You no longer need time on your hands and London on your doorstep to keep slightly ahead of fashion. Now many of the brighter boutiques sell their clothes by post, and it is as easy to dress well in the Hebrides as in Kensington. For example, Ossie Clark’s screen-printed silk skirt and flowing smock (above) can be ordered separately from Just Looking, 88 King’s Road, London SW3 and 5-7 Brompton Road, SW3. The smock costs £34.10, the skirt £56.65 (plus 25p post and packing).
Browns, 27 South Molton Street, London W1, will send the red and white Indian cotton slip dress (left) for £25, plus 55p post and packing.
The Sonia Rykiel collection at Browns includes the maribou jacket, £28, sweater, £16, and waistcoat, £15. The pleated skirt, £21, is also from Browns.
The yellow trouser suit of Missoni's knits (right) costs £65 from Browns. Shoes by Pierre Cardin, £17.50, from Charles Jourdan.
French knickers, £3.70, and bra, £3.70, in pink silk are by Janet Reger. By post only from Bottom Drawer, 4 bouverie Place, London W2.
Mr Freedom, 20 Kensington Church Street, London W8, post this gaberdine trouser suit designed by Kim Lew. The price is £28, plus 25p post and packing. Walter Albini halter neck top, £18 from Browns.
Liz Eggleston 