Fredi Says
by Fredi Washington
PV’s Theatrical Editor
May 26, 1944
p. 24
With the heat of summer about to descend upon us, the gals will be peeling off their suits and coats and getting down to shapes of all sizes and proportions. In this connection, we think it appropriate to talk a little bit about what it takes to acquire that well groomed and cool-as-a-cucumber look. The greatest mistake made by most women in selecting their clothes is that they do not take stock of the good and bad points of their figures. Instead they visualize themselves as looking like a perfect sized model. This premise is almost sure to bring about bad results since there are few women in the world who are perfectly proportioned.
The first three requisites to be considered in purchasing a dress, suit or slacks are:
- proper style for your particular kind of figure;
- good fit;
- and colors which are flattering and blend with your skin coloring.
The short stocky girl with thick hips and too much of a rumble seat should accentuate the waist line, wear skirts that art gently flared and stay away from ruffles, bows etc. Skirts should never be workworn at or above the knee. If the face is broad or well rounded, the hair worn short or up, gives additional height. To keep hair well groomed during the hot weather, the old fashioned corn-row, (the hair braided over instead of under and pinned across the top of the head) is very convenient and satisfactory. The beauty of this hair-do is, it can be done equally as successfully with short as well as long hair.
As to shoes, we should make very sure our heels are not the kind that hang over the shoe or sandal. Neat feet are a very important part of being well and tastefully dressed. In a subsequent column, we’ll talk further on this subject and we won’t forget the problem of make-up either.
Wonder how interested “Jimmy” Walker is in the Daily News straw vote on his candidacy for mayor of New York City?.... If you missed the male-female-Negro-white American Youth Orchestra concert under the skillful directorship of the 28-year-old Dean Dixon at Carnegie Hall last Friday evening, you missed the musical treat of the season. Such enthusiasm for good music has not been seen within the dignified walls of Carnegie for a many a day.... With the shortage of accomodations [sic] in hotels and rooming houses, men in the armed services in New York on leave ought to take advantage of the very fine accomodations [sic] which are offered at The Salvation Army Service Men’s Club at 224 W 123 st. For fifty cents per night a guy gets a bunk with linen changed daily and a private locker. There are plenty of showers, a laundry with all conveniences, a cafeteria with excellent food at moderate prices and of course all the facilities of a well appointed club. The directors leave no stone unturned to see that guests are comfortable and happy.... Helen Wilkins Claytor, sister of the assistant managing ed of PV, has been appointed to the National Board of the National YWCA. The lady, a formed New Yorker, is now living in Grand Rapids, Mich., and she’s in town this week for her first board meeting.
Belle Rosette, delineator of the true West Indian song and dance bounced into town Thursday from Trinidad for treatment for a knee injury.... “Tis said that Rose-Meta’s appointment book is solidly taken for the next six months. The gals mean to look good when their men return home from the wars.... The Riverdale Children’s Association elected to its Board of Directors the famed singer, Marian Anderson, and Publisher-impressario Charles Buchanan at a recent election.... The $64 question these days, “Do you know where I can get meat?” Me too.