A Shoe In
Missoni’s sexy beaded sandals are the perfect showcase for a suntan (also available in black; $510).

Missoni
1009 Madison Ave., at 78th St., 212-517-9339

What a Relief
Fun, vintage-inspired Banana Leaf chenille bedding by Joy & Jake includes throw pillows ($39.99), shower curtains ($100), and coverlets ($150–$199).

Bloomingdale's
1000 Third Ave., at 59th St., 212-705-2000
For more information, visit www.joyandjake.com

Word Play
Papivore’s clever new stationery puts a fresh spin on overused words. Choose from whatever, um, like, really, and actually. Cards are blank inside ($5 each).

Papivore
233 Elizabeth St., near Prince St., 212-627-6055

Wrap Star
This cool Indian-cotton sleeveless wrap top has subtle but beautiful detailing along the hem and down the back ($200).

Kinnu
43 Spring St., 212-334-4775

Fish for Compliments
Ceramic animal figurines from Jonathan Adler are Generation X’s answer to Grandma’s Lladró. Choose from a fish, owl, peacock, horse, and hippo. Prices range from $65 for the fish to $385 for the horse.

Jonathan Adler
465 Broome St., at Greene St., 212-941-8950

Clear the Table
Calvin Klein’s brand-new Buffetware collection consists of fourteen minimalist-chic earthenware pieces, priced from $15 for a mug to $100 for a covered casserole.

Calvin Klein
654 Madison Ave., at 60th St. 212-292-9000

Neat Accessory
This tiny broom-and-dustpan set from Oxo International is about the size of a clutch and comes in white or silver ($7.99).

Bed, Bath and Beyond
410 E. 61st St., at First Ave., 646-215-4702
620 Sixth Ave., at 18th St., 212-255-3550
Buy it online at www.oxo.com.

A Step in the Right Direction
Restoration Hardware has rediscovered a fifties favorite: the chair with built-in step stool, perfect for New Yorkers who need a little boost ($49; restorationhardware.com).

Restoration Hardware
935 Broadway, at 22nd St., 212-260-9479
Buy it online at www.restorationhardware.com.

Make Short Work
What better for warm-weather casual Fridays than a guayabera-style shirt? ($34.50).

American Eagle
89 South St., near Water St. 212-571-5354
For more information, visit www.ae.com.

Wake Up Call
Sony’s boxy little Dream Machine has been redesigned with groovy new curves and a CD player ($50).

Sony Style
550 Madison Ave., near 56th St., 212-833-5336
Buy it online at www.sonystyle.com.

Cash and Carry
These cool banded wallets by Bally are a sharp unisex way to keep cash and cards in control. Choose from large ($175) and small ($140).

Bally
628 Madison Ave., at 59th St., 212-751-9082

Photos by Joe Scafuro.

Related:

• Archive: “Best Bets”
• Articles by Rima Suqi
• Table of Contents: May 5, 2003 issue of New York | Subscribe!