THE WORD ON WHAT’S HIP AND WHAT’S HYPE : The King and I

The snapshot of President Nixon’s meeting with Elvis on Dec. 21, 1970, remains one of those odd images of Americana pop culture that people love and hate. “The T-shirts are so popular,” says Nixon Library & Birthplace spokesman Kevin Cartright, “we get faxes and postcards from around the world requesting them.” Now rockin’ Republicans and collectors of kitsch can keep time with a watch bearing that famous photograph--colorized (check those rosy cheeks). The quartz timepiece with a leather wristband simulating alligator comes in men’s and women’s styles ($45), available exclusively at the Yorba Linda facility.

Shades of Winter

With the ski and snowboarding season well underway, are you wondering what colors are making the hottest impact on the icy slopes? “Fuchsia is real popular among women, while men are going for forest green,” says Amie Lavender, assistant manager at Sportmart in Fullerton. Although teal ranks above the two for both sexes, Lavender says deep purple has proven a favorite alternative to black, which remains the best seller, especially for bottoms.

Nutcracker on Toe

Crazy about Christmas? Then step into a pair of ballet-style slippers designed by Beverly Feldman for Frankie and Baby. The black velvety cotton faille flats are embroidered with St. Nick, mistletoe and Yuletide scenes, at Saks Fifth Avenue for $125. But don’t expect to land a pair for less after the holidays. A saleswoman warns that customers love the comfy, embellished footwear and that quantities are already limited.

GaGa Grungey

Post-punk parents raising a new generation of toddler punks can find the grunge look for junior at Baby Gap. The basics store has colorful plaid flannel shirts ($20) like the ones donned by thrash bands Nirvana and Mudhoney. “It’s a way of dressing them up in fashion that’s comfortable and not dorky,” says Huntington Beach mom Cindy Jimenez, who opts for flannel over frilly for daughter Ariel, 2 1/2. And as 5-year-old son Matt grows, the sleeves will get whacked off and worn over tees bearing his pro-skateboarder daddy’s logo.