Real guns make panicked parents out of all of us—mention a gun and you’re likely to learn about someone’s politics or, at the very least, hear about that episode of 90210 where Scott Scanlon became the poster child for why parents shouldn’t keep guns in their home. We found a gun that actually helps people, and not in a flag-flying bust-a-cap-in-their-fanny sort of way: the Duello bookends at Rolo in Yorkville were designed to quietly duel on the shelves of an office or study while you busy yourself with bookkeeping or verbally spar over who has to take the kids to soccer practice. $45.
Rolo, 24 Bellair St., 416-920-0100, rolostore.com.
Black is always in style, but espresso is the colour for handbags this fall (that means there’s a brown undertone, like hair with lowlights). We know it isn’t fall yet (we’ve been outside), but during our endless hours of shopping, it has become clear that fall and pre-fall items are slowly creeping into stores, like the worst kind of autumnal tease (oh, and since we’re still sweating the summer, there’s a good chance a 50 to 70 per cent off summer sale is within throwing distance).
These Jeffrey Campbell Douma sandals might look plain-Jane from an aerial view, but we love the wedge-meets-platform profile, which is one of this summer’s hottest trends. Those looking for comfortable footwear need look no further, because Doumas are not only wrapped in soft suede, but they also have only a slight arch, which is why it feels more like a flat, even though ladies who take these for a spin will be at least three inches off the ground. Women interested in a bit of height can join the Douma club, and for everyone else there’s, um, Birkenstocks. $115.
Originating in Scotland back in the 12th century, tartan plaid was traditionally made locally for clans from different areas across the country. The pattern has since evolved from the classic tartan used for kilts and blankets, making its way into the mainstream with variations like 
American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman (played by Christian Bale) once 
