Real Choices: Before the week is out ...

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IF YOU'VE got an eye for artistic talent try spotting the next Turner prize nominee at ARTfutures. This annual market held by the Contemporary Arts Society aims to launch artists' careers by selecting the best works from degree shows around the UK (like Josie McCoy's oil on canvas entitled "Sarah Hills" above) and sells them alongside new pieces by established artists such as Bridget Riley. Prices start at pounds 150, and since many of the artists go on to be highly successful prize-winners, it's also an ideal starting ground for fledgling collectors. If you're a newcomer to contemporary art, knowledgeable staff are on hand to discuss the works and give buying guidance. As for your Turner Prize hunch, try looking for a south London video artist who's doing something creative with hippo spit.

ARTfutures, 1-5 December, noon to 10.30pm, Royal Festival Hall, South Bank, London, SE1. Admission free (tel: 0171 831 7311) www.contempart.org.uk

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THE LATEST way to give yourself a lift is not a Wonderbra but a Wunderbar. The brainchild of Aveda founder, Horst Rechelbacher, this new concept retail outlet is part coffee-, part health-bar. Guests are invited to pop in and fill out a "dosha questionnaire" that will determine the particular restorative elixir for their chakra from aphrodisia to intellectual stimulation. You may also sample and buy all the products in its healthy Intelligent Nutrients range. Sadly, the only Wunderbar happens to be in Minneapolis, but you can get plenty of revitalising health tips from its website and the company has plans to start expanding worldwide next year.

Intelligent Nutrients Wunderbar, Minneapolis Aveda Institute, www.intelligentnutrients.com

wear these

GOT NOTHING to wear for Millennium Eve? Worry no more, for as long as you buy a pair of these glittery, Dame Edna tribute, 2000 sunglasses you're bound to cause a stir. Pop them on your nose (or on your head if your venue is rather dark) and bask in glory as everyone comments on your obvious sense of style. No accessory has ever been more perfect for this New Year's Eve, or more useless for any other night. But at pounds 4.99, who cares? The shades come in a choice of silver, blue, purple and pink so you'll have no trouble finding one to match your frock. Just make sure you don't do anything on the big night that you don't want to be remembered for, because, have no doubt, you will not be forgotten. "Remember the one in those bonkers specs, who..."

2000 sunglasses available, from Hay Fever (tel: 01392 256 578) www.hayfever-gift.co.uk

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THERE'S NOTHING better than kicking off your shoes after a hard day - but it may not be as pleasant for everyone else in the room. To combat this problem M&S has come up with a range of sweet-smelling socks. Men can choose from the Aroma range: chocolate, cut grass, orange and cedarwood. Women from a selection called Scented: peppermint, lavender or vanilla. The women's socks also have a built-in special knit massaging sole - to help recovery from a day spent in killer kitten-heels, presumably.

Aroma and Scented socks, pounds 5 from from selected branches of Marks & Spencer. For stockists call (tel: 0171 268 1234)