Sexy umbrella

I'm an umbrella lover and the British sites are like raingear porn for me. So it's only fitting that I'd love the brollies designed by lingerie designer Chantal Thomass. A satin bow, black lace, and pink pin-striping can chase some of the rainy day blues away.

$214 at brolliesgalore

digital fireplace

You only need a TV and a DVD player to get this fire started and these flames will never go out. Completely safe and maintenance free, this fireplace comes in nine different versions from a fancy schmancy marble setup to an outdoor campfire to a just flames picture. The DVD also comes with soundtracks for background music or the sounds of a crackling fire.

$14.95 on vat19

To extend the experience, the site also sells fireplace scented candles. Go even further with a s'mores maker on amazon.

Safety first, as we learn from the streets of NYC:

Apartment Burning Fireplace Included

Woman on cell: Yes...oh, right! You haven't seen the place...Yeah, they just redecorated. Well, they painted. And used a lot of varnish on everything....The place is superflammable.

--91st & Lexington

via Overheard in New York, Mar 4, 2005

pippi fans unite!

This whimsical armchair in 'Helsinki floral' sports cute curves and legs. It belongs in Villa Veluka, home to the strongest girl in the whole world. She is also filthy rich, which explains why a nine-year old can afford this uncheap chair.

Confused? Make up for your deprived childhood and read some Astrid Lindgren. You won't be sorry.

$1,498 at anthropologie

Rebecca Taylor minidress

Minidress with a retro floral print. The white linen rosettes sewn into the hem give it a little more flower power. Whether you wear this with skinny pants, flip flops, or heels, this is not your ordinary little dress.

One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. - H.C. Anderson

$350 at bigdropnyc.com

Off the wall: Fashion from East Germany

The best coffee table books grab your attention AND look pretty. Off the wall: Fashion from East Germany 1964 to 1980 is both and more. A bit of camp, lots of orange, and some fashion history make this book hilarious, interesting, and show a slice of life from behind the Berlin Wall.

$12.95 on amazon.com

Play doh perfume

I’m not one of those lucky (?) people like Mary Karr or Frank McCourt who have childhood memories which remain crystal clear and vivid with detail. My childhood appears to me like a black and white silent film that sometimes has flashes of color or sound. So when my son opened his first container of play doh last year, I inhaled deeply. The chemically-fresh-minty scent brought back a whole host of now-technicolor enhanced childhood days.

My son busts out his play doh every few days so I always get my fix, but if you don’t have your own tot, then play doh perfume may be for you. It says in the marketing materials that it’s for ‘highly creative people’ but I’m doubtful. I think it’s just fun.

Play doh cologne is $39.5 for 4 oz, $19 for 1 oz at demeter fragrance

lip gloss jewelry

In this day and age, why settle for single function accessories? Our phones take photos and send email, so our jewelry can certainly kick it up a notch. Make it work, people!

Gloss is still in, and these multitaskers keep the shine close at hand. Whether you’re trendy, glam, or a little bit butch, one of these glossies should work for you.

This juicy bracelet is bright, bold, and gold, and the two heart charms have gloss and mirrors inside. Triple usage.

$75 at Saks Fifth Avenue

This Dior locket is surrounded by crystals for even more sparkle, and there are two colors of lip gloss within.

$55 at eluxury.com

Military gear has never looked so good. This Urban Decay necklace may be the prettiest dog tag you’ve ever seen, and it hides some utilitarian gloss in two one-shine-fits-all shades.

$26 at Urban Decay

wave table

This out-of-this-world console table is also far-from-cheap. But the wave design keeps all that mail and those magazines neatly slotted, and that’s worth at least $600, right? Front hall chic.

$1,059 at homefrenzy.com

The Sock Revolution

Genius. These minisocks will transform any shoes you have into funkytown with ankle ties. They go with every type of shoe from ballet flats to stilettos. Girlshop has the simple ankle ties in black or wine, but French designer Delphine Murat has a few more variations and every conceivable color on her site minisock.com.

It’s true that a great designer can make even the most mundane thing exciting.

$25 on girlshop.com

Grandmother clock 2007

The grandfather clock gets a serious update in this severely pared-down version. Clean and accurate, the pendulum slices through a tall stainless steel pillar. It’s gorge.

$398 at Chiasso

Swiss army gets an upgrade

I am not a techie by any means, but I have two flash drives. And I love them a little too much. I’ve also always loved Swiss Army knives, the original transformers (more than meets the eye), so the new generation is doublegood for me.

$115 for 1GB and $85 for 512MB at redenvelope.com

Too young to die

By the darling of Japanese pop art, Yoshitomo Nara, this ashtray will be the conversation piece of your party. With a 10″ diameter, it’s large enough to be used as a dish.

$50 at Unica Home

Book safe

Redemption lies within. This book safe is made from an actual book, although you won’t be able to choose the title yourself. But unless the thief or snoop is super observant, they shouldn’t notice the thriller among your romances or the fantasy within the classics. Not as sexy as a secret passageway, but still a little exciting.

$17.99 on amazon

From a little spark

An accessory unlike any other. This sparkle can be used in your hair, around your arm, on your neck, or anywhere else where you need a little something. It’s powered by a 3 volt battery, so you’ll always be able to light things up.

$28 at moi new york

channel your inner warhol

This fun fun fun camera takes four simultaneous shots and they all end up on one print. Making your own pop art has never been so fun, easy, or cheap.

$14 at fredflare.com

Wireless handset

If you remember phones when wires were involved, then this nostalgic telephone handset is just for you. It uses bluetooth technology to connect to your cell, and you can confuse everyone around you. So wrong, it’s right.

$39.99 at thinkgeek.com

Floral Wall Mural

You love the re-designs on TLC, HGTV, and Extreme Makeover Home Edition, but get tired just thinking about all that DIY redecorating. You’re not alone. But now it’s possible to inject some flair into your home without all that stripping, painting, and slipcovering. This bold mural will give your apartment or a room in your home a totally new look with minimal fuss.

$129.99 at Montgomery Ward

Baby book for modern parents

I don’t know a single parent who dutifully filled in all the pages of their baby’s first year memory book. This baby book goes beyond the “first tooth” and “first steps” to the real parenting nitty gritty. First person baby peed on? Baby’s first tantrum? These memories may not be as celebrated, but they’re just as important. And this book is just the thing to lighten up the mood at those mind-numbing gift opening sessions at baby showers everywhere.

Baby’s first tatttoo is $10.36 on amazon.com

Roasted garlic

It does take up counter space, but it more than makes up for that offense by giving you sweet and spreadable roasted garlic everytime. Without the mess and stinky fingers. Comes in white, black, and terracotta to match almost every kitchen style.

$29.99 at Target

Not blood diamonds

The easiest way to make sure you’re not buying blood diamonds? Bypass the rocks altogether. These whimsical “diamond” rings make a bold statement.

$98 for the silver, $10 for acrylic at the MOMA store