juli b | october picks.

scope out some mod design at the ICA. give puffy a run for his money with moncler. have a smashing time with the pumpkins. it's october, folks. have a lust for life.

mod mix.
design life now has landed at the ICA, courtesy of our neighbors to the south. organized by new york's cooper hewitt, the large-scale exhibition will feature three years of the best american design. obvi choices like apple's iPod and nike kicks will be on display along with emerging artists david wiseman, joshua davis and jessica smith. boston's own michael meredith, architect prof at harvard, designed and adapted the works for ICA's galleries. through january 6. 100 northern avenue. between sleeper and east service. 617.478.3100. www.icaboston.org

puff-n-stuff.
keeping your feet warm and stylish this winter? c'est impossible. or at least it was until we discovered the moncler puffer boot. it's yet another example of how moncler is making waves with chic and functional warm outerwear. avail in a variety of colors. available at barneys. 100 huntington avenue at west canton. 617.385.3300. www.moncler.com

smashing good.
they've had a few re-incarnations (billy going bald) and a few band changes (bye, james iha). but smashing pumpkins are still making music with frontman billy corgan. with their release of zeitgeist, the pumpkins are touring the country with a stop in boston next week. listen to new tracks, or just cross your fingers for hits like today, 1979 and disarm. spaceboy, we've missed you. october 13. orpheum theater. one hamilton place at tremont. 617.482.0650.

a hazel nut.
we love newbury street for its promise of designer stores and ritzy restos. but we can only afford the $10 per hour parking so many times. browse and buy effortlessly at hazel & grace, wellesley's answer to fashion labels without force. owner jennifer ginn and amy gubellini know this firsthand and create a laid-back approach to serious shopping. expect three dot tees, antik jeans and goldenbleu's buttery bags. check your 'tude at the door. 254 washington street at worcester. 781.235.2313. www.hazelandgrace.com

drunk tank.
spending a night in the clink is now a good thing. that is, if you're at the liberty hotel. housed in the former charles street jail, this joint is actually a place to be seen. have pinot poured from a beaker. sip liberty ale (in honor of paul revere's brief imprisonment). or just take in the sights from inside the barred windows. the only call you'll get here is last call. 215 charles street near fruit. 617.224.4000. www.libertyhotel.com