We’re officially in the doldrums of summer, so if you’re looking for something to put some pep in your step, this week’s edition of Don’t Dillydally — Strategist’s roundup of new releases we think will sell out — is full of fun (and functional) stuff you can use now and well into the fall. From a Simpsons and Vans collaboration that’s truly “off the wall,” to hand-stitched quilts from Brooklinen, to Pokémon phone cases, to artist-designed face masks, there’s something for everybody — while supplies last, of course.
Simpsons x Vans
Vans’s collaboration with The Simpsons is as delightful as they come. It includes footwear, apparel, and accessories for the entire family, all emblazoned with characters from the iconic cartoon. Like the cast of Springfieldians itself, the shoes run the gamut, but two of our favorites include this pair of slip-ons featuring a print of that cast of Springfieldians and this pair of low-top lace-ups featuring Marge and sisters Selma and Patty. (These are just two of the 55 styles of shoes released as part of the collaboration.) On the clothing front, there are some pretty great tees (long- and short-sleeve), jackets, and hoodies to choose from, including a “Lisa Simpson for President” tee that we think is particularly of the moment.
Casetify & Pokémon
Perhaps for a younger generation, or any adults still trying to catch ’em all, Casetify’s latest Pokémon collection includes cases for Apple and Samsung phones, AirPods, and even wireless charging pads that feature creatures from the equally beloved cartoon. The pocket monsters are set against a swirl of tie-dye or a checker pattern, and you can even customize some cases. Of the many to choose from, this tie-dyed Jigglypuff option is pretty groovy.
While we can’t say Pikachu will help charge AirPods faster, we can say he (or she?) makes this case for them look a lot cuter.
Anchal Projects and Brooklinen’s throw and pillow
Brooklinen just launched a collaboration with Anchal Project, a sister-run nonprofit known for its textiles handmade by women artisans in India. The limited-edition line includes a lightweight throw and decorative pillow, both of which feature traditional kantha stitching and panels of simple geometric patterns in tan, cream, and blue. (We think the throws, which also feature the hand-stitched name of the artisan who made them, recall APC’s equally covetable — but far more expensive — quilts.) Aside from their likelihood of selling out, Brooklinen’s site-wide 10 percent off sale going on today is another reason not to dillydally if you like these.
Williams Sonoma’s No Kid Hungry spatulas
Williams Sonoma and No Kid Hungry recently teamed up to create a line of celebrity-designed spatulas and other kitchen accessories to raise money for the nonprofit that works to fight childhood hunger. Thirty percent of each sale will go to the organization, which may be incentive enough to get a few (they’re the type of thing that would make a perfect gift for a foodie mom, mother-in-law, or dad). While some styles are only available in-store, several can be purchased online, including ones designed by Kris Jenner, Hoda Kotb, and (our favorite) Ina Garten, whose spatula features her motto: “It’s a party!”
Nécessaire at Sephora
Nécessaire, the clean-beauty brand that makes some of our favorite body lotions and body washes, just announced that its products are now available at Sephora both in-store and online. Among them are the buzzy “Sex Gel,” a water-based personal lubricant — and one of the company’s first products — that counts the ultrahydrating hyaluronic acid as one of its ingredients.
MOCA’s artist-designed masks
If you’re looking for unusual face masks to round out your collection, Los Angeles’s Museum of Contemporary Art just released a collection of nine limited-production, artist-designed reusable ones, with each purchase directly supporting the museum. We especially love Yoko Ono’s contribution, which has a silkscreened pattern of puzzle pieces, one of which is a “piece of sky.” (Other participating artists include Barbara Kruger, Virgil Abloh, and Pipilotti Rist.) Each cotton mask is handmade by Citizens of Humanity and has a closed loop on top and tie at the bottom. You can also buy all nine of them as a set.
Quay x Lizzo sunglasses
Australian line Quay has dropped its second collaboration with Lizzo, which includes a bunch of items from blue-light filtering glasses to a face mask that says “Vote” on it to these alluring cat’s-eye sunnies. We think the ombré frames and rose-tinted lenses make them look way more expensive than they actually are.
Away’s new Carry On colors
While we’re on the topic of fun colors, Away recently launched its frequent-traveler-approved Carry On in a bunch of new hues — including plum, sea green, canary, and cherry. We imagine the thrill of scooping one up to be the next best thing to the thrill of traveling with one, whenever that may be.
Topicals skin care
Finally, in other beauty news, the newly launched skin-care brand Topicals is already generating buzz around its science-backed, dermatologist-approved products made with “medicated botanicals” to treat chronic skin conditions like hyperpigmentation and eczema. While their first two products — Faded, a brightening gel, and Like Butter, a hydrating mask — have already sold out (for the time being), we are including them because you can text TOPICALS to 283-98 for the latest updates on restocks.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
