Best BetsAn industrial-strength ice crusher. Plus, bourbon from a Revolutionary War-era distillery, and more.
White HotPosted April 28, 2006You know you need a white bag for summer, and you know you want one that doesn’t cost a fortune because, let’s face it, tha […]
Keyed InPosted April 26, 2006I believe it is a problem when someone’s keychain is bigger than their keys. Thankfully, designer Deborah Stein (who heads […]
On the FlyPosted April 25, 2006While many New Yorkers’ version of fishing is a stop at Citarella on the way home, there is an increasingly large group tha […]
Remake, Remodel, RecycleCreate ecofriendly design out of scraps of wood
or old water bottles. Turn foam into a chair, or plastic gumball-machine prizes into a light f […]
Classic CraftNot every designer in Brooklyn is conceptual. The borough is also home to woodworkers,
glassblowers, and potters, making objects that don’t ne […]
Trash LuxeTake a lowly item. It could be cultural (hunting
stuff) or just broken (old furniture).
Add expensive materials—gold, leather—and
a dash of […]
The Best BetWhen Dumbo developer David Walentas boasts that the apartment he’s creating at the pinnacle of the 1915 ClockTower building is going to be “one […]
Support SystemPosted April 21, 2006I was recently in Houston, visiting my friend Gail, taking a roadtrip and doing all those things I never do in New York—lik […]
Beauty BiblePosted April 18, 2006I cannot resist a book written by a fellow editor, especially when it’s someone who, like Jean Godfrey-June, is a legend in […]
Best BetsA pearl-and-diamond necklace from a Hollywood glamour expert. Plus, resolutely utilitarian boots, an all-weather carryall, and more. . .
Different from All OthersPosted April 11, 2006For those sick of resorting to the white faux-silk yarmulkes for high or other Jewish holidays (like this week’s Passover), […]
Best BetsTax Day made easier. Plus, a smoky chandelier, real Gothic furniture, and more…
Business and PleasurePosted April 5, 2006Just in time before I head to Orlando for a trade show, my spring Lilla P order came in. Dressing for very warm weather is h […]
Screen SaverPosted April 4, 2006Almost every item in my home does double duty. (My bed has built-in storage, for example.) That’s why I was drawn to this sc […]
Small ChangeBecause a New York-standard hobo can look awkward in other climates, always pack a small clutch when traveling.
Sole DecisionPosted March 31, 2006While I am very over flip-flops, I realize I am in the minority. American Eagle realizes that, too, and has introduced a cu […]
Best BetsAn 1,800-pound marble bathtub by Kondylis Design. Plus, an affordable Riesling, a stylishly safe bike…
Wrap StarFor those who love hearts and love the idea of an accessory that does a million things, this is for you.
Best BetsAn Ian Hundley quilt. Plus, April Fools’ Day, French style, a groovy shoe, and more…
Spies Like UsPosted March 13, 2006If your friends, like mine, get competitive over who has the smallest cell phone or digital camera, the information I am ab […]
Charitable OptionsPosted March 7, 2006As tax deadlines loom we all wonder what we could’ve done to owe less. How about donations to charity? Ok, how about shoppin […]
Best BetsThomas Keller does casual. Plus, the ultimate
window cleaner, carpets that look like corduroy and feel like silk…
Branching OutPosted March 1, 2006Walking the gift show, which happens twice a year at the Javits Center, is a love-hate experience. You hate how much your ba […]
Here’s the SkinnyPosted February 28, 2006I’ve been on the hunt for a good, skinny jean that will be on-trend without making me look fat, feel like mutton dressed […]
Getaway VehiclePosted February 24, 2006I don’t know about you, but I am dying for a beach getaway right around now. My friends own Hotel Básico in Playa del Ca […]
Best BetsA trench that’s truly a work of art. Plus, a wrist-friendly hairbrush, a stacked ring, furniture with forties glam…
It’s in the BagPosted February 15, 2006I’m still loving this sale season, which is extended even longer on Websites than in stores! Here’s my latest find—a wea […]
Eating In86 Recipes will not only give you the
satisfaction of making a restaurant recipe, it also will take up almost
zero room on your shelf.
Best BetsLimited-edition prints from
an overlooked artist. Plus, unbreakable eyeglass frames, a rug for indoors and out, home fragrance that actually […]
Have a HeartPosted February 10, 2006We at Best Bets aren’t against items created for charity, but 1) a substantial portion of the money should be donated to […]
Petal PowerPosted February 7, 2006Sandra de Ovando is, hands-down, my favorite floral designer. We see a lot of flower arrangements in this office, and the […]
Best BetsPink lipstick for grown-ups. Plus, a classy Valentine’s Day gift, a real man’s man bag, and more…
Go for the GoldPosted February 1, 2006This time of year I scour Websites looking for deals on designer shoes. Sadly, there don’t seem to be many real bargains […]
Best BetsEarly-blooming flowers for reducing winter drabness, a humidifier for those with dry skin and a keen sense of style, and more.
Best BetsAn efficiently awesome DVD projector, colorful highball glasses, and more…
Best BetsHand cream that battles skin-abusing winter weather. Plus, a grown-up platform shoe, a scent for between seasons, a reason to relive the eightie […]
Weather GirlPosted January 26, 2006Last year we ran (and I bought) these ULU boots. They’re waterproof, they’re fairly stylish and they are super warm. Peop […]
LipstuckPosted January 25, 2006This Vincent Longo Lipstain lipstick was in the giveaway bag at the Gen Art fashion show back in September. I hung on to […]
Best Foot ForwardPosted January 24, 2006A few weeks ago we had a Best Bets event at the Lacoste store on Madison Avenue. I thought I was pretty familiar with the […]
Head CasePosted January 23, 2006If badly written chick lit pisses you off, but you need a not-hard-to-read, interesting book for a long airplane ride or […]
A New LeafPosted January 19, 2006While I find it impossible to give up a good espresso, I have recently become more of a tea person. And, of course, I’m a […]
Sole MatesPosted January 20, 2006The new Anthropologie catalog just came, and I have to tell you the shoes rock. I know, Anthropologie tends to be on the […]
Play NicePosted January 10, 2006I saw a play over the weekend that I wouldn’t mind paying to see several more times. The Little Dog Laughed, directed by […]
Best BetsA fedora fit for Jack Abramoff. Plus, illumination with a pedigree, Bottega Veneta for baby, tea service you won’t see everywhere, and more…
Market ResearchPosted January 6, 2006The demise of the 26th Street and other area flea markets is truly depressing. After all, most home furnishings sold at re […]
Love’s What I GotPosted January 4, 2006I’m not a sentimental person normally, but this book came in, and all of a sudden I was a kid in the seventies. I used to […]
Oh, Go Ahead, BragPosted December 22, 2005I recently had lunch with yet another friend of mine who has a very cute kid but no pictures of him to prove it. Now, I […]
Reach New HeightsThese wedge loafers give you fabulous height without the achy awful drama that usually accompanies it.
