Engaging: Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins in the first film of the Hobbit trilogy

British men have found a new outlet for their vanity – seeking professional help to rid themselves of their hairy “Hobbit feet”.

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Anna Dello Russo at Milan Fashion Week

Gemma Tries It On: 'When the sun shines, I embrace the brightest colours and prints'

By now, readers of this column will be aware that I prefer the joys of black to any other colour.

UK fashion stores feel the chill during a harsh winter

The harsh winter which saw snow fall in April led to a sales slump at fashion stores. The unseasonably near-Arctic weather hit the footwear sector hardest, according to the latest Retail Sales Monitor published today by the British Retail Consortium (BRT) and KPMG.

UK fashion stores feel the chill during a harsh winter

The harsh winter which saw snow fall in April led to a sales slump at fashion stores. The unseasonably near-Arctic weather hit the footwear sector hardest, according to the latest Retail Sales Monitor published today by the British Retail Consortium (BRT) and KPMG.

My Secret Life: Marc Hare, 42, shoe designer

'I like two-and-a-half-inch heels'

1. £58, office.co.uk

Fans of the orthopaedic and clumpy rejoice: shoes with character

From catwalk to high street, footwear is showing its ugly side this season, says Gemma Hayward

British men, Emma Watson has dating tips for you

To stand a chance of snagging a date with Emma Watson, chaps, don't wear flip-flops. In an interview with Ellen DeGeneres airing today, the Harry Potter star gave the lowdown on her personal turn-offs and what British men could learn from Americans in the ways of love.

My Edinburgh: Jessie Cave, Comedian/Actress

My family are here to help me. I managed to get them Underbelly passes with their roles on. For example, Mum: Main Assistant. Brother: General Assistant. Brother's Girlfriend: Bonus Assistant. They help me with props and pep talks.

Katie Holmes pictured in New York on Monday

Let them wear heels! Tom Cruise's exes are free to walk tall

As if Tom Cruise weren't already suffering from Small Man Syndrome, pictures emerged yesterday of his newly estranged wife, Katie Holmes, wearing heels for what must be the first time since their union. On the Big Day itself, you'll recall, speculation was rife that Holmes had had to stand in a ditch to achieve parity of titchiness for the pair's wedding photo.

<p>1. Gelert Serenity rucksack</p>
<p>£29, tesco.com</p>
<p>Lightweight and snazzy, the Serenity rucksack is great for casual hikers. It has a 22l capacity, adjustable padded straps and an internal pocket to keep valuables.</p>

The 10 Best summer walking gear

Get kitted out for the summer

Tropical Climes: Mainimage: jacket £60, shorts £35, blouse £50, warehouse.co.uk

Join the summer set: Sunny high-street buys

Whether you're jetting away long-haul or just day-tripping, Rebecca Gonsalves rounds up the pick of the high street's sunniest buys

1. ASOS: £32, asos.com - Get the global-traveller look that is sweeping the catwalks just now, with these flat, red leather sandals embellished with a chunky orange top-stitch detail.

The 10 Best Sandals

The sun has started to make a regular appearance, so it's time to get your summer footwear options sorted

All yours: adults-only Sandals Grande Riviera in Jamaica has
had a revamp

The price is right on an all-inclusive holiday

From poolside drinks to meals and transfers, the extras on your dream trip can soon add up. The solution? An all-in-one package.

Sigourney Weaver - Lanvin. Sigourney Weaver is a goddess and it therefore makes sense to dress her like one. Resisting the urge to match is normally a golden rule of the red carpet and it is true that, for her big entrance, Ms Weaver is just the same colour not only as the carpet but also the drapes that form a backdrop. Still, this (also draped) red silk gown was designed for her by fashion darling du jour, Alber Elbaz, still whipping up a quiet storm at Lanvin and is therefore not only perfectly proportioned but also has the Lanvin signature of a large and suitably exotic piece of costume jewellery at one shoulder. Also very Lanvin is the fact that the dress is tied loosely at the waist with nothing more fussy than a piece of grosgrain ribbon (tied by Elbaz himself or by one of his ambassadors one likes to think).

You just can't keep a strong woman down

On screen Sigourney Weaveris fearless and Amazonian. Arifa Akbar finds out how the off-screen version measures up

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Babies behind bars: A Palestinian fertility doctor has become an unlikely hero by helping women conceive – even though their husbands are in jail

Babies behind bars

A Palestinian fertility doctor has become an unlikely hero by helping women conceive – even though their husbands are in jail
Sonic youth: The high-pitched sound alarm for under 25s

Sonic youth: The high-pitched sound alarm

Is Mosquito, the alarm only under-25s can hear, a blessing or a bane?
The art of living in small spaces: Architects are learning how to make less, more

The art of living in small spaces

Space in cities at a premium so architects are learning how to make less, more...
Special report: The story of Sir Mervyn King's reign at the Bank

The story of Sir Mervyn King's reign at the Bank

After four 'nice' years as Governor of Bank of England, things turned decisively nasty
Zombie nation: Our enduring fascination with a world full of death and destruction

Zombie nation: Our fascination with death and destruction

A new season of shows on Radio 4 is inspired by dark tales of future dystopias. Meanwhile, zombies are marauding in the multiplexes...
Martin Stephen: 'Ofsted says comprehensives are failing the most able but teaching bright children isn't rocket science'

'Teaching bright children isn't rocket science'

It doesn't take a selective system to nurture the best minds, says a former head of St Paul's boys' school.
The retail empires strike back: Can new technology lure us back to the high street?

Can technology lure us back to the high street?

The high street has been bruised and battered by online firms but in-store technology is helping to enliven the retail experience...
The 10 Best new smartphones

The 10 Best new smartphones

Photos, films, music, apps and browsing - the latest mobiles can do it all
Jenson Button: Downbeat driver cannot wait to put season behind him

Jenson Button: Downbeat driver cannot wait to put season behind him

McLaren man admits 'failed gamble' with car has left him pinning hopes on 2014 campaign
James Lawton: Firmer fist will be required to win Champions Trophy final battle with stouter foe

James Lawton

Firmer fist will be required to win Champions Trophy final battle with stouter foe
'To farm I have to rape the countryside. It’s got to be wrong': The true effect of the badger cull

The true effect of the badger cull

'To farm I have to rape the countryside. It’s got to be wrong'
Theatre review: Daniel Radcliffe gives an admirably honest performance in Michael Grandage's The Cripple of Inishmaan

First night: The Cripple of Inishmaan

Daniel Radcliffe gives an admirably honest performance in Michael Grandage's comedy
Girls Guides drop religious reference but pledge to self and the Queen

Guides drop religious reference but pledge to self and the Queen

After 103 years, organisation changes oath to welcome 'all girls, of all faiths, and none'
Steve Tongue: Joe Kinnear was one of the boys and a breath of fresh air... 21 years ago

Steve Tongue

Joe Kinnear was one of the boys and a breath of fresh air... 21 years ago
Chris Froome: Free from 'pain in neck' after Bradley Wiggins' exit

Chris Froome: Free from 'pain in neck' after Wiggins' exit

Sky's lead rider says he is in fantastic form for the Tour and happy pecking order debate is over