power.mat

The Powermat wirelessly charges up to three Powermat enabled devices. Using magnetic induction, the mat can charge your phone, iPod, Nintendo, etc. and automatically turn the device off when fully charged to eliminate energy wastage. Sleek and convenient, the mat is easy to use, automatically aligning your device using a magnet. Available for $99.99, the price doesn't quite cover everything. To work, you must buy additional pieces to accompany your device in order to enable the two to work together. For a Blackberry, you must replace your battery door with a Powermat alternative for $29.99, but if you're the type that charges your dead phone for five minutes before you need to use it again, the Powermat makes the back and forth easy and quick.

down.scarf

I found the Nau Down Scarf on Uncrate.com and thought it was a unique idea - down keeps you warm, scarves are supposed to, so why not combine the two? In addition, each end has a pocket, perfect for doubling as down mittens. The $65 scarf comes from Nau, a Portland company of under 20 specializing in outdoor goods. Reasonably priced, 2% of each purchase is donated to your choice of five different non-profits.

glass.microbiology

Glass Microbiology by Luke Jerram is a collection of viruses modeled from blowing glass. Self-described as "a colour blind installation artist, who fuses his artistic sculptural practice with his scientific and perceptual studies," his work is original and stunning. This past September, Jerram had his collection displayed in the Smithfield Gallery in London, shining the Avian Flu, Smallpox, HIV, Swine Flu, SARS Corona Virus and E. coli in a new light. Showing how subjectivity can turn the ugliest things beautiful, Jerram's collection is a modern touch that acts as unique art and conversation piece.

wall.paper

As per the definition of minimalism, less equates to more, which is usually why I tend to tread away from wallpaper, letting big swaths of color make their own statement. In the case of Graham & Brown, wallpaper exploits minimalism to add flavor to your walls, and from $60 to $75 a roll, it's a great alternative if art is outside your budget. Check out the many designs at 2Modern, all available with free shipping.

tom.ford

Tom Ford was relevant as ever when he reinvented Gucci, but with his own brand and new film, he's front and center for good reason. The following book, released in late 2008, chronicles Ford's work for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent from 1994 to 2004 with over 375 pictures. Vogue's Anna Wintour contribues the forward while Vanity Fair's Graydon Carter gives an introduction. The 416 page book weighs in at 9.6 lbs. and is available at Amazon for $173. Also recent, Tom Ford directed A Single Man, a film released in December based on the novel by Christopher Isherwood. The film has received an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which notes the beautiful costumes and art direction. I know Tom Ford receives negative attention for his ad campaigns (which have included full frontal nudity) and unreasonably high prices even for the luxury market, but he is one of my favorite designers and can pull off unique without overshooting it, something many designers lack.

robust.collection

Philips recently released the new Robust Collection, a retro 5-piece set of kitchen appliances. Trying to convey a sense of durability, Philips has adopted an industrial silver coating for " the most innovative, durable and tough materials available." My favorite, the hand mixer, stands at £125 (about $200, available on Amazon) and definitely wins the price tag award. Sure, an extra $50 will buy a KitchenAid stand mixer, but for those times that you need to mix something light, style is priceless.

tiffany.shave

Tiffany & Co. now offers a sterling silver shaving razor and brush designed by Elsa Peretti, an Italian designer who has worked for both Oscar de la Renta and Halston. The brush is available for $325 and features Peretti's Thumbprint design while the razor is an additional $495. I use The Art of Shaving because they offer everything from razors to shaving oil, but a sterling silver razor is $1,000 on sale for $500 and features a much more elaborate design.