The Future Boston Alliance, that group that caused such a hubbub earlier this year Is presenting a weekly series celebrating art and culture in Boston at the Emerald Lounge at the Revere Hotel. On Oct, 10, you can honor the legacy of sneaker design in American culture at a show curated by YES.OUI.SI. You can see a privately owned collection of Air Jordan shoes and other collectables from Michael Jordan’s career, along with original artistic work riffing on Jordan’s legacy. The exhibition starts at 7 p.m., admission is free.

AP Photo/Target

The official logo for the Target and Neiman Marcus collaboration.

So happy to share this secret! RT @neimanmarcus: @TargetStyleIt's such a relief to talk about this!#Holiday24tgt.bz/6017TBff

— Target Style (@TargetStyle) July 10, 2012

The full list of collaborators is somewhat jaw dropping, with major-league designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, and Marc Jacobs leading the pack of a lengthy list of fashion fan favorites, including Band of Outsiders, Altuzzarra, Marchesa, Prabal Gurung, Tory Burch, and Rag & Bone. Proenza Schouler, Jason Wu, and Rodarte will also return for their second collaboration for the big box retailer.

According to a release from Target, the two stores will also donate $1 million to the CFDA to celebrate the partnership and provide support to the continuing effort to foster fashion designers in America.

The collection will arrive in Target and Neiman Marcus store locations and online beginning Dec. 1. Let's just hope their Internet servers are ready this time.

Thoughts on the collection and collaboration? Anyone missing from the designer list that you wish was on there? (Olivier Theyskens, Jessie Randall, Phillip Lim, and Kate Spade's Deborah Lloyd for me) Any ideas on what the mystery $499.99 item could be?

Jack Spade's Newbury location (129 Newbury St.) will team up with Kyle Rancourt (left) of Maine-based heritage footwear brand Rancourt & Co. to host a DIY shindig for dudes (or aspiring Rancourt-ees) tomorrow (June 14) evening. Guests will have the opportunity to design a made-to-order pair of boat mocs with the assistance of the leather maestros will noshing on pistachios and beer.

The event runs from 5-8 p.m. and all attendees will receive 20 percent off summer apparel. RSVP at newburyst@jackspade.com.

[image courtesy of Jack Spade]

When writing this post we were first concerned that the term "mandles" might confuse readers into thinking Yankee Candle entered into the men's summer footwear category. Alas they are not -- they've released a collection of limited edition home fragrances branded as Man Candles with soon-to-be classic scents like:

Riding Mower: "Hot sun. Cool breeze. And the intensely summery scent of freshly cut grass."

2 x 4: "The warm, unmistakable scent of freshly planed wood and sawdust evokes a sense of confidence and quality."

And who could forget?:

First Down: "This combination of orange, patchouli, vetiver, and leather is as exciting as game day."

According to the press release, these "down-to-earth fragrances" can add an "attractive scent" to the "garage, man cave, or an entire bachelor pad." Hooray!

We're still questioning whether the collection is actually meant to be a gag gift for dad with the fast approaching Father's Day on the horizon but who could blame us when CollegeHumor put out this video for "the man in your life who already mans everything" in 2008:

Ah, if only the folks at Yankee took note of the undervalued scent of Hardware Store... mmm ....

The Man Candles collection is available at Yankee Candle store locations starting at $2.99 for a car jar size.

Target announced its latest boutique collection on May 10, and that boutique-within-the bullseye will be created by none other than Boston's Patch NYC. The duo behind Patch -- John Ross and Don Carney -- will design a 50-piece collection featuring bedding, decorative pillows, lamps, glassware, serving bowls, and coasters. Prices will range from $4.99 to $119.99. The collection debuts Sept. 9.
This is not the first time Patch has designed for a national retailer. They created vintage-inspired mugs and platters for West Elm and Anthropologie. Carney and Ross started Patch NYC in New York before relocating to Cambridge. If you can't wait for the Target collection, you can visit their newly expanded store on 46 Waltham Street in the South End.
For more on Patch, you can read my 2007 article on the duo, or peruse a slide show of their home.

The Pantone Color Institute has determined that you will have a spicy orange crush in 2012. The institute, which studies color trends in fashion and determines a dominate shade for the forthcoming year, announced today that a color called Tangerine Tango will brighten the mood for next year. "Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it," Pantone executive director Leatrice Eiseman said in a statement announcing the decision.
Tangerine Tango is as sunny as the 2011 color of the year, Honeysuckle. Last year's color was chosen to lift spirits, and it seems that 2012's punchy citrus shade was picked for much the same reason.
"Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy," Eiseman said.

Nicole Cammorata | Boston.com Staff

I love an outdoor wedding just as much as the next gal, but hate how standing around on grass wrecks my high heels. Lucky for me (and you), so do the folks over at SoleMates. Though they've been around since 2008, I'm just learning about them now, so forgive me if this is old news. The Connecticut-based company makes plastic caps that fit perfectly over most stiletto shoes, reinforcing the spikes so you don’t sink into the mud as the bride and groom say “I do.” But do they work?

(True story: I was at a wedding last year at a beautiful country club, where the ceremony was out on the lawn overlooking the water. The poor bridesmaids kept sinking into the grass, all the way up to their arches.)

For the city-bound fashionistas, these would be great for hoofing it over the cobblestone or brick sidewalks in Beacon Hill and the South End.

There are three different sizing options, available in clear, silver, gold, and black, and sell for $9.95 a pair on the company's website. Not too shabby when you think about how much it would cost to get your heels repaired at the cobbler.

Has anyone out there used these? Too good to be true? Works like a charm? Leave us your feedback using the comments section below.

Photo credit: Trillum Sellers

Trust me, I was skeptical too. A rock of shampoo, eh? Sounds about as effective as a steel wool pad as conditioner. But after trying it multiple times at an adult sleep over -- don't judge -- I slowly became convinced. The stone of shampoo seems to last forever (if you keep it in a dry place after use), and it comes in a variety of scents. I recently picked up cinnamon and clove. But most importantly, it's pretty damn effective. The shampoo itself lathers nicely (sorry to sound like a Prell commercial... wait, do they still make that?) and at about $10 a rock, it's a better deal than it appears. You can pick this up at Lush's stores or online.

Local designer Michael De Paulo sent over these photos from a recent shoot at Dali in Somerville. The art director for the shoot was Kaio Wilkner, a former male model who has moved behind the scenes. If you recall, De Paulo most recent made the red carpet Oscar dress for Ben Mezrich's wife Tonya.

Don't worry, I'm not going to burst into a chorus of "Raindrops on roses, and whiskers on shirtless dudes." These are favorite things I spotted today as I strolled the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York. I'll be churning out stories over the next couple of weeks with details, but here are couple of the items that grabbed my attention. (I'll upload more when I can find an internet connection faster than dial-up. Oy vey!)

An amazing iPad stand. This makes me desperately want an iPad.

Sexy red chair made from seat belts.

Best. Chair. Ever. It's lucite and filled with bottles of Southern Comfort. Finally, a chair that fits my home decor.

Artist: Robin Kimball
If you're not stuffing the back of your Volvo at Brimfield this weekend, there's another activity for the shopaholics among us. The Sowa Art Walk takes place on Saturday, May 15, and Sunday, May 16. You can find pretty much any kind of art you can get your fingers on. Additionally, shops such as Patch NYC are offering deals. If you stroll on Sunday, there's the added appeal of the SoWa Open Market. Don't feel guilty about dropping all those ducats, just think of it as doing your part to help the local economy.

I can't beleve it myself, but there's no catch. Walk into Kiehl's on Newbury Street this Saturday, and the store will make a donation to an organization called Share our Strength, which helps hungry kids. Just by walking in, Kiehl's will donate $1.50 to the organization, and give you a free sample of its Power-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate.

I' m having a bold print moment. Trellises and Greek keys? Yes, please. The bolder the better.

To wit: I would buy an iPad just to swathe it in this hot pink Taylor case from 1154 LILL Studio ($69).

The nylon interior has pockets for business cards, headphones, etc. You can also design your own case on the website from scads of other available fabrics.

Siriano, that is. The "Project Runway" winner partnered with O-Cel-O™ to design two sponges — a leopard print and a pop art faces print.

Will they make scouring last night's dinner dishes or that fierce tub mildew any easier or more glamorous? Probably not. But since I'm always looking for ways to inject color into my life, I'm game.

Nab a two-pack of the sponges for $2.59 or a three-pack for $3.60 (suggested retail prices).

More products to help the Red Cross efforts in Japan. The wonderful French store Colette has teamed with Case Scenario to offer this Keith Haring iPhone 4 case. You can pick it up at Colette's online store for $23.63, with 100 percent of proceeds going to assist Red Cross Japan. Or, if you happen to be jetting off to Paris today (show off!) you can pick one up in the store. Find out about this and more designer collaborations at the store's Web site.

Given the fact that the skin on my face is the consistency of birch bark after our bitterly cold winter, I tried not to take the email from Kiehl's about their new wrinkle filler personally. Unless, of course, they've been looking at my Facebook photos and saw that I'm suffering from a case of bark face. Kiehl's is rolling out a Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler which promises to work as an instant line filler and a long term wrinkle reducer. At this point, I should be applying it with a trowel to see if it works. If your face was left in a similar, ravaged state after the winter, you can pick up a tube for $39 at the Kiehl's store in Boston (112 Newbury St., 617-247-1777) and online.

A few weeks ago I wrote a story about how Boston can't quit cupcakes, despite the fact that the rest of the country put that trend to bed years ago. So, for those who can't get enough cupcake action in there lives, here's cupcake toothpaste. Strangely, it doesn't say which flavor of cupcake you're brushing with. Which one of you readers is going to try this and tell me? OK, twist my arm. I'm ordering now.

thanks Liza!

While I wouldn't refuse a box of chocolates for Valentine's Day (now less than two weeks away), my waist line does not need it. Too many nights of watching "RuPaul's Drag Race" with a box of Nilla Wafers washed down with a few whiskey sours have taken their toll on my boyish figure. So, a nice alternative to the so-cliche-it-hurts chocolates is this chocolate face scrub. Sweetness with no calories!

You can get this treat from the Body Deli for $32. It's made with certified organic Ecuadorian cacao beans and polishes away dull skin while leaving you smelling like the local Godiva shop. Extra fine grain sea salt is used to create a gentle exfoliating skin polish that refines and smoothes the skin.

What are you doing this weekend? Wait, let me guess. Does it involve going to stores and doing the work that Santa should be doing? I'll see you on the battlefield. Last week, I wrote a story about ideal gifts for the gentlemen on your list, and some of my favorites didn't make it to print, such as:

These fly fishing lure cuff links, $86, from Uncle Pete's

This very cool fondue set. $99, from Jonathan Adler

And, these fingerless gloves from Stel's
Globe staff photos by Wendy Maeda

Say hello to the official color of 2011. Did we miss the memo that Hello Kitty is now picking the color of the year? We joke (sort of). Every year Pantone, "the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries," (their words, not ours), announces a color of the year. For 2011, that color is honeysuckle.
The color doesn't exactly suit us -- we're more of a winter, thank you -- but we suspect a lot of teenage girls will be happy.
“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”
What do you think, 'Philers? Does Honeysuckle get your adrenaline going, or turn your stomach?

If you can't handle cute, please cover your eyes immediately. Smart has teamed with Sanrio (the Japanese company behind the world's most adorable cat) to create these custom wraps for their tiny cars. If you felt that the Smart alone wasn't cute enough, you can now get in touch with your inner tween by driving a Hello Kitty Smart car. These wraps allow for quick customization, and when you're done driving around with a giant, mouthless cat on your car. Just take it off.

I'm thinking the Hello Kitty Smart should probably be my next car. This is appropriate for an adult man, yes? (Just nod your head yes, even if you're quite certain it's not). You can get a full or partial wrap, depending on how cute you'd like your car to be. Prices range from $550 for a partial wrap to $1,700 for a full wrap. You can check out the details here.

We hardly knew ye. Less than one week after the retailer unveiled a new lowercase Helvetica logo (right), the Gap has reverted back to its signature blue box (left):

[AP Photos]

The new logo was met with much criticism (in blog posts and comments on Gap's Facebook page) and gnashing of teeth in the font and design communities.

“We’ve learned just how much energy there is around our brand, and after much thought, we’ve decided to go back to our iconic blue box logo,” company spokesperson Louise Callagy told Bloomberg.com Monday.

What do you think, Stylephilers? Did Gap make the right choice in pulling the unpopular logo or should the brand have stuck to its guns? Much ado about nothing?

You can swathe a paper cut in a blah beige bandage or cover a blister with a twee Barbie or Hello Kitty adhesive strip. But why not heal fashionably?

Enter Cynthia Rowley and her charitable collaboration with Band-Aids. There are fourteen different designs in the cut couture line — chains, gems, even sequins(!).

It's $10 for a sleek black tin of 20 "dress up" bandages in assorted sizes. One dollar from the sale of each pack will go to Design Ignites Change.

There are times -- like this hot and muggy week -- that it's difficult not to walk around looking like a glazed Renee Zellweger. But there are plenty of moderately priced cosmeceuticals out to prevent you from looking like you've just run a marathon.

I'm a fan of La Roche Posay's Anthelios 60. It's an SPF sunscreen that dries to a matte finish, and sells for about $27 at CVS. If you don't need a sunscreen, Vichy Laboratories makes a mattifying, oil-free lotion that prevents shine for about $21. I also recommend Dermelect's T-zone mattifier for you super glowing Renees out there.

For all of your foaming-at-the-mouth Madaholics out there, several pieces of furniture (and a couple of dresses) are currently being auctioned off on eBay for charity. You can own mid-century furniture from the old Sterling Cooper offices -- although personally I'd rather be bidding on furniture and art from the new office. The auction helps benefit the charity City of Hope. The most popular item in the auction is a walk-on role in season five of AMC's 1960s drama. Currrent high bid: (gulp) $15,900. Get that credit card ready. The auction runs through Aug. 22.

UPDATE: We have a winner. Thanks to all of you who participated.

To make amends for my recent lack of style blog posts, I'm offering a small bribe peace offering in the form of a product that will help get rid of those layers of grime, sun screen, and dead skin cells. Your friends at the spa at Equinox are offering up Lather's Cranberry Sugar Rub and Cranberry Body Lotion.
Would you like to win these treats? All you need to do is tell me which famous fashion photographer is featured on the front of today's G section. Gosh, this is easier than celebrity "Jeopardy." The first person to e-mail the answer to muther@globe.com gets the goodies.

And, simply because this makes me supremely happy, feast your eyes on this glorious 1960s pop art advertisement for the Paris department store Galeries Lafayette.

Jason Wu, the fashion designer best known for creating first lady Michelle Obama's inaugural gown first made a splash designing dolls, so its no surprise that he's back in the dollhouse working on a collection for revered toy maker Madame Alexander. Wu has reimagined Madame Alexander's Cissy dolls, in couture. There's also a NEOCissy collection. Is it just me, or does L'Enfant Terrible (she's the doll in the black bustier bodice with fishnet sleeves and black taffeta mini skirt... mon dieu!) look a bit like Reba McEntire dressed as a dominatrix?

Wu has been doing more than playing with dolls. Not only did he recently lend his name to a digital camera, but the wunderkind designer tells Vogue UK that he'll soon be launching a line of leather goods. The designer says, “[My eyewear collection] is only the beginning of my accessories range, stay tuned for later this year — there is more to come. Now that I have an established ready-to-wear business it seems to be the natural step to expand into the world of Jason Wu. There is so much more I would like to do to complete the vision."

As long as that vision includes fewer dominatrix Reba dolls, we'll be happy.

The Boston Handmade Marketplace returns this weekend, just in case you're hunting for locally made jewelry, blown glass, or a demonstration from the Common Cod Fiber Guild. It takes place on Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m. in Union Square.

If you're anything like we are (and our sympathies if you are), you still haven't bought dad a father's day present. Well, fear no more. We're giving away three sets of father's day goodies from L'Occitane, including fragrance, and moisturizer. These sets are the L'Occitane Verdon line. The fragrance is a "blend of peppermint, citrus and aquatic notes."

Want to get your hands on these goods for dad? All you need to do is answer this ridiculously easy question: What high end Boston clothing store recently moved from the corner of Newbury and Berkeley streets to Fan Pier?

E-mail the answer to muther@globe.com. If you're not from New England or you've already won a Stylephile contest, please don't enter. Also, if you're my father, you're not eligible. Sorry, dad.

In the market for an engagement ring? Forget the usual brick-and-mortar browsing — head to your iPhone's app store and download Tiffany & Co.'s free Engagement Ring Finder. Scroll through the jeweler's collection by metal, diamond shape, setting, and design. See prices and actual sizes and match each ring to a wedding band, too.

If you are looking to surprise your partner, surreptitiously snag one of her rings, place it on the iPhone screen, and align the ring with the correct circle. Better than guessing, right? (I took the size finder for a test drive, and my ring matches the 5.5 size.)

Check out the video demo:

File under: "Love in the Time of Smartphones"

Massachusetts native (and now NYC designer and decoupage king) John Derian swings by Lekker on Wed., April 28 from 3 to 7 p.m. to launch his new furniture line.

According to my buddy Natalie Carpenter at Lekker, Derian's furniture line will be sold exclusively in Boston at Lekker. He'll also be at the chic South End shop showing off some of his latest decoupage work. You can chat him up, sip a bit of champagne, and get 20 percent off all Derian products during the soiree.

I recently discovered New Hampshire native Alice Saunders' gorgeous bags on Etsy — and oh, what a happy discovery. Saunders now lives in Jamaica Plain and scours New England shops and markets for antique, utilitarian fabrics like feed bags, soldiers' duffels, and mail sacks. She then sews the materials into her roomy Forestbound totes, complete with leather straps and brass hardware. The fabric is usually weathered and sometimes discolored and marked, which just adds to the charm.

Here are a few beauts from the early spring collection:

[Photos by Jeff Allen]

I also love the stories behind the bags. Saunders put together a "harvest collection," made entirely from old feed and harvesting sacks from a family farm in northeastern New Hampshire. The name of the farm — Brown Farm — and the farmer's initials are visible on the cream cloth, as are the little repairs made many years ago.

Perfect for the anthropologically curious.

In case you're one of those "I bring my own bags to the grocery store, thank you" types, here's a way to be a total eco-showoff. Brooklyn-based Maptote has put 39 city maps on totes, stationary, and, in a few cases, on baby clothes. I love their Massachusetts totes, which include Boston, the Berkshires, and Nantucket. They're also pretty inexpensive, leaving you a few extra dollars for those organic strawberries.  

It's warm, it's Friday, and it's time to clean out the beauty closet and give something away. So, chickadees, here's your treat. Boston native Lilli Gordon developed a line called First Aid Beauty, which includes products such as moisturizers and cleansers, and I'm giving away a six-piece set of Gordon's cosmecuticals. All you need to do is answer the following style question. Because this is a big giveaway, your question is a two-parter:

Which Vogue editor debuted on "America's Next Top Model" this week?

and

Which Vogue editor will be speaking at Harvard on Monday?

Email your answer to muther [at] globe [dot] com. First response will win the goods. If you don't win, you can check out First Aid Beauty at Sephora.

UPDATE: We have a winner!!! Thanks to all who wrote in. I promise another giveaway next week.

I know I usually wait until Friday to spring these giveaways on you, but I'm feeling generous, and, more importantly, I'm getting on a plane for Las Vegas in the morning. So here it is: Would you like to try Kiehl's new Midnight Recovery Concentrate?

Here are the details: 99 percent natural, paraben-free and formulated with a blend of botanical and essential oils that work together to nourish the skin. This is Kiehl’s first overnight repair and replenishing treatment.

Just tell me the answer to this pressing style question: Who designed Sarah Jessica Parker's Oscar gown?

Email me at muther@globe.com. The winner gets the goods, courtesy of Kiehl's (locally at 112 Newbury St.,617-247-1777, and Burlington Mall, 75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, 781-221-0161). Good luck, 'Philers!  

Not everybody is in the mood for roses, champange, and chocolates this time of year (although I am -- hint, hint). So for all you bitter Bettys out there, I've put together a collection of some of my favorite anti-Valentine's Day cards. I'm kicking off with these amazing cookies, that you can get at Flour Bakery for $1.95 each. They also have cookies with blush-inducing, raunchy sayings that are hilarious.

For the cynic on your card list, I suggest this gem from Newbury Comics.

These ladies have the right idea. Ice cream is always more satisfying than love. This card comes from Copley Flair.

From Paper Source: The best words to describe all the gooey sentiment this time of year.

From Studio Daedre: A Valentine for the gent you're looking to dump this year.

Update: We have our winners. Thanks all for participating. The answer, of course, is Armani!

It's been far too long since I've run a contest, so it's time for a big, juicy product giveaway, my pets.

Our friends at Decleor have introduced a new line of moisturizing products, and I'm giving them out to the first three folks who can answer this question: Who designed Lady Gaga's ensembles for the Grammy Awards. Send the answer to my e-mail (muther@globe.com).

So, what am I giving away? It's Decleor's new line designed to improve dry skin with ingredients like Magnolia, bamboo, and coconut. Products include lipstick, soft cream, and body milk. Each of the three winners will get a sampling of each. If you're feeling about as soft as sandpaper and you'd like to buy it yourself, Bella Sante spas are now selling the line.

Please only enter if you've never won before. The contest is also limited to folks here in the New England area.

After a month of lollygagging around Muther Manse, I am back to work, groggy, and still slightly hungover from a New Year's Eve fete that involved spilling multiple drinks on myself. Needless to say, after hosting a New Year's Eve party that I can barely recall, my home is looking about as attractive as I am. Not a pretty picture. So to cheer myself up, I'm offering a pretty picture that will soon end up in my home.

Wayne Pate of Good Shape Design will soon be selling his "London" print on his website. Look for it in a couple of weeks. By then, maybe I'll have removed the last bits of confetti from my hair.

We love functional fashion here at Stylephile. That's why I had to share this witty take on the USB drive from Urban Outfitters:


[USB Comb, $32]

This product is perfect for the secret agent on the go — or for the computer geek who likes to pack light. Go from coding to combing over in mere minutes.

What's next? A mouse razor? A laptop panini press? (If only.)

Come Christmas in the Hollands household, I could always count on a wall or desk calendar waiting for me under the tree. Maybe "Horses of the World." Or, perennial favorite "Beatles Through the Years." I'm sure there was a "Puppies in Shoes, on the Phone, and Generally Doing Cute Things" datebook thrown in there for good measure, too.

These days, I'm all about the Google calendar and keeping my appointments online. But, I could change my digital ways for a Nikki McClure calendar. The Olympia-based paper-cut artist puts out a calendar of her prints each year that doubles as a work of art. The stark monthly images feature a single, inspirational word, like "Insure," "Revive," and "Learn."

This is a Stylephile PSA: Step away from the iPhone and think about the simple things that are important in life. At least for a few minutes . . . and now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Hmmm. What do you get for the guy (or gal) on your list who seemingly has everything and (seriously, for the love of god) doesn't need another video game?

How about a wallet made from a vintage Atari cartridge?

Somerville engineer Niles Zwolak trolls the web for the cartridges and turns each one into a game lover's dream accessory. It takes him about two hours to make one wallet — get yours at his Etsy shop for $35-$55.

Also: Zwolak's wife Phetnikone designs handbags and recently collaborated with her hubby to make Atari wallet/wristlet combos:

Love the bag. It's equal parts pop art and precious. This set is perfect for a "Pacman" fan and his gaming girlfriend. Gotta have it? Get thee to the DesignHive's Handmade Holidaze market in Cambridge this Sunday, where the crafty couple will be selling these limited-edition wristlet/wallet combos for $95. Game on.

How rubbery your branches. I'm a huge fan of Christmas decor, which is why I could almost forgive Simon Doonan for not attending Jonathan Adler's store opening party in Boston last month. He was busy with windows at Barneys New York. It's also why I'm crazy about this Christmas tree, made of latex gloves, at Louis Boston. It's strangely creepy and Christmassy at the same time. Are those thousands of fingers? Or branches delicated dusted with snow flakes?

This adorable mug from Bailey Doesn't Bark would make a good going-away gift for a dear friend or coworker, no?

Simply write your message with a porcelain pen and bake it in the oven for 35 minutes. Voilà! Your sentiments literally set in stone.

Coloring books? Good. Indie rock? Good. A coloring book inspired by indie rock that benefits the Yellow Bird Project and its affiliated charities? What's not to like? Illustrator and graphic designer Andy J. Miller (who's worked on "Yo Gabba Gabba") drew the fantastic, rocking images in the book: Find all the birds in Devendra Banhart's beard. Work your way through a Broken Social Scene maze. Revel in the psychedelic festivities at Clap Your Hands Say Yeah's carnival. Express yourself in wax and paper.

[Live the hipster dream for just $10!]

Cool bonus: Pierre de Reeder of Rilo Kiley penned the foreword.

We might just buy a new 120-count box of Crayolas to celebrate. Smells like school.

I am a complete "Mad Men" junkie and often scratch my head wondering where the line falls between fact and fiction with the accounts that Sterling Cooper's finest and most stylish are working on. If you're a MM junkie like I am, try the web site Foot Notes of Mad Men for some answers (thanks for the tip, Entertainment Weekly).

For example, was there really a diet soda called Patio?

And, which influential New York interior designer of the 1950s and 1960s inspired the look of the show, in addition to the name of the main character?

Well, I'm not going to tell you, lazy bones. Head over to the web site and read for yourself!

For the dog who prefers Burberry sweaters and real leather collars, Junge Schachtel has designed these biodegradable dog poo bags. Sure they're $20 as opposed to the free plastic bags that come from CVS or Stop 'n Shop, but won't your dog feel better that her business is getting picked up in style?

**UPDATE -- We have a winner! Better luck next time, 'Philers **

Here's a quicky for those of you looking to stay sleek this summer: Anthony Logistics for Men has just introduced its first unisex product, an all-in-one lotion called The Cool Fix that claims to fight in-grown hairs, razor burn, and all the other nasty side effects of shaving.

I've got a bottle of Cool Fix for the first person who can tell me the names of the two hosts of Bravo's "The Fashion Show." E-mail me directly at muther@globe.com and it's all yours.

To get from the Union Square farmer's market to my house involves a near vertical climb to the summit of Highland Avenue. (Just like tackling K-2, minus the treacherous weather conditions and high injury rate.) I love the exercise — but unfortunately, my lack of coordination turns juggling heirloom tomatoes, beets, goat cheese, bread, and assorted other treats on the walk home into an impromptu sketch comedy.

Thankfully, Crate & Barrel has my number:

Yes, this is a decidedly hipper (and, at $49.95, more expensive) version of the carry cart we bought my grandma last summer — but think about how many times and ways you could use this waterproof, lime green trolley. Trip to Market Basket? Check. Stationery binge at Paper Source? Check.

See, I'm already on a roll.

Sale at Vessel this weekend:

Apologies for the lack of posts kids, but I've been at home and feeling sicker than Anna Wintour at a New Jersey outlet mall. However, thanks to a lot of orange juice and pills I'm back with our first weekly round-up of sales.

KARTELL: Kartell hosts a 60th Anniversary Sale with discounts up to 70 percent off of select merchandise (Example: Panier originally $314 reduced to $99). In addition to discounts up to 40 percent on floor samples and second quality items, Kartell will also be offering percent off of all orders of new merchandise.
10 Saint James Avenue 617-728-4442. www.kartell.com

ALAN BILZERIAN: Both locations, Boston and Newton, have 30 to 50 percent off select spring and summer merchandise. The sale runs through the month of June.
www.alanbilzerian.com.

CRATE AND BARREL: The store is starting to sell off summer merchandise, and there are bargains up to 50 percent off around the store. All locations and online.
www.crateandbarrel.com.

remember.. I want to hear about those sales so I can share them here in our weekly post.

and, what did I do while I was home sick? I caught up on a little of this. Enjoy and have a fun weekend, kids.

These cupcakes bring a whole new meaning to the word rich. Designed by prop stylist Lisa Edsalv and shot by Swedish photographer Therese Aldgard, the treats are inspired by the labels of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Betsey Johnson, and Christian Louboutin. We can only imagine how expensive these would be if they were actually edible:

[Chanel and Louis Vuitton cupcakes]

[Betsey Johnson cupcakes]

Or, if these cakes are too divine for your tastes, maybe the fashion label lollipops modeled after Louis Vuitton, YSL, Chanel and Gucci logos, and envisioned by photographer Massimo Gammacurta, might be more up your alley?

[YSL and Chanel lollipops]

And you thought only new purses at Saks could make you drool.

Last week I saw Alain Delon in "Purple Noon" and developed a man-crush on the spot. It's the 1960 French version of "The Talented Mr. Ripley," and Delon plays Ripley with such style, that this is a requirement for your Netflix cue. Why are the bad ones always so dreamy? [Insert audible swooning here]

Christian Dior is wisely using a 43-year-old image of Delon for the face of its Eau Savage campaign. The cigarette didn't survive photo shopping, but the rest of this tasty French actor is intact. I'll happily hand over the money for this cologne if it will help me look anything like this:

(stop drooling on your keyboards!)

I have a column in today's Globe about the ever-present and sometimes very annoying status updates on Facebook. Do we really need to hear that our friends had a great yoga workout or what they're eating for dinner? I'm also loving this very funny retro-educational film on Facebook manners.

A few years ago I wrote a story about the envelope-pushing perfumer Christophe Laudamiel, who has developed fragrances for Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, and Estee Lauder. He's the tremendously talented bad boy of the perfume industry. This spring he's staging the world's first scent opera in NYC.

Laudamiel will be in Boston at the French Library on May 11, and if you're remotely curious about the fragrance industry, you should attend his talk. It's $15, or $10 if you're a member of the French Library. You can RSVP at 617-912-0400.

Here's the description of the night's program:
The world renowned French perfume creator will invite us to travel to the heart of our senses, to biological levels within the universe of emotions awakened by smells. He will show us how olfactory senses are a powerful means of communicating and educating, in the business world, as well as in our personal lives. Laudamiel will talk about the use of technologies associated with the spread of a scent in order to create a specifically intended ambiance or concept.

UPDATE!!! In record time, we have a winner. Rose has won the Wrinkle Arrest with a correct answer of Madonna. Congratulations, Rose!

You don't need me to tell you that It was hotter than Hugh Jackman in a sauna yesterday. I hope you slathered on the sunscreen. Now that we're starting to spend more time outside, it's wrinkle season! To help ward off crow's feet and laugh lines, I'm offering a little prize, my chickens. It's Wrinkle Arrest, a "formula which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and other signs of aging."

Would you like to win it? Just tell me the name of the pop singer who will once again star in Louis Vuitton's fall ad campaign. Here's a hint: She's a material girl who recently attempted to adopt an African baby. Post your answer in the comments section. First correct answer takes it. Good luck!

In anticipation of this weekend's balmy temperatures, I'm planning some serious outdoor time. I may not get to my local beach -- otherwise known as South Boston's Irish Rivera, but I am planning to do some work on my long-neglected deck. Ikea is selling outdoor solar lights on the cheap -- of course. For $10 and $15, they charge all day, and the LED lights come on automtically at night. Looks like a nice splash of color for little bit of cash.

UPDATE, WE HAVE A WINNER! Say congrats to Jen, who guessed the correct answer of Matthew Williamson.

Ok, 'Philers. Because I've been so busy (re: internet shopping, reading celebrity gossip blogs, and staring at the photo above), I competely forgot to host a giveaway. This was supposed to be in honor of Nordstrom opening at the Northshore Mall last week. Ah, heck. It's still open (unless the dreaded economy has stomped it already). Go check it out.

The kind folks at Nordstrom sent me a few goodies to share -- makeup, moisturizer, etc. All essentials that every lady (and suspiciously neat gentleman) should have in their medicine chest. Would you like to win these, plus a few home design books I'm tossing into the mix because I'm a nice guy?

All you need to do is answer this question: Which British designer's line for H&M goes on sale on April 23?

Post your answer in comments, and good luck!

It's been a cold, nasty week and I'm tired of all the Debbie Downers going on and on about the economy. So, I decided that you all could use a big, happy, sunny Friday giveaway! One of you lucky Stylephile readers could win:

"Project Runway" contestant Daniel Vosovic's book "Fashion Inside Out"

The eco-fabulous interiors book "Dreaming Green"

Plus some spring makeup from your friends at Shu Uemura. All you need to do is answer this one, easy question:

Who designed the clothes for the upcoming film "Confessions of a Shopaholic"?

The first person to e-mail me at muther@globe.com gets the goods. Don't answer in comments! Good luck, kittens.

OK gals, I know you've been waiting for this one.

There's a lip gloss hitting the maket soon from Purple Lab that contains an appetite surppressant. So while your lips shimmer, your tummy will get slimmer. Too good to be true? Well, you'll get your chance to try it out soon. You can read more about it here. At the very least I'd try it out for the name: Lip Shtick. Genius!

I have two left thumbs when it comes to origami. (Read: The crane is way too advanced.) However, I'm honing my folding and creasing skills so I can churn out paper stilettos and A-line skirts with the best of them:

Yes, well-heeled friends. Random gift purveyor Fred Flare is selling this fashion origami set. For $12, you too can experience blisters and paper cuts from creating mini undergarments and hats. Done and done. Throw in a bottle of red wine and a marathon of "America's Next Top Model," and we've got a perfectly delicious and hilarious Sunday afternoon.

You bet your sweet gladiolas you would. Fantastic news, Dame Edna Everage, the most glamorous housewife to come out of Australia, has been named the new face of MAC cosmetics. It's not the first time that the progressive company has named a cross-dressing gent to be its spokesperson, but Edna is much more of a natural beauty than previous spokestranny RuPaul.

I'm all for starting kids on the path to style from a very young age, which is why I'm totally digging these new Old Navy (yes, Old Navy) games for kids that use the work of American modernist Charley Harper. I'm so smitten of these alphabet flashcards I'm thinking they may need to be displayed as budget artwork in my condo. Well, we are in a recession, afterall.

The Charley Harper collection also includes children's tees, blocks and puzzles. They'll be available through December and November.

Don't get jealous, but this morning I took a shower with Brad Pitt. Before this post gets me into trouble I'll just clarify that Mr. Jolie was not exactly in the shower with me, but his shower gel was. Pitt has teamed with Kiehl's to create Kiehl's Aloe Vera Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser ($16.50).

It's free of parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, and dyes — and it's bottled in 100% recycled plastic. All profits will go to JPF Eco Systems, an eco-charity that Brad created with Kiehl's. Because, you know, he's a dreamy humanitarian.

Wait. You want me to put a vibrating wand mere centimeters from my eye? That could be messy.

Lancôme's new Ôscillation mascara &mdash retailing for $34 — vibrates up and down, which apparently provides better lash coverage. Who knew? The product officially launches in November, but is available now online.

Dr. Courtney says: Not recommended for ommetaphobes (those who fear eyes in general).

I'm not one to nitpick, but hasn't the Vessel store in the South End been open for a few months now? I only know this because I regularly gaze into the window and drool longingly over the well-edited selection of products. Well, even if the store has been open for a while, the housewarming party is finally taking place. It takes place on Oct. 30, and their special guest is knife and furniture designer Adam Simha , who I wrote about last year.

The party at the South End store goes from 6 to 9 p.m., and if you feel like swinging by, you should rsvp to rsvp@vessel.com by Oct. 28.

I am obsessed with cool tees, and if you don't believe me, let me show you the part of my credit card bill that goes to Threadless every month. If you want to see how tees are silkscreened, and you happen to be waaaay up in Beverly, Drive-by-Press will be at the Montserrat College of Art Galleries on Oct. 23 demonstrating how they make tee shirts. There's an artist talk at 11:30 a.m. There's also a print-off on Thursday night from 8 to 10 p.m. where you can get your hands inky and buy some tees.

Madonna's make-up artist, Gina Brooke, is teaching a master makeup class tomorrow morning at the Shu Uemura on Newbury Street. The cost of the class is $250, but the $250 is redeemable in Shu Uemura products. Here are the complete details. Fingers crossed that Gina dishes about Madonna's divorce.

WHAT: Master Class with Gina Brooke, celebrity makeup artist

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008 from 9 AM to 11 AM (by appointment with $250 pre-pay redeemable in product)

WHERE: shu uemura, 130 Newbury St.

HOW: Call to book your seat, 617-247-3500

UPDATE: We have a winner! A shy reader from Watertown correctly answered that the look below was shown by Martin Margiela as a birthday present to Sonia Rykiel.

OK 'philers.. it's giveaway time!

I've got some product sitting on my desk that I'm itching to send you. First, it's AminoGenesis's DermaScyne, an anti-aging compound/moisturizer. This is high end stuff kids, it sells for $139.

Because it's Thursday and I'm in a sassy mood, I'm tossing in a bottle of Waterford's Lismore perfume, it comes in a Waterford crystal bottle that can be used as a bud vase when the perfume is gone.

So, the first person who can answer this style quiz will win these goodies. Remember, if you're my mother or a friend, you're not eligible, sorry mom. Email your answer to muther@globe.com (don't post in comments, e-mail!). Now, look at the photo below, and tell me which designer showed this hairy look on the runways of Paris this week. Good luck!

With each email, you're helping me clean my desk. Next up: I'm giving away "25 Apartments & Lofts Under 1000 Square Feet." If you'd like to win this book email me (muther@globe.com) and tell me which fashion designer just released a limited edition condom (!).

***UPDATE: We have another winner. The ever-fashionable Jamielle Walker knew the answer is Marc Jacobs.. Congratulations!

Next up... "Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silk Screens." This book can be all yours if you can tell me who won HGTV's "Design Star." First correct response gets the book.

Really? Must Italy outdo us in every facet of design and fashion? How can it be that 300,000 Coca Light bottles will be wearing Roberto Cavalli at fashion week in Milan, while I sit here at my computer in a J. Crew blazer (bought on sale, natch)?

Not fair:

["My, Coca Light, how that dress hugs your curves!"]

The limited edition bottles, featuring Roberto's signature animal prints, will only be available in L'Italia from September to December. Meow.

Frankly, I don't have time to worry whether my portable plastic water bottle could contain bisphenol. I'm pretty busy writing, shopping, socializing, and being generally fabulous. Let's skip the consternation and snag an aluminum bottle instead, shall we?

And what better bottle to buy (say that five times fast) than Shinzi Katoh's adorable apple option:

[Cute to the core, right?]

Katoh is an Japanese illustrator and designer who specializes in zakka: "the things that make people feel happy and exist like a comfortable air," according to his website. Well, his twee designs certainly make me giddy, keep me hydrated, and allow me to be health conscious in style.

Now, that's a tall, cool glass of water if I do say so myself.

More? Here are some other BPA-free bottles for your drinking pleasure.

I'm completely smitten with the new Ray and Charles Eames stamps that arrived at the post office yesterday. And the timing is ideal because I'm getting sick of using the comic book stamps that I've had for the past year-and-a-half. The sixteen stamps feature the Eames's contributions to art, design, and architecture. I'm such a huge Eames fan that I may geek out and buy a set to frame. Stop looking at me like that! You know you were thinking of doing the same thing.

Here's what each stamp respresents:

Christmas Card
Charles and Ray Eames delighted friends and family during the holiday season with Christmas cards they designed themselves.

Hang-It-All
The Hang-It-All was designed in 1953 as an accessory for a playroom or child’s bedroom.

Crosspatch Fabric Design
Crosspatch is one of two fabric designs submitted by the couple to a 1947 competition sponsored by The Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Stacking Chairs
Introduced in 1955, these stacking chairs feature single-shell seats made of plastic that comfortably support the body. The simple design allows them to be stacked for storage or linked together in horizontal rows, a useful solution for temporary seating in public places.

Case Study House #8
Located in Pacific Palisades, CA, the house was completed in 1949 as part of a program to create affordable homes out of materials and technology developed during World War II.

Wire-Base Table
Portable and practical, the petite table was ready for use anytime, indoors or outdoors.

Lounge Chair and Ottoman
A recognizable symbol of 20th-century design, the lounge chair and ottoman modernized the traditional English armchair and became an instant bestseller.

La Chaise
Charles and Ray Eames submitted La Chaise to the 1948 International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design sponsored by The Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The Film Tops
For 7 minutes and 15 seconds, more than 100 tops from around the world dance and whirl across the screen to a score composed by Elmer Bernstein.

Wire Mesh Chair
Introduced by the Eames Office in 1951, it was the first piece of American furniture to receive a mechanical patent.

Magazine Cover
Ray Eames created this cover for the May 1943 issue of California Arts & Architecture, an avant-garde design magazine based in Los Angeles.

House of Cards
Developed in 1952, the deck consists of 54 playing cards decorated with a starburst on one side and a photograph on the other.

Molded Plywood Sculpture
During the 1940s, Charles and Ray Eames experimented with a method for molding or bending pieces of wood in different directions. This abstract plywood sculpture was one of many they created as they experimented with the process.

Eames Storage Unit
Charles and Ray Eames introduced the Eames Storage Unit (ESU) in 1950 as a sleek and practical solution to home and office organization.

Aluminum Group Chair
The Aluminum Group Chair offered an affordable option for those seeking high-quality indoor-outdoor seating for the home or office.

Molded Plywood Chair
One of the Eameses’ most popular designs, the chair was mass-produced using a method for bending or molding plywood that they had developed during the 1940s.

I'm one of those individuals who always thinks if you spend more, you get a better product. I know this is both classist and complete balderdash, but, like my affinity for "Celebrity Rehab" and Little Debbie Zebra Cakes, it's something that I can't change. Anyway, Diptyque, one of my favorites, is always a bit more expensive than the standard candle. But compared to other scented candles, they are absolutely heavenly.

But wait, they also make fragrances?!? To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Diptyque scent, the company is releasing three unisex scents: L'Eau de L'Eau, L'Eau des Hesperides and L'Eau de Neroli. All three were developed by perfumer Olivier Pescheux. They're fresh, crisp, and great for summer. Natch, they're not cheap. They sell for $150 each at the Diptyque store on Newbury Street.

I'm man enough to confess that I'm am completely obsessed with skin care products. Wrinkle creams, shave oils, toning sprays. You name it, I'll slather it on my face. It's really the only way a gentlemen in his 30's can maintain a youthful, dewy glow -- because Lord knows I'm not about to start eating right and exercising regularly.

In my appointed shopping rounds, I spotted what can only be described as the new Holy Grail of skin care. Estee Lauder has a product called Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme. There is the small matter of the price ($250), but faster than you can say "credit card debt," I was smoothing it over my epidermis. I'm not sure if it's the Re-Nutriv, or the dozens of others things I use, but I'm noticing that the dark circles are not as obvious.

My other recent skin care favorite is ClarinsMen Skin Difference. It's an oil that I use at night. It claims to make my beard softer for shaving the next day, and it slows down beard growth, so I don't end up with an 11 o'clock shadow if I have a late night. I don't know about slowing down beard growth, but it certainly makes shaving easier in the morning.

UPDATE: I'm going to declare the Estee Lauder cream a winner. My editor has told me that I look "dewy fresh," and another friend said I look like I'm about 12 years old. Success!

I spent half my adolescent Saturdays stressing over the track listings and cover art for the eight million or so mix tapes I made for people in middle school. I mean, giving someone a mix tape was the real deal. Many, many true loves, lifelong friendships, and road trips surely started over scratchy, half-taped-over 10,000 Maniacs and Tears for Fears tunes.

Mix CDs never had the same clout. They always felt too polished, too sterile, too easy, even.

That's why I'm totally jazzed about Turntable Lab's USB Mixtape. It's a 64 MB USB drive disguised as a particularly monochromatic, '80s-looking tape (the storage space equals that of an actual tape, according to Turntable Lab's site). Ingenious! You get the sound quality of MP3's and the organic, hipster goodness of a classic cassette. Hey, why not spend your adult Saturdays sketching trees and creating collages for the covers? Yep, I'm that cool.

As a short person, I am always dragging my pants on the ground. And if I get my pants hemmed, then I can't wear them with heels anymore. It's a pressing dilemma, as you can see. Nice dress pants ain't cheap! Can I get a witness?

I recently found out about a new product called Zakkerz. Weird name aside, the fabric strips with magnetic ends actually hold a pant roll in place, allowing you to go from flats to heels, or pants to capris, on a whim:

[Ch-ch-ch-changes...]

Currently, Zakkerz only come in black, which would look dorky with jeans, in my opinion. However, the sisters behind the company promise that more colors and extra large Zakkerz (sturdier for holding jeans) are soon to come.

Perfect stocking stuffers for your favorite fashionista?

I heart lomography. Lomo-what? You can find a longer explanation here, but lomography basically refers to the use of various photographic effects, such as fisheye, color saturation, and multiple exposures in the same frame, resulting in dreamy and surreal shots. (I'm the proud owner of a Colorsplash camera, which bathed my Italian vacation in blue and gold highlights. Bellissimo!)

Apparently, Jack and Meg White also heart lomography:

[The White Stripes: Fashion plates and shutterflies]

The duo lent their names and telltale colorschemes to two custom lomographic cameras: the "Meg Diana+" and the "Jack Holga." Both models are known for their swirly lo-fi images and color and contrast saturation and each camera includes a red-and-white peppermint filter — for sweeter pictures, obviously.

[Hipsters on film. The "Meg Diana+" camera, $180.]

I'm absolutely craving these kitschy cameras. If you want to be the sharpest sharpshooter on the block, grab yours today — only 3,000 of each camera were made.

Nothing says "I can tell time and look fabulous" like an oversized, in-your-face watch cuff. Over the past few years, I've been amassing these chunky, menswear timepieces -- they are stylish statements when a stretchy Timex just won't do.

Some inspiration:

[Johnny Depp, hip cat and wearer of leather cuffs.]

I recently saw an ad for Nixon watches in Nylon, and was instantly smitten by the surf-and-snowboard apparel company's "Tribella" watch: a black, angular plastic bangle with inlaid triangle face. And it just so happens that when I hopped on Nixon's website, I wanted almost every watch I saw. Here are a few of my favorites:

["Kinky," $100-$130; I love the tan band with the right-now purple face. Don't know if I'd call this watch kinky, but it certainly tickles my fancy.]

["Skyline," $75; This unique watch has a nautical flair and the crisp blue and white color scheme is definitely sophisticated.]

["Trixie," $90; Serious hardware with a touch of glam.]

Now, pretty please ask me what time it is so I can show off my new purchases.

Finally, I know what's happening with all of the wine bottles that I've been recycling (and trust me, there have been plenty). Artecnica has introduced a line called tranSglass designed by Emma Woffenden and Tord Boontje. It's great to see the original shape and color of the bottles cleverly reshaped into candleholders. They've also designed them as vases and tumbler sets.

Wisconsin-based Green Glass Co. is recycling Mexican beer bottles and turning them into tumbler sets. Not as arty as the Artecnica goods, but still charming in its own South-of-the-Border fashion.

While everyone from Spike Lee to Lindsay Lohan is yakking away on their uber-chic, $500 iPhones, the rest of us peons can only drool. No matter, I've found an equally stylish -- yet refreshingly affordable -- solution to my shopping dilemma:

Or, we could all just wait for Apple's latest must-have gadget to come down in price. Le sigh. Why does my super passé cell suddenly make me think of Zack Morris from "Saved by the Bell"?

Source

I'm a bit crazy when it comes to buying greeting cards. I can never resist picking up cards I like, but when it comes time to send a birthday greeting, I usually get lazy and e-mail a singing squirrel instead. I may have a hard time sending out these cards because they're like miniature works of art.

These are embroidered cards from a California company called Townsend Sakai. I'm particularly fond of the Nelson lamps and the Eames chair rendered in thread. Joanne Rossman in Roslindale Village sells Townsend Sakai cards. I'm not sure if she has these particular cards, but maybe of you ask nicely...

Just a little eye candy for you this afternoon. There's a German company called Xexoo selling iPod Shuffles coated in 18 carat gold. Other iPod models are available in gold, but the shuffle is the least expensive of the bunch at nearly $20,000. I think these would be a hit in a New Jersey gym, I'm not so sure how well it would go over at my neighborhood health club.

Source: Web Squirrel

Try selecting a lunch bag for your kid these days.

Lands' End devoted a whopping 10 pages to the lunch bag in this month's catalog.

There are bags with initials stamped on them. You prefer a full name? No problem. There are butterfly motifs, as well as baseballs, footballs, horses and cats.

There's the roll-top lunch sack style, which looks just like a paper bag except its canvas like.

There's the hot-stuff style, to accommodate soup (like any mom is packing that these days).

The choices roll on.

It's almost rather stressful. Is the cat motif too babyish for a second grader? The soccer emblem too cliche? Are these bags too big, in light of the obesity epidemic?

My computer won't allow me to display these bags for you but you can check them out online at landsend.com:

Meanwhile, Children's Place has bags too:

I like this at Target:

Online, LillianVernon.com has cute ones:

All of this selection and it's only July 20. Better move fast.

Of all the lousy timing. I just watched "Fast Food Nation" and decided (once again) that I would go cold turkey from Filet-O-Fish and McNuggets. But tomorrow McDonald's begins a run of Hello Kitty Happy Meals (with cool Kitty prizes). I'm not above ordering fast food for cool product tie-ins. In the fall of 1993 I gained 7 pounds eating at Burger King to collect the entire series of $1.99 "Nightmare Before Christmas" watches. And it was worth every pound.

I'm most looking forward to the Hello Kitty "style kit" and the "back-to-school kit." Yes, I'm a big girl. Get over it.

I have a story in today's Style & Arts section about the Smart, the tiny two-seater that is finally coming to the United States next year. You can test drive them this weekend in Harvard Square in front of the Border Cafe as part of the Smart USA roadshow. The event runs from noon to 8 p.m. both days.

I had an opportunity to drive a Smart yesterday, which for me was more exciting than Christmas, my birthday, or the day Martha Stewart was released from jail.

First, the answer to the question you're dying to ask: Yes, I felt perfectly safe. I drove on the Mass Pike, Storrow Drive, and the Expressway. I had the top down, the wind in my hair, and the admiration of my fellow motorists.

The best part about driving the Smart is the looks from bystanders. I lost count of the number of thumbs up I received from people on the sidewalks of the Back Bay. I might as well have been a shirtless Matthew McConaughey given all the looks and smiles I was getting in the South End.

Shamelessly, I kept driving around the city because I loved seeing people's reactions to the 106-inch Smart's German design. In Harvard Square, a pair of cute young ladies gave an approving wink, and a cab driver asked how many cylinders (the answer is three), and when he can get one (winter, 2008). My favorite reaction was a pair of greasy (and, let's face it, scary) dudes who were giggling at the Smart like a couple of school girls at a Hillary Duff movie.

Sadly, I had to return the car. With it went my new-found popularity.