On style, she rules

Reading Time:2 minutes

Published: 12:00am, 4 Jun 2006

I don't usually follow fashion, but I'd like to look like a retro movie star. Where can I get one of those thick belts that are so popular now?

In a Cinch, Happy Valley

The Dictator rules: Yeah, as if one belt could transform you! The spring/summer collections offer lots of choices, but many are attached to the outfits. Here are some that come separately. Lanvin (G41, The Landmark, Central, tel: 2525 3337) has fabulous, super-wide belts in numerous colours: in plain satin ($5,800) or leather ($8,200) with a large buckle; or a streamlined satin version that fastens with hooks rather than a buckle ($4,600). Yves Saint Laurent gets into the Parisienne lady look with cinched waists and belts to match. We like the brand's wide woven ones ($5,310; G3, Alexandra House, Central, tel: 2868 0092). Max Mara goes for Italian chic with various styles in leather, some with adornments such as gold chains ($1,080 to $1,780; Fashion Island, Causeway Bay, tel: 2890 1695). For something more whimsical, try on wide elastic bands with heart-shaped plastic buckles from Sonia by Sonia Rykiel ($599; I.T, shop 120, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 9522). The belts at Zara ($319 to $499; shop 121, Pacific Place, tel: 2918 1099) are so affordable you could stretch the budget to include clothes to match. And regardless of your size, only use belts that fit properly. Bulging flesh is never a good look.

I wanted to know if you had heard about Denman hair brushes and where I could find one in Hong Kong.

Daft as a Brush, Stanley

The Dictator: You wanted to know - then what happened? Putting questions in the past tense does not make them more polite, people. Denman brushes are distributed by Deluon International (www.deluonhair.com) and sold around Hong Kong in various salons and shops. We received great service at Lee Yau Kee (shop 1, 769 Nathan Road, Prince Edward, tel: 2394 5238), which carries various brushes from the Denman range (from $49 to $88). Or look for Kitty at Professional Hair Products (49A Wellington Street, Central, tel: 2536 0603). She carries part of the range too, from combs ($25) to the bigger paddle brushes (about $100). If you'd like to browse the full range before buying, go to www.denmanbrush.com then call the shops to check they have what you want in stock.