the hip flask: don’t leave home without it

by melissa willbanks “Where would I need a flask?” you may be asking. Our response: Where wouldn’t you need a flask? Whether you’ve been invited to a party hosted by someone who hasn’t quite grown out of his fraternity keg party ways or you’ve reluctantly agreed to attend a 17th century poetry reading with the hot new girl in the office, a flask brimming with top-shelf whiskey is sure to get you through. Never mind your next family reunion. But hey, flasks don’t just come in handy during life’s more grim circumstances. Hitting the slopes wouldn’t be the same without a little nip to warm your bones, and who wants to toast your latest promotion with a stale cup of office kitchen coffee?

So now that we’ve established that there are few places a flask doesn’t come in handy, let’s talk style. Whipping out a pint of Ketel One from your bag ranks right up there on the tacky scale with skulking away from what’s-his-name’s place with your panties stuffed in your purse. You need a flask that says “class act” or one that purrs, “Hey baby, wanna share a drink?” Decide what you want your flask to say about you, and let’s go shopping.

Flasks and flask sets we think are nifty:
For the animal in you: furry faux leopard flask, $? [I've called for a price on this, but no one calls me back.] www.therestlessmouse.com

When you feel like a bad girl, a very, very bad girl: lipstick red croc-embossed leather by Julia Knight, $49.95; mini key chain flasks also come in orange, pink and lime, $19.95 (clearly NOT for the designated driver). Available at Sur la Table, www.surlatable.com

Oh so coy: This tricky number looks like binoculars but unscrew the lens and fill’er up baby. Barnocular flask, $18.99; www.after5catalog.com

Rescue me: Martini First-Aid comes with two stainless steel martini glasses, 2 stainless steel flasks, a bullet-shaped shaker and a hidden compartment for olives, all in a thermal carrying case. $89.99, www.after5catalog.com

Now THAT’S what I call a mini-bar: Thermal carrying case comes with stainless shaker, two olive picks and three flasks-one for the vodka, one for the gin and one for the vermouth (duh). Three Flask Mini Bar, $89.99, www.after5catalog.com

When you feel dainty: This flask comes complete with a shot glass so you can be very ladylike when you’re knocking back a few. Flask with shot cup, $29.95, www.gunthergifts.com

When you want to look like you’re in high demand. Cell phone flask with leather carrying case, $30, www.gunthergifts.com

These flasks will get you noticed, but they’re too flimsy for the really Good Stuff:
Hot pink glitter flask and heart-shaped flask; available at Urban Outfitters, 800-282-2200, www.urbanoutfitters.com, $18 – $24