Spotless SkinLeather might keep you dry during...

Spotless Skin

Leather might keep you dry during wet weather, but once the rain stops and the water dries on your hide, there are usually water spots left behind. Timberland boots, however, have been stain-free for two decades because of a waterproofing agent applied during the tanning process. Now a wide collection of leather apparel is benefiting from an improved stain-resistant formula. “You not only want to protect your investment against rain, but spills from coffee and salad dressing, too,” says Timberland spokeswoman Deborah Durham. “What other leather (products) can you hose down with a garden hose?”

Two Faced

Part of the charm of antique jewelry are the hidden surprises crafted into a piece. The classic one is a filigree ring with an onyx or lapis on one side and a hand-carved Italian cameo on the other. New York-based Vintage Creations offers a reproduction in silver ($70 to $100) and 14-karat gold ($150 to $200). “It’s the old two-for-one,” says spokesman Andrew Hepworth. “The fact that cameos are a strong fashion item at the moment made it a natural to bring it back.”

Time Tells All

Forget those 976 numbers. Astrology counselor Andrea Loomis makes reading your future in the stars as easy as a flip of the wrist. “The power of gem stones is connected with the planets,” she says, and “astrology is based on time.” She has taken both concepts and combined them into the Gemscope watch. A 25-page chart based on your birth date, time and place accompanies each specially ordered timepiece. “We find that it’s really a powerful amulet because of the power that is said to emanate from the gems,” she says. Set in sterling, a watch with precious and semi-precious stones sells for $325. Apparently synthetic ones will work, too, for $195. Also available: necklaces and baby bracelets for $350 to $1,000--chart included.

Wrap Up Yourself

Along with holiday cheer, ‘tis the season for a wardrobe of Christmas-themed clothes. And among the more festive favorites seen everywhere are pullover sweaters and cardigans. “Every year, they’re enormously popular,” says a J.C. Penney spokeswoman. “They’re collected and handed down as part of the whole tradition.” The knit tops sell at the department store chain for $36 to $40.