Dear Annie

One of my sons, who is 20 years old, is only 5ft 1in tall and has great difficulty finding nice clothes to fit. Is there a shop in London or elsewhere which specialises in small sizes for young men? Harrods used to have a youth department which was quite useful, but this closed years ago.

David Fuegi, Colchester

It seems shorter-than-average men are not well catered for. However, Kids' Universe in Selfridges stock some excellent things by Pepe, GAS, Diesel, Replay, Calvin Klein, Moschino, Paul Smith, Versace and Polo Ralph Lauren in teenage sizes, which go up to an age 16 size (approx 31in to 33in inside leg, 22in inside arm, although this differs from make to make). They will be fairly expensive, but as you used to shop at Harrods, I'm hoping this will not be a problem! For more formal attire (although Selfridges have that, too), try Aquascutum (London's Regent Street). Their jackets start at size 36in and they have a short fitting in their trousers to cater for Japanese customers. Again, anyone else knowing any useful addresses, let me know!

I am a big fan of Jane Austen and the Regency period, and would love to get a Regency or Regency-style dress, but have not a clue where to get one. I've tried a few antique shops, but none of them could help. Is there anywhere I could purchase what I want? I'm sure that after the immensely popular dramatisation of Pride And Prejudice on TV, everyone must be looking for Regency garments!

Lydia Edwards (age 13), Wilmslow, Cheshire

Mmm, empire-line dresses are rather fab, aren't they? I bought a gorgeous cream one from Top Shop a few years ago and it is my most favourite dress. But this look is rather "bosomy" and although I don't want to sound like your mum, you shouldn't be showing your chest at 13, other than to your doctor. But I expect you want an interpretation of this look, don't you? (Incidentally, I see that watching such period dramas has affected you rather more than just sartorially... "but have not a clue where to get one" is hardly 13-year-old speak, is it? Good on you, concentrate on the English and leave boys to their conkers.) The place to get a really authentic Regency dress is through costumiers such as Angels & Bermans (0171 836 5678) in London. But this won't be right for you as it will cost about pounds 70 to hire (they don't sell them). I think your best bet is to check the chain stores in the summer, when more stock comes in. Miss Selfridge are bringing out a promising empire-line dress in July. It's yellow with a lilac, floral print for pounds 40 (sizes 8 to 14). And remember, you can easily add some Regency touches, such as chopping off your cardigans to just below bust level to wear over a dress, tying a length of ribbon below the bust, on a simple shift (you need to run a few stitches over the ribbon) and wearing your hair in curls. Have fun.

I am sorry that I only have space to answer two problems this week, but this ad at the bottom of my column has cut my space rather, and I've had lots of readers write in with helpful information I'd like to pass on.

The hunt for a replacement to the legendary Tangee lipstick continues:

I use just such a lipstick: and a green one which goes deep pink! (There is also a yellow one that turns coral; a pale blue one that turns pale lilacy pink.) They change according to the alkali content of your lips, stay on most of the day and cost pounds 1 at the South Molton Street Pharmacy in South Molton Street, London W1. This is the only place I can find that stocks them, but there have to be others. If Mrs Levy can't get them herself, give her my address.

Judy Nicholls, Kent

Bless you Judy. Mrs Levy my love, if you're still have trouble finding them get back in touch and I shall go down the the SMS Pharmacy myself and get you some!

Re Sue's quest for a corset for her husband (this is not as saucy as this sounds!). Rhona Smith e-mailed me and suggested the surgical appliance manufacturer BLS. They are based at 49 Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham (0115 978 0569). Mrs AW Wilson says Axfords in Brighton (01273 327 944) and Vollers, Portsmouth (01705 799030) do mail-order, ready-made corsets.

Many apologies for printing the wrong telephone number last week for Natural Collections. It should have been 01225 442288. And thanks again to Angels & Bermans - whose number we printed instead - for their patience.