More gift ideas, you may sigh at the idea of getting or giving socks but in truth they’re probably one of the most useful presents you could receive. Although they continually reappear on ‘Unimaginative item’ lists, people buy them because people want them. That’s especially true if they’re an excellent pair of Paul Smith’s.

These have two things going for them. They’re navy and they feature polka dots and if you’re not getting an iPad or one of those BMW electric cars then what more could you ask for. Find them at Mr Porter.

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8485 preview the Champion Reverse Weave collection designed for the Japanese market. Yeah, sorry about that non-Japan residents.

A million miles from their USA counterparts, this range takes it cue from 50s and 60s athletic wear as well as military issue garments. Hoodies, sweatshirts and track pants sit alongside more unexpected items such as the navy peacoat and shawl collar cardigan. The fabric has that heavy knit feel, these sweats are made to withstand the cold and demonstrate the whole collection has that repro feel, with the Japanese division digging deep into the archives for these classic pieces.

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Photographer Jennifer Causey visits building and design company hOmE. The Makers series aims to document the work and people behind artisan crafts based in and around Brooklyn.  Evan and Oliver Haslegrave started hOmE with their sisters, building furniture and fixings from their finds at markets and salvage yards. Reusing and reinventing unwanted goods, they’ve kitted out the likes of East Village restaurant Goat Town, Paulie Gees and Greenpoint’s Manhattan Inn.

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A pullover style jacket from the ever reliable Oliver Spencer. The key to this piece is tha fact that it actually isn’t a pullover. A concealed zip means that any embarrassing getting stuck in your own jacket moments can be avoided. As great as pullover jackets are, once you’re in them, you’re in them. This particular model, The Quay, has two button down breast pockets, three hidden pockets, waxed panels on the shoulders and a plaid lining. 100% wool,  Made in England; London to be exact.

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When BMW ventured into the electric car market you knew this wasn’t going to be a Herbie-with-a plug situation.

Alongside design authority Dwell, the German manufacturer hosted The Sustaethics Event at Art Basel Miami. ‘A celebration of sustainable design and the future of mobility’. The stars of the show were the incredible BMW i3 and i8 concept cars, 3 years in the making for Benoit Jacob, head designer of BMW i.

Set against a background of sustainability of environmental awareness, the venue featured a forested backdrop of 500 trees, designed by Miami-based architect Chad Oppenheim, which were part of a charity donation to local charity Treemendous. “The idea behind this project was to figure out a way to celebrate sustainability with BMW i and Dwell and to give something back to the city,”

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01. The Story Boot Project by Manitobah Mukluks

“Launched as an initiative to help Aboriginal communities achieve self-sufficiency, Manitobah Mukluks introduced the “STORYBOOT Project” , a collection of mukluks and moccasins designed in partnership with Aboriginal designers from across Canada.” (above)

02. Report: Lana Del Rey Live in New York

“However uncomfortable she was, she seemed genuinely excited about her debut record, Born to Die. Backed by a full band, she played six unreleased songs from the album, narrating her feelings about each. Gleefully presenting an uptempo new song titled ‘Summertime Sadness’, she explained that it’s one of her favorites on the album. When it was finished, she told the crowd, ‘I know you don’t care. [But] you’re going to fucking like it on the record.’ ” (pitchfork)

03. Humidifiers

“This collection of ceramic humidifiers, produced by Italian company Il Coccio, is a tribute to the historic piece, designed by Achille Castiglioni in 1998. Eight different designers, including such celebrities as Giulio Iacchetti, Patricia Urquiola, Denis Santachiara, Alberto Meda and others, contributed to the project. All pieces follow Castiglioni’s minimalist aesthetic and explore the idea of using the existing radiator as a base. The objects sit on, hang from, or wedge behind it, creating an interesting dynamic between two elements.” (minimalissimo)

04. Matt Singer Lighter Covers

“Matt Singer’s single-stitched leather lighter covers turn the ubiquitous Bic fire-starter into an item worth holding onto. The former Jack Spade creative director peddles the small sleeves from his eponymous online shop, but the playful Qbert and giraffe patterns gracing his latest designs were created exclusively for the Tumblr-based retailers Of A Kind and sell as a set for $40.” (coolhunting)

Holiday 2011 seems like a good time for Sam Shipley and Jeff Halmos to deliver their new unisex fragrance. Working with brooklyn-based perfumer DS & Durga, Shipley and Halmos bring a childhood mix of memories from Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and South Florida’s waterways to the new scent. “Colorado and Florida” was inspired by two terms: “suntan lotion” and “alpine snow.” We hope to catch a wafting of it soon. A limited run is available now at Bird for $98.

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Mr. Porter shares this video from the launch of Billy Reid in their online shop. They threw a little event in London to celebrate. Check it here.

Japan’s Bedwin & The Heartbreakers goes for the neck with their latest collection of “Dennis” neckties. Available in a cornucopia of colorways including black, purple, red and navy, the “Dennis” necktie comes in either knit wool or silk. Skinny ties for those who need to keep it thin. Mod friendly. Up There has them.

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My youthful obsession with typography remains today. No player outside of Emigre was more important to me than House Industries. I still hold a stockroom full of their type catalogs, posters, and especially their monograph book (out of print – we can only pray it returns). The published of said book, Gestalten delivers this video interview with House founder, Ken Barber. Get some insight now!