Must-buy items for August 2010

1 We’re still learning how to cook, which means that most of the time we have no idea what we’re doing in the kitchen. Instead of cooking with a laptop nearby (we’ve googled “how to cook broccoli” too many times), we’re going to wear this cooking guide apron. All of the tips (including numeric conversions, cooking times for vegetables, a cooking glossary and more) are printed upside down so you can read them right-side up. $30 at delight.com.

2 We all deserve a second chance, right? That’s one of the reasons we’re fans of this record-player clock. Made from a vintage record player, this clock hangs on the wall and is the perfect conversation piece. $119–$129 at etsy.com/shop/pixelthis.

3 Just because we’re not heading back to school this fall doesn’t mean we can’t get a new backpack to lug around heavy library books and gym clothes. BAGGU’s limited-edition backpack collab with designer Shabd Alexander is just what we need to fun up our everyday look. $58 at baggubag.com.

4 We love running at night. But we don’t love feeling as if we’re invisible in the dark. Thank you, Stella McCartney, for making glow-in-the-dark adidas performance wear, such as this leopard-print Run Glow jacket, with your always-cute style. $175 at shopadidas.com.

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