Best Bets of November

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Creed Cologne

Whether you’re invading Europe or the local cocktail scene, Creed’s new, Napoleon-inspired scent for men is up to the conquest. Aventus tells Bonaparte’s story through symbolic ingredients: black currant from Corsica, his birthplace; oak moss from Spain, one of his victories; and Napoleon roses. As a nod to the middle note of Louisiana birch (the wood of his throne), part of the proceeds from U.S. sales go toward protecting endangered waterways.

$140-$370. At Neiman Marcus

 

The Detroit Shoppe

The Detroit Shoppe, opening this month at Somerset Collection North, sells local goods with the net proceeds going to area charities and non-profits. Shop for Sanders Hot Fudge, Pewabic Pottery, and Motown tunes while checking out exhibits depicting Detroit in the 1900s. Customers who purchase a membership to a local cultural institution receive a $25 Somerset gift card.

2800 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy; 248-643-6360. Products pictured include: Diego Rivera puzzle (DIA), Green Toe Gardens’ Wild Detroit Honey (Eastern Market), glow-in-the-dark mini baton (DSO).

 

CitySlips Shoes

CitySlips, the trendy ballet shoe tucked into a compact carrying case, stows nicely into a purse, office desk, or glove box. Press them into duty when city sidewalks or travel require you to be more fleet-footed than 3-inch heels allow. $24.95.

At the Westin Book Cadillac gift shop, Detroit; or cityslips.com.

 

Bow Tie

Once perceived as dweeby (Pee-wee Herman) or stuffy (George Will), bow ties are being sported by fashion-conscious guys. Twentysomething actor Matt Smith, who wears them in the sci-fi Brit TV show Doctor Who, declared: “Bow ties are cool.” Even LeBron James and heartthrob Kevin Jonas wear them. But there’s a practical side to donning a bow: They never flop in your soup.

Pictured: Ralph Lauren Polo silk bow tie, $70. At select stores; ralphlauren.com

Tiffany Leather

This season, Tiffany & Co. debuts the Tiffany Leather Collection by Richard Lambertson and John Truex. Created to “capture the spirit of American sportswear and its exuberant approach to life in town,” the line for women and men includes handbags, totes, wallets, evening bags, and gloves.

Pictured: Nappa leather gloves (in wrist length to gauntlet, triple-buttoned or bowed). $245-$275. At Tiffany & Co., Somerset Collection South, Troy; tiffany.com.

 

Sugar Kisses Pie

Navigating the various dietary choices and food restrictions of Thanksgiving-dinner guests can be challenging. But hosts and hostesses expecting gluten-free and vegan diners at the holiday table can stop fretting about dessert. Sugar Kisses bakery makes pumpkin pie in gluten-free and vegan versions. The gluten-free crust is made from rice, tapioca, and cornstarch flour; the vegan pie contains coconut milk. $18.

At Sugar Kisses, Berkley; 248-542-5622, sugarkissesbakery.com.