The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

FORMER Scottish footie star David Wilson reckons it's a case of mind over matter when it comes to winning the battle of the bulge. In his forthcoming book, The Weight Loss Illusion (www.theweightlossillusion.com), the ex-St Mirren midfielder claims his hypnotherapy fitness programme will help you shed pounds by making you believe that you have eaten more than you actually have.

So even if you've spent all day nibbling on a salad leaf, you will feel as satisfied as if you've eaten a big chocolate pie. What could be better? All the food and none of the calories.

BAD

COUGARS are so 2009. The fashion world has ratcheted up its obsession with bright young things, and over the next few weeks the evidence of its preoccupation with all things Lolita-related will be hitting the shops.

Christopher Kane has drawn inspiration from Stanley Kubrick's movie of the book with wholesome gingham baby-doll dresses, while this retro two-piece and floppy sun hat from Moschino's Cheap & Chic range could have been come straight from the film's wardrobe department. Over at Prada, meanwhile, the very brave can try pairing a tiny pinafore with pigtails, red lips and colourful shades – a lollipop is optional.

UGLY

SLIPPING a jokey Hula Hoop or ring-pull on her finger after popping the question might be cute for a couple of days, but it won't impress her for long. With too many men falling foul of the taste police after rushing out and choosing a rock their future spouse loathes, the latest trend is for providing a 'holding' ring that fits the bill until the lady in question can select a suitably pricey and gorgeous diamond for herself.

At a fraction of the price of the real thing, stunning solitaires from the likes of Brilliant Inc, which supplied the bling for the X Factor girls, have the advantage of an ethical pedigree as well as the requisite amount of sparkle. Well, only diamonds are forever.

This article was first published in Scotland on Sunday, January 17, 2010