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.

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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.

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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.