Carson City Daily Appeal

FADS AND ECONOMY

This common sense and timely treatment of the subject of women's clothes and the war is extracted from an article in the Humboldt (Cal.) Times:

Call on the women of the United States to use economy in dress has been misinterpreted by some, particularly in the larger centers where the military spirit has been heightened by the presence of troops. Economy implies a large degree of common sense—an inherent quality in the makeup of the average American woman.

Discarding of present styles of dress simply because they are too "dressy" is frowned upon. These styles are made up, and if not sold, must be remade or wasted. This in itself would be the misappropriation of millions of dollars aside from the great labor waste.

Again, women should not rush from the feminine fineries to khaki with the idea that in so doing they are "patriotic" or in any way aiding the government. The government needs khaki dye and other materials for uniforming its soldiers. Further, women should not concentrate on any one color, according to advice of the National Council of Defense, for various factories are equipped in various ways.

Buy present styles already made up, is the gist of the Council's advice. Do not refuse to buy a gown on the ground that there is too much material in it. That may sound well in theory but is an error in practice. There is no reason to be ashamed of looking "dressy" during war times. The unenlightened may find fault. They too, must be educated.

From another viewpoint, women should not discard perfectly good clothing, on the ground that it is out of style. Style is a transitory thing. By making use of what you have, more men will be released for munition making.

Spending of one's money wisely, and not in a niggardly spirit, is right economy. Business must be maintained, but by expenditures for useless things, the government will be retarded, not helped.

There will be work for every man and every factory, and the more factories released from useless labor the earlier will come the end of the nation's struggle.