THE LADIES’ WORLD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2614, 23 September 1909, Page 3

THE LADIES’ WORLD.

FOB THE WOMAN OF FOit'l Y. At forty, when a man is at his host a woman generally neeus to be at her bravest. With the first white hair she must begin to- brace herself against showing the white leather, or thinking of herself as numbered with the past. For v/lmt we think we are, that shall we surely become (observes a writer in the “Daily Mail.”). For some inscrutably reason the age of forty is looked upon as leaving traces of youth behind, to subside into a solid and settled middle age. As a matter of fact the ordinary healthy woman, to whom fortune lias been fairly kind, need do nothing of the sort. At forty she will become probably more charming and possess more real attractions than at twenty. Why, then, should she hasten to step off the stage, to descend tamely to the arena among the spectators Time enough for that when the bright mind is weary and the warm heart fails. We live in the twentieth century, the woman’s century. We are busy killing worn-out traditions. This, too, must go by the board.

AFTERNOON NAPS AND YOUTHFULNESS. Still, many a bravo woman feels a qualm as she approaches her fortieth birthday; and perhaps for some of us it would bo well to reflect that, although wo are still young and intend to remain so, we must no longer squander our health, our strength, and our leisure, but commence to husband our resources.

It is well to begin our day by rising ■early, taking a short siesta alter the mid-day meal, with closed eyes and relaxed limbs. The old-fashioned afternoon nap is a capital youth preserver If, however, we cannot possibly make this welcome break in a day’s programme, it would be wise to shorten it by rising a little later, to enjoy a light breakfast in the solitude of our own rooms. Here plans for the day may be formed, such arrangements as we are responsible for may be thought out, end knotty questions decided. W’e were, of course, much too wise to allow them to disturb our precious rest of the previous night. Bathed and brushed, refreshed by calm sloop, our early morning reflections will he followed by successive activities. The woman who would keep young must give up reckless eating of bonbons, and sternly forbid herself the little bites and sups between meals that some unwary ones delight in. Two daily cups of tea should suffice her, and only occasional coffee. An ageing effect may follow these beverages, but fresh spring water rejuvenates. Spirits and heavy wines are taboo. They are enemies to the complexion. Rich foods should he avoided.

THE PROBLEM OF WRINKLES. The women who have no comeliness are such rare creatures that we may safely leave them out of account and consider next the important question of our “looks.”

It is the thin woman who wrinkles easiest, and shows them most. She Simula use a little very good lotion of a greasy nature at nights, to prevent the skm from drying up and looking withered. Cold water —most bracing of al: lotions—should be freely applied in the early morning. Teeth must be ta'xcen constantly to visit the dentist, and our hair, our crowning glory—more precious than rubies —must be carefully cherished too.

It might be wiser to cease brushing it at night—to make up by an extra five minutes in the morning. We should go hatlers in our own gardens, and, whenever practicable, give ft a bath and vary our mode oi dressing it when alone. To face the world, the most becoming style must always be chosen. The hair must neither be pulled back too much from the face nor worn over the eyebrows; both are faults to ho avoided like the plague. It is doubtful whether to follow the lastest fashion or keep to a style'which has become associated with our individual appearance is the wisest plan. That must be a matter lor personal taste. It is at least certain that a new mode should only be adopted when it is absolutely becoming. . . , Black is not for the woman of forty. It were better to wear motley. Yet it cannot be denied that black reduces the figure, if the symph-like grace—which the fashion-plate artist seems to find so indispensible—is a thing of past years. The lady of forty who is “fat ’ ns well as “fair” can wear some adaption of black with a becoming color. At the moment, a black gown with sleeves of Paris shaded net, or ivory silk or some seductive summer fancy will suit her perfectly. The effect will be dignified, graceful, and youthful all at once. For evening wear especially black must never be allowed in the same range of vision as the face. It gives a heavy effect. A serious gravity of demeanour may be attractive but heaviness, never. No shining bugle work, or the lavishing of sequins, can make an all-black narty gown becoming to any woman who has left thirty-five behind. It will act as a traitor, pointing one a skinny finger. It has only one sad virtue, it is exceedingly serviceable. GYMNASTICS AND A DOUBLE CHIN But where the figure is concerned careful exercise plays its part. Quick walking and gentle knee and arm gymnastics should be practised daily, not forgetting the ' regular performance ot slow movements of the head and neck. These will serve to avert that dicadlul double chin. „ J _ l Having carefully considered all these important points, it is our duty and our wisdom to forget them as quickly as possible, since to concentrate upon yomself is a sure road to the loss of youi pleasure in life. It is the merry heart that goes all the day. up to three-score years and ten—and longer, maybe. After all, n the heart be young and the smile lie bright, who will heed grey hairs and wrinkles? They will be but added charms on which may be hung—Love.