1 May 2008, Chosen by Beatrice Galilee

Koolhaas is known around the world for his pioneering designs, such as Beijing's CCTV building, and this tome is one of the most insightful and intelligent books on cities.

30 April 2008, Chosen by Rebecca Armstrong

Based in London's Brick Lane, this furniture workshop can make items while you wait and will even let you watch its progress through the shop's glass panel. W120 x D50 x H195cm

29 April 2008, Chosen by Rachel Shields

They might not be subtle, but these leopard-print peep-toes are a lot of fun. Team with chunky wooden jewellery and neutral colours to tap into this year's safari trend.

28 April 2008, Chosen by Rebecca Armstrong

Those with small kitchens will know how much space scales can take up. This set frees up worktop space because it's wall-mounted and folds flat when not in use.

26 April 2008, Chosen by Simon Usborne

"A meaty seven megapixels means sizeable snaps from the latest in Canon's epic Ixus range," says Michael Brook. "It has tanklike build quality and its superswift auto focus means you won't miss those tiny windows of photographic opportunity. A class act, with a ton of features, including instant start-up and face detection. Jittery snappers beware, though, the Canon has no image stabilisation."

26 April 2008, Chosen by Rhianna Morton

Opened in the 1930s by a Norwegian immigrant to shelter travellers making the journey along Highway 1, Deetjen's is a modest retreat among the giant redwoods of Big Sur and the Castro Canyon. Each of the rustic wood cabins and rooms has a distinct personality; the furniture, some hand-carved by Deetjen himself, is draped in an eclectic mix of florals, voile and velvet. But the real highlight is the solitude, interrupted only by the rolling Pacific Ocean below

24 April 2008, Chosen by Rebecca Armstrong

Paying top dollar for luggage is all very well - if you have the cash. This holdall manages to look luxurious but it won't break the bank. And the more you use it, the better the leather will look.

23 April 2008, Chosen by Simon Usborne

These beasts from the Italian mountain specialists survived a 25-mile hike over Snowdon without even chafing a little toe. A robust toe covering and aggressive soles make them peerless hill scrabblers.

22 April 2008, Chosen by Rhiannon Harries

Huge frames can swamp small faces so if you have delicate features, pick sunglasses with care. This well-sized bold black pair has a hint of Jackie O and a flash of colour.

21 April 2008, Chosen by Rebecca Armstrong

Colour-coded chopping boards are an easy way to reduce the risk of cross contamination between different foods. This set is dishwasher proof and comes in a sleek container.

19 April 2008, Chosen by Rhiannon Batten

"When I've got the time," says Matthew Drennan, "I love walking on London's Hampstead Heath, followed by lunch at the Spaniards Inn. It's a great pub, with a lot of history behind it (legend has it that Dick Turpin was born there) and very atmospheric and has won a place in a recent survey of the UK's top 10 pub roasts. A warren of low ceilinged rooms and a fantastic beer garden rightly make this a hugely popular venue."

19 April 2008, Chosen by Rhianna Morton

With only five guest rooms, Hawksmoor has the feel of an intimate country home. The farmhouse kitchen comes complete with an Aga and, outside, an organic herb garden. Further afield are more than 500 acres of vineyard, cultivating chenin blanc, shiraz and pinotage grapes for Hawksmoor's wines. Guests can relax in front of the fire in the drawing room, enjoy the wine cellar and tasting room or take a dip in the swimming pool, with spectacular views of Table Mountain.

17 April 2008, Chosen by Jason Atherton

There are just four Japanese craftsmen making these ornate blades. This is my top knife. It's made from 32 layers of folded steel; its strength, balance and grip are just perfect.

16 April 2008, Chosen by John Hall

Joe Strummer: punk prophet, political activist. Julian Temple's hugely emotive film follows the late Clash frontman from King's Road rebel to middle-aged fatherhood via a host of A-list contributors.

15 April 2008, Chosen by Esther Walker

This limited-edition metallic-pink pressed powder has been a big hit for The Body Shop. A shamelessly pretty thing to have, this is best for high colour brunettes and redheads.