- guardian.co.uk, Sunday October 21 2001 18.09 BST
- The Observer, Sunday October 21 2001
I'm in despair about shoes again. I long for some comfortable but amazingly flattering shoes to wear with skirts to work. To make one's calves look reasonable, they need a heel about an inch high and, best of all, should be lovely and bouncy, like Ecco shoes, only more fashionable. I've got really wide feet, too, so not too pointy. I hate court shoes and loafers are a bit boring. Alice-band shoes (you know, with ankle straps) are not flattering. What else is there? I'm quite happy with black, and I'm an average size 6/39. Expense is no object, because once I find the perfect shoe, I'll be happy with my entire wardrobe.
Amanda, Ealing Green
You should look at Hogan, the more casual range by the same people that make Tod's, the famous driving shoes. Hogan shoes are fantastically comfortable because they all have rubber soles and they're made of nice, soft leather or suede. The style I would have recommended is the Brooklyn which has a penny-loafer front (but is far from boring) and a heel just under two inches high. But these are only sold in the Hogan stores in Italy (although one will open here next autumn).
Harrods (020 7730 1234) stocks Hogan, not the whole range but it's worth having a look prices start at £165, sizes 36-41. Soon, they'll have the Wedge, which has a wedge, surprise, and a fringed or penny-loafer front. It'll cost £175.
I have to mention M&S Footglove shoes or else everyone will write in saying: 'Why didn't you suggest Footglove?', but, in truth, I find them a bit boring. Still, some people swear by them, so do check them out if you haven't already they're made of supple leather and the soles are 'impact absorbing' so tres comfortable. If anyone else has found the Holy Grail of shoes, comfortable but stylish, don't keep it to yourself.
I'm 58 and some of the clothes considered suitable for my age seem to me dull. I'm 5ft 5in and about a stone underweight. Size 8 from Next fits me and I like their clothes, but are they too young for me? Is there anywhere that sells smart size 8 clothes for mature women?
Mercedes Perkins, Hanwell, London
Being double a size 8, it's difficult for me to suggest places from personal experience. So I turned to Helena who runs the Size 8 Club (01789 842307, email: helena.lomax@virgin.net). She suggested Austin Reed, Linea at House of Fraser branches, the designer ranges at Debenhams (especially Jasper Conran's suits), Whistles, Penny Plain (mail order on 0191 2321124), LK Bennett, Basler (020 7323 9535), Episode and Per Una, the new line from Marks and Spencer. Membership of the Size 8 Club costs £25 a year and I highly recommend it. You get a newsletter and directory which lists good places to buy clothes, shoes, lingerie, swimwear etc and members pool information - where's good, who's helpful, that kind of thing. Helena is also a great fan of e-Bay (www.ebay.com) whence she has bought many a good designer outfit (her latest acquisition was a Mugler suit for £119). And no, Next clothes are most definitely not too young for you!
Because of arthritis in my spine, I have to wear a back brace. This is a steel 'cage' with the bands and uprights covered in soft leather. It needs to be worn next to the skin. Does anyone make a fine cotton 'shift' or camisole/vest that would make this more comfortable? (The appliance makers are no help!)
Esmee Slattery, Newcastle upon Tyne
The Wood's of Morecambe catalogue (01524 840084, orders@woods-online.co.uk), while short on high fashion, does have a lot of useful garments. There are two John Dibble slips in lovely cotton lawn - ideal for you as it's so soft and fine - each costing £17.50, sizes 12-26. They are very simple, with no detailing other than around the neckline the only real difference between the two is that one has spaghetti straps, the other slightly thicker ones. The other thing they do is a fleecy-lined liberty cotton bodice, £29.50 for 21in length (suitable if you're 5ft 2in and under) or £32.50 for those taller. It might be more suitable - as it's warmer - in winter. Sizes are to fit 32-48in bust. For those of you who don't know, a liberty bodice is basically a vest, with buttons down the front and suspender loops attached.
Send your fashion problems to: Dear Annie, The Observer, 119 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R3ER or dearannie@btinternet.com. Annie cannot enter into personal correspondence. Dear Annie is a registered trademark ©ab 2001. Illustration by Clare Mackie
