On style, she rules
I want a shirt like the one on the Banana Republic website called the Heritage cotton-silk military shirt. Should I order it online or do you think I might find something in Hong Kong that I could actually try on?
Mulling Military, Clear Water Bay
The Dictator rules: Let me see. Do I think the shopping mecca that is Hong Kong might offer you any of those military-style blouses that are all the rage across the globe right now? Well, it depends on the kind of shopper you are. Some women become fixated on a particular item and, if they don't find the same thing down to the buttons and thread, they'll never be satisfied. Take a moment, M.O.M., and consider your past shopper's regrets. If you're that type, then get clicking on that mouse. If not, go try on any or all of the following, and pronto, because the sales are on. Tory Burch obviously likes this style as her magenta Brigitte ultra-light cotton shirt comes with epaulettes, chest pockets and roll tab sleeves (HK$1,880; Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 3755 4042). If it's the epaulettes that get your heart racing, then why not switch to short sleeves, with Catherine Malandrino's cotton eyelet blouse with military details in black or white (HK$3,500; Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388); or change it up with the fab short jumpsuit version (HK$3,900). If you're not fussed about epaulettes, slip on the military shirts at: Massimo Dutti (HK$650 in smooth silk or HK$550 in linen; The Gateway, Harbour City, tel: 2175 0110); Club Monaco (HK$1,290 in sheer coral pink or mint green; Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong, tel: 2118 3512 ); or Reiss (HK$1,810 in white lace or HK$1,430 in cropped navy viscose; Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, tel: 2808 4003).
I'm after a deodorant that isn't available in Hong Kong. Mitchum SureSolid (not the sexiest name, I know). I like the stick version because it doesn't stain clothes and the scent is very subtle. At the moment, I have to use my hairdryer (on cold) to dry the roll-on version that my mother sent in an attempt to 'mix things up'. Does that make any sense?
Sticking It Out, Lamma
The Dictator: Not really, but I'm used to deciphering ridiculous questions. Instead of bothering your poor mother then being ungrateful for her efforts, why don't you just order it online from sites such as Amazon.com (from about HK$23.20 each or save by getting a multi-pack). It's a miracle Mum found it at all considering the stuff is actually called Mitchum Smart Solid, not SureSolid. It's an antiperspirant, not just a deodorant. My top advice for those in search of products 'from home' is: get over it. You're in Hong Kong now, so switch over to cosmetics that don't require special orders. You need a non-marking antiperspirant but don't like roll-ons? Easy. Try Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant (HK$120; The Landmark, Central, tel: 2869 1798), which promises 24-hour protection without residue. That's not all. It's also formulated with orange, lemon and linseed extracts to soothe sensitive skin. Or, if you like the scent, Nivea's Invisible for Black & White Clear Spray (HK$39.90) might be the one for you; it makes neither white marks on dark clothing, nor yellow stains on white clothing, and is available at your local Mannings or ParknShop, to name a few. Just accept that you will perspire a lot during a Hong Kong summer and ensure you don't smell with any of the great BO busters out there.
