KickBars

If you're one of those people who just can't have enough original, top-range designer sneakers and trades up every time someone at Nike sneezes, what do you do to get the edge on your sneaker-wearing mates and be the first on the block with something truly different? The answer might be here. Kickbars are shoelace clips, which you thread your laces through and mount on the top of your sneakers for that discreet touch of class. Made from white or yellow gold, the basic Kickbars come encrusted with white or black diamonds but you may also choose sapphires or rubies for an extra-femine touch. The company, which is based in L. A. by the way (who guessed?), is conscious of the bloody trail left by many of the gems emanating from the African diamond trade and certify that every effort is made to keep so-called "combat diamonds" out of their products. Clever and creative wearers have discovered that the threading technique lends itself to wearing Kickbars around the neck, wrist and ankles, too, so you can splash out and wear them all over yourself and for all occasions. If that's got you all excited, don't despair at finding no prices on the site itself. That's because the market in gems and gold fluctuates constantly. But as a rough rule of thumb at the time of writing, expect to pay somewhere in the region of $7000 for your Kickbar. Hopefully it's also supplied with a map illustrating the many places in and around L. A. where you'd be crazy to wear one and hope to get out alive. From what I hear, you'll need it.