(Click on links to view images)
String-Along
Beading could surpass knitting as the hobby-of-the-moment – and it’s a lot easier to pick up. All you’ll need to start is a “Notions” kit from French General, available in two sizes and six different colors. The small kit ($30) has ten notions and will make up to eight necklaces; the large ($45) has sixteen and will make twice as many.
FRENCH GENERAL
35 Crosby Street
212-343-7474
Go for Baroque
Designer Justin Giunta’s intention with his new lamp was to blur the distinction between art and design, old and modern. And he’s done just that. The base is made of industrial plastic, but it’s carefully accessorized with old chandelier crystals that Giunta has found in his travels. The result is a refreshing move away from the superminimal styles of late ($300; $200 for sconce).
AUTO
805 Washington Street
212-229-2292
Puppy Love
Yoshitomo Nara’s famous sculpture “Dog From Your Childhood” has been re-interpreted by the Japanese artist for Bozart Toys. The resulting “Puppy Bookends” feature the same dog, now made of porcelain, nestled in his doghouse ($40).
NEW MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
583 Broadway, near Prince Street
212-219-1222
ALPHABETS
2284 Broadway, near 82nd Street
212-579-5702
115 Avenue A
212-475-7250
47 Greenwich Avenue
212-229-2966
Runway Stars
The latest designer to get in on the sneaker game is John Varvatos, whose limited-edition series of two Converse classics just hit stores. The Varvatos-ized Chuck Taylor All Stars and Jack Purcells are available in two cottons, distressed leather, and felt, and should be on every guy’s must-have list for fall. Prices range from $95 to $125.
JOHN VARVATOS
149 Mercer Street
212-965-0700
Spice Things Up
Big on flavor but short on space? Soho Spices magnetic shakers are just the ticket. Buy them empty and fill them with spices or anything else, then stick them on any steel surface. No surface? No problem. Panels are available in three sizes. Five-pack “speed rack,” shown, is $44, with stainless-steel rack.
AMALGAMATED HOME
19 Christopher Street
212-691-8695
www.sohospices.com
Mr. Mom
Dads often bemoan the diaper-bag dilemma: They want to help but don’t want to carry a girly bag. Tumi to the rescue! Its new diaper bag looks like a messenger bag (black nylon with leather trim) but has all the standard features: interior mesh pockets and zippered compartments; a snap-out wet-dry pouch; and spaces for a bottle, a cell phone, credit cards, and pens. A changing pad fits into a back zippered panel ($325).
TUMI
107 East 42nd Street
212-973-0015
520 Madison Avenue, near 54th Street
212-813-0545
53 West 49th Street
212-245-7460
www.tumi.com