Best Bets, Week of November 11, 2002

Is your mischievous matchmaker friend a new mom? Surprise her with some of the most hilarious baby clothes we’ve seen. Haute Stuff’s onesies feature baby-style personals like “Little girl seeking slightly older little boy. Must have hair. Need to share love of strained carrots.” In sizes for 3 and 6 months and in five colors ($32).
Just For Tykes
83 Mercer Street
212-274-9121




Add a little zip to your morning Earl Grey with this sassy new “cocca laya” set from Japan-based Bukka Plan Products. The retro-chic pattern comes in your choice of green and black or orange and black. The teapot fits right on top of the cup (tea set, $28; plate, $18).
Felissimo Design House
10 West 56th Street
212-247-5656




Getting a valid New York City cab medallion is no easy task. Instead, indulge your taxi fetish with a recycled one that’s been made into a little clock ($29.95; one AA battery is required).
A Perfect Setting
140 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn
718-222-1868




Chocolatier Jacques Torres, former pastry chef at Le Cirque, opened his own chocolate factory two years ago. His hot-chocolate mixes (“classic” and a spicier version, “wicked”) are made with real chunks of chocolate. Just add hot milk for the richest hot-chocolate treat around ($40).
Jacques Torres Chocolate
66 Water Street, Brooklyn
718-875-9772
www.mrchocolate.com




Jewelry doesn’t have to sparkle to be festive. Alexis Bittar’s feather-shaped Lucite cuffs are a funky, clunky alternative to traditional holiday baubles. They come in three solid colors (red, sand, and black) and are sized for fairly small wrists ($80).
Saks Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Avenue, at 49th Street
212-705-2000
The MoMA Design Store
44 West 53rd Street
212-767-1050
81 Spring Street
646-613-1367>




Vitra’s much-talked-about U.S. flagship opens this week. Fans of the German company’s chic modern designs can now snap up everything from its famous miniature chairs to life-size versions from designers like Verner Panton and Jean Prouve (whose iconic Antony chair is shown here, $660). Office furniture, books, and accessories, too.
Vitra
29 Ninth Avenue
212-929-6334




Best Bets, Week of November 11, 2002