Best Bets

Photo: Mitchell Feinberg

The Best Bet
Current as they may look in a season full of python, alligator, and lizard, these pendants and this evening bag are actually vintage; specifically, they’re Maximilia by Maxine Renée Clement. The designer, discovered by legendary fashion editor Carrie Donovan in the sixties, made accessories of all shapes and sizes in intricate patchwork and bold colors, combining a variety of skins and crazy zigzag stitching. Clement still produces occasionally from her Williamsburg studio, but the Golden Calf has an extensive, immaculate back stock ready to go. Prices range from $35 for a bracelet to $2,000 for an envelope bag (86 N. 6th St., at Wythe Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-302-8800).

Photo: Davies + Starr

An Acoustic That Blows the Amps
Taylor’s new T5-C1 electric guitar is built to sound acoustic, which will bother purists who prefer to mike their six strings for the best sound, but its versatility and mellow sound make it a generalist’s favorite ($3,500 at Rudy’s Music Stop, 169 W. 48th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-391-1699).









Photo: Davies + Starr

Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts
The navy cashmere lining of Loro Piana’s water- and windproof cotton Downtown coat doubles as a surprisingly stylish sweater-soft blazer, with hand-carved horn buttons ($4,300; 821 Madison Ave., nr. 68th St.; 212-980-7961).









Photo: Davies + Starr

For a Flawless Wall
Store a few ounces of paint in one of Rubbermaid’s airtight Paint Buddy bottles; unsightly scuffs and scrapes disappear with one quick roll of the roller-sponge applicator ($10 at Home Depot, 40 W. 23rd St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-929-9571).









Photo: Davies + Starr

The Fully Customizable Shoulder Bag
The interior of Alexandra Knight’s made-to-order Cinda bag can be designed to accommodate any combination of gadgets. The exterior (alligator or ostrich) is available in more than 80 colors. (As shown, $9,150; in ostrich, $6,100; 917-882-4256.)









Photo: Davies + Starr

One-Step Skin Care That’s Portable
Single-dose packaging makes it easy to follow Chanel’s new three-week Micro Solutions Refining Peel Program($250 at Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave., at 50th St.; 212-753-4000).









Best Bets