Q: I’ve just bought a lovely party dress but it does tend to show off my lumps and bumps. I’m tempted to get some magic knickers but do they really work?

A: I recommend magic knickers or control wear to my clients all the time. The best results I’ve seen, come from the body stockings that start just below your bust line and go down to the lower thigh. They don’t sound glamorous but when they’re on they can knock up to 4 inches off your hips, tummy and thighs and create a lovely, smooth sillhouette.

Q: I’ve seen a boiled wool coat I’d quite like and wondered what is the difference between boiled wool and ordinary wool coats?

A: Boiled Wool is machine knit, then shrunk. A plain knit fabric has a "right side" (the knit stitch) and a "wrong side" (the purl stitch). When making boiled wool, the "wrong side" becomes the “right side”. As the fabric is shrunk, the purl stitch bubbles, creating the fabric’s texture. The yarns used are very fine, so you get a coat that is comfortable to wear, gives warmth without weight and is water and dirt resistant.