If you’re like us, you’ve probably wondered what famous people add to their carts. Not the JAR brooch and Louis XV chair but the hair spray and the electric toothbrush. We asked Mal Wright of The Ultimatum: Queer Love about the coffee alternative she orders on repeat, the vintage-looking watch she bought at Kmart, and her Hydro Flask that doubles as a personal safety device.
I saw an ad for this on Instagram, and at the time, I was trying to get off coffee. It absolutely got me off coffee. Now, I have a subscription and everything. It’s a powder, and it has mushrooms, turmeric, and ashwagandha — all these compounds to get you more focused and less jittery. You put a scoop in your oat milk or whatever you use; it’s not that great in water. But it makes you feel so good. It’s a more sustained energy.
My dad used to wear one of these to work. I got it from Kmart for $15 a bajillion years ago when Kmart was still a thing. Now, it’s $70 at Urban Outfitters. I like it because it’s old-school and a classic style. It’s not pretentious, and it tells the time.
You know when you get a bag of Lay’s and they cheat you out of the chips? Like it’s just full of air? That’s these chips. There’s like seven in there. But it doesn’t matter. They’re so good.
I have four of these, and I use them for different reasons. One is letters to God. Another is what I process through therapy. Another is just ideas; then I have one for tasks. I use the medium-size ones, lined. They’re all different colors. I have two from when they did that collab with Kith and then a black one.
Aesop has me in a choke hold. It’s expensive for no reason, but it smells so good. If you get the whole hand kit with the little scrub in it, it gets your hands soft. I like the Reverence scent because it’s woody and earthy and there’s sandalwood—all my favorites. I keep one in my car and one in my toiletry bag.
86 West is a small brand out of Seattle, and it smells so good. The price point is also great. I found out about it while I lived there and have been using it ever since. It’s woodsy. I like really warm smells, and it’s unisex, too.
I need this. I have to stay hydrated. Mine is green and has a bunch of stickers on it. I have the 32-ounce bottle. I’ve dropped it several times, but it lasts forever and I can bang it up. I’ve gone through a few, and when I’ve lost them, I just replace them. It also keeps me safe. If I’m out walking by myself, I can get somebody.
They break in so good. It’s like a relationship between your foot and the shoe. I’d rather get the soles recorked than buy a new pair. It’s not worth it to break in a new one, and they look better the older they get. I have the black ones, and I got this guy Kevin Concepts to put skeleton toes on top.
I need this for my keys. It’s a low-key statement. When you see it, you’re like, Handy? Dyke? Or just cool? I’m actually working on a luxury carabiner with Lexi’s dad. He’s a jeweler, so we’re working on something fun. Stay tuned.
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.
