Retail therapy: Bewitched by knickers

Magic knickers and Kei Kagami shoes.

And breathe out. Finally, there's an alternative to the suck-it-in way of flattening the tummy. They're the famous magic knickers Trinny and Susannah are so fond of, having gifted them with the magic powers of reducing the waist one size. These industrial-strength, passion-killing, cycling shorts may take an age to struggle into, but once you're in, they're little wonders, compressing the thighs and waist and lifting the bum. They're made by Belgian company Cette but you can get them at the Libertas Pacific outlet store (74 New North Rd, Eden Terrace, entrance off Ruru St, 0800 KNICKERS), and cost $49.95 for the shorts or $64.95 for the full monty undergarment. The store is not all about scary-looking undies, though - they also have French and Italian lingerie, swimwear and hosiery at wholesale prices. Much prettier.

Kick-start for career

One young designer finds out on Friday whether he or she gets to go to Australian Fashion Week. That's when the Start Up programme winner is announced. The seven finalists are: Cybele, Des Rusk and Juliette Hogan from Auckland, Lela Jacobs and Miranda Wellings from Wellington and Charmaine Reveley and Keuck from Dunedin. The winner gets a package of $20,000, including the chance to showcase their collection at the Mercedes-sponsored Australian Fashion Week in Sydney in April.

No more broken heels

Kei Kagami pared shoes back to the nuts and bolts level during Milan Fashion Week. The Frankenstein shoes, that seem to have been in part created in a mechanic's garage, are the antithesis to Manolo Blahnik limousine shoes. Full marks for ingenuity, but we'll be sticking with more traditional shoes - the kind with heels.