on style, she rules

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Published: 12:00am, 26 Aug 2007

I was wondering if you know of any stores in Hong Kong that stock a toothpaste called Vicco, a herbal brand from India. I found it in a health shop in Florence, Italy. It's pretty amazing because the paste seems to have been made from tiny grains, which really make your teeth feel smoother.

Sparkling Whites, North Point

The Dictator rules: Grains? What kind of grains? Sand would probably make your teeth smoother too, but I wouldn't try it. We asked Vicco (www.viccolabs.com) and they replied: 'We do not have any distributor in Hong Kong. We are looking for a good distributor.' Vicco doesn't sell its products online either. However, there are similar brands available in Hong Kong. We found a surprising abundance of natural and organic toothpastes at City'super (Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 2888). They carry old favourite Tom's of Maine (HK$45 to HK$55), one by organic company Kiss My Face (HK$65), as well as several flavours of Aloe Dent (HK$72) and small tubes of US brand Peelu (HK$23). Otherwise, just follow the scent of patchouli to your nearest natural-product store.

My friend is getting married and needs to find two evening gowns. She is leaving soon for her honeymoon. We tried on loads at the top designer outlets at The Landmark and Joyce Boutique. However, none of them fitted because the stores only carry extremely small sizes that do not suit western builds. She needs a US size eight, and money is no object.

Matronly Honour, Repulse Bay

The Dictator: You mean to tell me she is getting married in a few days and doesn't have all the clothes sorted out yet? She's like Bridezilla on valium - Bridezombie? I have to say, our results were not encouraging. At Harvey Nichols, we were told a US size four was the largest. Someone suggested Lane Crawford carries larger sizes. Their uplifting words: 'Some brands go up to a size six'. At Valentino (shop 105, Chater House, Central, tel: 2523 8035), a few styles occasionally go up to a whopping size eight (if you can get through the door). With a good eye, Bridezombie could have her choice of cheaper dresses in her size. Shops like Rise Top sell dresses up to US size 20 (from HK$600; shop 401, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central, tel: 2140 6128).