Guys, these five shoes are essentials for winter
How many pairs of shoes does a man need?
Two? One?
No, five -- at least -- according to GQ style correspondent and Piperlime guest editor Brett Fahlgren.
For the winter, he advises men wear:
1. The Casual Chukka (recommended brands, Kenneth Cole, Clarks)
2. A timeless sneaker: (recommended brands: Converse, Adidas)
3. The Suede Boot (recommended style, chocolate brown Frye Hush Puppies)
4. Winter Boot (recommended brands: Rockport, Timberland)
5. The patent shoe (Robert Wayne, Ted Baker)
All brands are available at www. piperlime.com, a division of Gap.
Hats for ponytails
The smart women at Girl 32 have come up with a super-cute, ponytail-friendly winter hat.
Their "Smart Hat" comes in a variety of styles but has some sparkle -- five Swarovski crystal buttons that line the back. That way, you can unbutton one of the buttons (depending on the height of your ponytail) and slip your pony through.
The hats aren't cheap, but they look great and will save you the hassle of retying your hair every time you take your hat off. ($65, www.girl32.com).
The company also makes a "smart scarf," which contains a zipper pocket to hold your cell phone or keys.
Whiff of vacation
The words used to describe Michael Kors' new women's fragrance line, Island Capri, are "A vacation in a bottle."
Sounds good, doesn't it?
The line includes a $12 lip gloss and a 1.7 ounce eau de parfum spray for $60. Available at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.
Unique gift idea
Ever wonder what your grandparents' little native European town looks like, but never trekked over to Europe?
A company called www. europeanfocus.com will make the trip for you -- and provide you with a portfolio (both on a CD and color prints) of 30 pictures, including landscapes, buildings, churches and any other relevant place you request.
Prices range from $450 to $1,000.
Globally inspired
As long as we're on the topic of travel, you might want to check out the jewelry collection by Deerfield native Dana Levy.
Her worldwide travel influenced her jewelry line, Dana Rebecca. See the items at www.itsadana.com.
-- Jamie Sotonoff