The Strategist Haul: What the Editors Bought in July

You might have read about this in Secret Strategist, our new insider-shopping newsletter (if you haven’t signed up yet, do it now!), but it’s so good it deserves a spot here as well. I was walking past the Muji store on Fifth Avenue when this little white bag stopped me in my tracks — it was petite and plastic, the perfect summer mini-tote. Turns out it’s called a “spa pouch” because it’s made of EVA and mesh and meant to get wet, but it was so cute I couldn’t possibly relegate it to only holding toiletries. It’s small and rigid, which means it doesn’t fit a ton, but there’s enough room for the essentials: phone, lip balm, wallet, sunglasses, and a slim book (if put upright). I’ve taken it to an actual spa, the splash pad, and dinner.

We recently got our couch professionally cleaned, which was painfully overdue. Since our one-year-old Lab is the main reason why our couch was in such dire straits, we went looking for a doggy blanket to protect his favorite lounging spot — we have plenty of throws for him to lay on, but comfier ones trap his hair and dog smell, which drives me crazy. The Gogobunny blanket is smooth and pretty flat (versus soft and plush) so when my dog sheds, the fur lays on top of the blanket (rather than getting embedded in the material), and I can use my ChomChom pet roller to clean it up quickly. And since the material is waterproof, it doesn’t absorb or hold on to my dog’s odor. Even though it isn’t plush, he still really likes laying on it, and it has kept our couch clean (since the professional cleaning) and not smelling like a kennel.

Eadem’s Cloud Cushion — my moisturizer of choice — has been sold out for enough time that I reluctantly bought Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré while I wait for a back-in-stock email. Former Cut beauty director Kathleen Hou’s praise persuaded me to get it: “This is often the only moisturizer makeup artists carry backstage.” The concentré — which bills itself as a makeup base, mask, and makeup remover — goes on thicker than I’d like, though it melts right in with some massaging. It has a vaguely sunscreen smell that makes me dream of the beach. It does feel like I’m cheating on Eadem, but my skin looks very good right now.

Because I needed something delightful — a little treat — I bought this faux spoon of Fruit Loops and spilled milk. (I got the martini version for a friend’s birthday this year.) It’s the pick-me-up I need whenever I’m stuck writing emails.

I’d been eyeing this blanket — at first the thinner olive green version, then this chunky cumin one — for over four months. I love how it looks, feels, and matches my décor, but I was never quite ready to spend $100-plus on a blanket. During West Elm’s not-Prime Day sale, the originally $120 blanket was on clearance and marked down an additional 15 percent, so it was just $72. I’d guess 40 percent off is the lowest it will ever go, so I went for it.

My boyfriend and I took a quick one-night trip upstate last weekend and spent a few hours walking around Catskill, where we stopped at Kaaterskill Market, a lovely home goods store. I bought this woody and floral (but not-too-sweet-smelling) candle and a bundle of pretty dried yellow flowers from the area to fill an empty vase on my dresser.

A rather mundane purchase, but I finally replaced the AirPods I lost when I was visiting L.A. earlier this summer. I’ve been using an old corded version since then (fine for commuting via train or feet, but very not fine for talking on the phone while cooking and doing chores).

When the weather is hot with a capital H, I can’t be bothered to put on socks or lace up sneakers. I finally decided to buy a pair of Tevas (mainly because of the snake print) at REI last month, and can’t believe it took me so long to take the plunge. They’re much more supportive than I thought they’d be, and I haven’t had to break them in at all. (I say this as someone who is incredibly prone to blisters.)

I finally had a chance to check out a ThirdLove brick-and-mortar store while I was visiting my mom in California. This is by far the most comfortable bra I’ve ever owned, and it smooths everything out without pinching my underarms or creating the dreaded quad-boob. And though I’m decidedly not an underwire girlie, I was swayed to buy this lacy number as well, which is so fun to wear under cotton tees.

One of my most stylish friends got married in June, and as we have a shrimp-cocktail-themed group chat, I thought these coupes were the perfect gift. Also, I’ve been to enough weddings to know that if you go off-registry, you text and ask in advance if they’d prefer cash, so please believe me when I say that these were received rapturously.

I’m on a perpetual quest to find a product that can tame my straight, thick hair without feeling too sticky or stiff. After telling my barber my hesitations about using greasy, tacky gels, he recommended this cream from Church. Although the brand calls it a pomade, it has more of a creamy, spongelike feel, and when it’s worked into my hair, it feels clean and smooth while giving it texture. It smells great too — citrusy and a bit herbal — and it washes out super-easily.

This is the second time I’m including tinned fish in a Strategist Haul, but I’m just going to go with it and embrace my newfound identity as a seafood devotee. When I found out tinned-fish purveyor Siesta was teaming up with yuzu-juice brand Yuzuco, I placed my order expeditiously. The collab consists of tuna-belly fillets marinated in olive oil, yuzu peel, and green pepper, and I already know it’s going to become a permanent staple in my pantry.

I started following a bunch of Korean fashion brands and stores last winter when I was looking for a puffer jacket, which eventually led to Ojos. I am obsessed with everything they make; it is the dream of Y2K rendered with more skill and wit than the actual Y2K clothes had. It is the final form of J.Lo’s “If You Had My Love” music video. I got this cyber gray polo shirt with a little drawstring pouch integrated into the front; I’m also a big fan of this blazer/skirt/leg-warmer suit.

For the last six months I’ve been prepping for a move, moving, or exhausted from a move. And so I haven’t been cooking much at all — after a while I slipped into a routine that consisted of many cold-cut and chopped-cheese sandwiches from the bodega. Thistle is a new way for me to get healthful, fresh, green food without really trying. Ordering and delivery are seamless. The food is delicious. I’ve gone kind of overboard on the umami mushroom and lemon miso bowl. The snacks and breakfasts have really vibrant flavors and are filling too. Pro tip: Swap those in for lunch — they’re filling enough and cheaper than the dinners and actual lunches. And speaking of cost: Thistle is pricey but not ghastly. I pay about $120 for enough food to get me through a week.