Разговорный английский

If you need advice when you are buying clothes, rely on the saleswoman, who is an expert, and then choose whatever appeals to you. Remember that the clothes in which you feel happy are always the most successful clothes.

Remember that Enemy Number One both to chic and charm is untidiness. You can get away with a dress that is neither new nor expensive (if it is absolutely immaculate) but down-at-heel shoes, grubby-looking gloves, collar or cuffs, a creased skirt completely ruin the effect of a model dress no matter how expensive it may be.

Adapted from the “Everywoman ”

Vocabulary Notes

¹ keynote — основной

² to lead astray — сбиваться с пути ³ passing craze — преходящая мода

⁴ loose undatable style — свободный покрой, находящийся в моде длительное время

⁵ hairy fabrics — материал с ворсом

⁶ to divide the wear and tear — носить попеременно

⁷ perennial “Must” — вечная не­обходимость

⁸      don’t date — не выходят из моды

⁹      a dress that’s intended to partner it — платье, с которым пред­полагается носить шляпу

¹⁰      close-up look — взгляд (в зер­кало) с близкого расстояния

¹¹      to team up — объединять, подбирать

2.      DRESSING

GEORGE. What! You are not dressed yet? We’ll be late, Tom. I’m sure.

TOM. No, we won’t. We have half an hour yet. Ma! Where are my socks?

MOTHER (coming in). You should know better where your socks are.

T. I mean the new socks that you —. Now, where is that tie, I wonder?

MOTHER. Aren’t you going to put on your new suit, Tommy?

T. Too much trouble.

G. I say, Tom, you just look at your tie — it’s all on one side.

T. What a nuisance this tie is. I’ll have to pin it, otherwise it won’t stay.

MOTHER. Tuck in your shirt; it’s almost half out. This is what it comes to when you don’t do things in time.

T. Well, Mother, what’s the use of arguing now. Couldn’t you possibly get me a clean handkerchief?

G. I say, Tom, are you really going to put on this coat?

T. Yes. What’s wrong with it?

G. You just look at yourself in the mirror and see what a fright you are.

T. Yes, it doesn’t quite match these trousers, but no time to change. Thank you, Mother. Well, George?

MOTHER. Tom your bootlace —.

T. I’ll lace it downstairs, Mother. Goodbye.

3.      AT THE TAILOR’S

T. What can I do for you, sir?

С. I want to order a suit at your tailor’s, please.

T. Would you like to have it made of your own material?

C. No, I should like to see what you have.

T. What colour, sir?

C. Something in blue with a narrow white stripe, please.

T. Here is a piece lust the kind you want. It is fine, uncreasable, and it never fades.

C. Yes, I like it. Now, what have you of the latest designs?

T. Here is the magazine, sir. You may choose any fashion you like. How do you like this two buttons model suit?

C. Yes, it looks fine. I think I’ll choose this fashion.

T. With a waistcoat, sir?

C. No, without. I would like to have it lined with silk, please.

T. Yes, sir. Would you like to have your measure taken now?

C. Yes. How long will it take to have it ready?

T. About a week, sir.

C. Good. And when must I come to try it on?

T. In four days’ time, sir.

C. Must I pay now?

T. Yes, sir. Here is the receipt.

X. Everyday Services

1. AT THE BARBER’S

CUSTOMER. Good morning. Oh, you are engaged, I see.

BARBER. You’ll be attended to in a moment, sir. Won’t you sit down? There’s the today’s paper on the table, sir. CUSTOMER. Which is it?

BARBER. “The Times,” sir. {After a short time.) Please, sir. A cut and a shave?

CUSTOMER. Only a shave, please.

BARBER. Your hair wants cutting, sir.

CUSTOMER. Does it? Well, let’s have a haircut as well.

BARBER. Is it to be cut short?

CUSTOMER. By no means, I’m not a boxer, you know.

BARBER. But it’s more refreshing in a hot weather like this, sir. CUSTOMER. No, you won’t talk me into a crop. Just trim it all round and that’ll be the end of it.

BARBER. Yes, sir. {Begins cutting the customer's hair.) CUSTOMER. Your hairclipper pinches.

BARBER. Yes? I’ll change it, sir.

CUSTOMER. Now, see that no hair gets under my collar.

BARBER. Yes, sir. {After some time.) Do you find your hair cut as you like?

CUSTOMER. Well, that’ll be all right, I suppose. Now for a shave.

Finish the dialogue.

2. AT THE SHOEMAKER’S

CUSTOMER. I’d like to have these two pairs of shoes mended, please.

SHOEMAKER. Let me see them, please. This pair can be mended, but this pair is beyond repair.

C. Really? Why?

S. They have to be soled, but the soles won’t hold.

C. No?

S. No. The inner soles are no good, you see. Besides, they are out of shape altogether.

C. It’s a great pity. And these?

S. The heels will have to be tipped — they are worn down a great deal.

C. And what about the soles?

S. They’ll stand a good deal of wear yet. Now, this seam will have to be stitched.

C. Then there’s a little hole in the left shoe.

S. Yes, here it is. Well, that seems to be all, doesn’t it?