On style, she rules

Published: 12:00am, 18 Mar 2012

I was born in the Year of the Dragon and I'd love a dragon pendant. I was in Hong Kong in January, but was surprised by how hard it was to find something, since we're in another Year of the Dragon. I'll be back soon so could you recommend somewhere?

What A Drag(on), Manila

The Dictator rules: Really? I would have expected more from a 'dragon', then. Dragons are supposedly enterprising, take-charge sorts. The dragon was the symbol of imperial leaders in China and, therefore, meant to signify great power. Moreover, it sits at the top of the hierarchy in the Chinese zodiac. Are you sure you weren't born in the Year of the Monkey instead? Actually, it doesn't even matter since a few brands have collections of zodiac charms and pendants. Links of London has dragon charms in silver or gold (HK$570 and up; Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2317 1613). High-end British jewellery designer Solange Azagury-Partridge's Chinese Zodiac collection includes a dragon pendant on a chain in 18-carat yellow gold with green lacquer (HK$16,900; IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7099). For a more fierce representation of the mythical creature, see Thomas Sabo's sterling-silver Rebel at Heart collection of charms and pendants (HK$480 to HK$4,140; Gateway Arcade, tel: 2736 9585). If you're looking for charms, check with Pandora, where the classic Chinese dragon motif comes in silver or gold (HK$299 to HK$2,299; IFC Mall, tel: 2295 3904). Old-school Chinese jewellers usually have at least one representation of the fire-breather and can order in more upon request. Wai Kee has them in 14-carat white gold in two sizes (HK$1,380 to HK$2,700; Prince's Building, Central, tel: 2521 0471). For an affordable variation on the theme, head to the Jade Market, where you can find jadeite and nephrite dragon-shaped discs that look fabulous hanging off a metal chain or leather cord.

My New Year fitness kick turned into an addiction to long-distance running but the first body parts to shrink were my boobs. Are there any good-quality running bras that will give something back, look sexy but still do the job?

Running Flat, Parkview

The Dictator: Lady, you can't have your cake and eat it, too. (Although it sounds like cake is exactly what you need.) I know the breast area is one of the first places women lose weight. However, it sounds like you've exercised your womanly shape right off. Upon further investigation, I was shocked to discover you are not alone. It seems the army of gym bunnies out there has been well-equipped for quite some time with well-made, d?collet?boosters. Running Bare's Push Up Crop Top is made from a microlite-elastane mix with removable padded cups in a variety of colours (HK$450 to HK$490; Rush, 32 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2526 0620). The excellent Shock Absorber brand makes the Padded Pump sports bra in black or white, with breathable, removable padding and moisture-wicking performance fabrics (HK$364; Escapade Sports, 1/F, Yee Hing Building, 19 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2891 1855). How effective are its bras? Check out the Bounce-ometer at www.shockabsorber.co.uk/bounceometer/shock.html. For slightly less, there's the Marks & Spencer's underwired push up bra, from its sports line, which goes up to a D cup (HK$325; Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2923 7972).

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