Ich gebe dies ungekürzt aus der englischen Zeitung "The Telegraph" (www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion) wieder. Zu verstehen ist das als Beitrag in der Kategorie "Ihre Probleme möchten wir haben – Demmers Teehaus". Aber: Lange Rede, kurzer Sinn - here are Hilary and Sheila:

Dear Hilary,

Can you help me to find a floaty dress to wear to a very smart golden-wedding tea dance at the end of June? You showed a very pretty one recently - I think it was by Etro - but mail order would be better for me, because I live in the country and don't get up to town much. I'm 70 years old and blonde-ish, with a 39in bust, 28in waist and 38in hip measurement; my height is 5ft 5in and I generally wear a size 14 - occasionally a 16, depending on the cut across the bust. I hate materials that crease, and do not want a long, ankle-length dress. Sheila, Oakham

Dear Sheila,

This is the season for floaty dresses and one of these suggestions should be the right partner for your dance. Phase Eight (mail order; tel 020 7471 4414; www.phase-eight.co.uk) has several typical tea-dress designs, each of which cost £90, that should be perfect.

You can choose between a green and blue floral-print, a pink and white rose-print, or a two-tone green floral-print on a black background. All are bias-cut chiffon, in sizes 8-16, and come with sleeves which vary from cap to elbow-length.