Shop Talk

The first cool days come in, and at once the tempo of the town begins to quicken; Fifth avenue, shaking off its summer lassitude, is accented with charming, if avid, faces under charming, because fresh, hats; while slim shoulders dangling their new Fall furs, move with an extra dash to keep pace with this city, their rhythm hammered out by the riveters at work on new buildings, climbing to join the goodly company of spires. Up and down the side streets, the little smart restaurants put the last touch to their new decorations and the smart shops are in new bloom. Everybody is starting to do things, and over West, through the hazy brilliance of Broadway, flash the names of the new shows and the new tunes tickle the ears of the crowds that are eager again. The season has started! It’s a grand time!

Over at Best and Company they started this gay season off with a bang and the “Market Boy” Smock frock. It’s the silhouette which brought the French market porter into society—the loose, unbelted peasant smock, Mainbocher’s inspiration and great success. Best’s presents it as the coming vogue of two-piece frocks, belted in front to keep you slim where slimness is vital, made with a slim straight skirt and trimmed with jewel-studded buttons like flat discs of beaten gold. It will make “turning out smart on a limited income” possible because it is priced so low.

I remember with depression my first party shoes, and not so long ago as you might think. They had knife-blade toes and French heels and I thought them exceedingly aristocratic. O tempora, O mores! The stubby looking shoe is the shoe these days. Certainly it’s a lot more help to the foot when it’s properly made and designed. Ansonia has some models I feel are just right. There are leather and suede oxfords and pumps which are doggy and all round of toe. There are others which are authentic for sports and town wear. The evening slippers are elegant. And the happy surprise is that they are quality shoes at economy prices.

I’ve found a way to insure your home against mistakes! Think of all the mistakes you can make in twenty-four months! Mistakes in decorating . . . mistakes in furnishing . . . mistakes in furniture grouping. Experiments are delightful, if you can afford them, but there’s really no need to wear an ungainly hole in the budget. If you work with the Slack Galleries at 18 West 58th street, the joys of adventure remain, though its risks vanish. Should you want advice or suggestions for color schemes, furniture arrangements, or should you be seeking the ultimate in Modern Furniture, in distinctive Century Reproductions, Early American, or any good furniture style, you’ll find it there. Each piece they house is designed with care, with sincerity and proves the economy of quality.

Vanity Fair’s latest wrinkle is to roll the young thing’s corset up in cellophane. It’s a swell way to present a garment to youngsters who care about their figgers. It’s one of those sleek little Lastex affairs, very cool, very well cut with its nipped-in waist. You aren’t conscious that you’ve got it on, but you are conscious that the old silhouette is well under control. I know from experience that this sort of thing tubs like a hankie. Miss Vanity has the advantage of a little net pantie ruffle around the bottom, minimizing the business of dressing. You’ll find it at Wanamaker’s.