Shopping pal that can always be there for you

Shopping pal that can always be there for you
You know how nice it is when you go shopping with a friend and she tells you which top looks good with which skirt, which jeans are flattering and which T-shirts don't deserve a second look?
For all the times when your favorite shopping buddy is nowhere to be found, Lucky magazine has created "The Lucky Shopping Manual" (Gotham Books, $30), which is like having a fashion-savvy pal on call 24/7.
The book is based on the super-popular magazine, but while the mag points out what to buy right now, the book is a more classic guide to making great shopping decisions.
Without naming brand names, it tells you what looks good on your body type, how to pick great classic pieces, how to take care of your clothes, and what goes with what. There are tons of pictures, and a "Joy of Cooking & quot;-style ribbon bookmark, so you can pick up right where you left off. Our favorite feature is a carryover from the magazine -- "Lucky Girl," which introduces a woman with great (and totally stealable) style.
Look for "The Lucky Shopping Manual" at bookstores and online booksellers.
Decisions, decisions
Have a tough decision on the horizon? Check out the all-purpose Pro-Con Pad, from whimsical design company Knock Knock. Whether it's where to go to college or whether to grow out your bangs, there's no problem too big or too small for this notepad.
It looks painfully serious, in official-looking government-issue green. But this pad has its tongue firmly in its cheek. There's a column for all the pros and one for all the cons, plus spaces to record your decision deadline, the problem's urgency (high, medium or low) and a plan of action. You can even check off "problem solved" when you've successfully tackled your dilemma. At about 6 bucks, this is a great stocking stuffer for the friend who can never decide which movie you should see.
To buy online, head to www.knockknock.biz, or check out the site's store locator. Happy decision-making!
XBecky Sher writes this column for Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. You can write to her at bsher@krtinfo.com.