It seems rather strange to recommend buying a tote bag when these days almost every nice shop gives you a decent one with a purchase. (By the way, can anyone explain to me the absurd ubiquity of Trader Joe’s totes in London—when the grocery chain has no actual presence in the U.K.?) The Achi Kochi Tote from Niwaki is, however, a real Cadillac of the genre. Woven on vintage shuttle looms, it comes in navy and sand 12-ounce paraffin-waxed canvas. The primary compartment is enclosed with a magnetic clasp, the base is rigid, ensuring stability, and the straps are cord-hemmed for comfort. Handmade in a small atelier in Osaka, Japan, it’s a superlative bag that pretty much anybody would find enormously attractive and useful. ($161.50, niwaki.com) —Spike Carter

A spat among several states over how to number their shared highway system way back in 1926 gave us Route 66—the famed road from Chicago to Los Angeles—which gave Nat King Cole his 1946 hit about “getting your kicks / on Route 66.” A new book by Jim Hinckley captures the enduring romance and culture of the highway that wends its way through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Southwest and gave rise to a string of neon-lit motels that defined adventure for so many drivers during the post–World War II boom times. Each state that Route 66 traverses gets its own illuminating chapter. With photos galore of roadside attractions and memorabilia, we learn the details about why Route 66—which technically no longer exists in name, thanks to its being bypassed by major highways—remains so popular with foreigners. More than anything, the book serves as a time capsule of more optimistic days in America. ($26.99, amazon.com) —Jim Kelly

What do Milan and Los Angeles have in common? (Besides an awful lot of stylish, deep-pocketed shoppers … ) Visitors to Pomellato’s new flagship on Rodeo Drive will find out. Designed by Italian architects to showcase the handiwork of the country’s artisans—both in and out of the jewelry cases—the boutique is peppered with references to Hollywood, such as oversize doors, as well as design elements inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece Ennis House and an imposing Murano glass chandelier. The walls are covered in hand-painted silk paneling, and the luminous floors were made of pink marble by Fantini Mosaici, a fourth-generation family firm. But the real standouts are the jewelry, including Pomellato’s beloved Nudo collection—and new additions are arriving all the time. (pomellato.com) —Ashley Baker

There are so many good-looking statement pieces in Forte Forte’s new fall collection that we feel almost boring singling out this long skirt in duchess satin. But fashion lovers know that the simplest silhouettes are often the most difficult to perfect, and the brand’s designers, siblings Giada Forte and Paolo Forte, have agonized over this silhouette to ensure that it falls in all the right ways. It’s long enough to be sufficiently dramatic for formal affairs, but its hammered (and not overly shiny) texture ensures that it will pair with a slouchy knit sweater for work just as beautifully. Buy now, wear at least a dozen times by the end of 2025. ($535, forte-forte.com) —Ashley Baker

Paul Olivennes knew he was taking on no small task when he founded Magma, the annual art publication looking to revive the tradition of revues d’art. The magazine is a space for artists to share and collaborate on work. For the third edition, titled “Archive of the Future,” Magma continues its mission of artistic expression and dialogue, but this time each work acts as a tool for imagining the world’s fate. With contributions by Patti Smith, Charles Ray, and 23 other artists, the publication offers a window into how artists view our current climate—and how they personally reckon with it. ($92, magmajournal.com) —Maggie Turner

Marla Aaron’s latest collection is not exactly new—in fact, it’s almost 300 years old. The first fine-jewelry collaboration with the historic German porcelain manufacturer, Nymphenburg, features their intricate Cumberland design and reimagines Aaron pieces in 18-karat yellow gold and porcelain, each painstakingly hand-painted. From the Lock to the Earring Discs, the collection is a treasure trove and belongs on display at the Frick rather than in one’s jewelry box. (Price available upon request, marlaaaron.com) —Gracie Wiener