The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-06-04
Some Words For
Plain Girls
to every natural woman. It is

E<HE desire to be beautiful is natural
to every natural woman. 1t IS
nothing to be ashamed of; on the
contrary, it is praiseworthy. Not many
girls are born beautiful. but every girl
living can make herself attractive
Crooked and badly formed teeth may
be transformed into slightly ones by the
dentists art; a wide. irregular mouth
with thick lips. may be cultured into
such an expression of sweetness and re-
fnement that it viii be really beautiful;
an ungraceful walk and figure may be
entirely made over by persevering in
gynnastic exercises; crossed eyes can
be remedied by surgical operation. a
muddy, rough skin can be made clear
and satin smooth by bathing. by fire.
quent applica tons of soft scrubbing
brush, a healthful skin lotion and hy-
gienic observanees like taking plenty Of
fresh air and sunshine.
Again. careful and tasteful dressing
is a wonderful aid to personal appear
ance. Investigate till you find the col
Ors and the style that are becoming to
you. then stick to them. Immaculate
cleanliness of skin and clothing will in
vest a very homeIy girl with a bright
attractiveness, especially if her gown
fits well. The ft of sleeve, skirt and
waist is far more important than the
trimming of them. Stand over your
dressma1er till she gets every wrinkle
out Of back. neck and shoulders.
If you are very uncomely, do not
wear snowy or outlandish looking
clothes, no matter how costly or fash
ionable. This does not mean that you
shall dress like your grandmother or go
about like one of those sour faced. de-
spondent females who paste their hair
down and always wear rusty black.
Dress in the fashion, by all means, but
never carry it to the extreme verge.
Leave that for the silly and for the few
who can look we'll in anything
So much for merely physical culture.
There is mental and spiritual culture
which transeends any mere clothing or
athletics, however valuable aids these
are in the pursuit of beauty. BY this
mental and spiritual culture many a
woman who at sixteen seemed hope
lessly plain is today in middle life 50
handsome that people turn to look at
her in the street
To begin the upward climb of spir-
itual culture force yourself to be ever
sweet tempered polite and obliging:
talk and think no evil; let not the bitter
sneer, the word of idle or venomous
gossip pass your lips; think well of ev-
erybody; make yourself do this and
mind your own business strictly; be
truthful sincere and kindly to all; do
not criticise or find fault. This line Of
conduct steadily persisted in will draw
around you loving friends who viii al
ways think you pretty
Cultivate your mind to the extent Of
your opportunities. Get an excellent
solid education. enabling you to under
stand and be interested in all lines OF
human thought. Thus you win be able
to patnize with all that lives, and
sympathy is the basis Of magnetism.
The women of history who have been
famous for their power of fascination
have in most cases been rather plain OF
face. but their minds We're so strong. so
brilliant so cultivated and sympa thetfc
that it made them really lovely. 1t Is
said now that Cleopatra was no beauty.
Note this: Every girl or woman has
some special Intellectual or personal
gift. A girl 'homely enough to stop q
watch may he able to sing divinely or
may have a fine talent for instrumental
highest and best. She may become
brilliant in conversation. may be a
graceful admirable dancer or golf play
er. may make of herself an accomplish
ed artist Again, she may have dra-
matte power and may through readings.
.recitations and monologues give pleas
IRE to all her acquaintances Social
gifts are for the purpose OF giving
pleasure to others. not for showing off
ourselves. and not a girl living bur has
some fine social gift. Good cooking
and housekeeping are by no means n
be disregarded among social oualifca-
tons. MARY GOULD LYTLE.