Advice

The trench is a timeless classic that has been around since 1901 and, fortunately, doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. If you feel the traditional beige trench is too bland, there are many alternatives out there. Designers are reinventing the trench in bold colours, soft fabrics and with clever details, so you are sure to […]

Question There are so many different spices available in supermarkets today — I’ve got no idea what some of them are! I would love to try a couple out — could you please tell me a bit about sumac and ras el hanout? Answer With a name that loosely translates as “top of the shop”, […]

Question I have a recipe that asks me to “blind bake” my pastry. What is blind baking? Answer Blind baking is a cooking term to describe baking sweet or savoury pie shells or pastry cases before the filling is added. If a filling does not need to be baked or is very wet, it may […]

White linen pants are a summer wardrobe essential. This season the nautical trend was revived and we saw reds, whites and navy flood into stores around the country. Our suggestion would be to team your wide-legged pants with a fitted top (i.e. a nautical-inspired striped t-shirt). It’s important to balance your outfit to achieve the […]

Are you looking to buy a pair of knee-high boots for the cooler months ahead? With winter just around the corner, it’s a good idea to look at simple ways to update your existing wardrobe. Incorporating a great pair of knee-high boots to your winter dressing is a fabulous way to achieve a more modern […]

Question Not every woman wants to flaunt their midline. I’d love to find a pair of long pants that are not hipsters but go to the waist without cutting into the “in-between”. Where should I be looking? Answer You’re in luck this season as the pant waistline is finally getting a rise! Some great brands […]

Question With all the lovely summer dresses out there, why can’t I find one with sleeves to cover the top of my arms? People with flabby upper arms find this so frustrating. Answer With the Christmas party season in full swing, there is nothing more appropriate to wear than a summer dress. However, many of […]

Question My brows need shaping, but I have no idea how to do that to suit my face. Can you help? Renee, Vic. Answer Beautifully groomed eyebrows can make a huge difference to your appearance. Estée Lauder brow specialist Diana Schofield from the Estée Lauder Brow Bar at Myer, Sydney, says, “The most important rule […]

Question I have small, deep-set eyes. How can I make them look bigger? L. Tran, West Perth, WA Answer Make-up artist Napoleon Perdis says, “When it comes to making up your eyes, aim to keep them fresh and open in appearance. It is best to use highlight colours, such as pearls and shimmers [try Napoleon […]

Question I am unable to wear heels of any height due to foot problems. Any ideas what I can wear when a “dressy” occasion arises? Answer High heels and the summer party season do not need to go hand in hand. This very common fashion dilemma can be easily solved with a pair of jewelled […]