The Dictator: On style, she rules

I’m determined to get rid of my cellulite, but I haven’t used anything on it since the days of wooden brushes! What’s new, quick and miraculous?
Cellulite Fight, Mid-Levels

The Dictator rules: I hope you’re joking. My years of non-medical research have uncovered certain incontrovertible facts. First, many supposed fat-melting products, machines and treatments will cost you time and money, then advise you that they will only work if you drink more water, exercise regularly and avoid carbs. Um, maybe try those prior to purchase. Second, the majority involves massage to allegedly activate lymphatic drainage (which means you’ll pee a lot). It’s water loss; not ridding your body of fat cells, but there can be pleasingly visible results. Third, some women are cursed with orange peel skin; it’s partially genetic, partially lifestyle. Rodial does a line of targeted treatments, including Body Sculpture (HK$850; Joyce Beauty, 16 Queen’s Road Central, tel: 2869 5816), a gel with caffeine and Red Sea algae, and Size Zero (HK$550), a toning body moisturiser made with a proprietary lotus flower extract. Clarins has the Body Lift Cellulite Control cream with aquatic mint and celosia plant extracts (HK$500; Central Building, 1 Pedder Street, Central, tel: 2810 9938). If you’re looking for the latest machine, check out the non-invasive Vaser Shape, which uses ultrasound and massage to contour those bumps (Sense of Touch Medi-Spa, 2/F, 43 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2861 1800). They recommend at least five sessions, at HK$2,888 for the first and HK$3,880 per subsequent appointment (packages also available). I’ve saved my deepest revelation for last: outer beauty is greatly enhanced by inner confidence, so if a few nice-smelling potions make you feel good, you’ll probably look more attractive.

My husband’s becoming a snappier dresser than me! He just got a blazer in super-dark, nice denim that doesn’t look like jeans material until you get close. I’m jealous! I was even thinking it’d look pretty great with matching jeans, but I won’t get my tailor across the border to do it without your say so. So, what do you say? 
Denim of Iniquity, South Side

The Dictator: Oh dear, oh dear. What’s worse than a “Canadian tuxedo” (denim jacket worn with jeans)? A matching pair! Let it go and treat yourself to an amazing leather biker jacket to wear with jeans instead. That’s what the coolest brands have been showing. Seven For All Mankind also has an amazing, collarless denim jacket with tiny gold studs scattered across the shoulders (HK$5,580; Hysan Place, Causeway Bay, tel: 2722 9677) in a mid-blue wash that would go with any number of its trousers (about HK$2,600). Or how about a compromise in the form of Hilfiger Denim’s Biker Jacket with leather sleeves (HK$1,874; www.asos.com)? On the slim chance you have exquisite taste, rely on the expertise of designers such as Raf Simons for Dior or Consuelo Castiglioni for Marni for style direction.

Got a question for The Dictator? E-mail her with your name, or alias, and address at: dictator@scmp.com