MIXEDMATERIAL

Six of the Best: CB2 Summer 2010

CB2 is the 'urban' little cousin of the US interiors giant that is Crate and Barrel. Offering modern design for the home, successful CB2 furniture and accessory shopping involves going for the little gems and simple pieces in metal and glass that their design team does so well and avoiding the misguided forays into ethno-exotica. After all, if you want a Himalayan Singing Bowl, you should probably go and get it from the Himalayas so you've got a story to go with it. If, on the other hand, you want some great stuff that's either quirky or classic for summer 2010 - including these rather odd little ring/finger plates - then take a trip to CB2 and stock up from the Mixed Material Six of the Best.

Above: Finger Food Plate, $9.95 for 10

Six of the Best: Sandals

A brief glimpse of sunshine at the weekend has turned attention to finding fresh footwear. From gladiator to thong, keep it airy if your feet aren't too hairy with this selection of six of the best sandals.

Blue Centurion Hi Top Sandals by Jil Sander, £255 from Oki-Ni

Six of the Best: Modern Magnets

If you want things to stick up but not stay stuck, then you know that a magnet on metal is the way to go. You could settle for the classic coloured letters but these days you can do better; here are six of the best. Leading the pack are some cute and lifelike 3D birdies from Kikkerland. Click through for the rest, which includes cockroaches, jewels and what looks like a geometry lesson.

Box of 8 handpainted feather and foam bird magnets, $21 from Kikkerland.

Six of the Best: New hoodies

The hoody is about as basic as menswear gets. A wardrobe staple that works, the best are those that are fussed around with just enough to keep them looking modern but not so much that they scream for attention. The most important thing to bear in mind when choosing your hoody is the fit: we're not talking going for 90's Joe Bloggs baggy here. Slimmer fitting hoodies work better and there's nothing wrong with a bit of detail or colour or a touch of cashmere to luxe it up. Here's a selection of six of the best fresh hoodies for 2009.

Grey and yellow hoody by Newyorkese, €170 from Luisaviaroma 

Six of the Best: Striped Socks, Made in Britain

While we're waiting for all the new season clothes to arrive in-store, now is a good time to upgrade the basics in your wardrobe. I'm going to have a look at underwear in a couple of weeks (!) but for now, here are Six of the Best striped socks. The bright striped sock is now firmly established as a new menswear classic and they are available everywhere from Paul Smith to Marks and Spencer. If you want to wear the best, though, you should buy any of these pairs that are made in Britain. Support smaller manufacturers, nurture traditonal industries and brighten your ankles so the world can see. It's new fashion, the old fashioned way, and it's the future.

Bold Stripe Sock by Pantherella, £8.50 from Oi Polloi

Six of the Best: Wall Clocks

There's still a bit of time before the clocks change - 8th March in the US and 29th March in the UK - but why not put a new perspective on the remaining dark winter nights with a great clock? Count away the hours before you're going have to start doing something with your evenings again and take your pick from a luxury watch face or twisted fonts from British design talent, or go international with a bit of whimsy or a modern design classic. 

Font Clock by Sebastian Wrong for Established and Sons. £459 from Icone.

Six of the Best: Spring Cardigans

In the week when snow is falling just about everywhere, it's time to think ahead a couple of weeks and turn your attention to a transitional wardrobe full of things that are going to get you through the choppy interseason, when weather fluctuates daily and you want to feel fresh and springy while also trying to keep warm. Here's a pick of six of the best cardigans that let you do both: layer up and wear some colour.

Flint Drawstring Cardigan; £120 from Folk

Six of the Best: Statement Rugs

It’s winter and you’ve likely got bare wood or concrete floors, so click through for the best rugs that both keep your feet warm and make a statement with texture, shape or patten.

Aran Rug designed by Christien Meindertsma, available from DWR

Six of the Best: Brighter Wallets

Your money needs to live in a land of colour this year, so stay away from boring black and try one of these more interesting homes for your precious cards and cash. Think of it as feng shui for your pockets.

Try one of these in yellow or red from London's Albam, or check out the rest of the best after the jump.

Bi Fold Wallet by Albam Clothing ; £70, from Albam online

Six of the Best: Modern Cutlery

Eat out less this year and splurge the money you save on restaurant bills on some modern flatware for a statement tabletop.

If you're carving up a sabre tooth tiger, try this four-piece set inspired by prehistoric dining. For more regular cuisine, take a look at the other top picks after the jump. 

Zeug by Mono, designed by Michael Schneider.