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Ask the Editor

Can’t quite find what you're looking for? Got a tricky person to buy for? Drop us a line at and we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.

Do you know where I can get gold or silver coloured trainers? I’ve seen the odd person in them but no idea where to get my hands on a pair…

Gold and silver trainers rock! If you’re on a budget then Converse All Stars can’t be beat. They come in bronze and silver and of course white (these should be in every girl’s wardrobe) – get yours at Office .

If your budget is bigger then Emma Hope does the most wonderful range of feminine sneakers (pictured). They come in butterfly prints, velvets and of course, gold and silver...

I’m going on holiday in two weeks time and am desperately trying to find a nice bikini that’ll fit me on top – I’m larger than average and everything out there is so small!

For sizes D-G head to Hoola ; a new swimwear label specialising in glamorous and luxurious designs with a modern edge – they take inspiration from fifties pin up stars and seventies retro glamour and really celebrate the female figure. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

I’m about to get married and I want to display a guest book for everyone to sign and comment in and I’d like to buy a couple of matching wedding photo albums to go with. Where would you suggest (I’d like them to ivory)?

Smythson would without doubt be your smartest bet. They do a stunning off-white leather guest book and there’s a matching album available too. You could also have them embossed with the date of your wedding – they give you the option to do so. If they blow the budget then you’ll find similar for less at Aspinal and if you buy the set (£249) it comes with complimentary personalisation.

It’s also worth looking at Oh So Cherished; they have some lovely wedding guest books that aren’t quite so smart or so traditional but they are incredibly reasonable.

My great friend has just had a baby and I really want to send her a special gift. I’m godmother so will do something silver / china for christening but what will she love that she will be useful for her little boy?

There’s an absolute array of companies doing baby gift boxes but the latest one to catch our attention is Ickle Boxes . They do smart boxes filled with lovely swaddling blankets, comforters, burpies, lovies and the sweetest little bears or bunnies. Any new mummy is bound to love one.

Always popular is a gift from Bonnie Baby . They do those little cashmere jumpers that say ‘Apple of Daddy’s Eye’ and ‘Pick of The Bunch’ – my sister in law adores the one we gave her little boy – I’m hoping she’ll hang on to it and pass it down!

Please can you tell me where I can buy good white T-Shirts online - short or long sleeved?

An array of white T-shirts is an absolute must in every woman’s wardrobe. For the best quality I’d recommend C&C California (at Mama-La-Mode & MyWardrobe ), James Perse (at Net-a-Porter ) and Splendid (at Net-a-Porter , Trilogy , Misamu and Question Air ).

They’re three of the best premium brands but you could also try The White T-Shirt Company and Topshop – they always have a good selection of basics at great prices.

It’s my husband’s birthday soon and I have around £300–350 to spend. I don’t’ want to buy him clothes – he’s quite into his wine – what would you recommend?

I recently bought my husband a David Linley Captain’s Decanter and it went down very well. At £350 they’re a bit more than your average decanter but they’re well worth the extra money. Very masculine too.

If he’s into wine then why not buy him a really decent case of it. I would highly recommend Berry Bros . Their site has lots of info about all their wines or you can ring and speak to an advisor if you’re still not sure. There aren’t many men who wouldn’t appreciate the Californian 2004 Ridge Lytton Springs .

I need a bit of help. I’m looking for a corporate gift for a group of accountants and their partners. I will need 50-60 gifts and have a budget of £25. The visitors will be from overseas and won’t want anything too large to pack. I look forward to hearing from you!

I would head straight to Inkerman – they specialise in corporate gifts, have a great range and are very affordable. We’re currently running a discount too.

You could also try Aspinal – they do lots of corporate gifts for both men and women (there are lots of pretty pastels for the latter) and there’s a dedicated section for gifts under £50. The leather tape measure pictured is just £19.50.

I’m five months pregnant and have my greatest friend’s wedding in three months time. I’m doing a reading in front of 250 people so I need a dress that looks great – bump an all... Where would you suggest I look online – I’m in a bit of a panic?

Don’t panic. There are some great options for maternity wear online: namely, Isabella Oliver (pictured left) for undeniably chic maternity style (she’s doing some great wrap, crinkle and ruched dresses for Spring / Summer) and new online maternity boutique Mama La Mode .

The beauty of Mama La Mode is that they cherry pick pieces from designer collections that work perfectly as maternity wear but are equally as wearable afterwards. Also try Forty Weeks and Blossom Mother & Child .

I have tried everything and can’t seem to solve my mascara smudging problem... I use eye cream and reasonably thick moisturizer but by 11am in the morning my mascara is already smudged under my eyes. I have got so desperate that I have now stopped putting mascara on my lower lashes, and actually even that doesn’t solve the problem... Any suggestions?

We would definitely recommend Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara . We've found it to be completely unsmudgable – our spa journo, Elizabeth uses it in spas and it stands up to steam rooms, swimming pools, towels, etc.

It could be all the moisturiser that's the problem. Most people use far more than they should so cutting back on this would be a good idea. Applying a decent eye cream once a day - at night - is usually enough.

I’m desperately looking for some new jeans but I’m an hourglass shape and skinny just doesn’t suit me! What would you recommend?

You’re right to steer clear of skinny legs unless you’re of a very slight build and you’ll be delighted to know that the 70’s inspired flare / wide leg / bellbottom is the style to wear for Spring / Summer.

18th Amendment’s Pale Blue Colbert wide leg jean (pictured left) is one of my favourites. J Brands Love Story Indigo jean is also super flattering.

I’m looking for a traditional style footstool (I’m trying to smarten up my house a bit). Is there anywhere you’d recommend from where I can order one online?

For a touch of luxury at your feet, I’d suggest you visit The London Footstool Co . The quality is top notch and their designs are traditional but up to date.

The Dormy House do some lovely footstools at great prices and you can either choose a fabric from their wide range or supply your own. The Regency (pictured) is probably your best bet if you’re after tradition.

My younger sister has just got engaged so I thought I’d get her a series of spa treatments (rather than a day) that she can use in the run up to the big day. She lives in London and I’m a bit out of touch, where would you suggest?

Great idea. Bliss Spa is one of London’s hottest spas and is always popular; they do everything from pedis and manis to carrot and sesame body buffs and low fat facials.

If it’s facials she’ll want to focus on then Elemis is the one for her; their day spa is nothing short of idyllic, and it’s situated in the heart of the West End.

A bit futher afield but well worth the journey is Body Experience in Richmond. They do packages especially tailored for the bride-to-be.

Where can one get those personalised wooden tables and chairs for children’s nurseries?

Picture Proud supply Harrods with personalised tables & chairs, toy boxes, pictures and other traditional personalised items for children.

Everything is hand painted and of the best quality, and you can choose from their range of unique designs that feature teddy bears, trains, fairies and the like.

I’m looking for a kitchen clock to hang on the wall. Something not too expensive and one that will look right in a country kitchen. Where would you recommend I look?

Newgate Clocks has to your first port of call. Their vintage style clocks range from about £50 - £90 and are just perfect for a country style kitchen. The Gallery Clock (pictured right) is my favourite.

You should also try Vanille . There you’ll find great value clocks faithfully replicated from charming originals.

I’m staying with friends this weekend and want to take my hostess something lovely – not flowers, it’ s a long drive. I also need next day London delivery...

For a gorgeous gift head to Happy Box . They create beautifully packaged boxes of goodies. Natural Magic Candles, Daylesford Organic treats, cashmere socks and the like all appear. Order by 3pm and they guarantee next day delivery!

Also have a look at our September Editor’s Picks –they feature a selection stores offering Alternative Gift Ideas to flowers.

My wife wants a smart lap top bag for her birthday – I’ve no idea where to start (she sent me here!) – I know she doesn’t want black... could you help?

You've got a few options. Violet May offer laptop bags that are beautiful, stylish and luxurious. You can’t fail to please with either the black mint or daffodil white (pictured, £485).

If that’s a little over budget then visit Floyd . Their briefcases are smart, functional, fit a laptop perfectly and at £110, are a lot more affordable. They come in a great range of colours too. Also try Knomo for an equally stylish look.