Smart Turnout

I love the British. They're able to blend stuffy old traditions with beautiful new styles. Plus, they have Daniel Craig.

Smart Turnout is a UK retailer that sells clothing and accessories using school and military colors, both British and American. (Although, I think they just made up the name Ampleforth because it’s fun to say. Also, exactly what British military branch is Household Division?) You'll find items such as sweaters, watch bands, belts, ties and scarves in vibrant hues.

And if you didn’t attend one of the Ivy League schools listed, find the colors that match your alma mater’s. (In my case, I’m Princeton - orange and black for a whole lot less.)

I wonder what school Daniel Craig went to? Do you think he’s an Ampleforth man?

Smart Turnout

Photo Dog Tag

Still haven’t done anything yet for Father’s Day? You are seriously running out of time! But luckily for you, I’ve got one more great suggestion.

Give dad a personalized photo dog tag. These tags are nickel plated and highly reflective. Send a photo and it is then etched into the finish to create a tone-on-tone image. They’ll even put text on the back of the tag – free of charge. The tag comes on a 30” steel ball chain.

Very classic and beautiful. I like them so much, I’m thinking about getting some dog tags for my dogs!

Hip To Bee Square

Modern Bird

Mother’s Day is less than a month away. What are you going to do for her?

You could make something for her, but really, how many macaroni necklaces does she need? (In all fairness and with no disrespect to your mad jewelry-making skills, macaroni doesn't go well with everything - though, it is always a hit with cheese.)

So instead, buy her something hand made from a store on Etsy – the place for all things handmade.

A friend of mine has a store on Etsy called Modernbird. She makes beautiful silver jewelry that combines modern style with organic patterns.

Mom will love something from Modernbird – much more than macaroni.

Modern Bird

The Atomist

The Atomist web site has a very limited selection of products – six t-shirts to be exact. So it’s not the type of site that Snackworthy would normally pass along to you, but this image of Cher as Che Guevara was just too funny for you to miss.

Pick up a shirt for those rebellious gypsies, tramps and thieves (and gays) in your life.

Viva la revolution! (I'd follow it up by saying long live Cher, but, uh, well, she already has.)

The Atomist

Cuff Daddy

Now that the holidays are over, I can share with you some of the gifts I gave this past Christmas. (Oh, yeah, I knew better than to trust you with the surprise.)

These cuff links are great because you can personalize the gift with photos of you - of course. Only, very, very tiny pictures of you.

The silver caps unscrew so that you can easily insert the photos. They even arrive in a hiqh-quality chrome presentation box. Some bling for your bling.

Trust me...these were very well received.

Cuff Daddy (That really is the store's name.)

Change Your Clothes

It's a new year. I know what you're thinking. Thank goodness 2008 is behind us. It can only get better, right?

There's a new president moving into the White House in a couple of weeks. A lot of changes are about to occur. For starters, my in-laws are going to be miserable again because the Democrats are in charge.

(So sorry!)

Get ready for the changes now by ordering an Obama t-shirt. Because change starts at home. In your closet. Yeah, I'm saying change your shirt.

Karmaloop

Donuts and Bacon

OK, who misses the election? Tell the truth. Life has been a little quiet since the first week of November. I mean, who really cares about the cabinet appointments or transition teams? Friends and families aren't being torn apart by Obama's pick for press secretary. Well, not yet, right? Give them a few drinks.

Bring back some of those fun times with an Obama spoof t-shirt. Donuts and bacon. That's the party ticket for me. I think everyone will agree.

As you've heard me say before, everything tastes better with bacon. And donuts. That goes without saying, right?

Zazzle

Music and Fashion

Ready to rock your wardrobe?

Buy this shirt to brighten up your style. There's a tiny battery pack in the seam of the shirt that enables the equalizer graphic on the front of the shirt to interact with the music. The shirt actually lights up in response to sounds. Click the Firebox link to see the shirt in action.

Wear this next time you hit the town and want to be the center of attention.

Be careful not to spill your drink on it though. I'm not sure how strong the battery is, but we don't want you to get zapped, now do we?

Firebox

Silver Cocoon

Recognize the design? It's the symbol used by the Obama campaign.

A clever designer in Minneapolis has watched her sales take off with the inclusion of this product. She sells them on a chain as a necklace or with a pin.

It's a subtle way of showing your support.

I'm not sure how she's filling all those orders, but I just image a room full of elves with carving tools.

Silver Cocoon

Relax, I'm a ninja

A friend has convinced her children that she's a secret ninja who sneaks out at night. What she does as a ninja, I'm not really sure. I think it just helps keeps her kids in line.

But I think the secret is out. Especially if she carries one of these tote bags from Hella Good. This simple, black cotton tote helps you carry your nunchuks and ninja swords.

You'd better hurry if you want to get one. Everyone knows that ninjas disappear fast. (And the website says they have limited quantities.)

Hella Good

Desperate T-Shirts

How many times have you wondered this same exact question? I mean, other than right now?

Despair Inc. has been making fun of those dopey inspirational posters for years. But did you know they also have t-shirts? Like this beauty right here. Check out the rest.

Hey, if you're bored enough to read this, you've got the time. Better yet, browse through them at work.

Despair Inc.

Tip of the hat

Aren't you glad hats are back in style? I know I am. They can add instant flair to your style.

If you're looking for a new hat, there's a great hat shop in Manhattan - Arnold Hatters on 535 Eighth Avenue. Or if you're searching online, go to VillageHatShop.com. They claim to have the best selection online.

But the fun part of their web site is the hat facts page. It provides articles on hat care, a hat glossary, even the history of the hat. Yeah, history. Almost like being back in school.

Be sure to read the hat etiquette page before stepping out of the house. Yeah, I'm talking to you.

Village Hat Shop

What Time Is It?

While on vacation, we stopped by a great store called Abacus. They feature an amazing collection of home accessories and gifts from jewelers and craftspeople. Their web site doesn't do them justice. The store has a variety of really cool stuff.

But you will find some interesting items, like this sleek, modern watch. Visit their site to see it, available in Red, Orange, Black, Blue, Brown, Green and Yellow. Buy yourself something pretty.

Abacus