The Best Bet
Did you celebrate the end of 2005 a little too enthusiastically? For those who aren’t ready to face the bright sunshine of a new year, the generous expanse of Selima’s Tazo sunglasses fully covers any post-celebration damage, cuts squint-producing glare, provides UVA/UVB protection, and flatters both men and women. The aviator shape, in understated metallic gold, adds a glint of square-jawed authority, no matter how wobbly you feel inside ($195 at Selima Optique, 59 Wooster St., at Broome St.; 212-343-9490).
Traditional, With a Hint of Punk
Vivienne Westwood’s designs for the Rug Company are for those in the CBGB crowd finally coming around to the finer things (from $55 per square foot; 88 Wooster St., nr. Spring St.; 212-274-0444).
And to Keep That New Rug Clean
Restoration by Costikyan will pick up your rug, prescribe a treatment, clean it, and return it, usually within two weeks (restorations can take a month or more). Minimum charge is $100 (28-13 14th St., at Astoria Blvd., Astoria; 718-726-1486).
Please Play With the Food
These squishy fruits and vegetables unzip or peel apart to enable kids to understand what’s on their plate (four-piece set, $30, eight-piece set, $47.50, at Blue Tree, 1283 Madison Ave., nr. 92nd St.; 212-369-2583).
Bindings That Think for You
Atomic’s Neox 412 EBM bindings are the hot new toys on the slopes; they’ve got a cold-proof LCD screen that tells skiers if they’re locked in properly, a blinking light to signal when it’s time to reset them, and a sensitivity to subtle movements for better control ($1,100 at Scandinavian Ski & Sport Shop, 16 E. 55 St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-757-8524).
Pack It As the Extra Bag
Mandarina Duck’s new ISI line features soft, collapsible pieces that are also completely waterproof ($145 for this duffel at Peter Hermann, 118 Thompson St., nr. Prince St.; 212-966-9050).
A New Scent for the New Year
Alexandra Balahoutis’s Strange Invisible Perfumes have a cult following in L.A.; the delicate plant-based essences are finally available here at Barneys New York ($185 for 1/4 ounce; Madison Ave. at 61st St.; 212-826-8900).