In reply to Penny Martin:

Thank you Penny! I don't know what exactly to tell you, other than that she's a beautiful brunette, she's 5'7", she's in shape and she wears an 8 in dresses. Is this what you mean? Oh, and we'll be nine years married in January.

Thanks very much!!

In reply to Dumb Male:

Yeah, but what kind of PERSON is she? We need favourite books, politics, ethical convictions (leather?), the way she likes to spend her leisure times, holidays, taste in art, self image (does he feel up to tailoring, say?) to shape up a decent set of suggestions!

In reply to Penny Martin:

Hmm, well she is an avid reader of mass market paperback fiction. We have two little girls who take a lot of her time. She's feminine and loves girly things. We travel to Europe for my job occasionally and she would probably want some great clothes for Paris this spring. We only recently have money to spend on nice things, so her wardrobe is basically brand-less.

She loves dance clubs and fine art. She has great legs and, though she demurely denies, she like showing them off. She's far too perfect a wife for such a flawed husband but is absolutely clueless to that fact. She's loyal and sweet. She's flirty and still enjoys the attention of other men, though not too far you understand. She's always had a smokey, exotic sensuality about her that everyone but her is aware of.

She loves to cook, the fancier the better. She love to go out for fine dining and a movie. We both enjoy art museums, the symphony, or a pink floyd concert.

She's unassuming, unpretentious and incomparable. Picture the perfect wife ... now you've got her!

In reply to st. valentine:

DM, you mentioned in your earlier post that you're looking for 'designer' labels, so I've been giving it some thought, in amongst Bal Masque preparations...

I've no idea about budget, so if what I suggest is a bit expensive, then stick to accessories: Lord knows that most women make their biggest fashion statement and seasonal investment in their bags and shoes these days...

So, pulp lit you say? Well, that kind of contradicts her art museum going, so I'm slightly torn. If we're talking chick lit, then you'd probably best stick with the kinds of labels that your wife knows and she and her friends aspire to. Obviously I'm guessing here, but Jimmy Choo, Chanel, Dior and Vuitton are all safe bets.

If that's all a bit obvious and you think your wife wants something that's a bit more cerebral and complicated, then what about Lanvin? I know it's expensive, but it's seldom so 'on trend' that she could wear it for years (it's very well made). The only thing is that I think it can be slightly ageing on twenty-somethings, and you didn't mention her age. If that's the case, stick to the accessories. Same goes here for YSL.

Don't buy YSL bags on eBay (too many fakes) but you might get a good vintage Chanel one and that's a good present. Stuff it full of opera tickets.

The Spring/Summer Prada's very nice: the duchesse satin is all rather gorgeous for the clever woman. Also Pierre Hardy for lovely, unusual shoes and bags. Loads of women love Chloe, but maybe stick to the accessories for A/W.

If she's in her 20s, and you say she has good legs, wait until you see the new Jil Sander S/S: fantastic neoprene mini skirts!

Have a quick look on Style.com and let us know your initial thoughts so we can give you some more, fine-tuned advice. Most of this you can probably get on netaporter.com if you're not near the major stockists.

Obviously, we don't endorse spending obscene amounts of money on clothes at SHOWstudio, but if you absolutely must...