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on style, she rules

Where can I get one of those trendy charm bracelets as a necklace? I think they're so cute.

Charmed I'm Sure, Happy Valley

The Dictator rules: Please, tell me you're joking.

If a jeweller can put charms on a bracelet, they can also attach them to a longer chain (also known as a 'necklace' to insiders). You must be looking for designer offerings. Vivienne Westwood has them in various permutations, including with playing-card motifs in rhodium and enamel (from HK$1,730 to HK$2,290; shop OT305, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2375 9688). Anna Sui has some eclectic variations (about HK$3,900; shop 204, Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 9588) while Pedder Red has rock 'n' roll-style charms adorning a long chain (HK$435; shop 2406, Harbour City, tel: 2118 6040). At Sin Sin Atelier, we love the necklaces, made from various metals, that feature little trinkets on a long chain (about HK$2,500; 52 Sai Street, Sheung Wan, tel: 2521 0308). Other brands to check out are Louis Vuitton, Van Cleef & Arpels, Links of London and Tiffany & Co.

I hear there's an Orla Kiely shop now in Hong Kong.

Is it true?

Fit to Print, Sheung Wan

The Dictator: No. It's a conspiracy against you. Everyone's just saying it to mislead you. Of course,

it's true (shop 511, Times Square, tel: 3101 9255). You might know the Irish designer's stem-print bags but her talent doesn't end there. Beyond totes and wallets, there is women's wear, tableware, special-edition Superga sneakers and more. Prices range from HK$168 for a signature print mug to HK$6,500 for a large leather tote.

I need to do something about the pimples on my back so I can wear my new low-cut dress to a ball in a few weeks. Does anyone do miracle facials for backs?

Blind Spots, Robinson Road

The Dictator: I don't know what's worse: that you knowingly bought a backless dress despite your skin condition or that you believe skin-care miracles exist.

If you start now, targeted treatments might be able to help. The Beautiful Skin Centre (shop 344, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2877 8911) has many to choose from. A deep-cleansing glycolic brightening back treatment with La Therapie products might do the trick (30 minutes; HK$650). You could try the crystal-clear back facial repair, during which micro crystals are blown across the skin to decongest pores and smooth uneven skin tone (45 minutes; HK$880).

There's also a hi-tech intense pulsed light back treatment for acne or scarring (30 minutes; HK$930). Three to six treatments should get your back gleaming like a baby's, unless you have serious acne. At the Landmark Mandarin Oriental's spa, you can book a customised back treatment (50 minutes; HK$680; The Landmark, Central, tel: 2132 0011). Staff there use Aromatherapy Associates' Balance range, which is made with essential oils such as ylang ylang, orange flower water, kaolin clay and tea tree to cleanse, exfoliate, massage, mask, tone and moisturise the problem area. You should also avoid synthetic fabrics and tight-fitting clothes, especially when you work out. Yes, that means no more polyester suits for you.

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