Author: Shopgirl

The World Wide Web has drastically simplified the research leg of shopping and window shopping, at least for those of us who know what we want — or might want. A narrow search such as “chocolate brown leather platform wedge size 7” yields endless — and overwhelming — possibilities, including a pair of Christian Louboutins packing a price tag that rivals a typical mortgage payment. And while researching on the Internet is convenient, it can lead to some undesirable shopping habits, including the impulse transfer of cash to nonlocal businesses, when the state of our Bluff City economy relies on us keeping our dollars at home.

That said, shopping the Internet for a better life — or at the very least an improved set of cooking skills — can return some great local finds. Here’s our short list for self-improvement on the quick:

Search phrase: “Cooking Classes Memphis”

Top pick: Viking Cooking School, Superfoods Wine Dinner, May 8th

Cost: $119

Even if you bought the Superfoods cookbook for your kids (and actually used it), chances are you aren’t as careful with your own nutritional intake. After a three-and-a-half hour Superfoods crash course, you’ll have fewer excuses. The course catalog references cooking with antioxidant-rich foods and the logic behind perfect wine pairings. The menu takes you from a black-bean and roasted-red-pepper frittata, paired with a dry rosé, to honey-poached pears with raspberry sauce and lemon-almond cookies, paired with demi-sec sparkling wine and framboise. Viking Cooking School, 1215 Ridgeway, Suite 101, in Park Place Centre. 763-3747. Go to vikingcookingschool.com for full course list.

Search phrase: “Leadership Development + Continuing Ed Memphis”

Top pick: “The Client Lunch” offered by Continuing Ed/University of Memphis, March 6th at Napa Café

Cost: $129

Okay, so this may seem like an odd choice for “leadership development,” but what’s more basic to business than the power lunch? Breaking bread with a big client or potential client may be just the thing to cement a relationship. Unless, of course, you unwittingly steal your lunchmate’s drink and/or utensils. With help from instructor Debbie Neal, you’ll have nothing to worry about. She covers everything — from where to sit to what not to order to the classic etiquette dilemma: Which bleeping fork to use first? Bonus: “The Client Lunch” takaes place at the Napa Café. Go to umce.memphis.edu for more information and a full list of courses at the University of Memphis’ Continuing Ed.

Search phrase: “Six Sigma + Memphis”

Top pick: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt at MSQPC, a joint venture by Southwest Tennessee Community College and the Memphis Regional Chamber, four-week course beginning March 16th

Cost: $4,500

Never heard of Six Sigma? Thought it had something to do with Battlestar Galactica? Nope. It is the current strategy-darling of the business set, and its power can be yours after four short weeks and, well, $4,500. The “lean” in the course title refers to the process of identifying “waste” in certain business processes then finding ways to eliminate that waste. Six Sigma is a business management strategy first developed by Motorola in an attempt to remove imperfections from the manufacturing process. The Wonder Twin powers of Lean Six Sigma have been adopted by the service sectors of companies such as Lockheed Martin and GE Capital to lower costs and improve efficiencies. (P.S. If you’ve recently been right-sized out of a position, the cost of the course may be worth the investment. Six Sigma skills are all the rage on the job boards.)

Shop This is compiled by Shopgirl. E-mail shopgirl@memphisflyer.com with tips and suggestions for items to be promoted.

Please send a daytime phone number and print-quality digital images for consideration.

Memphians are happy to claim painter Johnny Taylor, even though he was born in Helena, Arkansas, and, by his own admission, has moved five times in the past year. After all, Taylor did spend most of his life in our fair city, and he regularly proves he is a Memphis boy at heart by his unending devotion to all things Bluff City. At left are a couple of our favorites from Taylor’s recent work, followed by some of his personal Memphis must-haves — a kind of a “shop this” by Johnny Taylor.

Taylor claims his early influences were MAD magazine, Star Wars, and the rock band KISS. Too bad that triple shot of glam, pop, and shock didn’t inspire such genius in the rest of us Gen X survivors. For Taylor, that funky trifecta sparked something wonderful. His recent work is sentimental without being sappy, retro without being kitschy, iconic without being predictable. We’d love to share his artwork with a super-special Valentine. To sweeten the deal during the month of February, Jay Etkin Gallery will donate 15 percent of all proceeds from the sale of Taylor’s work to the Anna Ives fund. Work by Johnny Taylor, $375-$1,000. Jay Etkin Gallery, 409 S. Main. 543-0035.

Two Chicks And A Broom. Johnny Taylor’s Pick: Caldrea all-natural cleaning products

Did you know that Two Chicks has a storefront where you can purchase all-natural, organic cleaning supplies? They offer the entire Caldrea line of products, including the sweet-pea scent. I also like the Caldrea lavender linen spray and the Meyer’s geranium-scented detergent. It’s all about keeping a tight crib. You can walk right in and buy the same products the Two Chicks use to make your home smell so groovy. Lavender spray, $12. Meyer’s soap, $5. Two Chicks and a Broom, 885 S. Cooper. 278-7501.

Goner Records. Johnny Taylor’s Pick: Memphis t-shirts

Goner sells these shirts that say “Memphis,” and I love them because of the funky font. Something about that font just says Memphis. The shirt is a perfect gift for friends with hometown pride. I wore mine to the Final Four, and people knew: “He’s from Memphis.” Memphis T-shirt, $9.99. Goner Records, 2152 Young. 722-0095.

Maggie’s Pharm. Johnny taylor’s Pick: Gift bags prepared by Maggie’s Pharm staff

Whenever I need gifts for moms or sis or a special lady friend, I go to Maggie’s Pharm. They take all the thinking out of it, you know? They make the bath gels and fragrant stuff right there in the store, and I appreciate the personal touches, like the handwritten labels. Their soy candles smell awesome. Plus, the store has different types of gum with rude little pictures and slogans on them that make me laugh. Gift bags, $15-$250. Blue Q Gum, $1.25 each. Maggie’s Pharm, 13 Florence. 722-8898.

Shangri-La Records. Johnny taylor’s pick: Warble CDs with handmade
covers

I like Gerald, the Shangri-La proprietor. (That’s Jared McStay.) Shangri-La has a great vintage selection, and sometimes it’s fun to check out the album covers and waste some time. The cool thing about the Warble CD, Spacetime Breakfast, is that each one is handmade and includes nifty art from Alex Warble and Judith Stevens. They make me wish I still did psychedelics. Spacetime Breakfast by the Warble, $14.99. Shangri-La Records, 1916 Madison. 274-1916.

Shop This is compiled by Shopgirl. E-mail shopgirl@memphisflyer.com with tips and suggestions for items to be promoted.

Please send a daytime phone number and print-quality digital images for consideration.

As we continue our quest to promote shopping locally, it becomes more and more clear that we must also urge folks to eat, drink, and play locally. We wanted to find uber-stylish people willing to share their secrets, but we also needed folks who live in a way that supports the whole shop/eat/drink/play-local concept. This week, we found yoga instructor Stephanie King of Give Yoga. Stephanie’s understated bio tells of her gratitude to her teachers and her love for yoga and kids, and it mentions that she’s an artist and a mother of two. We’ll add that she is smart and talented. We asked Stephanie to name a few local things she loves and/or can’t live with out.

Stephanie King

GIVE BACK: Stephanie is both teacher and student at Give Yoga, a locally owned studio formally known as Breathe Yoga. The studio has undergone some radical shifts this year: changing the name and the business model, becoming Give Yoga. “The name change was necessary to comply with a trademark conflict. The shift in how Give conducts business was more a matter of the heart,” says proprietor Hannah Phillips. In addition to the regular fee schedule, Hannah and other instructors at Give have embraced a “give what you can” pricing option, available to anyone who needs it. In yogic terms, this idea of community is called “sangha”— a community with a common goal. We call it good business. Give Yoga, 627 S. Mendenhall (846-5070).

NEST-ING: “I love gifts from Soma’s Nest — the oils, scarves, and cards. Everything is so pretty,” Stephanie says. Soma’s Nest is Karen Roberts‘ latest storefront, and like her previous retail endeavors, the shop is filled with treasures that reflect her life’s journey. As for the scarves Stephanie is so fond of, Karen works directly with weavers in Nepal to bring back hand-loomed, hand-dyed, fair-trade textile treasures. Hand-loomed scarves in silk, cashmere, and organic cotton, $19-$350 (average around $40) at Soma’s Nest, 571 S. Highland (590-1292).

WHOLE-SOME: Living well also means eating well. Stephanie’s quest for health doesn’t stop at the yoga studio. “I love Whole Foods, and if I have to pick just one thing to mention, it would be supplements.” Stephanie is a believer in a combo calcium/magnesium supplement, and after reading about the enzymatic processes aided by this wonder-twin combo, we are too. 365 Everyday Value Cal-Mag supplements, $8.99, Whole Foods, 5022 Poplar (685-2293). A girl can’t live on supplements alone. Stephanie is a fan of Las Tortugas, “the best Mexican food ever!!” Her favorite is the fish tacos. “So fresh and yummy,” she adds. Grilled red snapper or tilapia filet tacos, $9.95. Las Tortugas, 1215 Germantown Pkwy. (751-1200).

ART-FULL: Stephanie’s first calling is art, with yogi-in-training running a close second. And her upcoming shows will showcase what savvy collectors have seen for years: quietly beautiful work infused with a feminine power. Future shows include: Feminine Devine, a group show at the Buckman Performing Arts Center, February 20th-April 3rd; and a May 1st show at Material on Broad (through a partnership with NY House of Allen). Works by Stephanie King, $500-$1,500.

Shop This is compiled by Shopgirl. E-mail shopgirl@memphisflyer.com with tips and suggestions for items to be promoted. Please send a daytime phone number and print-quality digital images for consideration.

The Flyer‘s sister publication, Memphis magazine, regularly features glossy fashion editorials populated by fabulous models looking, well, fabulous, with frizz-free hair, gorgeous skin, and perfect accessories for their perfect clothes. But the real wizardry of those photo spreads is how easy it becomes for the reader to cast him/herself in the model’s place, to turn the page and jet off to some exotic island hideaway or warp back in time to a private Gatsby affair.This is the magic of models, right? No doubt. But if that photo shoot goes down in Memphis, chances are much of the magic comes courtesy of style guru Alicia George. Her imagination and sharp attention to detail are the smoke and mirrors that keep the illusions afloat. Recently, we cornered Alicia and asked her to share her current fave and must-have items.

Alicia George

THIS ONE GOES TO ELEVEN: “Best volume mascara, ever,” says Alicia, who has by her own admission tried every mascara promising level-10 volume. She is now a one-mascara woman after finding that Exceptionnel de Chanel actually delivers on its promise. Exceptionnel de Chanel (Alicia prefers noir), $28 at Macy’s Oak Court, 766-4199; Avenue at Carriage Crossing, 861-5520.

BAG OF TRICKS: “I love a big bag. I can carry five curling irons, a hair dryer, all my products and still look pulled together,” Alicia says. The big bag she is currently carrying (pictured) is a shiny, pewter, oversized, open-top tote that’s roomy enough to double as an overnight bag for those impromptu excursions, $65. American Apparel, 530 S. Main, 528-1722.

ON POINT: “Everyone needs at least one great pair of ballet flats,” Alicia says, “and these are just so pretty and girly.” She adds these to her working “uniform” of jeans and turtleneck, explaining that sometimes — running to catch a flight or playing with kids at the park — a flat simply makes more sense. And without naming names, Alicia begs the rest of us to stop wearing running shoes with jeans: “There are other, better options.” Apepazza Pissarro ballet flats, $140 at Peria, 1680 Union, 274-8488.

DELUXE VIEW: “I always get these great inspirations — like using the Summer Drive-in as a location — and then end up forgetting them,” Alicia says. With the Leica C-Lux in her bag of tricks, that won’t happen again, or not anytime soon. The C-Lux, which tucks away 334 images at its high-res setting and a whopping 1,550 at the low end, is the digital darling of camera enthusiasts, who love the all-metal body, the powerful zoom, shutter speed, and image stabilization, not to mention its uber-cool good looks. Leica C-Lux, $599. Find it locally at Memphis’ oldest camera and film store, 102-year-old Memphis Photo Supply, 561 Erin Dr., 767-2702.

BEAUTY IS MY LIFE: “Nothing inspires beauty like beautiful music,” Alicia says. Lately she’s been getting hers from Harlan T. Bobo’s album I’m Your Man. “I can’t take it out of my CD player,” Alicia says. Harlan T. Bobo, I’m Your Man, $11.99 at Goner Records, 2152 Young, 722-0095.

Shop This is compiled by Shopgirl. E-mail shopgirl@memphisflyer.com with tips and suggestions for items to be promoted. Please send a daytime phone number and print-quality digital images for consideration.

Giving props to the bumper-sticker mantra that the best recovery plan for global economic blight begins at home, all of the products in play this week are of the home-grown variety. Some of these items are available at Memphis-area retailers; others can be purchased easily online. All are très fabulous.

ROCK SOFT: Grand Leader owner/creator Margo Wender Gruen believes in T-shirts. She also believes that great rock lyrics, such as “just a kiss away,” are lodged in our cultural subconscious like time-capsule triggers with the power to flood us with memories and emotional responses. Marry the two, and the result is Gruen’s line of vintage-style rock T’s. This one is 100 percent cotton jersey, garment-dyed, and washed with more than just a kiss of attitude. The number on the back denotes the year the song was recorded. $72. Available at grandleaderonline.com.

SAFE TRAVELS: Not a “travel lightly” person? Neither was Janie E. Sims. After growing weary of spending a disproportionate amount of her vacation time untangling her jewelry, she created the perfect solution. Called the JJ, this travel pouch keeps 20 pairs of earrings and other jewelry untangled. $33 and up at Bella Vita, 3670 Houston Levee.

LOVE MATCH: As a mother, Marilyn Kosten’s love for tennis began when her daughters first took to the court. As a designer, that love became a thriving brand and stylish clothing line. One of Kosten’s early designs, a tennis dress made for Tracy Austin, hangs in the Tennis Hall of Fame. Now her court gear can be found hanging in the closets of stylish tennis kids all over the country. Kosten’s line, Little Miss Tennis, features clothing for girls and boys ages 3 to 14 and is sold at several Memphis locations, including The Racquet Club, 5111 Sanderlin. Pieces start at $39.

PRIZE WINNER: Joanna Lipman is half of the design genius that is Femme Sud, whose handbags and clutches offer much more than a place to store your lipstick or cell phone — they’re mad-darling, OMG conversation starters. The county-fair inspired “Grand Prix” comes in two sizes and five colors. Meanwhile, the bookish “Ex Libris” bags resemble hard-cover novels, with winning titles such as Fame & Fortune. Bags start at $225. Visit femmesud.com to order.

Shop This is compiled by Shopgirl.
E-mail shopgirl@memphisflyer.com with tips and suggestions for items to be promoted. Please send a daytime phone number and print-quality digital images for consideration.

You meant to go shopping for the perfect gift — make that gifts, plural. You had a plan over the summer to begin stockpiling trinkets and re-giftable items. And then, Halloween rolled past and that gift box was stocked with nothing but good intentions and one re-gift item you’re sure will make somebody happy one day — just not Christmas Day. As for the good intentions, sometimes that can happily translate into tidy little envelopes — because for some people, the perfect gift is a gift certificate. Here are a few shop-local options so you can do your part to help our local economy while spreading a little good cheer.

Smokin’ Aces. Everybody’s got a tennis nut in the family — the kind of person who would rather skip a family event than miss a reserved court time. That devotion doesn’t come without wear and tear. Every hardcore player is always in need of a few upgrades or replacement gear: racquet, shoes, tennis bag, tennis balls, etc. Now you can get the goods or a gift certificate for them to get their own goods.

And for this, String ‘n’ Swing — 5,700 square feet of nothing but tennis — is aces. Gift certificates can be purchased in any amount, but if you’re wondering what sort of tennis loot your gift certificate might bring, here are a few numbers to work with: Tennis bags run from $40 to $120, while tennis balls — a must-have — are a scant $2.99 per can. Tennis shoes, such as Lacoste’s Repel, are $135. Both men’s and women’s versions feature a honeycomb design, toe-box ventilation, and an oversized croc detail. As for a new racquet, consider the Babolat Areopro Drive, $189.95, “a racquet for those who plan to do battle on the court.” A $250 gift certificate will net the recipient a racquet or shoes plus new bag, balls, etc. Bonus tip: String ‘n’ Swing features a mini practice court (one-third regulation size) complete with ball machine for test-driving shoes or racquet, or both. String ‘n’ Swing, 6100 Primacy Parkway, Ste. 115, 818-2897.

Push It. In 2009, I will be healthier. In 2009, I will exercise more. In 2009, I will be stronger, fitter — well, until the next major meltdown involving my career/ kids/ relationship spins me off-track and I drop my fitness plan like it’s hot. We all do it, or most of us do. We forget about last year’s shattered resolutions and promise ourselves that this year will be different, somehow. But more often than not, all of our dreams of having Jessica Alba’s body or Sting’s inner peace are gone by mid-February. This year, why not help give the would-be fitness guru/zen master in your life a little push in the right direction? Push Pilates‘ peaceful Midtown studio has pilates/yoga apparel, pilates gear, and yes, pilates classes. For apparel, Lululemon’s Vitalize tank ($52) and Be Still crop pants ($79) are great workout options. Looking for a more results-targeted gift certificate? A package of four private sessions with a student trainer is just $100, while a package of five sessions with a full trainer is $300. Gift certificates can be purchased in any amount — a $250 gift certificate gets your giftee four private sessions with a student trainer and a confidence-boosting workout outfit. Push Pilates, 1882 Union, 278-9022.

Spahhhh. After the roller coaster that was 2008 — the wildest presidential election in recent memory, the economy’s near-death experience — chances are your wife, girlfriend, mom, best friend, babysitter, boyfriend, or husband could use an hour (or a day) of pampering. If so, we suggest a physical recalibration escape plan that includes one of Mona Spa‘s two local havens. The estheticians and therapists at Mona’s do everything from facials and massage to teeth-whitening and laser hair reduction. Looking for a jumping-off point? A $75 gift certificate is good for the deep-cleansing, detoxifying facial. (The deep-cleansing facial features a papaya enzyme mask and reawakens your complexion to the possibility of a younger-looking, fresher, more radiant future — recommended as needed in harmony with laser facials or microdermabrasion.) $150 pays the tab for the double oxygen facial. $300 buys your stressed-out loved one the double-oxygen facial plus 30 minutes of teeth-whitening. While $450 makes you a hero and treats your lucky recipient to one double-oxygen facial plus 30 minutes of teeth-whitening and two one-hour massages. Mona Spa, 5101 Sanderlin Center, Ste. 102, 683-0061, or 7945 Wolf River Blvd., Germantown, 756-7945.

Shop This is compiled by Shopgirl. E-mail shopgirl@memphisflyer.com with tips and suggestions for items to be promoted. Please send a daytime phone number and print-quality digital images for consideration.

Everyone loves the holidays, right? All that good cheer and yuletide bliss. It’s a time to reflect on what’s important: family, friends, our spiritual connection to the greater good. We have a chance to be a little better than we normally are, a little kinder and more generous, to show love for our fellow man. Except when that fellow is trying to snag the last parking space or box of twinkle lights, then it’s war, and it becomes that holiday season — the one they made tension-headache Tylenol for — we all want to avoid. So, here are some gift ideas from shops where parking is easy and shopping is guaranteed to be fight-free.

Inside/Outside the Box

University of Memphis professor Niles Wallace has been making art in Memphis since the mid-’70s and just finished a one-man show at the Clough-Hanson Gallery at Rhodes. So you might expect that acquiring a Wallace original would be prohibitively (and justifiably) expensive. Think again. At her darling shop in Midtown, Diane’s Art, Diane Laurenzi has a collection of small Wallace works — abstract ceramics mounted in wooden shadow boxes — that are unique, affordable, and appropriate for the art lover on your list. Niles Wallace originals, $45-$65. Diane’s Art, 1581 Overton Park. 276-7515.

Hold it!

They say karma is a bitch, but you won’t have to worry about any trees coming back to give you a dose of anything but love when you give the world-saving super-hero on your list one of the witty and wise totes from Dogeared. Bags are big enough for a quick grocery run, a trip to the gym or pool, or for playing Santa with some style. Leslie Lawhon, of downtown’s Delphinium Boutique, loves the giant wishbone-image bag with hot-pink “wish big” message, as well as the smaller zippered canvas bags perfect for makeup, coupons, crayons, or just about anything that needs to be contained. Small bag, $27.50. Large totes, $32.50. Delphinium Boutique, 107 G.E. Patterson. (Look for the “White Christmas Gone Green” window display using recycled items.) 522-8800.

Charmed, I’m sure

Uber-eclectic and inviting, More Than Words — located south of Saddle Creek South in Germantown — is more than a stationer’s shop. Need the purr-fect gift for the cat lover in your life? They’ve got it: a feline-themed wallet with slots for credit cards, a window for ID, and multiple pockets for cash and photos of Fluffy. Something for Mom? They’ve got it: a super-comfy robe and self-indulgent spa products. And we love Pick Up Sticks sterling silver and photo charms for just about everyone on your list. For the new mom, pick the “baby” charm; for the dog lover, the “loyal” dog charm; and for your favorite diva, choose the “Queen of Every Bloomin’ Thing” charm. Each combines quirkiness and sentiment. Charms, $18.95-$24.95. Chains, $24.95-$37.95. More Than Words, 2123 West Street, Germantown. 755-4388.

And to All a Good Night

Bella Notte‘s stylish mix of artful gifts, jewelry, and accent pieces has long been a favorite stop for Midtown shoppers. But it’s well worth the drive to Cooper-Young from anywhere. One perfect excuse to drop into the cozy boutique for a little retail therapy is the one-of-a-kind handmade Jaymee Luu jewelry. Her gorgeous necklaces and earrings in brass and gold feature whimsical charms with a bit of history. Each piece is inspired by a life journey and becomes instantly personal to the wearer. Necklaces, $49-$79. Earrings, $39-$59. Bella Notte, 2172 Young. 726-4131.

Shop This is compiled by Shopgirl. E-mail shopgirl@memphisflyer.com with tips and suggestions for items to be promoted. Please send a daytime phone number and print-quality digital images for consideration.

In the 1950s, when every teenager wore standard-issue Levi’s, futurists predicted that by 2010 we would all drive flying cars and wear polyester jumpsuits like those seen on Star Trek and Logan’s Run. Look around, take a mental snapshot, and be thankful. Denim is enjoying a renaissance. Due in part to our casual culture and an explosion of niche brands, denim is now the go-to fabric for just about every occasion. Yes, the quest for that perfect pair of jeans in the perfect cut and perfect wash has become far more challenging than when Levi’s ruled supreme. The abundance of quality and style options for jeans today can make your head spin. So, in the mutual interests of spin reduction and our support for local shopping, check out these options.

BEST DISTRESS: The AG Protégé/6-years jean is more than a great denim find. These are jeans with the look of years of wear. With AG’s signature aging and distressing process, no two pairs of jeans in this collection are exactly alike. Each pair is perfectly worn-in without the telltale signs of being worn out. Fans of AG denim include Usher and New England’s favorite son, Tom Brady. $235 at Oak Hall, 6150 Poplar, oakhall.com, 761-3580.

(Don’t miss the VK Nagrani trunk show on Dec. 5th and holiday event on Dec. 6th.)

GIANT LEAP FOR WOMANKIND: The classic “A” pocket stitching from 7 For All Mankind has gained fans worldwide, among them a wide range of starlets. “7” loyalists include everyone from 5′-1″ Hayden Panettiere to 5′-10″ Blake Lively, and that range in size says a lot about their power to flatter. This style takes the classic “A” shape one step further with a flap-close back pocket and a bit of stretch (yea!). $198 at Lansky’s 126 (yes, that Lansky’s — clothier to the King), in the Peabody, 405-7625.

DIESEL POWERED: Just as certain car owners swear by German engineering, members of the Diesel faithful claim to be converts for life. Deisel jeans are favored by denim bloggers (yes, there actually are people who blog about denim) and a diverse cross-sampling of Hollywood types such as Zac Efron and Guy Ritchie (better known as Madonna’s ex). As with all Diesel jeans, expect some killer details and a great back pocket. $195 at Baer’s Den, 400 Perkins Ext., 684-600.

HIGH TIMES: Jeans from Citizens of Humanity also can be seen hanging from the hipbones of stylish young Hollywood types. Jennifer Garner is so devoted that she even wore the maternity version. According to Jamie Yarbrough of Ella, there’s good reason for the devotion: Citizens creates a denim line with enough diversity to accommodate most body types. The Pierre Hutton cut (pictured) with small patch pockets in front, CoH signature stitching in back, higher waist, 2 percent stretch, and wide legs has generated rave reviews. $229 at Ella, 3080 Poplar, 507-0507.

LIKE A PRAYER: After our reference to Guy Ritchie above, we’d be remiss not to mention that True Religion is reportedly the jean of choice of Madonna’s new squeeze, Yankee third-baseman Alex Rodriguez, and, according to Hitwise, A-Rod isn’t alone in his affection for the signature back pocket. True Religion is the most searched for denim brand on the Web. The love is well-deserved, as there’s no denying that True Religion’s signature stitching is both recognizable and flattering. The Bobby Rainbow, $284, at James Davis, 400 S. Grove Park, Laurelwood, jamesdavisstore.com, 767-4640.

(Ladies, don’t miss the Lafayette 148 Trunk Show, December 2nd-3rd.)

Shop This is compiled by Shopgirl.
E-mail shopgirl@memphisflyer.com with tips and suggestions for items to be promoted. Please send a daytime phone number and print-quality digital images for consideration.

Remember the playground chant “Girls rule and boys drool”? It’s still true — though its deeper meaning may have more to do with hygiene than style — that boys will continue to drool over all things gadgety. But you don’t necessarily need a Y chromosome to bask in the glory of double-wide, true-black plasma or to salivate over a futuristic bike computer. And we certainly don’t mean to imply that science kits are more appropriate for boys than girls. That said, the following is a list of totally wicked gifts to make the boys drool.

TOUCH ME: As more and more people embrace their cell device as a one-stop media center for e-mail, music, photos, and video (oh yeah, and phone), the major service providers have entered an arms race to offer subscribers the ultimate multitasking handheld device. The HTC Touch Diamond may not be perfect for everyone, but it certainly has the potential to be a seriously smart solution for most. Features include 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS-ready, 4 GB internal memory, and 3.2 mega-pixel camera with video capability. Plus, it has near-HD quality resolution, a touch screen that changes orientation from vertical to horizontal — not to mention killer good looks. Goes on sale Black Friday, November 28. $199.99 (after $50 rebate) with agreement. See store for details. Cellular South, 4730 Poplar, 683-1186, or cellularsouth.com.

LOST BOY: Take the road less traveled with zero chance of losing your way by using the Garmin Edge 705 cycling computer. Equal parts GPS navigator, heart monitor, and personal trainer, the 705 is not a toy — it’s a lifestyle enhancer for those who like to play off the grid. Download data to your laptop after your ride, or share data with other Edge 705 users. Talk about a mobile network! This level of high-tech awesomeness doesn’t come cheap: $792 at midtownbikeco.com. But maybe you don’t need ALL the bells and whistles. The Sigma Sport model might be your answer. It gives speed, distance, riding time, plus average and maximum speed, comparison speed, and total riding time. Sigma Sport prices start at $30 at Midtown Bike Company, 2091 Madison, 726-4511.

NONE MORE BLACK: Discerning plasma and flat-screen owners have long known the secret to exceptional television viewing is the depth and quality of black. But true black in the plasma world has been, practically speaking, as elusive as the perfect golf swing and as pricey as an Italian sports car. Until now, that is. The Pioneer Elite Pro 151 with KURO display boasts black levels five times higher than standard. This 60″ home entertainment masterpiece may just change your life, at least on Sunday. Priced lower than you’ll find it online — $6,000 — at Giant TV, 9077 Poplar, Ste. 103, 388-5888, or 465 N. Germantown Parkway, 888-5888.

POWER PLAY: The Power House sustainable living kit by Thames & Kosmos is so much more than a toy. The kit teaches basic concepts in physical science while introducing users to regenerative energy. As you build a solar-paneled model house with windmill turbine and desalination system, you learn the basics of heat and light energy from the sun, wind power, and electrochemical and plant energy. Yes, all of this would be cutting-edge cool on its own, but the folks at Thames & Kosmos have gone one better: integrating a story of a group of castaways learning to survive on a remote island. So you learn while helping the group to survive. It’s Lost meets Sid the Science Kid, and the result is nothing short of awesome. It’s been written that Bill Gates’ success is due in part to his early access to computers. Who knows? Maybe the Power House will lead your child to help save the world one day — no pressure. $169.99, suitable for ages 12 and older. Village Toymaker, 7850 Poplar #12, 755-3309, or 4615 Poplar #14, 761-1734.

Shop This is compiled by Shopgirl. E-mail shopgirl@memphisflyer.com with tips and suggestions for items to be promoted. Please send a daytime phone number and print-quality digital images for consideration.

So, you’ve made a commitment to shop locally. Thank you. You’re doing your part to help the economy, at least in your own backyard. But there’s more. Now, let’s save the planet — one commute at a time. By changing the way you get from point A to point B, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and your waistline (yea!) while putting more cash into your pockets.

EASY RIDER. Why bike? For starters, you’ll stop pumping carbon monoxide into the atmosphere and you’ll start pumping endorphins. The health benefits of cycling include boosting metabolism, minimizing risks of coronary heart disease, and increasing stamina. Beyond that, imagine how cool you’ll look on this super-stylish on/off-road beauty. As an extra bonus, you’ll save money on gas and parking is a breeze. This bike features power-assisted, one-hand 8-speed shifting, plus leather grips and saddle. And if getting fit, saving money, and cutting down on your carbon emissions aren’t enough to convince you, check out the rave user reviews at bikeforum.net. Bianchi Milano Café Racer, starting at $600. Find it locally at Outdoors, Inc., 833 N. Germantown Pkwy. (755-2271) or 1710 Union (722-8988).

RUN TIME. According to Eric Flanders, owner of Fleet Feet, the biggest thing in “green” running is the new BioMOGO foam midsole from Brooks. Typical midsoles use EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and take about 1,000 years to decompose in a landfill — now that’s a serious carbon footprint. The BioMOGO foam used in some of Brooks’ newer shoes is treated with a product that attracts microbes that will consume the foam (in a landfill environment, not on your foot) causing the shoe to break down in about 20 years. Pick up the Brooks Trance-8 for $140 (men’s and women’s). Fleet Feet, 571 Erin Dr. (761-0078).

GET SMART. If driving is your only option, there are a few ways to at least drive smarter. One option is to invest in a car equipped with a hybrid engine; the other is to drive a smaller, more fuel-efficient, gas-powered vehicle. Say hello to the Smart Fortwo. It may not be the fastest car on the road, topping out at around 90 mph, but the Smart Fortwo gets a reported 46.3 mpg in the city and a super-impressive 68.9 mpg highway. And according to Mike Butler, new car sales manager at Infiniti Memphis, the Smart Fortwo isn’t just for tiny folks; the interior is roomy enough to accommodate a driver or passenger over 6 feet tall. Infiniti Memphis has one on the lot, a silver Fortwo Passion for $23,500. Infiniti Memphis, 1831 Getwell (744-1111).

ECO-HIP SUV. What’s that? You have a long, bike-prohibitive commute? You have kids, dogs, soccer gear, and you need to carry more than one bag of groceries at a time? Don’t beat yourself up. You still can be a savvy, eco-friendly traveler and do your part to save the earth, one mile at a time. The ever-gorgeous Lexus RX 400 hybrid gets 21 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and wildly favorable reviews from the likes of U.S. News & World Report. Starting at $49,555. Lexus of Memphis, 2600 Ridgeway (362-8833).

Shop This is compiled by Shopgirl. E-mail shopgirl@memphisflyer.com with tips and suggestions for items to be promoted. Please send a daytime phone number and print-quality digital images for consideration.