Excited to have the famous and fabulous Dandy & Dapper of South China Morning Post mention us on Sunday! Looking for the perfect gift? Don't take our word for it... ask them!!! They know it all!

My wife complains she has nothing to wear and that I don't understand - which I don't. My brother in Britain bought his wife a "Wardrobe Consultation". Does such a thing exist in Hong Kong and would it make a good Christmas gift? 

Mr. Dapper: Now this is a matter I know something about. I bought one for my long-suffering wife a few years ago, and she was very pleased with it. However a man should never suggest his partner could or should improve her appearance. When asked how a piece of clothing looks on her, DO NOT TAKE THE BAIT. The correct response to say is she looks beautiful. So only give her a styling advise if she has expressly asked for it. Contact Savvy Style (www.savvystyle.com), where package options include The Total Makeover, a Wardrobe Workout Consultation at home and a Colour Consultation. Perhaps you can present your wife with a generic coupon at Christmas, then allow her to fine tune the service later. 

Clean Out

For many, the goal of the New Year is not to shape up the body, but to clean out the home, a problem only exacerbated by Hong Kong’s unfortunate combination of maniacal shopping habits and tiny homes.

“My motto is KISS- keep it simple, sweetie,” says Eve Roth Lindsay, a former fashion designer and founder of Savvy Style ([email protected]), a beauty and wardrobe consultancy. When Lindsay moved to Hong Kong in 1979, she began offering a unique service- she helped clients go through all of their shoes, clothes and accessories and then simplified and re-organized their closets. Since then, she’s worked with countless men and women, not just gong through their sweaters, but also dishing out fashion, organizational and shopping advice, so that clients can keep their wardrobes well-ordered in the long-term. She also gives suggestions on how to prevent compulsive shopping, which, she says, is the root of most messy, overstuffed storage spaces.

When working on a client, Lindsay begins by following in the footsteps of Bridge Jones’s mother and “Having your colours done,” using the colour me beautifulsystem. She also takes the client’s body shape, age and personal style into account and decides what that person should be wearing. (“I know that it’s in this year, but maybe you shouldn’t be spending so much money on orange clothing.”) Her theory is that any clothes that don’t fit your colour or shape profile are probably unflattering and should be thrown out- or better yet, left on the store rack to begin with.

Unfortunately for those seeking her service, Lindsay is changing careers slightly. After more than 20 years, she is giving up hands-on closet cleaning and concentrating more on beauty and fashion consultation, instead. However, she will begin teaching closet organization classes at the Frederique Academy (4/F Wilson House, 19-27 Wyndham Street, Central 2522-5054) this spring.

For those who want to tackle the closet themselves, here’s Lindsay’s advice: The first step is to secure floor space, a full-length mirror, big plastic garbage bags and several uninterrupted hours. Pull absolutely everything out of the closet. Then, piece-by-piece, divide the clothing into three piles: “Must Keep,” “Not Sure” and “Definitely Out.” Immediately discard the last pile, even if it means taking a taxi down to the Salvations Army right then and there. Similarly, anything that is ripped, stained or broken must be brought to a tailor or repair shop right away.

The second and rather painful step is to then try on every article in your “Not Sure” pile and stare at yourself in the mirror. “It’s welcome-to-reality time. But it really works, “Lindsay says, adding that people shouldn’t hold onto the expectation that you are suddenly going to lose 20 pounds and look good in a mini again. “Anything that you haven’t worn in two years should not even be in your house.” By the time you’re done, your “Definitely Out” pile will be full again, and “Soon, you’ll be so sick of the process that you’ll just start throwing stuff out.” For Lindsay, going through this process will accomplish more than just clearing ten square feet of space. “Once you’ve figured out what to buy and not buy, a big part of your life will be organized. Everything from getting dresses in the morning, to planning your clothing budget will be easier and more efficient,” she concludes.

Have you ever passed someone on the street and admired her dress sense? Or watched in awe as your friend spends less than ten minutes in one shop selecting a new top when you know it would usually take you all day, scouring many shops only to go back to the first. Annoying isn’t it?

As I sit here writing, I am looking into my wardrobe at its groaning contents – a miss match of hanging ensembles begging to be worn but never making it to the streets of Hong Kong. And the reason for this? There are many – the outfit I bought for that special occasion and spent a fortune on but only wore once. The little tops which are either cut too low or cling too tightly that do not match with anything else in my wardrobe and just hang there like ‘Billy no mates’ and, of course, there is the trusty pair of jeans that I live in which look so worn and tatty, and really need to be replaced when I get round to it. And then there is the work wardrobe that cold just easily be the wedding and funeral kit too. Sound familiar?

We are all fashion victims with an occasional fashion victory. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here is how to improve your all-around look in only one hour, which in the long term will save you thousands of dollars.

I was lucky enough to be invited by Eve Roth Lindsay, owner and creator of Savvy Style Hong Kong’s representative for Colour Me Beautiful. I was attending a Full Colour Analysis consultation, which promised to banish bad shopping days forever and includes a colour analysis and makeup lesson which will educate and assist me with all future colour decisions. Fabulous!

My consultation started with Eve removing all my makeup so she could take a clear look at my skin tone. A special light was used to give a true daylight reflection, which does not distort the colour swatches being used. Eve explained that the colours we may choose everyday often work against us and we end up having to over compensate with makeup to look good whereas other colours seem to lift the complexion and instantly make us look brighter.

The Colour Me Beautiful concept divides us all into one of four colour seasons and once you know your colour season, you know which shades of colours to choose to make you look good. To find my season, Eve and I assessed how the different colours affected my complexion. I always go for browns and oranges but it was clear that these colours drained colour away from my face and made me look quite drawn. After assessing several swatches and finding the right season for my skin tone, I was shown to the makeup counter where Eve started to apply a foundation, which she also matched to my skin tone. I was so relaxed. Eve has a calming aura and I found her instructions for applying makeup simple and straightforward. I was concerned that I might forget all of this new information but Eve gave me a colour file and makeup details at the end of the session. Armed with my colour palate, I headed for the Mall full of confidence that I too will now be able to choose the perfect top in just 10 minutes. 

New You Resolutions

January: The guilt month that will have you turning over new leaves faster than a tai-tai en route to a Joyce sale. If refreshing your image rates among your many New Year pledges, then read on.

“This is a great time of year to get your life organized,” says Eve Roth Lindsay, of Savvy Style, a company that specializes in image consultancy for individuals and corporations.

“People wake up after the New Year and scream, ‘Aargh! I have to pull myself together.” Lindsay says the best place to start is with the wardrobe, and sort the good from the bad and the ugly.

“It’s important to know how to dress to suit your body type. People in Hong Kong have too many clothes and too much make-up,” she says. “But what they don’t have is a lot of time. That’s where I come in. I can read a wardrobe and advise people on what looks good, what doesn’t and how to simplify your getting ready routine.”

The company also has it own Colour Me Beautiful range of make-up. Lindsay can advise on the best colours to wear make-up and clothing and how best to wear them. For more information on Savvy Style, visit www.savvystyle.com.

New year tips and tricks Make me up: Updating your cosmetics routine can simplify your life, help you stay organized and enable you to make better beauty choices, says Lindsay.

“Bring your make-up bag in and I’ll rummage through it, find out what can stay and what must go, and will do your colours so you get to see what colours suit your skin tone.”

It’s also a good idea to throw out old stock that’s been clogging up your bathroom cabinet or handbag. Bobbi Brown has some rule-of-thumb life-span advice for products after they have been opened: lipsticks (one-two years), mascara (three-four months), powder (two years), sponges (wash weekly, discard monthly).

Help: Laura Mercier’s super light loose powder – Secret Brightening Powder ($190) is made of micronized pigment and creates a smooth, natural finish. Available from Laura Mercier counters.

Help: Clinique’s new High Impact Mascara ($145) adds dramatic volume and length to lashes and is allergy-tested. Check out the limited-edition Sapphire and Plum Drama colours for a change. Available from Clinique counters. 

Top Tips for Women with Hips

Watch proportions
Fuller-figured women should always keep proportion in mind when choosing their wardrobes. Look for styles that play up your best features, and choose clothes that are fluid and shaped so that you'll be able to accentuate your curves.

Only choose trends that work
Steer clear of trends that don't suit your figure - if it doesn't look good, opt for something more classic and flattering. 'This spring is all about the feminine figure, so women with a fuller figure are in luck,' says Eve Roth Lindsay, an image consultant and owner of colour me beautiful HK. 'Although the trends this season include frills, ruffles and huge florals; these are all looks that plus-size women should avoid.'

She also suggests avoiding this season's nautical trend and horizontal stripes. Skinny scarves are nice tied around the neck, because they create a long, vertical line.

Show some skin
The worst thing a woman can do is cover up too much, which often looks unflattering. Open V-necks flatter most shapes and add some sexiness. A-line skirts are more flattering. They show a bit of leg and skim the hips. Cropped pants are also good as long as they end mid-calf.

Other things to avoid
'Avoid wearing stiff fabrics, and be careful of gathered waistlines or any details on your bust, middle and hips,' says Lindsay. 'Avoid pockets on areas where you'd rather not bring attention.'Wearing deeper colours will create a slimmer line, while lighter or brighter colours can be used to bring attention to the areas you'd like to highlight.'

ANYONE WHO IS more than a UK size 10 knows what a struggle it can be to find stylish clothes in Hong Kong . Whereas the average size in Britain is a generous 16, many Asian women tend to be a size six or eight, and many stores stock only a limited range of larger sizes.

Despite this, Hong Kong has become more receptive to the needs of fashion-conscious larger women. There was a time when options were limited to stores in Stanley Market, Lee Gardens Road and Granville Road in TST, where overstock and samples from US chains such as GAP and Banana Republic would fit the bill.

Even home-grown chains such as Giordano Ladies are heeding the call of so-called real women. The influx of European and US high street stores such as Mango and Zara (both of which go up to an XL or British size 14/16), and the new Club Monaco (where a large is equivalent to a UK 16) are making shopping easier.

English department store Marks & Spencer has always been reliable for larger sizes. It stocks trousers from UK sizes eight to 20 and various shapes from straight to bootleg, with most other items available up to size 20 and sometimes 22. The younger Limited and Per Una collections have trendier styles from sizes eight to 18.

If you want casual clothes, then K's Wear (Shop 202, 2/F Goldmark, 502 Hennessy Road , Causeway Bay , tel: 2882 3450) is perfect. The small store stocks up to an XXXXXL (which will fit a 44-inch waist and 56-inch bust). Its selection includes standard jeans for less than $200 and corduroy trousers, as well as denim miniskirts and shorts, capris with embellishments and tweed Bermudas - a big trend for spring. Tops are simple and are available in jersey or cotton, plain or with ruffles and other embellishments ($100 to $200). Velvet jackets are also hot sellers. Saleswoman Joan Kwong says new arrivals come in every week.

For stylish and affordable clothes, head to Cloud 9 (1/F, 7 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, tel: 2847 3339). It was set up by former telecoms executive Ilse Kerling, who started designing her own clothes in 2001, to fill a niche in the market for western women.

Its Asian collection consists of hand-embroidered Vietnam-made tops and evening dresses. Standouts include a silk/taffeta jacket with embroidery on the collar and arm ($1,150). The Business collection includes suits with a twist such as fuchsia silk lining and contrast stitching ($1,495). Popular choices for spring include pin-striped vests ($395) and ruffled white shirts ($395). For casual offerings opt for jersey T-shirts ($395) in a range of colours, a black halter with a zip front ($395) or sleeveless, reversible, V-neck tops ($395).

Sizes go up to an XXL (British size 18). Kerling says any style can be made to measure at no extra charge and takes three to four weeks. Alterations are free also.

Those looking for high-end designer fashion should check out Italian brand Marina Rinaldi (Shop 20A, Pacific House, 20-20B Queen's Road Central, tel: 2522 0292), which is part of the MaxMara group. The label is known for its full range of sizes. Clothes are cut larger than other brands, so if you wear a British size 18, you should fit clothes labelled 'large'. The selection is varied, with five collections to pick from: Daywear (for coats, suits and jackets), Elegante (formal and occasion wear), Sport, Tricot and Basic. For spring/summer, women can choose from styles such as floral pattern silk tops and dresses, poplin blouses, jacquard suits, patterned and plain skirts ($2,000 to $4,500), dresses in cotton or linen ($4,000 to $8,000) and cotton and suede jackets ($2,200 to $15,000). colours range from whites and neutrals to golds and fuschia.

Another option for business wear is Zeno Fashions (1/F, Block B, Man Cheung Building , 15-17 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2868 4850), which carries a range of well-known US designers up to a US size 18 (see below for conversion). Here you'll find trouser suits ($1,100 to $2,500), as well as skirts, shirts and jackets. New stock arrives every two weeks.

Evelyn B and Evelyn B Annex have been around for more than 10 years. Evelyn B Annex (7/F Grand Progress Building, 15-16 Lan Kwai Fong, tel: 2523 9506) stocks a mixture of casual and smart wear from German brand Bianca (up to a European 46) and Due Per Due. Stock ranges from jeans ($990) to T-shirts ($399 to $499), jacquard trousers, suits ($2,500), simple shift dresses and evening tops. Great finds on a recent trip included a blue satin evening top ($349) and faux fur jackets ($1,900).

Evening and occasion wear is available upstairs at Evelyn B (8/F Grand Progress Building, 15-16 Lan Kwai Fong, tel: 2523 4396). Sizes go up to a US 18 and brands include Tadashi, Jones NY , David Meister and Gilar. Styles range from conservative dress and jacket combos to a sexy chiffon and satin halter dress by Gilar ($2,499) or a Grecian style red dress by Tadashi in a US size 16 ($1,899).

Eveningwear can also be found at Sparkle (6/F Pedder Building, Central, tel: 2524 2992), which carries dresses up to US size 16 on average, although some styles go to US size 22. For five years the store has been providing expats with eveningwear, including longer lengths for taller women. Beaded tops go up to an XL (US size 14/16) and range from $1,200 to $1,500. Evening dresses start at $3,000 and skirts range from $1,800 to $2,000. New stock comes in four to six times a year, and brands include JS Collection, Scene, Satnam and its own in-house label.

Are there any make-up classes in Hong Kong in English over the summer? And are there any that specialize in teenage make-up?
Make-up Your Mind, Mid-Levels

The Dictator rules: They have these things called make-up brands that offer, like these amazing services called makeovers. Those mascara-less eyes must be popping. You could head to a department store and try your luck.

Then, of course, there is Savvy Style’s Eve Roth Lindsay, who provides make-up consultations and classes. The price for sessions for teenagers includes a lip gloss and an eyelash curler. Students also take home a personalized “make-up prescription” colour chart and a “make-up steps” application and technique guide 
(tel: 2522 2592, e-mail: [email protected]; www.savvystyle.com). 

Jewellery to Wear to Work

As casual days become a fixture at work, women are able to relax and dress more expressively. But when  it comes to jewellery for the office, the cognoscenti recommend sticking to classic pieces.

"If possible, invest in more precious jewellery and stay away from pieces that appear too flashy," says Bridget King, jewellery designer and founder of label Brigetta. "If you're not sure if it's appropriate  for work, then it's probably not."

Rebecca Ip, managing director   at Tiffany & Co in Hong Kong and Macau, says timeless, versatile designs work well. "It's important that jewellery can go from day to night," she says.

As a starting point, King suggests classic diamond studs. If you're on  a budget, simple pearl earrings may be the answer. White is timeless, but black studs are more unusual and can also be worn in the evening.  For the neck, she suggests avoiding pieces that are too chunky or bold.  A thin chain with design details or a pendant works well with a button-down shirt or suit jacket.

Tiffany & Co's Diamonds by  the Yard collection by Elsa Peretti features thin gold chains dotted  with small diamonds, and Georg Jensen's Fusion collection includes an unusually shaped pendant on a white gold chain. For sterling silver designs, check out jewellers such as Folli Follie or Links of London.

Eve Roth Lindsay of Savvy Style, Colour Me Beautiful HK says a  nice ring is vital, but should be kept simple. Avoid oversized cocktail rings and go for styles with a single, smaller stone. Semi-precious stones are a stylish alternative to diamonds and are best in neutral tones such  as grey, light yellow and brown, and stones like smoky quartz, citrine and topaz. Tayma Fine jewellery stocks a full range of semi-precious jewellery, and pieces by younger designers such as Citrine by the Stones are available at Lane Crawford.

If rings don't suit, consider  a bracelet such as the Alea by Hermes, which features the brand's signature link design. White and yellow gold always work, and rose gold adds a modern touch.

"Be careful of gold-plated jewellery as it will tarnish,"  says Lindsay. "You're better off buying one good quality item and wearing it every day rather than a tired looking piece."
On casual days women should nevertheless avoid anything that makes too much of a statement.

"Hoop earrings that are slightly larger still give you that pulled-together feel," says King. "Layered necklaces can accent a casual outfit, as can gold or silver cuffs. But don't over-accessorize as it can make you appear less professional."

Lindsay says: "Women should always count to five before they leave the house: one - earrings;  two - necklace; three - watch; and four and five - a ring on each hand."

THERE'S NO DOUBT a new hairstyle can boost your spirits. Compliments from friends flow like champagne and your confidence soars. But what do you do when a trip to the hair salon has the opposite effect?

Most people can recount at least one horror story that has the victim in hiding and avoiding mirrors for at least six weeks. But according to hairstylists, there are simple guidelines that should have you leaving the salon feeling sexy rather than embarrassed. They also have tips on how to keep the style looking good between salon visits.

Eve Lindsay, the Hong Kong-based personal and corporate image consultant and owner of Savvy Style, says knowing your face shape is the most important step in selecting a flattering hairstyle. Even with fabulous clothes and a great figure, you won't look good if your hairstyle doesn't work.

"To find your face shape, pull your hair off your face," Lindsay says. "Imagine you have a point at the top of your face, on your temples, cheekbones, jaw and chin." What shape do these points create? "Oval faces are the most versatile shape and give you many hairstyle options," she says. Any style will suit this shape, including wearing your hair completely swept off your face.

If you have a square face you have a wide forehead with your cheekbones in line with your jaw. "It's a good idea to create balance by adding width to the upper part of your face, and softening the angles with curls or layers." Lindsay recommends avoiding straight bobs that end at your chin, and heavy, straight fringes.

A rectangular face is long and narrow with a square chin. Those with a rectangular face should avoid long, straight styles with a center parting, as these make the face look longer.

"You need to give the illusion of widening and shortening the face, while softening the jaw line," Lindsay says. "A layered style will give the impression that your face is rounder and fuller. A softly layered crown is good, as is some fullness around the ear area, and a fringe will make your face appear shorter."

If your face is triangular or heart shaped, you have a broad forehead and cheekbones that taper down to a small chin. Lindsay says aim to give the illusion of a narrower brow and cheekbones by adding volume at the jaw line. "A one-length bob that finishes just below your earlobe turned in or out is ideal. Pulled-back styles or anything that adds volume to your temples are not for you." If you want a fringe, make it soft, light and feathered.

Softer round faces benefit from angles. Use asymmetric partings and feathered fringes. "A style that's layered and feathered will break up the fullness of the face. Center or side partings are another way to create a length, as is long hair," Lindsay says. Round faces can't take big bubbly perms or a rounded, turned-in bob.

The next step is to take proper care of your tresses, and that means knowing your hair type. You wouldn't use the wrong type of cream on your face, so extend the same respect to your hair.

"Use professional products as they're acid-balanced, and offer you a foundation and support for colours, straighteners, and perms," says Douglas Lillico, artistic director at Philip George Salon in Central.

If your hair has been neglected and over-treated, concentrate on conditioning and reconstructing the hair. "Hair can be rebuilt with the right products," Lillico says. "Never sacrifice condition for a chemical service of any type. It's the condition of your hair that people notice, not the colour or curl."

Curly, unruly hair can be washed less often than straight hair as this keeps the curl bonded and prevents frizz, Lillico says. "The conditioning regimen should involve more moisture than protein, and styling aids should be based around flexible, non-drying products, such as creams or a non-aerosol mousse."

Dry curly hair using a diffuser attachment to avoid frizz and try not to touch the hair after drying as this prevents the curl from falling, Lillico says. Curly hair can be cut less often; it's best to leave enough length to reduce volume and decrease the tightness of the curls. 
When it comes to colour, Lillico recommends dimensional highlights. "Highlights or low lights must be a bit chunkier, otherwise they will get lost," he says.

Straight, limp hair needs to be washed and styled daily to maintain bounce, says Darrin Usher, director of The Hairdressers in Central. "The purpose of long hair is for it to flow and be sexy," he says. "There is nothing sexy about having long rats' tails." Usher says the big no-no's with this hair include wearing it too long and having too many layers. To add some oomph to fine limp hair, go for a rich colour, which will add body and texture, Usher says. "Cutting this type of hair is a bit more like sculpting than cutting," Lillico says. "It needs more attention to detail as straight hair shows every little line."

This hair type benefits most from using very little or no hair products, but if you must, go for a light, non-aerosol mousse or volume spray. 
On and off the catwalk, wavy hair is hot this season but it can take a lot of effort to get this look right. "Wavy hair can be tricky. It's not curly enough to go wild, and not straight enough to leave alone," Usher says.

The answer? Styling. And the first step is to become a whizz with your hairdryer. "Use a dryer that is between 1,500 and 1,800 watts," Usher says. "This gives you enough power to straighten the hair, or add product and leave the hair to dry naturally." 
To straighten hair, use a non-chemical "relaxer" or bounce waves into more of a structure with mousse and blow-dry using a diffuser. 
When it comes to general maintenance, no matter what the hair type, a trim every six to eight weeks is a must, even if you're trying to grow your hair. Spilt ends need to be cut away to avoid splitting higher up the hair strand.

Lastly, to keep your tresses looking healthy and up-to-date, find a stylist you can relate to. A professional stylist will take up to 15 minutes or more to consult with a client, to make sure that you're both in agreement, Lillico says. Describe clearly what type of look you want. "Be firm and never be afraid to leave at this point if you're not comfortable," Lillico says. Hopefully, it won't get to that.

Eddie Chan, artistic director of Essence Beijing, says trust in the stylist is the key. "Once you're in the salon, simply tell the hairdresser which length you prefer," he says. "You should try to let your hairdresser decide and take care of the rest because he or she is the professional and really knows what's best for you."

Practical Glamour

You are going to a resort to relax, but you still want to look and feel your best. Image consultant Eve Roth Lindsay offers some preparation and packing tips for that well-earned getaway.

When planning what to take, start at the beginning: your suitcase. Choose a lightweight case because then you will be able to pack more without it being too heavy. But don’t be tempted to take too much.

“A good way to choose what to bring is to pack around colours. Bring items that can be co-ordinated into different outfits,” Ms. Roth Lindsay says.

Try laying different outfits out on your bed to see how they can be combined or even jot down some notes, and bear in mind that for beach holidays you will probably spend most of your time in your swimsuit.

“Keep it simple and avoid bright or noticeable clothes. Women, though, can bring unusual or dramatic accessories, such as chunky necklaces, bright bags, floppy hats or colourful pashminas because they are small.”

Loose clothing in natural fabrics is best for traveling, especially in hot climates. The exception to this rule is the hi-tech fabrics that are now on the market in sports and camping shops by brands such as Adidas. Advances in design mean these aren’t bulky or unattractive items – even top designers such as Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren are now using specially woven hi-tech fibers.

There are also non-creasing, light but warm synthetic fabrics available for trips to colder countries, or for nippy evenings. It is easy to forget a long-sleeved top for evenings, says Ms. Roth Lindsay, but even during summer a fresh coastal breeze might leave you wishing you had a warmer layer.

Only take comfortable clothes with you – if you don’t wear them at home, you won’t wear them on holiday. For summer destinations, pack your flip-flops, and a pair of slip-ons for men and espadrilles or sling backs for women so that your feet can breathe. For men, casual cotton-twill trousers or khaki pants are suitable for many occasions, while madras shorts are hip and comfortable for day wear. Men tend to under pack, so they should remember to take something to wear for dinner.

Sunglasses are an important accessory for all holidays, says Ms. Roth Lindsay, and don’t forget to take a hat.

In the swim
Women’s apparel brand La Perla is well-known for its lingerie but also has swimwear. A range of glamorous bikinis is available at the La Perla Boutique, Pacific Place. Central boutiques Sabina Swims, which specializes in swimsuits designed to suit different body shapes, and Ozzie Cozzie Co both also have swim and resort clothing year around.