I saw this guy in Central last week wearing a navy double-breasted pea coat with gold buttons and I instantly fell in love with it. I really regret not asking him which brand it was. Can you help me find one? Pod Casting, Kowloon The Dictator rules: It was probably vintage, so get over it. We recently spied some at Midwest Vintage (about HK$580 and up; G/F, Victoria Centre, 15 Watson Road, Tin Hau, tel: 2802 6886, www.midwest-vintage.com ). Try the army/navy surplus stores on Yau Ma Tei's Kwong Wa Street, starting with GI Military Shop (G/F, Yan On Building, 1 Kwong Wa Street, tel: 2363 0885). If you are interested, there are some fantastic interpretations of the pea coat out there, too. (And before you start whining about the absence of brass buttons, buy some on Pottinger Street in Central.) Go for cool contemporary at Diesel (HK$2,800; 20 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2525 0540). Or try one by the reliably classic and affordable Massimo Dutti (HK$2,690 and up; IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2805 0588). Lane Crawford's menswear department has a few options in various price brackets, including short and long versions in wool or technical fabrics by Raf Simons (HK$12,200 to HK$14,500; IFC Mall, tel: 2118 7777)). While you're there, see what Optics (HK$4,100), Maison Martin Margiela (HK$9,999), Neil Barrett (HK$10,100) and Rogan (HK$6,500) have done with them. Looking to spend big bucks? Then invest in a classic by Burberry (HK$9,200 to HK$18,000; Alexandra House, Central, tel: 2868 3511). I've seen a lot of items with lace details at Zara and I love the trend but want something a bit more special. Any ideas? Lacy Bones, Western The Dictator: Lace? Again? It's 2010! When will you learn? More often than not, this regrettably recurring, supposed trend has people wondering, 'Why?' One of the rare exceptions is, of course, almost anything by Valentino, including this season's finely crafted knit tops and cardigans, jackets, trousers, shawls and dresses featuring delicate lace (about HK$4,100 to HK$34,500; The Landmark, Central, tel: 2523 8035). Stella McCartney has created some exquisite dresses, jumpsuits and jackets with panels of cotton lace for spring (HK$26,000 and up; The Landmark, tel: 2801 6793). As you might have expected, the merchants of sexy, aka Dolce & Gabbana, add spice to the new season with dramatic corset dresses, gowns and blazers in your favoured material (HK$9,600 to HK$29,100; Alexandra House, tel: 2877 5558). Arrogant Cat's cream lace mini dresses (HK$2,535; IFC Mall, tel: 2234 7389) are equally racy while Emporio Armani takes a more subtle approach with demure tops and a pretty jacket (HK$2,500 to HK$3,900; Chater House, Central, tel: 2532 7711). I suffer from occasional adult acne and used to buy my favourite remedy, Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion, in Queensway but the counter isn't there any more. Do you know anywhere else that stocks it? Saving Face, Tsim Sha Tsui The Dictator: Who says it's acne? We shudder to think how many of you readers with hypochondriacal tendencies are self-diagnosing. (No, the shuddering is not a symptom.) As always, we say you should consult a doctor first since we have no medical qualifications. Now, here's the good news: we can certainly help you shop. Mario Badescu skincare is sold at stores such as LCX (Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2735 5183). A long-time celebrity favourite, the Drying Lotion (HK$295) is made with clearing salicylic acid and soothing calamine to quickly dry out and heal pimples. There are other products which promise similar results but we won't even bother to suggest them since you're such a die-hard fan. Sasa ( www.sasa.com ) does carry the Mario Badescu line but was out of this particular product when we checked. Bargain shoppers may be happy to hear that Elegant Beauty has some in stock (HK$144; 5/F, Tower 1, Silvercord Centre, 30 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2735 5366).
