12.30.2011 | EXPRESS |
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THAT POD COFFEE system at your office is fine, if you’re OK with bland stuff like Shiva’s Moderately Pleasant Chai or Some Random Scenic California Bay Blend. But for javaheads who crave their beans strong, quick and not from a zillion lira machine, the Aerobie Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker ($25, Amazon. com) provides a jolt in a jiffy. Simply add ground beans to the thing, pour hot water over and press down the top plunger and sip or gulp.
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ANSWERS FROM THE SHOE BLOGGER
GOOGLE “GINGER ALE,”
and a sea of green cans and bottles come up, all bearing the warring houses of Canada Dry and Schweppes. But in a taste test, we preferred the new, less-carbonated, less sweet Q Ginger ($4, Whole Foods and Giant), which works nicely with bourbon or other mixings on New Year’s Eve, or with a handful of aspirin the morning after.
The Bright Side
MARGE ELY/EXPRESS
LA-COOL CLOTHING designer Trina Turk wins over boho fashionistas with her mod-print tunics and are-we-in-1950sVegas? bikinis. But her latest efforts — note cards she collaborated on with for Dempsey & Carroll — smack more of the country club than the beach club. Properyet-punchy missives ($65 for 10, A Mano, 1677 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-298-7200) boast bright paisley or geometric print envelope linings, which make it easier and chicer to write Aunt Wanda a thank-you note for the Christmas Chia Pet.
Game Changer
WE CAN’T CONDONE (or afford) going on a wild game hunt in the Serengenti over the long weekend. But Ballard Designs’ new, no-animals-harmed faux zebra-hide rugs (above, $200, Ballarddesigns.com) provide a dash of wild chic sans any big guns or troublesome taxidermy bills. A similar leopard-print style also works well in both macho, Hemingwayinspired dens or in minimalist bathrooms. Similar patterns come on doormats ($30-$49) and outdoor rugs, too.
Dude Awakening RUGGED MEN WHO
hate shopping might feel differently about a store displaying vintage Playboys and gin. At Federal (2216 14th St. NW), workwear labels (Levi’s, Red Wing) are set off by wood paneling, U.S. flags and deer skulls, inviting guys’ guys to nab plaid throws ($88) and Filson bags.
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Now that all my Christmas shopping is done, I can address finding a pair of shoes to wear on New Year’s Eve. My husband and I are going out with some people from his office (including his big boss) for a fancy evening of dinner, dancing and drinks. What do you suggest? — MARILYN
Manolo says the Manolo is sad to say that the formally elegant sartorial traditions surrounding the New Year’s Eve celebrations are slowly fading into the past. Where once we took pride in our appearance, shooting our cuffs and adjusting our cummerbunds before stepping onto the public stage, now we simply tighten our drawstrings and hope for the best.
Undoubtedly, our future celebrations will find us wearing brightly colored unisex jumpsuits made from miraculous fabrics that holographically conceal the shabbiness of our underclothing. And now the Manolo will reveal to you the forgotten secret of why dressing up for the New Year’s celebration is important: it both sacralizes the occasion and makes us feel better about ourselves. Beautiful clothing has the potential to elevate and ennoble us, to remind us of our potential to transcend the mundane problems of the ordinary world. More than this, it is just fun, and what better reason can you have than that? Here is the Tracking from Stuart Weitzman ($194, Zappos.com), the elegant strappy sandal perfect for the eve of the new year. Ask the Manolo a question at manolo@shoeblogs.com. Visit the Manolo at shoeblogs.com.