By Suzy Bacino
Photographs by Mark Gilliland
pick me
Wax never looked this beautiful—or this realistic. Not only are these meticulously carved creations dripless and smokeless, but they burn slowly, too. Pick a few and see why they’re considered rare specimens. Point à la Ligne candles, $10–$25. Fine Light Ltd., 7314 Manchester, 314-781-3233.
make it a double
Don’t know your Cosmo from your Vodka Gimlet? Like CliffsNotes for the shaken-and-stirred set, this gadget shows you how to mix more than 750 cocktails with confidence—and even tells you which glass to use. Virtual Bartender, $39.99. Brookstone, Saint Louis Galleria, 314-727-5799; Union Station, 314-421-5217; West County Center, 314-821-2458; www.brookstone.com.
cherry-o
Not familiar with Luella Bartley? You will be soon. The cutting-edge British fashionista is the first of four international designers to bring exclusive collections to Target this year. But look alive—her line, including this cherry clutch and its matching iPod case, will be gone April 30. Clutch, $16.99. Target, www.target.com.
lots o’ links
Layering is the key to this eclectic look. Local artist Gretchen Pearson uses jade and semiprecious stones with gold-filled wire to produce one-of-a-kind pieces that you won’t see on anyone else. Large jade circle necklace, $150; small jade circle necklace, $120. Mezzanine, 389 N. Euclid, 314-361-3777, www.mezzaninewearables.com.
listen up
If you appreciate excellent sound quality and high-tech good looks, these earphones are the answer to your aural prayers. Fully adjustable and amazingly lightweight, they’re perfect for travel or exercise. Leather case included. A8 earphones, $160. Bang & Olufsen, Saint Louis Galleria, 314-727-5400, www.bang-olufsen.com.
life in a box
Connect these battery-operated cubes and watch the digital stick figures interact. They walk from one cube to the other, play catch and even fall over when you tip them. Cube World cubes, $30 for two. Brookstone, Saint Louis Galleria, 314-727-5799; Union Station, 314-421-5217; West County Center, 314-821-2458; www.brookstone.com.
well-heeled
Skip into spring in these adorable wedge heels in a birdie print. The red ankle strap will add an extra spring to your step. Farylrobin “Riddle” wedge heels, $119. Laurie Solet, 8228 Forsyth, 314-727-7467, www.lauriesolet.com.
hard-bodied hardware
Hang your sweatshirt on these muscular wall hooks and pump some iron. Made from chrome plate on brass, they’re as strong as they look. Muscleman hook, $11 each. Restoration Hardware, Saint Louis Galleria, 314-863-7566, www.restorationhardware.com.
take your medicine
Muscle out of the gray world of gym gear and dress up your workout space with these bold and bright medicine balls. With a different color for each weight, you can match your outfit to your equipment. Power Systems Med Balls, $25–$85. Available by special order from True Advantage Fitness, five area locations, www.trueadvantagefitness.com.
tea time
These unique pyramid-shaped teabags, in flavors as delicious as the bags are pretty, sit atop their own ceramic trays after steeping. Tea Forté trays, $7; silk infusers in citrus-mint or flora, $5.95 for a box of two, $13 for 6. Pick Flower Gallery, 304 N. Euclid, 314-367-7425, www.pickstl.com.
smooth sailing must-have
Rough heels and calluses meet their match with this fabulous foot file. You won’t be able to imagine how your feet ever lived without it. Microplane foot file, $22. Natural Beauty of Ladue, 9918 Clayton, 314-872-3600.