For this week’s “Don’t Dillydally,” we’ve surfaced a range of new things we’re sure will sell out, including LEGO Braille bricks, a limited-edition ceramic tire ashtray, and waste-not Merrell hiking sneakers made from leather scraps.
San Francisco–based workwear brand Taylor Stitch partnered with like-minded brand GORUCK to create a durable and stylish gear kit. The collection includes six products: a water-repellant rucksack, a merino-wool half-zip, a breathable base-layer T-shirt, cargo shorts, a packable shell, and a ball cap. Everything is designed to withstand the elements, whether you’re hiking, camping, road-tripping, or just visiting friends for a weekend.
Not every kid (or parent) is a Peppa Pig superfan. But for those who are, this Mori Baby collaboration is sure to delight. The brand has a knack for making truly soft-as-a-cloud pajamas (we’ve written about them before) and other adorable infant essentials like rash guards and onesies. This collection includes some painfully cute stuff including a Peppa hooded towel, George sweatshirt, and piggie-patterned sleep sack.
Milk Teeth, the kids’ shop founded by two former fashion executives, has had a hard time keeping these handmade patchwork pants in stock ever since the pair launched their store back in 2021. They’re now freshly restocked, and each one-of-a-kind pair is made using upcycled deadstock fabric so no other child’s will be the same.
Sometimes when two iconic brands get together they make something overwhelming and unwearable. But L.L.Bean and Blundstones have found a subtle yet impactful way to collaborate. The result is a pair of rugged boots with cozy campfire vibes thanks to a Buffalo-check gore. They have all the best qualities of Blundstone boots including premium leather uppers and sturdy soles, as well as L.L.Bean’s classic outdoorsy aesthetic.
The new Sandro x Wrangler collection is another excellent example of a restrained collaboration working to the benefit of both brands. There are just eight pieces, including T-shirts, hoodies, wide-leg denim, and a brick-brown trucker jacket and matching flared jeans that could easily stand in for a suit.
A lot of Merrell hiking sneakers already look a bit like they were carved from the side of a rocky hill. But the brand’s just-released Scrap collection has an even more exaggerated rocks-and-pebbles aesthetic. The stitched-together multicolored scraps look pretty cool and prevent leftover pieces of leather from ending up in a landfill.
As if we needed a new reason to praise the humble LEGO, the company has opened up preorders for a set of Braille letter bricks. The LEGOs are designed to help children with visual impairment practice their Braille skills and include the whole family in the fun. The familiar raised “studs” of each brick are arranged in the same raised-dot patterns as the letters of the Braille English alphabet, and each brick is also printed with the corresponding letter.
Rothy’s The Point flats are a favorite business-casual shoe because they are easy to slip on and comfortable throughout long commutes — practically eliminating the need for a pair of subway sneakers. The Point II flats have been redesigned with a roomier toe box, added elastic, and ever-so-slight heel to make them even more comfortable and essential to any wardrobe.
This week, multimedia artist Matt McCormick’s menswear label, One of These Days, launched an online-only shop-within-a-shop for limited, non-seasonal drops. The first three products — a funky ceramic tire ashtray, a scented cactus air freshener, and a black graphic T-shirt — were inspired by American car culture. Any one of them would make a great gift.
Cookware brand Caraway just launched the 14-piece Prep Set, made with nontoxic, ecofriendly materials like FSC-certified birch wood and German stainless steel. Each set includes four knives, a pair of scissors, wooden spoons, tongs, spatulas, and a storage organizer to hold it all. The set is available in six colors, and you can preorder now for a November ship date.
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.
