The Best Bet
At first, leather may seem an unlikely floor material, no match for melting, salty snow or stabbing stilettos. But these hand-dyed, hand-stamped tiles are rubbed with wax and are more durable than might be expected—plus, they’re a lot warmer on bare feet than frigid tile. And the more you wear and tear them, the more they develop a satiny patina, especially if you wipe them regularly with cleaner (see next). Ann Sacks Cowden Bell tiles start at $62.33 per square foot (204 E. 58th St., nr. Third Ave.; 212-588-1920; and 37 E. 18th St., nr. Broadway; 212-529-2800).
To Buff and Protect
Leather floors need to be waxed only once a year, but for daily maintenance, Method’s new wipes are quick and easy ($3.99 for 24 wipes, at Target, 139 Flatbush Ave., at Atlantic Ave., Downtown Brooklyn; 718-290-1109).
Fall Colors for the Wrist
In keeping with fashion’s current love of all things crafty, these mid-century matte cloisonné enamel bracelets are artisanal but still sophisticated; they’re also hinged, for easier slip-on and off ($375 to $1,750 at Kentshire at Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Ave., at 57th St.; 212-872-8653).
The New Power Desk
Forget about mahogany or glass: This spare, functional sixties Albrizzi design can be any color you think makes the best impression ($5,200, to order, at Liz O’Brien, 800A Fifth Ave., at 61st St.; 212-755-3800).
An Essential Tool for Boot Wearers
To slide painlessly into knee-high boots, you’ll need a little help. Hermès makes an extra-long poplar shoehorn for this very purpose ($100; 691 Madison Ave., at 62nd St.; 212-751-3181).
Now It Takes Dictation Too
Griffin’s iTalk turns almost any iPod into a digital recorder that picks up music or lectures from as far as 100 feet ($39 at Tekserve, 119 W. 23rd St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-929-3645).