No encore for Paul McCartney’s son

Relations between Kate Winslet and Richard Branson’s mother became frosty following conflicting versions of what happened in the fire that wrecked the tycoon’s Caribbean roost four years ago.

After pictures were published of Ms Winslet carrying Eve out of the main house on Necker Island it was assumed she had rescued her.

“But I was NOT saved by Kate!” declared the doughty nonagenarian.

“She just picked me up and carried me down four steps.”

Branson, meanwhile, had fled naked, accidentally running into a cactus bush.

Now the whole clan are returning to the rebuilt house this Christmas, when the Virgin boss will preside over a family get-together, which will include Miss Winslet, who is married to his nephew Ned. Fire drill is now compulsory on the island.

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Who says the Royal Family has airbrushed away the memory of Diana? At Sandringham the Queen likes to keep a jigsaw on a side table in which she slots the odd piece from time to time, and a visitor reports that the current one is a 1000-piece puzzle called Gibsons’ Royal Babies, which contains three charming pictures of the late Princess of Wales with William and Harry as babies.

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A quirky nugget about Noddy Holder, who continues to rake in around £650,000 a year in royalties from Slade’s 1973 hit Merry Christmas Everybody: the old rocker always travels with his very own tool kit.

“Even in the best hotel rooms, there’ll be something broken,” says the Brummie singer.

“A drawer that doesn’t close properly, a shower curtain hanging loose, a lamp that doesn’t work. I can’t be bothered to call housekeeping, I just get out my kit and fix it on the spot.” 

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Experts reveal how to buy lingerie that she actually likes this Christmas

While lingerie is a gift that many women would love to receive from their other half at Christmas, choosing it can often be a minefield.

From getting the size wrong to buying something too racy when she wants something practical, picking up the perfect undies can be fraught with difficulty.

Here FEMAIL has asked leading lingerie experts for their top tips to give the men of Britain advice on how to choose the perfect lingerie for your lady this Christmas.

Scroll down for video 

While many women would be happy to find lingerie underneath the tree, most men are at a loss when it comes to buying the right under garments. Lingerie experts from Tezenis, which Rita Ora is modelling above, and other stores offer their advice

BE TASTE SENSITIVE   

Emma Parker, founder of British lingerie brand Playful Promises, commented that it’s important men don’t just think of themselves when they buy lingerie as a gift.

She said: ‘Lingerie is the gift that both partners can enjoy but it is good to remember that firstly it is a gift for her. So choose something that will appeal to her tastes.’

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Stephen Morrow, who has worked in the lingerie industry for many years and is the spokesman for Masion Lejaby, said: ‘Try and research what she likes. There are so many different bra and brief styles so what does she normally wear? Does she like balconette-styles bras or more plunge?

‘If you are not sure, you can research all the different styles very easily online. Don’t be baffled by the many knicker styles either – but do look at her favourite style and follow suit.

‘So if she likes a thong, short style knickers or a classic lace knicker, then choose this style to match her bra style.’

Also, be circumspect about buying something just because you see it being modelled by a celebrity.

Rita Ora was recently chosen as the face of Italian lingerie brand Tezenis. The ranges features vibrant pieces with gold sequins and is perfect for the women who likes exhibitionism and wants to take risks with her lingerie

Left: This exotic feathered paired from Tezenis would suit the woman who enjoys adventurous lingerie: right, bra £16.99, knickers, £5.99. Right: This cool grey pair is fashion forward: bra £14.99, knickers £5.99

Rosie Huntington-Whitley, who designs and models Marks Spencer’s Rosie for Autograph range, is a fan of the delicate and romantic look. Above, Rosie for Autograph body, £50

Here Rosie models the Oriental embroidery high apex padded plunge bra, £32, and the Oriental embroidered shorts with silk, £14

X Factor judge Rita Ora shows off Tezenis bras in the brand’s latest campaign but with glittery edging and gold cups they look more suited to the club than under clothes at the office, they may not be practical for your lady. 

But if your girlfriend or wife enjoys taking risks this brand might be just what she wants for Christmas.

Equally, Soozie Jenkinson, head of lingerie design at Marks Spencer agrees keeping your partner’s style in mind is absolutely crucial to picking the perfect set of underwear adding, ’Every woman has her own unique underwear style.’

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who designs and models Marks Spencer’s Rosie for Autograph range, is a fan of the delicate and romantic look.

‘Every woman loves the sensual feel of silk’, said Soozie, adding that if you’re nervous about choosing bras or bustiers the solution could be to buy a silk wrap, chemise, a night dress or pyjamas set instead.

Stephen Morrow of Masion Lejaby, modelled above, recommends sticking to styles she usually wears. Left, Roxane bra, £75, knickers, £35. Right: Divine Guipure bra, £59, knickers, £35

KNOW HER SIZE 

It’s an obvious one, but complicated lingerie sizing goes over most men’s heads – and this isn’t helped by the fact one woman may be multiple sizes in different shops or styles. 

Debbie Duckett, buying director at Boux Avenue, said: ‘If you get it wrong it may not go down too well, so don’t try to guess.’ 

‘Give yourself a head start and take a peek in her lingerie drawer. Check the size tags on her favourite styles. Make sure you note down both the back band and cup size i.e. 32 C. 

‘Whilst you’re at it, check her knicker size as well – us ladies like a set!’

Emily Bendell, CEO of Bluebella Lingerie, agrees that some sleuthing is probably the easiest way to find out your partner’s size.

Lingerie sizing goes over most men’s heads – and this isn’t helped by the fact a woman may be multiple sizes in different stores and styles. Pictured: Imogen button bra DD-G cups, £55, Imogen button briefs, £25, and Imogen suspender belt, £55, from Playful Promises

This model showcases the Amber Oriental rose set – bra £30 and knickers £17 – from Boux Avenue

‘The best thing to do is to have a peek into your partner’s lingerie drawer and have a look to see the styles and shapes that she likes. 

‘By having a look at her existing lingerie, it’s also easier to look at the sizing so you’re not trying to buy it blind. There’s nothing worse than buying an incorrect size.’

However, if the relationship is new, being caught fishing around in her lingerie drawer may cause some confusion and embarrassment. 

In which case Emma Parker, founder of British lingerie brand Playful Promises, suggests sticking to options with easier sizing.

She said: ‘There are lingerie options, such as chemises and body suits, that are sized by dress sizes, which are a lot easier to gauge than under-wired bras.

‘Or if her style is more risqué then you could go for something less traditional like an open cup bra and tassels!’

Left: Red is the classic colour of seduction like this Theodora set by Maison Le Jaby, bra £72, knickers £39. Right: Or choose something unexpected like this blue Attrape Coeur set, bra £75 and knicker £35

Emma Parker of Playful Promises lingerie, above, encourages partners to pay close attention to the colours their partner normally tends to feel sexy in by looking at the lingerie she wears on special occasions. Pictured: Cordelia red lace overlay bra DD-G Cups £55.00 and Cordelia red lace heart briefs, £30

PAY ATTENTION TO COLOUR 

‘When picking the perfect colour, always consider two things; her favourite shades, and the type of gift you want to buy her,’ Boux Avenue’s Debbie Duckett recommends.

‘Say “seduction” with bold shades of red, black and purple in luxurious satin and lace fabrics. Alternatively indulge her sweeter side with romantic colours like cream, grey and pink with feminine florals and flirty little frills.’ 

Emma of Playful Promises encourages partners to pay close attention to the colours their partner normally tends to feel sexy in.

You can get this right by looking at the colour lingerie your partner normally wears on special occasions.

‘Then choose something that complements this, whether it be a floaty sensual chemise in a soft pastel colour or thigh high stockings and a garter belt in bold black,’ Emma advised.

‘It is often the stereotype that sexy lingerie is red and racy but actually most people would agree women are at their sexiest when at their most confident, and by choosing something that appeals to your partner’s taste means she will exude confidence when she wears it.’ 

Left to right: Henrietta sparkle balconette bra, £32, Henrietta sparkle satin shorts, £16; Grace satin balconette bra, £30, Grace satin thong, £14; Carletta embroidered balconette bra, £28, Carletta embroidered briefs, £14, all available to buy at Boux Avenue

For curvy hourglass shapes choose the Tamara eyelash bra, £32, and high-waist brief , £17, pictured right. For more vibrant styles or the sultry glamour pieces pick the Amber Oriental rose bra, £30, and high-waist brief, £17, pictured left.  Both from Boux Avenue

SHAPE IS VERY IMPORTANT

Colour and size are not the only considerations when deciding what will suit your partner. 

Shape is also important when weighing up what will flatter your other half’s figure, as well as know what parts of their body they love to accentuate, and other parts they aren’t so keen to put on show.

‘If she’s smaller on the bust and is happy with her size, opt for a delicate lace plunge style; if she’s after a little bit more on the bust, go for a padded plunge bra,’ Debbie Duckett advised.

Similarly for bottoms it is important to note what style your partner likes to wear. Petite types can favour thongs as they accentuate curves, while pear-shapes might prefer briefs.  

Shape is important when weighing up what will flatter your other half’s figure. Playful Promises creates vintage styles for bigger busted women. Pictured: the Imogen set by Playful Promises set as seen above

FOR MATERNITY OR MASTECTOMY  

Shopping for maternity or mastectomy bras will take an extra bit of specialised knowledge. Luckily Jemma Barnes, the UK Manager of Anita, is an expert in the field.

Jemma has been working in the lingerie industry for more than 20 years and is a trained fitter for all types of bras and lingerie including mastectomy and maternity. She says neither are reasons not to treat your partner with lingerie.

‘Maternity lingerie is harder to buy as the breasts are changing weight and size with the effect of hormones and so really products do need to be tried on,’ she said.

Jemma advises men buying maternity bras to know their partner’s breast size up to the point when they want the bra – which would mean finding out and buying the bra pretty close to Christmas Day.

Shopping for maternity bras takes an extra bit of specialised knowledge. Left: Anita maternity cherry blush nursing bra, £43, Right: Anita maternity seamless nursing bra, £33

Jemma added: ‘Partners would need to know whether their partner wishes to have specialist flexible wires or no wires at all  and whether she prefers seam-free or sectioned cup.’

Another area with added difficulty when it comes to buying lingerie is mastectomy bras. 

Jemma said: ‘Mastectomy bras can be equally difficult as they have to fit either one breast form and one natural breast, or two breast forms, which do not respond in the same way as natural tissue to the support from bras and so adjustments from an experienced fitter are often needed for a level breast line to be achieved.’

Having an idea about specific details including radiotherapy burns, uneven scarring and sensitivity is very important.

Jemma added: ‘Make sure you have as much info as possible, for example some women after radio therapy cannot bear lace against the skin, so a man may feel he is doing the right thing buying something really pretty and lacy, but in fact what the lady wants is softness and comfort.’ 

Another area with added difficulty when it comes to buying lingerie is mastectomy bras. Grey animal print bra by Anita Care Malia post-surgical bra £60

Having an idea about specific details including radiotherapy burns, uneven scarring and sensitivity is very important. Above: Anita Care Ella post-surgical bra, £60

MAKE IT SPECIAL

Stephen Morrow of Maison Lejay said that it is important when buying Christmas lingerie to make sure the gift is special, not just something she could pick up herself while doing the weekly food shop.

He said: ‘Designer lingerie is a treat as most women don’t necessarily spend that much when buying underwear for themselves so why not splurge on a cute baby doll teamed with some pretty briefs?

‘Making an adventurous choice can make the gift more memorable and special.’

SALES ASSISTANTS ARE YOUR FRIENDS

What’s more, if you find yourself helpless wandering the lingerie department feeling a medley of confusion and despair, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Stephen said: ‘Whether you’re buying in a shop or online, do get advice from the experts. 

‘Most retailers enjoy helping out their male customers so don’t feel embarrassed: they are there to help you pick the perfect gift.

‘And don’t forget to opt for the gift wrapping…stunning packaging is essential and you won’t have the chore of making it look beautiful either.’  

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