Fashion Fix

Quilted bomber jacket

I have a black quilted bomber jacket which needs cleaning but I am unsure if I should get it dried cleaned or wash it myself. I cannot find any washing instructions on the jacket. Have you any advice for me? Thanks, Sue.

Hi Sue,

It might be worth checking inside the pockets as sometimes the care instructions are hidden in the pockets. I also think it would be a good idea to take your jacket to your nearest dry cleaners for professional advice as quilted jackets can sometimes loose their bulkiness if machined washed which could ruin the look of your jacket. Good luck.

What suits a petite lady?

I am petite and I tend to get it wrong when it comes to clothes. What should I be wearing as I am unsure when it comes to stripes and accessories? Thanks Maeve.

Hi Maeve,

When you are petite you can wear pinstripes and verticals as they give the illusion of height and also remember that wearing the same colour bottoms and shoes will help to lengthen your legs. Empire-line dresses are a good choice as they give the illusion of a longer body.

When it comes to accessories choice small delicate accessories and wear the highest shoes you can walk in and feel confident wearing. Also check out the petit ranges available on the High Street - Wallis, Principles, Dorothy Perkins and Minuet Petit in Goods all have a great range of fashionable stock for the petit lady. Happy shopping.

Shoes for pink halter neck dress?

I have recently bought a pink halter neck dress but I only have black shoes and I don’t think they work very well with my dress. Can you give me some idea as to what colour shoes would look nice with my dress? Many thanks, Ciara.

Hi Ciara,

I think a silver or gold heel would look great with pink and there is a lot of metallic in the shops for summer. You could also opt for a pink which is the same shade as your dress. Do buy a pair of shoes that are comfortable and flattering - there is a wonderful choice available at the moment so hit the shops and remember to take your dress with you to achieve the correct match!

Cast off parties

In a previous question in your column you wrote about clothes swapping parties. Could you please write about it again as myself and some friends are interested in the idea. Many thanks, Karen

Hi Karen,

I would love to tell you about this great idea, it’s called a cast off party. You and your friends can trade clothes and accessories that have been hanging in your wardrobe and never worn! Here how it works. Choose someone as a host and ask everyone attending to bring over their old or unwanted clothes - you might even include a bottle of wine! You are better off to limit the numbers to between five and eight and make sure you will have the use of a full-length mirror.

When everyone is relaxed and chatting ask them to put their items in a pile in the centre of the floor and let the rummage begin - you might find yourself grabbing items that you would never buy but that you like. It makes it more fun if people don’t know who brought what.

At the end of the evening all the clothes that are left can be gathered up and taken to your local charity shop that means someone else will also benefit from this evening. And hopefully everyone leaves happy with new garments in exchange for old. Happy rummaging

Shoes for black satin halter neck dress?

I am attending a James Bond themed birthday party in a couple of weeks. I have bought a black satin halter neck style dress and I was wondering what shoes I should get to go with my dress? Thanks Kate.

Hi Kate,

Well the fact you have bought a plain black dress means you can glam it up as much as you want. You could go for gold or silver killer heels with matching clutch bag - you will see a lot of gold and silvers in the shops as they are big for summer. If not you could opt for a bight colour pair of stilettos, which will make your dress pop.

Don’t forget the tights may be fishnets or seamed stockings if you really want to vamp it up a little! Think glam and sexy and have a great evening.

TOP TIP - don't be too influenced by current fashions

You don’t have to buy it just because they make it in your size or because it’s in fashion. Fashion is only fashionable if you look good in it not because a celebrity is wearing it and it was in all the glossy magazines. Find your own style and what suits your shape and you will be a lot happier and confident. Happy shopping.