The Dictator rules: Well ... boring is as boring does, or wears in this instance. Strip off that house coat, strap on some heels and head for your nearest beauty counter. Most major brands offer a range of reds, so try a few before you find the right colour for your skin tone and type, and take lots of soothing lip salve. MAC (Shop UG-43, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong; tel: 2265-7218; and at other locations) is a favourite with many pouters for its range of colours and quality ingredients. Try shades such as Glam or MAC Red ($120 each). Or go straight to the doyenne of the classic look, Chanel (tel: 2810-0978; and in most major department stores). Its latest Infrarouge line includes sophisticated hues such as Sunset, Hot and the bright Ruse ($130 each). If you'd like to ease from gloss into lipstick, why not try Estee Lauder's Pure Color Crystal gloss, in colours such as Cherry Blast and Mandarin Pop ($145 each at Seibu, Two Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty; tel: 2869-6803; and at other locations). Besides attitude, the most important thing to remember is your foundation. If you don't have flawless skin then cover it up, because the red on your lips will bring out the red in your zits!

Pink for boys

Adding a pink shirt to my arsenal of blue and white dress shirts has proved disruptive. I have no idea what colour or pattern tie to wear with said shirt. Help!

Handsome in Pink?

The Dictator: Wow, pink? You really know how to live on the edge. In the absence of Mummy I'll step in and tell you what to do (because I'm just so good at it). Your tie is an expression of your personal style and by extension your personality. You must decide how you would like to project yourself to those you meet professionally and socially. My suggestion is to take or even wear the new shirt to the men's department in Seibu at Pacific Place, where you'll find most major tie brands, from funky to stuffy. Think Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Cerruti, Hugo Boss, Kenzo and Moschino, among others. The Brooks Brothers section is a good place to stop for traditional ideas. It not only displays the full collection by tone, but has several shirt-tie combinations on display to give you inspiration. If you want to play it safe, choose a classic stripe, solid or tiny floral pattern ($390 to $490) in predominantly blue or pink, or in both. To attract more attention, choose a contrasting colour that sets off the shirt, such as bright green or orange. Or take a walk on the wild side and head over to the Paul Smith section, where you'll find options with a sense of humour ($650 to $880). Ties come with a peek-a-boo surprise lining, and include the signature Paul Smith multi-stripe, a '50s-style argyle and an Op Art geometric pattern that would all go well with your controversial shirt. Now be a big boy and choose all by yourself.

Flipping heck

I recently checked out the Reef website to find out where I could buy the company's excellent flip-flops, but there were no shop listings for Hong Kong. Do you know if they are sold here? Or can you tell me where I can find similar casual footwear?

Flippin' Out

Hip service

I love hipsters, but haven't seen many recently. Could you tell me where to find some in large or extra large?

Hip To Be Cool

The Dictator: Nothing says fashion faux pas like a pair of extra-large hipsters. Part of being comfortable with your size should involve knowing what looks good and what emphasises your less attractive parts. I'm tempted to withhold this information in favour of more appropriate clothing choices, but here goes. Many shops around town have low-slung summer slacks that create a similar look but are not strictly hipsters. You might want to try a pair of linen trousers at Agnes b (Shop G03, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui; tel: 2736-8222; and at other locations). They come in great summer colours as well as easy neutrals and cost $1,280. Another shop worth a visit is Max & Co (Shop 1, G/F, 8 Russell Street, Causeway Bay; tel: 2834- 0601; and other locations), where they have heaps of low-slung styles, including some hipsters ($1,180 to $1,380). But if you really want them you'll think you've gone to hipster heaven when you see the selection at Guess? (G/F, Chung Fung Commercial Building, 12 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; tel: 2375-4618; and Shop 306, Jumbo Sogo, Causeway Bay; tel: 2882-1802). For $665 to $865 they have every imaginable colour and fabric, including a baby-blue corduroy pair ($865) that comes with a matching jacket ($1,065). To avoid asking a shop assistant if your bum looks bigger in red or acid wash, save time and money by taking a brutally honest friend with you.