We write about hundreds of products every week. Here, in our version of the Sunday circular, we’ve plucked some of our recent favorites: expert-recommended essentials, life-changing stuff you didn’t know you needed, newly launched gizmos, and very good deals we uncovered while trawling the vast online-shopping universe — including the weather-proof UGG clogs one writer says are better than Danskos, an under-$8 mustache wax that gives long-lasting shape to all your facial-hair choices, and a 1,000-piece puzzle that pays homage to New York City’s diner fare.
The Madewell pants Victoria Justice owns in five colors
Victoria Justice can’t live without these wide-leg pants, which she says she initially noticed while walking past a Madewell store window. That day, the Victorious star, who describes the linen blend material as super-comfortable, bought the trousers in five different colors: navy, black, camel, white, and dark green. “I wear them all the time now with my Converse platform sneakers,” Justice says, adding that they’re more stylish than a regular pair of jeans.
A stretchy bralette for lazy days (or every day)
Alongside suggestions from a panel of stylish women on the best wireless bras and bralettes, Strategist contributor Anna Samson recommended this Vans bralette that makes any outfit she wears “ten times more comfortable,” she says. While it was once her “treat bra,” the super-soft cotton material has become her go-to because it works under everything from T-shirts to chiffon dresses, Samson says. Available in six sizes, the bra’s black-and-white color scheme is reminiscent of the brand’s classic slip-on sneakers.
Surprisingly cushy UGG clogs that can be worn on walks (or a night out)
“No category of shoe more proudly bears the crown of comfort than clogs,” says Strategist contributor Erika Veurink. Veurink, who’s tried several variations including traditional wooden clogs and Danskos, says the footwear can be unstable or blister-inducing — that is until she found these UGGs, which feature washable inserts, a subtle cut below the ankle, and a lightweight rubber sole that offers all-day support. “I keep waiting for a pain point, but instead, these clogs have taken up permanent residence next to my front door,” Veurink says.
The brown pen one writer was gatekeeping … until now
After stumbling into her local stationery store, Strategist contributor Peyton Dix uncovered this smooth and svelte pen whose identity she’s hidden for the last year from her friends and social-media followers. The Pigma Pen — which Dix says turns her into Lady Whistledown — fits nicely in her hand and writes with the right amount of quick-drying ink to keep her cursive consistent and connected. Although she tried a range of shades, Dix ultimately picked this brown color because it’s “special without showing off, different but still demure,” she says.
The furry bear hat Jacob Collier made a pact to wear every day
About seven years ago in L.A., Jacob Collier says he walked past a shop window with his friend Genevieve Artadi of Knower and felt drawn to “a bust of a head wearing this bear hat.” Collier says Artadi offered to buy the fuzzy headpiece, but on one condition: He would wear it every single day for the rest of his life. “It’s now become something my fans know me for, and I’ve received many custom bear hats and animal hats from fans,” Collier says, adding that his followers even wear them to his shows. While he isn’t partial to any particular one, Collier says the bear hat symbolizes his love for his fans and how he’ll be forever indebted to a dear friend.
Supportive cowboy boots made for walking — a lot of walking
With cowboy (and cowboy-inspired) boots still having their moment, we asked stylish teens, country singers, fashion editors, and more about their favorite styles, which includes this relatively inexpensive silver pair from Call It Spring. Favored by model Molly D’Amato, the metallic shoes have a block heel and a foam insole that makes them easy to walk long distances in, despite D’Amato’s flatter arches, she says. She’s owned them for about a year and says they’ve held up even on gritty Manhattan sidewalks.
An affordable mustache wax with extra-reliable hold
Named the best budget-friendly pick in our roundup of the best mustache wax, this option is easy to apply on all styles while giving “mega grasp and all-day hold,” says Michael Haar, the owner and operator of Haar & Co. Barbershop. Strategist contributor Garrett Munce tested the Clubman wax and says he liked that the packaging gave him more control over the amount of product he squeezed out. And because the formula isn’t overly firm, Munce says it emulsifies quickly, which makes it more moldable and simple to comb through. Besides this neutral (uncolored) version, it also comes in various shades whether you’re looking for gray coverage or a more pronounced mustache, Munce says.
A space-saving bread maker for small and large loaves (and gluten-free)
As seen in our guide to the bread makers, this slender machine is our pick for small spaces and comes recommended by Sarah Bridenstine of Baking Kneads, the daughter of a baker and proprietor of a bread-baking advice site. Bridenstine calls the appliance a solid “sidekick” for beginners and pros alike because of its versatility in making different breads and even pizza dough. And at under $150, it’s surprisingly full-featured for the cost: There are three loaf sizes and a gluten-free function, plus it has an interior light for checking on the crust.
A New York–approved puzzle for the comfort-food obsessed
We recently announced New York’s collaboration with Piecework — the makers of our favorite non-fusty jigsaws — on a 1,000-piece puzzle that celebrates one of the most beloved establishments in all of New York City: the diner. Inspired by Adam Platt’s ode to the city’s beloved cuisine (and culture), the image, photographed by Bobby Doherty, features almost every item on the menu at the recently closed Upper East Side diner Neil’s. The New York Diner is available on Piecework’s website and is coming soon to the New York Magazine Shop.
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.
