If gray is the new black, then red just may be the new gray. In time for the not-so-far-away holidays, Neiman Marcus celebrates their 100th anniversary with some show-stopping numbers guaranteed to bring sexy back. If you’ve been very, very good, put this one on your Christmas list and ask Santa for an early delivery. Alexander McQueen’s Mikado red silk dress that you see here combines a modern neckline with a classic cinched waist and A-line skirt. The black tulle underskirt takes this design from the ordinary to the sublime. You can find it at NeimanMarcus.com for $3,480. We did say very very good, didn’t we? Been, well, a little more naughty than nice? Then perhaps this origami-inspired frock by Carmen Marc Valvo will find its way under your tree instead. A little less pricey at $1,540, you’ll be quite the femme fatale with its bustier top and waist-defining cummerbund. Talk about wearable art! You can also look for these dresses in the 100th Anniversary Edition of Neiman Marcus’ fabled Christmas Book.

Doris Lessing, the soon-to-be 88-year-old author whose poignant and moving works of fiction, plays, non-fiction and autobiographical writing has touched millions, was finally awarded the Nobel Prize for literature today. We say finally, because, as Lessing told the New York Times, she’s been on the short list for the prize for so many years, “you can’t go on getting excited about this every year.” If you’re like a lot of us, we swear that we will buy some of the works of every winner of the Nobel Prize, but we often never do. So here’s a little push to make it easier. Lessing’s first book, “The Grass is Singing,” was written in 1950. One of her most notable books, which spoke to a generation of feminists, was “The Golden Notebook,” written in 1962. Her strong stance on feminist and racial issues earned the ire of many, including entire countries. She has written numerous other books, including her latest novel, “The Cleft” which was just published in July.

We are slow to accept the truth. Maybe our eyes are just tired. We start to squint, then hold the page farther away. Inevitably the moment comes when we must admit that our vision is slipping and we cannot read without glasses. Unfortunately, besides a slight wounding of our pride, these things can be irritating - put them on, lose them, take them off, lose them, slip them down the nose when we talk to others, lose them, stretch them, etc. From within Amazon.com come a type of reading glasses that, while odd-looking, may save us some trouble. They’re called CLiC, and the picture pretty much says it all. They promise to save us from “granny chains” and fumbling in purses or drawers. When not using them, they hang from your neck on a size-adjustable band. Need to read? Click together the magnets located at the bridge of the nose. They’re $15.99, come in 6 magnification strengths and 4 “unisex” colors. You can even fit them with prescription lenses, the manufacturer says. There are also sunglasses and even a “sport goggle” version. A few reader reviews on Amazon complain about the size of the frames, and one user said they come apart too easily if you’re moving around. Most reviewers liked them, but we suggest you steel yourself for some stares.

Most men with any sartorial sense agree that GQ Magazine is the arbiter of tasteful attire, and has been for 50 years (an anniversary they’re marking this year). One of the features on their website (which is packed with advice for what to wear) is a photo gallery of their picks for the “50 Most Stylish Men.” The honorees run the gamut, from Marcello Mastroianni and Yves Saint-Laurent to Kurt Cobain and Jack Kerouac. With each photo and short style bio, you get a bit of advice on how to incorporate their cool into your wardrobe. For example,
Bob Dylan gets a nod for donning Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses: the eyewear choice for everyone who has been hip since, from Muhammad Ali to Tom Cruise. Another honoree is writer Samuel Beckett, who illustrates the need for a black turtleneck in every man’s closet (”perfectly frames your face. Makes you look strong. Just don’t wear one that’s too tight or too high.”) And, of course, the Kennedy brothers, who sported tailor-made suits, Brooks Brothers oxford shirts and preppy pieces like cotton khakis. “It wasn’t the clothes that made these men. It was the subtlety and simplicity with which they wore them,” says designer Thom Browne in the slide show. The photo makes the case: Even though tweed jackets were common for the Kennedys, they look great on anyone - with khakis, jeans, a polo shirt or a V-neck sweater. 

Admit it: You like those paper towel dispensers in public restrooms, the kind you wave your hand in front of and a towel comes out. And what’s not to like about the touch-free faucets and toilets? You can have an entire bathroom experience without touching much. Now, touch-free technology is spreading into the home. If you’ve just had your hands buried in raw meat, look no further than these automatic soap and paper towel dispensers. Using infrared technology and batteries, these items operate just like their professional peers. A polished chrome automatic soap dispenser neatly dishes out a dollop of soap with a wave of your hand, for $39 at Grandinroad.com. To dry up, wave your hand for a full or half sheet of paper towel from the infrared holder at Frontgate.com for $69.50. In sleek stainless steel and black, this can be pre-programmed for a perfect tear every time. Parents of little children will appreciate that — no more sticky prints on the soap dispenser or yards of wasted paper towel on the floor. All of this untouchable stuff led us to ponder even more products at Touchfree.com and iTouchless.com. Both sites have a wide range of products that mean death to germs, such as trash cans (even really big 22-gallon ones), toothbrush sanitizers, automatic salt and pepper shakers and even a touchless power bug zapper swatter.

When it’s a bassinet, a changing station and then a living-room worthy playpen. Every year American Baby Magazine’s readers vote on their favorite baby products. Thousands of moms have their say, and although some of the winners are gold standards like Desitin, pacifiers and bottles, this Graco Pack ‘n Play “Playard” is light years from the old-fashioned travel crib. Start baby out in the full-size bassinet with a quilted bumper pad, and change diapers on a built-in changing table (with a nearby supply organizer). Distract the wee one with a mobile, or turn on the electronics: 2-speed vibration, 5 classical songs or 5 soothing nature sounds, night light and timer. Once baby’s too big for the bassinet, turn it into a rolling, push-button folding playpen (your little one should be less than 35” tall for that use). It retails for about $120 at Walmart, Sears and Target.