Take off (fashionably, of course) into the New Year

bOISSON

What: Zipang Sparkling Sake, Juben Wines, Link Road, Lokhandwala, Rs 1080 for 250 ml

Why: Considering Bombay's boire scene hasn't quite developed a taste for sake yet, few stores stock the Japanese rice wine. But after a long search, we finally found the holy grain (and even better) in a handy 250 ml pint. Zipang is no Kame No O, but the naturally carbonated sparkling sake is - and we can vouch for this - refreshingly sweet. Team it with sushi rolls or soba noodles, and you can eat your rice and drink it too.

When: It's a great option for your 2008-09 New Year's Eve house party.

pEACE

What: Sail for Peace organised by Aquasail and the Ashok Kumar Foundation. To book a sail call 22046911/22 / 9987681826 or email info@aquasailindia.com, Rs 1,000 (donating more is an option).

Why: There’s (finally) a nip in the air, and a serene turn around the Mumbai harbor aboard a 25-foot Benteau 7.5, is the best way to enjoy it. So don your nautical stripes, pack a lunch basket (Indigo Deli does a good one), and get ready to take in magnificent views of city landmarks including the Taj Mahal Hotel and Palace. The best part: all proceeds will be donated to 14 families whose breadwinners lost their lives in the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai.

When: This weekend.

bUY

What: Jersey flapper dress by Zouk at www.zouk.co.in, or email muddassir.usmani@gmail.com, Rs. 1,190

Why: You’re lounging on top of a piano, carelessly flicking ash off your slender cigarette holder and tapping your foot in time to the beat. The jazz is hot, the men cool, and as you sweep a glance from under perfectly-done eyelashes, you know that they all want you.

Ok, so it may no longer be the 1920s, but this seriously-cute flapper dress is the perfect way to bring back a bit of the era.

When: Team it with high heels on New Year’s Eve… and remember to climb on to the first piano you see.

* * *

What: Kitschy clutches at Vitamin K, next to Mango, Khar, start at Rs. 990

Why: Even your closet needs constant replenishment. With a week of hard partying ahead, give it a dose of Vitamin K today. These quirky clutch bags – neon greens complement dark denims – are just what the doctor ordered.

When: Sport them at your New Year’s Eve party – they’re guaranteed to make you stand out amidst the usual convention of crows.

* * *

What: Silver hair barrette, Amrapali Jewels, Oberoi Shopping Centre, Nariman Point, Rs. 800

Why: Plastic tic-tac pins might be convenient, but they’re also tres tacky. Not only will this clip make sure you stay unruffled, it will also give your bling-quotient a stylish head-start.

When: On good and bad hair days.

In this picture:

Zouk blue and yellow flapper dresses, Christian Louboutin Satin Pump with Ribbon and Feather detail.

Dial M for Mumbai

It was close to midnight on a muggy Tuesday night when we left Bootleggers for our top-secret fashion recce. In a pink haze of heat and Cosmopolitans (clichéd but free, courtesy Ladies Night) we made our way past Colaba’s trademark seedy little joints. Hidden beneath our oversized Oliver Peoples sunglasses and shadows of the city, we hoped we'd run into her, knowing fully well the peril of our pursuit. Just then, caught in a canted camera angle, under high-contrast lighting, there she was – Causeway Chic, the femme fatale of Mumbai's noir shopping district. Trying to distract us with fake designer bags, all the while keeping the best shopping deals and new restaurant invites for herself.

Lucky for Bombayites, our trusty Burberry Bridle Hobo is equipped with a fake-detector, a best-deal-finder and a new store/restaurant/club radar. We (probably) can't fight gun-toting goons from a 1950 noir flick, but we can definitely put together one kickass Mumbai weekend.

Our modus operandi: before we pack the 4-odd weekend recommendations into a brown paper bag, we embark on a style mission, climbing piles of cool, bringing it all down and sifting through the rubble to separate the good from the bad. The best of these you’ll receive in an email every Friday, and the rest,you can read about right here on our blog.

Let us know about a product/store/restaurant/club you'd like us to bag (email us at bpb.info@gmail.com or comment below), and we'll be there in a Mumbai minute.

Until next time,

The Secret Scouters

Hello, Mumbai!

BUY

What: Boy shorts, Undercolors of Benetton, Colaba Causeway, Rs 399 each.

Why: Dressing in red and green is quite the fashion faux pas, but Benetton's adorable Christmas undies will get you more action than any sprig of mistletoe. And they’re durable enough to last you until Valentine’s Day, or (unless you’re having a really, really good night) even next year.

When: In the season to be jolly.

* * *

What: She Laq Sealer by Benefit Cosmetics, available at www.amazon.com for 30 USD or Rs. 1,500 at 50 to the dollar. They don’t ship this product to India, but it’s small enough for a foreign-returning friend to carry without trouble.

Why: At the end of a long session of holiday-partying, most of us are transformed into raccoons, with eye pencil smudges doing nothing to help the burgeoning dark circles. Not only does She Laq seal your eye (and if you don’t mind a slightly bitter taste) lip color, it adds a sheen of gloss to your make-up as well.

When: Rumored to be used by the perpetually-drenched cast of Lost, this tiny blue bottle will keep you looking fresh and dewy all night long, baby.

PARTY

What: Bonobo, 2^nd floor, KFC building, Linking Road, Bandra (W), cocktails for Rs 300 each.

Why: Bonobo, the free-sex-kinky-female-dominatrix-loving primate from the Congo, has now arrived in Mumbai. Join the orgy of house beats, papaya pulp and Zenzi’s hip overflow (and be sure to make use of the never-before-seen handbag-hooks at the bar). If you are feeling particularly feral, jump over the counter (they let you do that), grab some fruit and make your own cocktail. Warning: you may need a pre-drink to ignore the tacky exterior that leads to the club area.

When: New on the block, Bonobo isn’t getting much action on week nights. So hit it on a Saturday, but remember ladies, it’s a jungle out there.

* * *

What: Day and Age, by The Killers, Rhythm House, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, Rs. 395

Why: This is the best album the band has cut in a long time. Play close attention to “Dustland Fairytale” (track 5) which singer Brandon Flowers admits to writing for his parents.

When: The album’s operatic-yet-wildly-romantic sound is perfect for when you’re driving to a late-night shin-dig, or home waiting for your very own Santa to come down the chimney.

BRUNCH

What: Stollen Bread at Santé, Pali Naka, Bandra (W), Rs 1,300 for 800 gms.

Why: One pieceful Christmas afternoon, Plum Cake presumptuously sat itself down at the centre of the brunch table. Little did the smug loaf know that this year, someone else was going to rise to the occasion — Stollen Bread, a German sweet bread packed with dry fruit, dating back to the 14^th Century.

When: Perfect for Christmas Day brunch.

In the Christmas picture:

Elizabeth & James Women's "Aurora Sateen" Silk Chiffon Dress, Betsey Johnson Women's Strapless Burnout Stripe Organza Dress, Burberry Bridle Check Hobo and Christian Louboutin Multi-Buckle Sandal.