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 a 40 percent off Patagonia jacket that stays warm even when it gets wet, Bridget Everett’s wear-everywhere tank top, and the highly giftable water bottle over ten Strategist staffers own (and love).
Jessel Taank’s boob tape that’s basically like a breast lift …
After having kids, Real Housewives of New York star Jessel Taank says her “perfect C’s” were no more. That’s why she counts these adhesive bras among her favorite things: They “pull you up and give you almost like a breast lift,” she told us. Taank wears hers under “almost everything” and loves that, unlike a strapless bra, they won’t end up around your waist. “This stays, it’s seamless, backless, and no one can tell if you’re wearing one,” Taank says.
… and Bridget Everett’s support tank for going braless
The first thing comedian Bridget Everett does when she gets home is take off her bra. The second thing she does is put on this strappy ultralight tank. According to Everett, the top from size-inclusive brand Girlfriend Collective provides a little extra support when she’s going braless, plus she can wear it practically everywhere. “I can walk around the house, I can throw on a sweater when I leave, or I can just pop out on my terrace and walk my dog,” she says.
The absurd desk timer one New York editor swears by
If fixing your attention span was one of your New Year’s resolutions, New York Magazine editor-at-large Choire Sicha has just the thing: the Mooas Dodecagon Mini Timer. He says that after ordering “every imaginable timer on Amazon,” only this one stood out for its easy-to-use function; just flip the polygon so that the desired time increment faces up (there are 11 options, ranging from 1 to 90 minutes). “Some days I can do anything for five minutes, some days I can do anything for an hour,” Sicha writes. “That’s between me and my timer.”
Flower-inspired flatware (with a fork that looks like it has roots)
An especially delightful find in our latest installment of Don’t Dillydally: this set of stainless-steel tulip flatware made by artist Lorien Stern, who’s known for her whimsical clothes and home goods. The dishwasher-safe flatware is part of Stern’s new dinnerware collection, which also includes placemats shaped like oranges, watermelons, and lemons.
Frankie Grande’s mask that’s like blackout shades for your eyes
Not everyone can say they live in Times Square, but Frankie Grande can. Because his space is extremely bright 24 hours a day, Grande wears this “100 percent blackout” memory-foam mask to help him fall asleep at night. It’s good for power naps too: The mask’s “little scoops” around the eyes don’t mess up his lashes and eye makeup. (Our beauty columnist, Rio Viera-Newton, is also a big fan.)
A non-electric grill press for sizzling sandwiches (or smashing burgers)
If you want to perfect your at-home grilled cheese but don’t have the counter space for a stand-alone sandwich press, this minimal grill press will do the trick. Recommended in our guide to the best panini presses, it’s a favorite of Archestratus Books + Foods owner Paige Lipari, who uses one at her shop to turn out sandwiches day in and day out. “They have a nice weight to them,” she says, “heavy enough to press down fully and evenly, but still easy to wield.”
A deeply discounted Patagonia jacket (that our writer wears rock climbing)
Our writer and resident outdoor-gear expert Jeremy Rellosa says this Patagonia Nano Puff is his go-to for climbing, hiking, and running errands around town. What makes it stand out from other puffers is its PrimaLoft Gold insulation. “I’ve been caught in some storms while hiking in my Nano Puff and I didn’t notice a difference in its insulating power when drenched,” he writes. And now, you can get it for 40 percent off (in both men’s and women’s sizing).
The water bottle of the moment (that makes a Valentine’s Day–worthy gift)
A friendly reminder that Valentine’s Day is about one month away. Our writer Kat Gillespie rounded up 50 suggestions under $50 — including a chef-approved skillet, a bottle of lube that resembles expensive perfume, and the Owala water bottle that 11 of our staffers bought last year. They all love it for the same reason: It has a straw for sipping and a wide mouth hole for chugging.
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.
