On Style, she rules
I'm bored with all the pinks that seem to be in fashion and thought I'd be different. Where can I buy clothes in yellow?
Mellow Yellow, Discovery Bay
The Dictator rules: It's hardly a mellow colour; I think 'yellow submarine' is an appropriate description of where your fashion sense is heading. The much-photographed Big Bird-hued ensembles from YSL Rive Gauche and Versace have not arrived in Hong Kong (will they ever?), so you'll have to wait or be a tad creative. Jil Sander has a bright yellow, knee-length, A-line skirt with matching sleeveless top ($3,600 and $1,900; Joyce Boutique, New World Tower, 16 Queen's Road Central, Central, tel: 2522 7402).
Cellulite-free thighs look good in Sonia Rykiel's flared knit skirt in a greenish yellow and, if you dare, wear some of the other knitted pieces ($5,595; Sonia Rykiel, The Place, New World Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel:2311 0312). The best bet is Ralph Lauren's Blue Label crisp cotton halter dress in canary yellow with white stripes ($1,995; The Landmark, tel: 2869 0388). Of course, good old Me & George has lots of lemony pieces (maybe because no one dares to wear them) and at about $29 a pop they pose no great financial risk (Kowloon branches are least picked through; try 46 Tung Choi Street, Mongkok, tel: 2388 0004). If a drop of yellow will do, check out Furla's new pale yellow bags in numerous shapes and sizes ($2,390 to $3,290; 243 Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 0628). At least, get an authentic-looking deep tan and don't wear white shoes (strappy gold will do).
The drier weather is murdering my already dry hair. What can I do to reverse the damage?
Winter Warrior, Shamshuipo
The Dictator: You've blown it, probably literally. Hairdryers do horrible things to hair. Once split, the ends of your hair can't be repaired so you will have to cut them off and start again. During winter, consider using deep moisturising treatments once a week. If only for the yummy smell, we like Aveda's Sap Moss Nourishing Concentrate ($165; G37, Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong, tel: 2265 8577). At Beyond the Fringe they recommend Kerastase Masquintense ($150) and L'Oreal's Intensive Masque ($85; 20 On Lan Street, Central, tel: 2530 1183). Philip B's White Truffle Shampoo has been all over the fashion press, but you might not have read about his Rejuvenating Oil ($265; Joyce Beauty, 220 Times Square, Causeway Bay). At discount beauty shop Bonjour (call 2380 8010 for a location near you) you'll find Phyto's Phytokarite shea butter hair mask for $199 . Okay, we know the name brings a smirk to your face, but don't dismiss Alberto VO5's Hot Oil Shower Works ($28; Bonjour) - it does a decent job.
I followed your tips on smoky eye shadow some time ago, but I feel most comfortable wearing it at night. What new and trendy colour can I use during the day?
Eye Level, Central
The Dictator: Wear red eye shadow from the eyelashes up to the brow. Only joking, I just wanted to see how much of a lemming you are. The long answer: free a few hours on a weekday and visit your favourite beauty counters to try a few looks. The short answer: bronze. Of course, Nars has gorgeous metallic eye colours such as Corfu ($165; Lane Crawford, 70 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2118 3388). Laura Mercier makes four great bronze and copper colours that go by the names Cognac, Temptation, Desire and Antique Gold ($160, Lane Crawford).
Elizabeth Arden's Penny colour should satisfy orange lovers ($110; Victoria Dispensary, 31 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2522 9479). Lower down the price scale, the Body Shop sells the pretty # 05, $75; Shop 1, 36 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2522 8824).
At the bottom of the barrel, Red Earth has a perfectly satisfactory light bronze (BE 033, $45; Lee Theatre Plaza, 99 Percival Street, Causeway Bay, tel: 2890 4390). But don't dust your entire face in bronze or you might end up looking like a Buddhist sculpture.
