PUDDLE-LUCIOUS

Brits call them "wellies." Mom calls them galoshes. We call them Chookas, waterproof footwear that makes you look good. These funky, near-knee high, natural rubber boots are available in nearly 60 styles, from prim plaids and classy houndstooth to prints (stars, whales, rubber ducks). Others run the gamut from crazy daisies to skulls to graffiti. Whether you're mopping your post-flood basement or shoveling your walk, you'll look fab -- and your tootsies will be dry and hip. Available in sizes 6-10.

WHERE TO BUY: $59.95 at Nordstrom, Dillard's and other retailers, chookaboot.com.

C'EST CHIC AND SLEEK

The SimpleHuman stepcan -- the brushed-steel Rolls Royce of trash cans -- is going green. The new, fingerprint-proof rectangular recycler has two color-coded buckets (one blue, one black) to make it easy to separate waste from cans and glass, eliminating daily trips to the bin in the garage. Designed to use with custom liners or standard trash bags, the space-efficient can stores flat against the wall, a boon for close quarters. Step on the solid steel pedal to raise the lid in butterfly-quiet slow motion. Available in different sizes.

WHERE TO BUY: $89.99 to $179.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond, Williams-Sonoma and simplehuman.com