Hi Debbie,

I have just bought a pair of gold shoes but I have scuffed them already and don't know how to fix them up. Where can I get gold shoe polish? What else can I do? Also, do you know where I can get heel protectors for my stilettos?

Thanks.

UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:

Hi there,

Gold and silver are definitely the must-have accessory colours of the season, so you are probably not alone in your need for urgent medical treatment for gorgeous gilded shoes!

Fortunately help is at hand in the shape of an online dance company called Dance Mania. Hidden away amongst the toe taps and leotards are silver and gold shoe polish (£5), and stiletto heel protectors (£3.50).

If the gold shoe polish doesn't do the trick, you could try gilt cream. This product is generally used in furniture restoration, but would work equally well on scuffed gold shoes. Made by Liberon, it is essentially a wax mixed with bronzing powder that forms a paste. Just apply it to the shoe with your finger and buff to a shine when dry.

You can then protect it with Gilt finishing liquid (£3.07 + VAT and carriage). The gilt cream comes in eight shades of gold and costs £4.84 + VAT & carriage for a 30ml pot. You can buy both these products from the Wrights of Lymm Ltd website. For more information call 01925) 752226.

As far as 'shoe-care' in general is concerned, there are one or two golden rules to keep shoes in good condition.

First off, spray all new shoes and bags with a good all-weather protector. This not only protects them from light rain, but will help them to withstand everyday grime. If the rain is torrential, however, don't wear your best pair of Manolos - water really is the kiss of death for all shoes. If they do get a soaking, dry them out thoroughly with newspaper scrunched up into the toe to keep the shape.

If they are suede, and rainwater leaves a tide mark, the only true solution is to get the shoes re-dyed in a slightly darker colour. Keep all shoes re-soled, re-heeled and well polished. And if you want to protect heels and the backs of your shoes, avoid grills in the pavement and don't wear them to drive.

Debbie