ready to wear : dear annie

I have a pair of white court shoes with a 2in heel. The shoes are leather, the heel is covered with tan leather strips, and I think they look nice. I daren't wear them though, as my friends simply shriek if I mention the words "white court shoes". Do you think they are beyond the pale (the shoes, not the friends)? I would like to wear them in summer with a navy and white dress (I am 36). If my poor shoes really are unwearable, would they work if I dyed them tan?

Liz McKillop, Birmingham

If you do dye them, opt for navy for the simple reason that tan isn't the easiest, or most versatile, shoe colour to wear. But if you really want to dye them tan, do. My advice is this. Stuff your friends. Yes, white courts do still have a bit of an image problem, but if you wear anything with enough panache and confidence, it looks good. If your friends have really got to you, you will skulk around in your white courts, hiding them under every available table, and people will think "oooh, white courts, yuk". But if you strut around as if you were Linda Evangelista herself, people will think "oooh, white courts, they look cool". See how you get on with them. Anyway, white shoes have a shorter life as they show dirt and scuffs. When they start looking tatty, dye them. But for now, wear them with your head held high. If your friends shriek, tell them that shrieking is infinitely more vulgar than any white footwear.

As an arthritic octogenarian I must keep warm, but I am not comfortable in trousers. In winter I wear long johns and I need to replace them. Can you tell me if anyone in this area still stocks them? Or can you supply a mail-order address? I shall appreciate your help.

Winifred Smith (Mrs), London

Long johns are wonderful, aren't they? I have a pair of brushed cotton leggings from Top Shop that I wear for warmth under dresses. Last winter Gap did some brilliant thermal all-in-ones for men, which I stocked up on; hopefully they will do them again later this year (although they're a bummer for going to the toilet in). Damart does a variety of long johns, long vests and the like - call 01274 566666 and ask for a mail-order catalogue. Jockey does ones for men in sizes S/M/L/XL, which women can easily wear; they come in navy and white and sell in any branch of House of Fraser, Debenhams, Co-op and Selfridges in Oxford Street; they cost pounds 11. Wolsey does two long johns for women, in polyester / Viloft, which is lightweight, soft, easy-care and warm. The lingerie-look style has a lace cuff and is available in sizes M/L (hip size 36in-38in and 40in-42in), in white, black and midnight. They cost pounds 17. The thermal long john style has a plain ankle cuff and is available in M/L/XL (hip size 36in-38in, 40in-42in and 44in-46in), white and black, and cost pounds 7.50. Both Wolsey styles can be bought from John Lewis branches, and the lingerie style is also available from Selfridges and from the Grattans catalogue. For further information regarding Wolsey call 01773 520400.

I have been looking for weeks for a strapless bra to fit my 34D figure. I am looking for a "push up" type, as I think this would be more supportive (normal strapless bras make me hang down too low). Do you know where I can find one or who makes one? I've tried 36Cs but the cup is just too small.

Maria, Birmingham

I know what you mean about normal strapless bras. They seem to give me a mono bosom that makes me look as if I have a small seat cushion for a chest. I would recommend that you look at basques or bustiers as these, in my experience, will give you much more support than a strapless bra ever will. Bust Stop, which specialises in C-cups and above, has a basque by Fantasie (ref 8900) which costs pounds 29.50. It has detachable shoulder straps and fixed suspender belts, although in reality you can easily cut these off. It comes in ivory or white, sizes 34-38C, 32-38D, 32-38DD and 32-36E. It also does an underwired strapless bustier (ref 8911) also by Fantasie, which comes in 32-38C, 30-38D and 30-38DD in ivory or black and costs pounds 25. Bust Step also does two styles of strapless bra - one is lacy (ref 9619) by Fantasie again, and has detachable straps (which are always an added bonus as you can wear the straps in a variety of ways - halter, cross back etc for various styles) which comes in black or white, sizes 32-38D, 32-38DD, 32-38E and 32-36F and costs pounds 19.50. The other by Silhouette is rather sexier (ref U189) and also lacy, and it comes in black or white, sizes 32-40C, 32-40D, 32-38DD and 32-38E. The best news of all is that you can see all of these, and more, in the Bust Stop catalogue, order by mail order and try on in the comfort of your own home. Call for a catalogue on 0839 772288.

I have a black fake fur jacket which I bought from French Connection two years ago. I recently had a baby and was rather larger than I am now, so it was great at the time. I have worn it five times at the most. I don't feel comfortable in it - particularly at the school gates! I want to sell it if possible as it's in perfect condition. What or who do you suggest?

Jessica Keeley, Cambridge

I usually sell any unwanted designer clothes at designer sale shops, of which there are a few in London. I don't, I'm afraid, know of any in Cambridge, but surely your Yellow Pages could furnish you with an address? If there are any such outlets in Cambridge that would like to make themselves known to me, then please write in. You can advertise unwanted non-designer clothing in your local press or newsagent, or you can donate it to charity, which I do with most of my clothes. This is a good way of giving to charity, I feel, and one that is rather overlooked.