The Photo-Play Journal (Jul 1919-Feb 1921)

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36 P h o t o ■■ P I a v Journal CHIEFLY ABOUT HATS By DOROTHY DALTON CLOTHES ! Sometimes I think I loathe and detest the very letters in that word. And then when I receive' lovely letters from persons who see my pictures, telling me how much they liked a certain gown or hat, I am conscience striken. Those letters are the one thing that make the purchasing of clothes pleasant. I presume that lots of girls think that one of the nicest things about being a picture star is the opportunity to saunter leisurely, day after day from one exclusive shop to another, while beautiful models parade before one in sartorial delights, and one nods unconcernedly to the proprietor, indicating which gown one will deign to purchase, but not giving a fig for the price. But believe me, it gets to be a boresome duty, this buying expensive, becoming and priceless gowns for pictures. I am sure that if every film star were driven to the wall to make a confession about the matter, she would agree. Though she would also add, "if it were not for the fact that I love the people who see my pictures and I want so very much to please them." Being only a woman, I really have nothing against the poor inoffensive garments themselves, and after I get them on my dislike actually changes instantly to love. Certainly I love to wear gowns, capes and other things, especially those that I believe will be liked by picture audiences. It is against the principle of the thing, the urgent necessity, the "have to" about procuring a new wardrobe every six or eight weeks for a new picture, that I revolt. After seeing millions of things (it seems so) it is difficult to reach a decision, for one must think about becomingness, suitableness for the character and photographic properties all at one time. Then, come the fittings and fittings and fittings, and I would rather work in the studio or on the stage all day than have one fitting. The real and only way to get enjoyment out of a shopping tour is to go into a shop knowing just how much you can afford to pay and looking at things only within your price limit. If you don't find something there, you can go into another shop and make your purchase. Then, one appreciates the garment and gets more pleasure out of wearing it. Though I dislike buying clothes, it's curious that I never, never tire of getting hats. I could buy hats all day. I love hats. I believe I was born with an affectionate feeling for them. I love large ones and small ones, silk ones and satin ones, sport, dress or evening hats. It doesn't even matter what shade they are for me to warm up to them, but one of the great favorites is a certain shade of old blue that makes my eyes look very blue. A big room in my home is a silent witness to my fondness for hats. I have it arranged almost like a shop, with row upon row of hat boxes, all carefully catalogued. Somehow, I have an idea that I look better in a hat than without one, so I am ever so much more comfortable when Miss Dalton illustrates the present tendency toward small, snugly fitting hats, with this satin toque embellished with two black plumes; something thoroughly metropolitan in headwear. wearing one. I never let an opportunity slip by for displaying some clever creation in pictures or private life, and I even scheme around to get to wear them with my dinner gowns. To me most women are more attractive in hats, because the majority of them do not have exquisitely kept hair, and the coiffure certainly must be right if one goes bareheaded. Even when I wear hats I am just as careful about my coiffure because it is most disconcerting to see ill kept hair struggling out from under beautiful hats. A hat is the most important part of a woman's wardrobe, in my opinion. This is because, after all, one's attention is focused most directly and lingeringly on the face, and when the effect is pleasing so much the better. The comparison of a hat to a frame always seems so apt, because that is exactly what it does become to the face, and just as a Corot is never shown off to best advantage in a gaudy frame, so a pretty face is often ruined by a carelessly chosen hat. In choosing a hat a woman should, of course, select a color and style that will harmonize with her gown. She should try, of course, at the same time to choose one that brings out her coloring to the best advantage. The bright shades of early spring often transform a homely woman into an attractive person, if they emphasize certain good points in her coloring and contour, until you wonder if this is the same woman who looked so drab in that hat of dull shade she wore in the winter. It is always economical to buy a good hat, because, even if the remainder of the costume is not very attractive or smart, with bad lines, faded material, etc., that hat can go a long way toward offsetting the bad points. Veils are always good, if well chosen and put on snugly. They are smart and neat and should be encouraged with many hats. Everyone has a favorite color — mine is navy blue. Anyone looks well in navy blue, and navy blue in turn is good in any sort of clothes ; it is very smart in an evening gown, stunning for a dinner dress, ideal for the tailleur, for hats, veils, hose, etc. If a man in faultless navy blue, with a stunning collar and shirt enters a room with other men, he stands out immediately. It is a color that is economical to the extreme and, in spite of that, has a rich appearance. And one other important factor is that it makes one look slimmer. In private life I wear navy blues more than any other color. There has been many an argument in a boudoir as to which are preferable, summer or winter clothes. To me, winter clothes are nicer. I love the rich, warm, gorgeous shades obtainable in winter. And the luxurious materials the shops carry. But the best of all are the lovely furs to be worn. A good-looking neck piece has a most charming effect on every woman, for it seems to soften her face. And my strictest rule about clothing is to wear clothes that are comfortable.