A. Burberry Prorsum’s (0700 078 5676) winter collection includes fantastic plaid coats. Some have special inserts in the skirt to make them flare out even more. If they’ve all sold out in the sales, then consider a standard Burberry mac. They are pretty roomy in the skirt department and have an adjustable buttoned back vent for extra flare. Alternatively, Moschino’s Cheap and Chic winter collection features fitted, then flared, coats (020 7318 0555). On the high street, Reiss has a shawl- collared belted wool coat that comes in cream or purple (www.reiss.co.uk).
Q. Ages ago, you answered a question from a girl who complained that her legs were either too fat or too thin (I can’t remember which), and she couldn’t find boots to fit her calves. Mine are really thin — boots look like wellies on me. Can you remind me where I can get custom-made boots?
A. This is one of my most frequently asked questions. So if you’ve heard the answer before, forgive me. If you haven’t, then cut out this page, file it somewhere safe and don’t forget where you’ve put it. There are now a number of specialists making calf-fitting boots, although sadly, none of the high-street stores offers this service. Selve makes semi-bespoke shoes and boots to fit all manner of funny foot and calf sizes. The London-based company takes several measurements, then makes each boot to fit the individual leg and foot. This does mean you have to go for a personal fitting, and it takes a minimum of four weeks, but you should have a pair of boots tailored exactly to your shape at the end of it. You also get to choose colours, heel heights and details (knee-high boots cost from £395; 020 7321 0200, www.selve.co.uk). Another company that offers an excellent service is Duo, which makes boots in 21 calf fittings — the smallest is 30cm in circumference and the widest 50cm. You measure yourself, then order over the internet (from £90; www.duoboots. com). Buckles & Bows offers a similar service, with boots starting at a calf size of 31cm and going up to 50cm (from £100; www.bucklesandbows.co.uk).
Q. I am short and love shoes with a slight platform. I know black is all the rage, but I want happy shoes, and have I fallen in love with an expensive metallic Miu Miu pair. Can you suggest something similar, but cheaper?
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A. Faith has inexpensive platform shoes for spring, including a raspberry suede court shoe and a teal suede and patent ankle- strap version (both £65; 0800 289297). Office has a red suede peep-toe platform (£50; 0845 058 0777). Very vivacious.
E-mail your questions to wardrobe. mistress@sunday-times.co.uk