I used to be able to find cute shoes by L'Autre Chose in local department stores. Now, they seem to have disappeared and the shop-girls just look confused when I ask about them. Can you help?
The Other Foot, Causeway Bay
The Dictator rules: OK, so here's one question I don't mind answering. L'Autre Chose offered unique yet wearable shoes long before Maloles were the must-have. It's also frustratingly difficult to find information about them on the internet unless you want to buy boots from past seasons. We've found them at Change (shop J3, Queensway Plaza, 93 Queensway, Admiralty, tel: 3583 1022). The quirky selection includes everything from glittery gold to worn denim ($1,750 to $2,950). Don't wear them with anything that competes for glamour points or you might end up looking like Dame Edna.
I'd like to buy some of those new shorts that are supposed to be in this season, but not Capri pants. Where can I get some?
Short Order, The Peak
The Dictator: Trying to relive the days when preppy was cool? Don't try. Please. A transitional piece from prepster to trendster is the very pricey seersucker version at Chloe ($4,600; shop 338, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1686), now only available in beige. You'll look like an overage student if you don the matching blazer too, so please refrain unless you want to look like Pee-Wee Herman. The slim Bermuda style in orange, navy or light beige at Miu Miu is a better choice ($2,000; B24, The Landmark, Central, tel: 2523 7833). We know how much you preppies love corduroy, so gorge yourself on Ralph Lauren's lime green or vibrant yellow slim-cut shorts ($2,600) or the straightforward dark khaki ones in the same cotton as your favourite old chinos ($990; G14, The Landmark, tel: 2869 0388). If you'd like something more casual (and more reasonable), go for the cargo style made more feminine with a multicoloured embroidered belt at Mango ($385; shop 118, Pacific Place, tel: 2918 9313). Also in that category: Ozoc's long, slim shorts with buttons up the sides in aqua or light beige canvas, or faded grey denim ($390; B11, The Landmark, tel: 2234 9388); and Agnes b's roomier long shorts in dark khaki or gunmetal grey ($1,490; shop G03, The Galleria, Central, tel: 2522 8275). The widest shorts, which could be accused of being short culottes and really don't look good on non-skinny bodies, come in black from dependable Giordano Ladies ($395; shop K3, Queensway Plaza, tel: 2922 1150).