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November 30, 2005

Key to Ferragamo

Problem: Awkwardly fumbling to remove your ginormous car key while the valet and the guy behind you in the Bentley impatiently stare you down. Solution: Ferragamo’s classic valet key ring from the sleek Rugby collection. The black boarskin-leather loop is easy to grab and locate in deep pockets, while the key ring is detachable for a quick and smooth valet transaction. $95, neimanmarcus.com

November 30, 2005 at 04:37 PM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ben Sherman's New Brew

It’s like your favorite Ben Sherman threads, but way better. The fashion mainstay has introduced a complete collection for its premium line, Special Brew, including dress shirts, wool coats, trousers, cashmere sweaters and even more denim (the range started with one high-end jean made from Japanese denim about a year ago). Expect prices to reflect the line's superior tailoring, luxe fabrics and signature detailing; even so, nothing exceeds $349 and most items fall between $100-$200. bensherman.com

November 30, 2005 at 12:05 AM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

'Shure'-Fire Audio for Gamers

As if you weren’t totally immersed in your PlayStation Portable already. The audio geniuses at Shure want to improve your overall audio-visual experience with the sound-isolating E4g gaming-edition earphones for portable devices. The high definition drivers with Tuned Port technology make for impressive audio range, so gamers can ignore friends and loved ones with even more ease. An added bonus: These earphones are also compatible with the iPod Nano. $299, amazon.com

November 30, 2005 at 12:03 AM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

Live the 'Jazzlife'

Prefer to spend an evening with Monk and Coltrane instead of Manning and the Colts? Then “Jazzlife” will be a must-have on your holiday list. Taschen is reissuing the 1962 release of legendary jazz photographer William Claxton’s book (a collaboration with German musicologist Joachim Berendt) with never-before-seen images and a CD of digitally remastered recordings from the duo's musical romp through the States. Note to New York cool cats: Claxton will be at Strand Bookstore on Dec. 13 to chat about and sign the collectible tome. $200, taschen.com

November 30, 2005 at 12:01 AM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 29, 2005

Vintage Trike for Tykes

The fact that your fave preschooler has figured out how to operate three remotes in order to play that "Dora the Explorer" DVD is astonishing … but also a little scary. Promote good old-fashioned outdoor activity with a vintage trike from Airflow Collectibles. It's an exact duplicate of the original 1936 Sky King model, painted in powder blue with an adjustable seat and light reflectors. Production takes a week or two, so order soon before you’re off to see the nieces and nephews again. $250, vivre.com

November 29, 2005 at 11:01 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Marc Markdowns and Stella Steals (L.A. and NYC)

Yes, you vowed to not shop for yourself until after the holidays. But that was before you found out that Marc and Stella are having such terrific winter sales. Save up to 40% off Marc Jacobs Collection fall apparel and shoes at the Mercer Street and Melrose Place boutiques until everything runs out. Ditto at Stella McCartney's West 14th Street and Beverly Boulevard shops, but with savings lowered to 60% in January for anything leftover.

November 29, 2005 at 12:05 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bushels of Apple Stores (L.A.)

Next up for Apple: world domination. Apple Store customers who frequent way-too-busy outpost at The Grove will be happy to hear that the design-and-tech experts have opened up shop down the street at the Beverly Center on the first floor next to Macy's. Meanwhile, Valley denizens can head to Sherman Oaks' Westfield Fashion Square to the second floor by Bloomie's for yet another new shop. Both stores feature the Studio and Genius bars for workshops and tech help.

November 29, 2005 at 12:03 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 28, 2005

Oh-So-Sweet Slippers

Forget whether Gabrielle lost her baby. You want to know what the "Desperate Housewives" are wearing. One wardrobe highlight will come in an upcoming episode, when Marcia Cross puts on a pair of flirty slippers from Aussie shoe line My Feet So Sweet. Since launching in 2004, the brand has also made fans out of Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett. The indoor-outdoor slippers will be available stateside this spring, or you can order them now online. $75 (includes international shipping), myfeetsosweet.com

November 28, 2005 at 03:23 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Coach Accessorizes Baby

OK, so baby probably doesn't care if her booties are emblazoned with Coach's signature "C," but mom and dad sure think they're cute. Take your pick from Coach's new line dedicated to the crawling set, including cashmere mittens and blankies, leather photo albums and enamel frames, and bitty teddy bears perfect for cuddling. And who can resist the baby bag, replete with a changing pad and plenty of pockets for bottles, toys and little bags of Cheerios? $28-$398, coach.com

November 28, 2005 at 12:05 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

Suzanne Felsen Decks Melrose (L.A.)

Jewelry designer extraordinaire Suzanne Felsen has just joined the parade of cool designers setting up shop on/near Melrose Place. Her second boutique (following the first in Bergamot Station) is now open, located just east of Marc, Marni, DVF and Temperley. The new space will carry Felsen's full array of tasteful creations for guys and gals, many with unique stones like Peruvian opals, mandarin garnets and rainbow moonstone. 8332 Melrose Ave., (323) 653-6400

November 28, 2005 at 12:03 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)