Dandy & Dapper

3-MIN READ3-MIN

Published: 12:00am, 28 Nov 2010

To look different for Christmas parties, I'm thinking of a velvet jacket with jeans. Where can I get one?

Mr Dandy: That's hardly revolutionary. In fact, we'd say it's become the uniform of conservative dressers trying to look hip. Still, it's a great look, but choose a velvet jacket with a bit of personality, if you want to stand out. We're obsessed with Initial's slightly crumpled, slightly deconstructed take on the velvet blazer, which comes in black with red thread details (HK$2,290; Queensway Plaza, Admiralty, tel: 2442 1373). Colour is another way to shake things up; go for wine reds or dark purples, such as Boss' aubergine number (HK$5,600; Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1802). Or be a bit more adventurous with the paisley velvet blazer at Ted Baker (HK$8,900; Pacific Place, tel: 2918 9609).

Mr Dapper: Velvet blazers with jeans make us think of Tom Ford - the man and his designs (IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7802). Even we're not so uptight as to think this menswear item is beyond the realm of the conservative dresser. But we'll leave the patterns and colours to the more flamboyant and stick with well-made velvet jackets in black, navy or brown, such as those at Pal Zileri with elbow patches (HK$8,200; IFC Mall, tel: 2118 2319). We checked our favourite cheaper brands but didn't find anything worth recommending - another reason you should buy something classic that you'll still want to wear next year.

My back occasionally breaks out and just doesn't look smooth. Where can I get a treatment before a date next week?

Mr Dapper: Glad it's not my daughter you're taking out. When it comes to spa treatments for men, it's pretty simple. Look up spas and pick a reputable one. The Peninsula Spa by Espa offers a 50-minute deep-cleansing back massage that concentrates on your back, neck and shoulders (HK$990; The Peninsula Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2315 3322; www.peninsula.com). While you're at a spa, you may as well take care of your face, too. Try the 90-minute back and face purifying treatment at the Four Seasons Spa (HK$1,350 on weekdays, HK$1,420 at weekends; The Four Seasons, Central, tel: 3196 8900; www.fourseasons.com).

Mr Dandy: When it comes to skin problems, it's worth seeing a medical professional, at least initially. Who knows if your condition requires medication? We don't, because we're not doctors. But, if it's a pleasant spa experience you're after, try A Man's World at the award-winning Chuan Spa. It includes a cleansing back treatment, therapeutic massage and a purifying facial (HK$1,045 for 75 minutes; Langham Place Hotel, Mong Kok, tel: 3552 3510; www.chuanspa.com .hk). And think about the problem, not just the solution. We hear 'bacne' can be caused by clothes that don't breathe, especially sports gear.