black or white calf, green felt, striped fabrics and a number of other colors and materials. Our favorite in this shop is a tiny fitted bag which is really perfect for the petite lady— and when we say a small handbag, ‘we mean that it is designed to com- pactly accommodate all the fittings which accompany it. Small in size, but large in fashion importance! You can get this in a variety of -leathers or in faille. Incidentally, this is a good time to buy white— there’s a big choice. Although it sounds like a strange suggestion, you might try buying | Mother a hat—or else give her the money to get one herself. There are now so many attractive styles for the mature woman that her days of frantic searching for flattering hats are just about over. Particu- larly popular is the breton, such as the one pictured on page, for it’s @ suitable and, at the same time, a smart model that older women edore. If you do buy a hat as a gift, pick nothing too frilly or “little girlish,” please. Stick to softening brims and leave the off-the-face #tyles for the younger element. Once upon a time you would have Insulted mother by handing her a shawl as a gift, but this season it's an ideal suggestion. Shawls are very important right now and prom- ise to be even more so as time goes on, what with fashionists predicting their use for sport, street and eve- ning wear. A gayly colored one of thin wool is a useful and attractive item for this important occasion— but be sure that mother reads the fashion news, so that she won't think you're putting her into the spinning wheel and rocking chair classification. Good looking lapel ornaments such as sprays of pastel flowers are ideal gifts and so are earrings. You'll want to buy the small, neat variety of the latter, however, and you may decide to invest in a set of match- ing brooch and earrings. Hose, handkerchiefs and housecoats—the three Hs—are always acceptable to women of every age, and you'll find cotton housecoats or hostess gowns very good looking and quite inex- pensive. Bedjackets, gowns and other lingerie make very fine offer- ings and those dainty, lace-trimmed slips are important under sheer suit blouses. Gloves, particularly wash- able white ones, are an always safe bet and a variety of them is to be desired—especially due to their un- canny knack of becoming soiled after every wearing, no matter how careful one may be. For further brainstorms you might turn to mother’s hobby. If it's gardening there are suitable clothes, even to big burlap aprons with huge pockets to hold all her equipment. And if she’s a collector, whether it be mousetraps or mu- seum pieces your problem is solved. No matter what you can spend there are plenty of suggestions in the shops now. All you need is a little time and energy to find them. P. S.: Fashion show reports to- morrow—and there’s lots of news! ! Dorothy Dix Says - - - Dear Miss Dix—My husband and *X are a young couple with one child. ‘We have been very happy until a few months ago, when he began to get grouchy and ill-tempered and fault-finding when at home and to g0 out every night and to ruyn eround with a girl. When I tried to get at the cause of the change in him and asked what was the mat- ter, all that he would say was, “I| don't know.” I asked if he thought he cared for the girl he was see- Ing and he said, “Yes, I think I do.” Iam not a woman who will stay with & man who doesn’t want her, so I secured a job and have been sup- porting myself ever since. Now he has decided that I am the only person he ever loved and he wants me to forgive and forget and come back to him. I still love him and we fave been-having a happy second eourtship, but a couple of weeks ago I noticed that he was getting grouchy and seemed dissatisfied again. I asked him once again what was wrong and he said he didn’t know; that he was crazy to see me when he only saw me once a week, but that after that he could stay ,away from me for two or three days without even missing me or think- ing of me. What should I do? Answer: You will certainly prove that you have an optimistic disposi- A Parrot Picture tion if you go back to a husband who can’t make up his mind whether he wants to be a benedict or a bachelor. Certaitnly there can be no happiness for a woman in one of these off- again-on-again-gone- again - Finne- gan marriages. What a woman wants in marriage is security and a hus- band who recognizes his responsibil- ities and lives up to them. There are many men who should never marry because they are celi- bate by nature. They cannot stand being bound and no woman in the world can tame them or housebreak them. The things that other men value, the love of a wife, children, a comfortable home, are just so many burdens to them from which they are trying to escape. Don't delude yourself into think- ing that if you remarry your hus- band he will change and be a stead- fast, contented, fireside companion. He won’t. You will never be sure of him. You will never know when he is going to walk out on you and leave you with the bag to hold. So don't go back to him unless you have the patience of Job, the meek- ness of Griselda, and the adhesive- ness of a porous plaster. Or unless you love him so much that you would rather have him as a week-end guest, 50 to speck, than any other man for a steady com- panion. DOROTRHY DIX. By BARONESS PIANTONL s “Bolly wants a cracker!” You can almost hear these words screamed out by these lifelike parrots. Embroider them as a picture in their natural eolors. The pattern comprises full information ahd instructions; also hot-iron fransfer pattern of one picture, 11 by 16 inches. Ask for pattern No. 1467 Needlework Editor of The Evening and incloss 15 cents. Address orders 40 ehl" \ THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C, TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1640. Fashion Favors Fashion importance is not exclusively confined to novelties and high styling, for some of the best-looking modes are those which stress dignity and simple good taste. Typical of the exquisite new millinery. for mature women is this baku breton with tubular flower trim. Available in black, navy, white and the very popular “toast” color, it also has the added attraction of an adjustable headsize. A good suggestion for Mother’s Day, it should also answer many inquiries about smart and suitable hats for the older yoman. Button Trims Are Smart On Simple Day Frocks Gift May Be Personally Delivered Most Certainly Is Not a Breach of Etiquette By EMILY POST. It seems curious to me that any one should imagine that leaving a wedding present personally at the bride’s door could be considered a breach of etiquette. But a letter from a man explains that he was on the train going home from the city one Saturday noon when he sud- denly realized that he had forgotten to buy a wedding present for a busi- ness friend’s daughter who was be- ing married that same afternoon. So he stopped at a gift shop on his way home from the station, was de- lighted to find a very attractive gift and then learned that the shop had no delivery service. Instead of taking it home and calling for a messenger from there, it seemed to him much simpler to go a few blocks out of his way and leave it at the front door of the bride’s house himself. When he got home and told his wife and daughter what he had bought and that he had made sure it would get there on time by taking it himself, they both ex- claimed, “Why, father, that just isn’t done; according to etiquette, wedding presents are always sent.” In answer to this, it is true that wedding presents are usually sent from wherever they are bought, be- cause this is the simple and con- venient way of sending everything. But I can’t even imagine how any one, who might thing about it at all, could think anything except that it was kind and thoughtful of him to take it to the house in time for the bride to see it, and to put it with her other presents. . * X % K Dear Mrs. Post: I am nineteen and have a very dear friend who is at least fifty. She has a responsible executive position while I am just one of the “white collar girls.” Not inng ago, this friend, whom I met in chureh, invited me to stop at her office after business and go with her to dinder and then to church. I enjoyed her immensely and would like to invite her to go with me sometime, somewhere. I don't think she would find my family especially compatible, however, so I would rather ask her out. My older sister says it would not be proper for me to ask her since she must know that I am making a very mepger salary. Please help me to do the'right thing. Answer—You are not under any obligation to ask her anywhere and I.am sure she is not thinking that you are. On the other hand, there is certainly no impropriety in asking her to go with you either to a lec- ture, which you think might inter- est her, and for which tickets are not too expensive, or if you think she would like to hear your clergyman, you might ask her to go with you to your church. Or you might watch the papers for a notable motion pic- ture and ask her to go with you to see that. Mrs. Post is sorry she can no longer answer personal letters. She is giad, however, to have many printed slips on a variety of sub- Jects to offer to her readers. To- day’s slip is “Do You Know Your A B C’s in Manners?” Be sure to send a three-cent, stamped, self- addressed envelope with your re- quest to Mrs. Post, in care of The Evening Star. Melba Toast Melba toast is not hard to make if a few simple rules are observed. Cut bread into thin slices (or use leftovers), cut off the crusts and piace the bread in a shallow pan and set near heat for a couple of hours. This dries out the bread. Then bake it in a slow oven—300 By BARBARA BELL. Rows of small buttons are the very best of .the new Edwardian details for every day. They're so decorative, and they add no fussiness or bulk. and when ‘used as they are on De- sign No. 1930-B, they actually ac- centuate the pretty lines of a well- designed dress. Very well-designed indeed in this one! Simple in line, with & plain front panel, it has slight fullness at the sides, drawn in becomingly by a back-fastened belt. It's the type you can make up in cottons for home wear, and in spun rayon or flat crepe for run- about and traveling, and it’s equally becoming to misses and women. Navy and black flat crepe or small-figured prints will be very smart made like this, with contrast- ing or metal buttons, and crisp collar and cuffs of pique or organdy. Barbara Bell -Pattern No. 1930-B is designed for sizes 14, 16, 18, 20; 40 and 42. Corresponding bust mea- surements 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 42. Size 16 (34) requires 4% yards of 39- inch material without nap; 1z yard contrast. It’s ready; Barbara Bell's new Fashion Book, with almost 100 sparkling new gns for afternoon, daytime and sports! Lovely things for you and the children, all smarter BARBARA BELL ‘WASHINGTON STAR I enclose 25 cents in eoins for than smart, exclusively designed for you! Send 15 cents for it today! Spend less, and still have all the clothes you want. By FRANCESCA McKENNEY. OUR SCOUTS SUGGEST— That you treat yourself and your guests to an amazing new candy called white chocolate. It really has & chocolate flavor, but is a rich cream color and is used as a coating in the same manner as the regular chocolate, A sure fire fopic of con- versation for your next party . . . “She sells ses shells, by the sea- shore,” is now the theme of smart table decoration, and you don't have to wait to get to the cottage at the beach to use shells with great effect. A centerpiece is fashioned of shells in various sizes, grouped at the base of natural formations of pink and white coral; matching candlesticks are made of three or four shells. Individual cigarette holders are made of two pink shells sitting up- right on a base of tiny irridescent ones . .. . “Koin-Key,” with one end a ring to hold your keys, and on the other end a small leather coin holder, is & mighty useful gadget . . . During spring and summer weather use a refreshing pine or violet cologne. The pine liquid is & soft green color with a cluster of long pine needles in the center of the glass jar, while the violet is the shade that the name implies, and has several sprays of violets floating in the cologne . .. A big heavy crystal perfume bottle with a pheasant perched on the stopper makes an attractive gift for any occasion ., . . For the garden or summer cottage the new copper and glass beverage set is a joy. This consists of a glass tray with copper handles, copper thermos ice-cube bucket with glass top, and the drinking glasses are widely banded in copper . . . A house thermometer set in leather, swung in the center of a metal stirrup, is an ideal gift for the “horsey” person . . . If you do your best thinking when you have gone to bed and the lights are out, then you should certainly have one of the pencils with a night light in it. This will give you just enough light to do your scrib- bling, without turning on a stronger lamp ... Waste paper baskets nowadays can add so much to a room! The | latest ones we have seen boast wool tufts in the shape of a girl of crino- line days, which would be nice for daughter’'s room. Your son would prefer one that has a fox terrier on the side . . . Every one should have at least one | of the lace table cloths made of rayon and cotton. They are copies of fine old ones that are beyond the average person's pocket-book ... A good kitchen shower gift is a set of spice jars all filled. The jars are white with colored tops to match the bride’s cooking utensils. These sets come in various sizes, ranging from the necessary spices for the average househgld to large sets that include almost every spice and herb known toman... - Manners of the - Moment T don’t know whether it's worse for the oncoming motorist or for the weak-minded pedestrian when she changes her mind about the direction in which she is walking right in the middle of the street. It really does annoy the motorist, I'm told. But being of a pedestrian turn of mind myself, I find that it annoys me, too. I get out of my front door, and down one whole block, and half way across the street toward the bus before I remember that I had meant to take my dress to the cleaner on my way. It always seems very silly, if I think of this in the middie of the street, to walk clear to the other curb. If I decide to turn back all that will be wasted motion. But it may take me a few seconds to de- cide whether or not to go back, while I pivot on my heels. That's one part that annoys me. I don’t really enjoy starding out in full view of motorists and other pedes- trians exposing my wavering mental characteristics. When I've decided to turn back, that’s another part that annoys me. The people standing on the corner, whom I passed but a few seconds ago, stare at me as though I were mad. If I could remember every- thing before I leave the house; it would be much better . .. but when I can't the others ought to remem- ber that they aren’t always so bright WOMEN’S FEATURES. B—-15 Gifts for Mother’s Day Should Be Personal Items Thoughtfully Selected Graduates Should Try to Widen Their Social Field During Summer Months Making New Friendships And Cementing the Old Important to Every One . By KAY CALDWELL and ALDEN HARRISON. ‘What is going to happen to the social life of the thousands of young people who are graduating from high schools and colleges this spring? That'’s a ‘big problem, and a puzzling one. If you're one of these seniors approaching graduation, it's time you were doing some thinking about it. Por 12 or 16 years, practically all of your friendships and your social activities have centered around your after June, there won't be any school, school and your schoolmates. But and there won't be any schoolmates. No more seeing the crowd five days a week. No more school or class parties, athletic games, club meetings, or extra-curricular activities. It's enough to make you furrow your brow, bite your nails, and mutter, “What to do?” And that’s exactly the point. As long as you understand the prob- lem, and realize that you should do something about it, there’s no reason to worry. That's the best insurance in the wordd against waking up some day, six months from now, and discovering that you are out of touch with everybody and everything, that you have no friends, no dates, and no good time. First of all, start making definite plans now to keep in contact with your school friends. If you're in college, and will be returning to your home town, that won't be so easy.®- But some of your college friends must live near you; and former high school friends, who will be returning from other colleges, will be in the same boat as you. Plan on renewing your old friendships with them. The problem won't be so difficult if you are completing high school, and staying in the same town. But you’ll be amazed to find how quickly former classmates can drift apart if they don’t make a definite effort to keep together. It's up to you and your best buddies among the seniors to make that effort. . Perhaps an informal “Forty Club” would be a good idea. Make plans for a few get-togethers during the summer. Such an organization will probably disintegrate in time, as the members develop varying interests, but it will help you all bridge the gap between your present social set.’ up and some future one. And that’s important. But just as important as keeping in touch with your old friends is an intelligent effort to make new ones. And in doing this, remember that the soundest basis for any friend- ship is community of interests. If you take part in no sports and fol- | low no hobbies, you may be in for | some difficulty. But if you go often to tennis court, golf course, roller skating rink or swimming pool, if you love to collect stamps, dance, take pictures, or play table tennis, | | youre bound to meet other young people who share these hobbies. | Perhaps you've never bothered much about church or Sunday school | in the past, but now is the time when it can be very valuable to you. This may seem a rather calculating | and cold-blooded way of approach- ing a religious organization, but we don’t think many clergymen will censure us for suggesting that you take advantage of the social op-| portunities they offer. Almost every matiern church has an active young | people’s group, and many of them | have splendid programs of activities. The Y. M. C. A, Y. W. C. A, and similar organizations are also worth investigating. Many of you, of course, will be| fortunate enough to be getting jobs within a few weeks or a few months. That will mean a new set of con- tacts, and eventually many or most of your friends will be obtained in this way. But at the start, you'll be younger than most of your fellow workers, and they will alrzady have their social affiliations and obligations. So for a while the job may not be par- ticularly helpful in a social way, especially if you become connected with a small organization, And, of course, much of your suc- cess in making additional friends will depend on your attitude toward the new people you meet. Remember that you've got to give in order to That's right, you're long! . in this newest lI,.‘,ll N | olie get, in friendship as in everything else. If you draw into your shell, show no interest in other people, and g0 your own self-centered and soli- tary way, no one is going to bother with you. On the other hand, if you show a sincere interest in other people, if you are friendly and alive and eager to do things, youll find kindred spirits no matter where you go or what you do. And you'll make the transition from your present social setup to a new one with little trouble and less loneliness. Our “Pointers on Popularity” booklet will help you get and hold friends among fellows and girls alike. Get it by sending 5 cents in coin to Kay Caldwell and Al- den Harrison, in care of this newspaper. e/ LOWEST PRICE EVER ON MANHATTAN'S DE LUXE Hand-Finished Laundry Service Here’s a real bargain! Manhat- tan’s Hand-Finished Laundry Service is Washington’s best buy in fine washing and ironing at the regular J)riu of $1.59 for 9 pounds. And now, simply by having the clothes collected Thursdays or Fridays, you can get thissame wmplewiy perfect service for $1.44 for 9 pounds. Absolutely Complete Even Men’s Shirts Hand-Finished _ It’s a marvelous service! Men's shirts, women’s , chil- dren’s clothes, all hand-finished —starched if desired. Wearing lrpml mended, buttons re- placed, socks neatly darned. All flatwork lightly starched, mended when needed, and care- fully ironed. Table linens and other special pieces sized to fFi“ proper body. Bath towels fluff- dried and folded. In short, Man- hattan does everything! Phone Your Order Now We'll Do the Rest Just call Dupont 1111 and tell us to collect your bundle— either Thursday or Friday, as you prefer. You'll get back the cleanest and most beautifully ironed wash you’ve ever seen, at the lowest price ever—9 lbs, for only 31m1mm now!