Party season is approaching. Where can I find self-tying ties for 'black tie' events that won't make me look like Donald Tsang? Little Bow Peep, Kowloon Tong The Dictator rules: Finding a self-tying bow tie is very difficult. Standbys such as Armani and Zegna do only tacky pre-tied ones, but there are a few retailers with the genuine article. The experts at Alain Figaret (Shop 115, Chater House, 8 Connaught Road, Central, tel: 2868 6039) recommend the traditional black silk bow tie ($359) for most occasions, and something a little more fun for New Year's, such as a red silk bow tie ($359) and matching red silk pocket handkerchief ($289). For a tie and cummerbund, check out Brooks Brothers (G314, Ocean Galleries, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2174 4288), which has black silk bow ties ($250) and cummerbunds ($590), as well as many coloured bow ties ($350). Why not wear a fun cummerbund - remember to have the pleats facing up - such as Polo's Black Watch tartan ($950) or Purple Label's light-grey option ($1,750; Ralph Lauren, M18 Prince's Building, Central, tel: 2523 9966). Make a branded statement with Burberry's (The Landmark, Central, tel: 2868 3511) bow tie ($595) and cummerbund ($1,150) in its classic beige check. Ascot Chang (MW6, The Peninsula hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2366 2398) stocks many bow ties (up to $470). Few tailors make the tie and cummerbund set any more, but Yuen's Tailor (2/F, Shop 233, Escalator Link Alley, 80 Des Voeux Road Central, tel:2615 5388) will for about $480 excluding the fabric, which you can buy there or bring in. Other options include the ultra formal 'white tie' and the uber-hip Tom Ford-style black tux, black shirt and no tie - make sure the blacks match! I'm going to be travelling a lot in the next few months and would love something other than the usual black case for my computer. Any tips? Case Study, Tin Hau The Dictator: If I ever told you accessories make the outfit, this wasn't what I meant. Like designer sneakers, computer bags chosen for looks rather than function can be evidence that you try too hard ... at everything. That's why we like Bleibtreu's 'handmade cases for machine made objects' sold through www.b-on-b.com (from $1,560; yes, they deliver to Hong Kong). Choose from a wide range of colours and fabrics including felt, tweed and vinyl, and get ready for jealous glances at the airport. Like to look important? Check out a Rimowa case (G9, Holiday Inn Shopping Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2366 8085) made from lightweight polycarbonate ($2,165) or corrugated aluminium ($2,515). Anya Hindmarch (Shop 208, The Lee Gardens, Causeway Bay, tel: 2808 0128) has a pretty green fabric computer bag with brown leather handles ($3,300). And the guys might be happy to know the Jack Spade line has arrived in Hong Kong, including modern preppy khaki or brown canvas computer-size briefcases ($1,100; Kate Spade, 211,Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2116 4998). For anything cheaper, you'll have to reconsider black - try Bag & Sac (about $248 to $650; 2403, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2117 0603). I love black jewellery. Where can I get some? Dark And Mysterious, Shek O The Dictator: Huh? You might have thought about specific style, price range and items before driving me nuts. 'Black jewellery' could be anything from elaborate Victorian mourning jewellery to modern bits of plastic. Gemme (205A, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central, tel: 2523 8755) has European beaded brooches ($650), necklaces ($950 to $1,375) and earrings ($1,295). Baccarat's (G28 Prince's Building, Central, tel: 2537 2303) black crystal Eden crosses on silk cord ($1,400) are modern takes on jet talismans from the Middle Ages, and its Temptation necklace in silver with a sexy dangling black crystal sphere ($2,600) is also worth a gander. We love Lanvin's (G49, The Landmark, Central, tel: 2525 3337) black metallic bird cuff ($2,900). We're also drooling over Prada's (105, Chater House, Central, tel: 2522 2989) silk-wrapped bead jewellery on bracelets and necklaces ($1,200 each). Or visit Lane Crawford (Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, tel: 2118 3638) for everything from Dior's bondage inspired black jewellery ($800 to $1,900) to pieces by smaller designers such as Colette Malouf's gorgeous giant black resin cuff ($750). Acceptable cheapies abound in markets and costume jewellery shops such as Lotus Ornament (154 Worldwide Plaza, 19 Des Voeux Road, Central, tel: 2522 1347).
