By Suzy Bacino
Photographs by Mark Gilliland
road thrill
Lust, Bentley be thy name. The Continental GT convertible seats four, but you’ll want it all to yourself. Don’t hit the gas just yet, though: This sexy slice of British engineering is on backorder for nearly two years. Use that time to save up. $196,285. Bentley St. Louis, One Arnage Blvd., 636-449-0000, www.bentleystl.com
cards couture
LaRussa called—your worn-out game day wardrobe is bumming him out. Next time, sport this sparkly tee so Tony can worry about the things that matter ... like fighting with Ozzie. Cards Rock T-shirt, $68. Laurie Solet, 8228 Forsyth, 314-727-7467, www.lauriesolet.com
garden in a bag
Who needs a yard to grow delicious herbs? Just add water to these packets, and in days you’ll have a thriving kitchen garden. What harried chef wouldn’t love fresh basil from a bag? Garden in a Bag herbs, $8 each. UMA, 1100 Locust, 314-241-9990
nice drive
The digital man doesn’t need a caddy. With GPS technology, this golf gadget calculates distances to the pin, measures your drive and offers a bird’s eye view of each hole. The best part? It won’t expect a tip. SkyCaddie GPS Golf Course Rangefinder, $349.95. Sharper Image, Saint Louis Galleria, 314-727-8488, www.sharperimage.com
brew crew
Barbecue amateurs settle for the garden-variety light beer, but with everything from Flying Dog’s In-Heat Wheat to Bells’ Oberon Ale, this variety pack will let you pair your beer with your brats like a backyard pro. Summer Brews 10-pack, $12.99; tray, $14.99. World Market, 24 Brentwood Promenade Court, 314-918-7800, www.worldmarket.com
shoe therapy
Almost too delicate to wear—but too gorgeous not to—these mules deserve a display case and museum lighting. Gorgeous Moroccan-style beading on coral fabric makes these show pieces from British designer Emma Hope worthy of lock and key. Cleo frame bag in Corallo, $445; Cleo mules, $445. Wish, 9765 Clayton, 314-432-0800
in gear
Oh, to be a kid again: Popsicles on the back porch, cruisin’ on your snazzy pink bike, the absence of cellulite ... OK, the last one is a pipe dream, but you can have the ride with this three-speed cruiser. Electra Townie Bike, $380. REI, 1703 S. Brentwood, 314-918-1004, www.rei.com
back in plaid
Once Mike Brady’s shaggy ’do came back, it was only a matter of time before his plaid polyester Bermuda shorts did, too. Thankfully, they’ve updated these classics with breathable cotton. Modern Amusement Basque Check short, $82; Penguin Owen Miyoshi short, $72; Penguin Takahashi short. Ziezo, 6360 Delmar, 314-725-9602, www.ziezoboutique.com
dressed for dinner
A beautiful table won’t make a meal taste better, but it’ll sure distract the guests from your dry pot roast. Prettify the patio with coordinated mats, napkins and cloth and at least your setting will be delicious. Set of four straw-and-cotton place mats, $15; cotton 54-inch–by–72-inch striped tablecloth, $25; set of four napkins, $9; all by AdV Décor. Amelia’s, 217 W. Main, Washington, Mo., 636-239-9800
ready to roll
Road trips and good hair are not mutually exclusive. This travel set of jumbo, ceramic-core hot rollers heat up in less than three minutes to give you the soft waves you crave no matter where you are. Babyliss Pro Instant Heat travel set, $22.99. Sally Beauty Supply, 6670 Clayton, 314-646-1695, www.sallybeauty.com
there’s the rub
Steaks a little wimpy? Burgers falling flat? Give the A1 a rest and beef up your beef with these rubs and marinades. Feeling really adventurous? Add them to pasta sauces or blend them with sour cream for dips with a kick. Tulocay’s Spicy American Barbecue Herb Rub and Beef & Burger Rub, $5.65 each. Amelia’s, 217 W. Main, Washington, Mo., 636-239-9800