This 'Schuhschein' Brush is a clever idea...

This handy shoe shine bag and brush is all you need to keep your shoes looking their best. Convenient and beautifully handmade, the attached linen bag will hold polishes and buffers, while the attached natural beech and horsehair brush can be used to wipe dust and grime off of shoes prior to polishing. Made in Germany. Located in the former Home for the Blind in Berlin, the workshop which produces these brushes employs 15 blind individuals using traditional craft techniques that the Institute for the Blind developed over the last 120+ years.

MATERIALS: linen, wood, horsehair
11" L x 7.75" W x 2" D
$75.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Whoa. Here's some hardcore self protection:

The French Tsigane gypsies were known to handcraft belts similar to this for protection against other gypsy tribes and unsympathetic authorities. I have re-shaped the blade into a traditional dagger, and given the buckle a brilliant nickel-plated finish that really brings to life this stunning and unique piece. The Gypsy Belt comes with TWO BELTS.

Shown above: Nickel-Plated Finish - w/ Plain Black Latigo Leather Belt
Other finishes and colors available.
$125.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

This deck will give you that sinister/unshakable look for your poker game (or Old Maid, if that's your thing).

"A deck of cards entirely in black. The design, particularly for Jokers, Kings, Queens and Jacks, also add another unique touch. Play cards with design and style."

$16.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

If you're planning on spending any time at the beach or pool this summer, you might as well add some bright colors to the experience. You'll certainly be the most fashionable with one of these beach towels, as they are by the well known fashion brand Missoni.

Illo Beach Towel, $144 approx., Buy it here.
Black cotton beach towel with multi-colored squares

Izar Beach Towel, $128 approx., Buy it here.
Black cotton beach towel with multi-colored zig-zags

Iuri Beach Towel, $128 approx., Buy it here.
Cotton beach towel in multi-colored stripes

[posted by katie]

For all you typeface fans out there.

[posted by kris]

Now if only they'd make one for New York...

Super cool and super practical leather wallet. Folds open to reveal printed London Underground map inside. Looks like an ordinary, if very well made and expensive, ordinary black leather wallet. Until you flip it open and reveal it's hidden Tube map! Holds all your cash and 8 cards. Original design by Charlotte Jones.77X110X8mm closed. (-suck.uk)

[posted by katie]

I've always sort of liked the silly, superstitious quality of Rabbit's feet, but as an animal lover I would never own an actual rabbit's foot.

Harry Allen has come up with a solution, a guilt free gold plate and brass option.

[posted by kris]

Other than the fact these two items are both from the same retailer, both eco-friendly, and both cost the same, these two products really have nothing whatsoever in common.

Organic Cotton Shoe Bag:
"Keep your shoes looking like new with this organic cotton shoe bag. Whether they are traveling with you or sitting in the closet, placing your shoes in a bag will protect them from everyday elements and wear-and-tear that over time can make even the nicest shoes looking a bit worn. A classic black and white image of a pair of oxford wingtips gives the bag a masculine, retro quality and will make any man feel like Cary Grant. Handmade by South African Artisans of organic cotton."
16" L x 19" W
$25.00, Buy it here.

Dynamo Solar Radio:
"This handy-dandy, (not to mention cute) little radio has a great vintage look and compact, eco-friendly design, making it the ideal combo of smart and stylish. Charge its built-in battery using either solar energy or the hand crank, and you're guaranteed to never be without music, news or weather when you need it most."
3" H x 3" W x 2" D
$25.00, Buy it here.

[and both were found via productdose]

[posted by katie]

Some mornings these would be entirely useful; just think, a quick look at yourself with a moustache or tattooed tears (depending on the day, of course) might give that extra infusion of self-confidence you need (and, how much would this be a mind-numbingly good gift for somebody?).

'In need of some self-reflection? Designer Julie Ruiz has created this series of one-of-a-kind silk-screened hand mirrors that are sure to give you a whole new outlook. Each signed and dated piece is cut from mirrored Plexiglas in your choice of design: "The Mr." is SILVER with a handlebar moustache - for those days when you're feeling less than manly. And for all you softies out there yearning to be hard, try the "Thug Life" - GOLD with tattooed teardrops. Buy one for yourself, and one for your homeys.'

*aprox. 6.5" wide x 14.5" high and 1/8" thick

[via Yanko Design]

[posted by katie]

I'd seen this talked about, but it's not until now that I've seen it actually available for purchase ('purchase' in the sense of able to order it- it's out of stock until mid May, but you can preorder now to make sure your name's down when they're back in).

"Finally, a coffee cup with all the freewheelin' immediacy of this fast food nation, but without the guilt of filling precious landfills. "I am not a paper cup!" declares this simple, reusable drinking container from DCI. No you are not, we agree. You are a double-walled porcelain cup with silicone top. Dishwasher safe."

Size: 3.5" x 6"

[posted by katie]