A When it comes to financial matters, one can never be too cynical. This coat by Chloé (right, £1,405; 020 7823 5348) is dressy and demure enough for the church service. There is a similar coat in a more conservative navy or black linen (£845). The orange version is pretty eye-catching and will facilitate flirting, as you should be able to solicit some meaningful eye contact from your pew. Underneath, wear a short shift dress. There are several good ones to choose from. If you want a straight fit, go for Aquascutum’s floral-print minidress (020 7675 9050).
Alberta Ferretti (020 7235 2349) has a seriously pretty empire-line mini-shift in silk, and Missoni’s baby doll-style chiffon dress will make an impact (from Harvey Nichols; 020 7235 5000). If you don’t want to splash too much cash, then head to Topshop. Its Unique label has fitted printed shifts at £50.
Q I am looking for a pretty top to wear with jeans. I’d like something romantic, but haven’t got much in the way of cash. What’s out there?
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A Mango has a striped cotton crop-sleeved blouse edged in frills, and French Connection has a semi-sheer silk smock with short sleeves for £70, both of which would look great with jeans. Dorothy Perkins also has a sheer chiffon puff-sleeved blouse at £20.
Q My birthday is coming up and I’ve asked my family to give me money, which I intend to spend on a fabulous handbag. I’d love to be able to get a Mulberry one, but there’s no way I could pester the price of a Roxanne out of my parents. I need something stylish but also practical. What would you advise?
A Between the high-street imitators and big designer names, there is a yawning gap in the bag market for brands that combine design credibility with an affordable price tag. I would recommend the cult label Jas MB. Designed by the young leather maestro Jas Sehmbi, the brand marries sturdy practicality with cutting-edge style — if you like Balenciaga and Mulberry, then you’ll probably like Jas MB. With prices starting at £190 and going up to £500, it is much more accessible than the big names. The bestseller is the traveller holdall, and the must-have design for summer is a large slouchy shoulder bag made from leather that has been tumbled to give a soft, slightly distressed finish. For the biggest selection, go to the label’s own store, Doors by Jas MB (020 7494 2288). Liberty (020 7734 1234) also has a good selection.
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E-mail your questions to wardrobe.mistress@sunday-times.co.uk
SKINTED
Office
You won’t go into the red with these pumps, £50; www.office.co.uk
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MINTED
Louis Vuitton
But you’ll be in the pink in these, £260; 020 7399 4050