If you follow our monthly feature “Your Shopping Cart,” you know we have some eerily good intel on what you all are buying, which led us to think that, as Strategist editors, we could turn the tables and highlight all the things we’ve been buying for ourselves. As you’ll notice, it’s both a blessing and a curse to be a Strategist editor; we’re picky, but sometimes we just have to get on with it. (It’s online-shopping expertise meets IRL needs.) Below, what we bought in April.
Amelia Jerden, sleep writer
I’m a diligent sunscreen user for my face and body, but until a few years ago, I had never thought I needed sunscreen for my scalp — that is, until I got a scalp sunburn, thanks to my middle part. I discovered this Sun Bum scalp spray and used up an entire bottle over the past two summers. A few weeks ago, though, I went without it at the Dreamville music festival, ended up with another part-line burn, and I realized it was time to purchase another bottle. This will be living in my purse for the next few months, and (hopefully) I won’t be contending with another burn for the rest of the spring and summer.
I’ve been dealing with acne since I was in fourth grade — the battle has been long and hard. A recent return to the dermatologist has been getting my skin under control, but I’ve still been dealing with occasional breakouts. After reading about these CosRX patches in our Best in Class pimple patch story, I decided to give them a try. I’ve only used them a few times on smaller pimples, but the results have been good so far. I think these will also be a useful tool in my arsenal for breaking my truly terrible pimple-popping and skin-picking habit.
Maxine Builder, editor
For the last three years, my husband and I have lived in a railroad-style apartment that’s so narrow, we don’t have room for a couch. The good news is that I’m finally moving into a bigger apartment. The bad news is that I have no idea how to decorate it. So when my colleague Ailbhe mentioned this book, I bought it on Amazon before we hopped off the call. It’s basically interior design for dummies, chock full of very practical advice — like what size rug will fit your space and how to hang a gallery wall — so I expect it’ll be my guide for the next several months, as I figure out how to set-up a dining room and finally buy a couch.
Ambar Pardilla, writer
I’ve been on the hunt for a shoe to run errands in — something that’s not quite a sneaker, but that can easily be slipped on since it’ll be left in an entryway for quick in-and-outs. I never thought I would find them at Merrell, but here we are (I blame it on an installment of our Secret Strategist newsletter). I almost haven’t taken them off since ripping open the box. A Vibram sole gets me a good grip on the ground. I can wear them without socks. These are also nice-looking enough, and happen to be the mules designer Sandy Liang wore on her wedding day.
I wanted a good boatneck, and this is a good boatneck, showing just a peek of collarbone.
Ailbhe Malone, senior editor
I went to visit my brother in Berlin for Easter. I wasn’t expecting to do much shopping with a 2-year-old in tow, but while deciding whether or not we could handle a 30-minute wait for hand-pulled noodles at Weng Chen 1 (adults: yes, toddler; no) I popped into the toy store next door. I bought a little broom, which fit in our cabin luggage nicely. Aoife loves it so much that she sweeps the house with vigor every morning.
I spent too much money at Kiehl’s in a fugue state at the airport. I picked up the sunscreen (it’s fine) and the midnight recovery oil (it’s exceptional). I used the recovery oil on and off for several years, but went off it pre-pandemic. I can’t remember why, but I’m pleased it’s back in my life. The scent is delicious, and it’s a nice skin-plumper after using my NuFace Trinity in the evening.
Kiki Aranita, senior editor
I love these huaraches. I’ve walked at least 40 miles in them since I got them a few weeks ago. I feel like they look professional enough, and no, they’re not as comfy as Birks but the sole is surprisingly bouncy and the suede is so soft. I didn’t need to break them in at all and I love wearing them with dresses, jeans … anything.
I bought this hairbrush in Italy and it’s my favorite right now. I have super long thick hair and these bristles make it through my hair down to my scalp without snagging at all.
Bella Druckman, junior writer
I was compelled by an Instagram ad to purchase this adorable petite tomato cocotte. I haven’t used it yet, but Staub says it’s oven-safe at more than 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so I’m excited to cook little desserts in it. I also think it will look adorable as a serving vessel for dips and sides at future dinner parties. I’m enamored by some of the other food-shaped cocotte options, such as this bright bell pepper-shaped cocotte and dashing deep green artichoke-shaped cocotte, but I’m holding out on making a collection (for now).
I’ve recently been intrigued by barrel pants, which I found out about through the hype surrounding Free People’s We the Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans. I’ve never been one for skinny jeans but also find that I swim in the baggier jeans that Gen Z loves these days, so I wanted to try these slightly tapered-yet-loose pants. I haven’t tried the Free People jeans yet, but I purchased a pair of Everlane’s Utility Barrel Pants and am loving them so far. They sit right above my belly button and are slightly cropped, coming in a couple of inches above my ankle (which makes them perfect for summer IMO). I have a short torso and long legs and find the barrel shape so flattering on my five-foot-three frame. The extra-large pockets are also very helpful for carrying my phone.
Emma Wartzman, kitchen and dining writer
I have a small collection of antique silver serving ware, and several weeks ago, I accidentally smashed the glass holding all the pieces to the floor. It shattered. I’ve been vaguely on the hunt for something to replace it and found this nice amber glass at Woods Grove in Carroll Gardens when I was wandering around the other day. The shape is perfect because it keeps the handles bundled together so they don’t splay out to the sides and make the whole thing unevenly weighted.
I’m not sure if this counts because technically my mom bought these for me and my boyfriend but I swear we would have bought them for ourselves if she didn’t. We were visiting my family in L.A. recently and used hers — and were both shocked at how nice they are. This is probably because the ones we have are just a random cheap kind from the pharmacy (my fault, should have turned to Strategist’s guide ages ago). But regardless, our nail-clipper game has officially been upped.
Kelsie Schrader, managing editor
One of my favorite parts of my recent ten-city tour of Italy was stopping at this longtime family-run vinegar house. The co-owner, Sandra, was so kind and welcoming, and learning about her family’s work was truly incredible. If you are ever even a little nearby, you should tour it. Anyway, she let us try dozens of traditional balsamic vinegars, one aged for over 100 years, and I couldn’t leave without some. There were bottles ranging from €55 to €95, aged from 20 years to 25-plus years (the 40-year vinegar aged in a cherry wood barrel was so good). I went with the €35 12-year balsamic because in the small chance airport security wouldn’t let me fly with it, I didn’t want to be out so much money. Of course, now I wish I’d bought bottles to gift to everyone. You can only buy it at the vinegar house in Modena, though they do ship (for around $70, email [email protected] to inquire). You’d be in good company: Among the vinegar house’s former famous recipients are a certain prince and a certain luxury-car company.
Hilary Reid, senior editor
I’ve had my eye on Pauline de Roussy de Sales’ prints for years, and there’s been many a time I’ve almost bought one when she’s released new pieces on her Instagram. So it felt fortuitous when I came across a selection of her prints at Collyer’s Mansion in Brooklyn Heights, including this print of a waiter running with a tray of martinis and a woman walking a little dog in a Plaza-esque hotel. It’s printed on a lovely rose paper, and is just really delightful to look at. The print I bought is sold out online, but I also love her Night at the Opera print.
The last time I bought stamps at my post office the selections were a little dismal, so this time around I ordered through the USPS site where there are plenty of fun options. I landed on this sheet of Roy Lichtenstein stamps — my favorites are the fruit bowl and the fish bowl.
Brenley Goertzen, junior writer
During the Sephora sale earlier this month, I bought this cleansing oil from Mara Beauty, which was founded by former reporter and producer Allison McNamara. I’ve never tried double cleansing before, but after using this, I’ll never go back. It effortlessly melts away all the grime from makeup and SPF, and makes my face feel thoroughly clean. I also like that it contains fruit enzymes (papaya, pumpkin, pineapple, and grapefruit) to gently exfoliate my skin. It’s slimy magic in a bottle.
Kitty Guo, writer
I’m in the process of slowly ridding myself of all my tattered years-old undies and just replacing them with underwear from Rat Boi. The brand recently held an online sample sale, so I seized the opportunity to snap up a few more of their low-rise briefs. They’re ultra-comfortable, never ride or bunch up, and have a cute little rosette in the front — what’s not to love?
I also scheduled a bouquet delivery for Mother’s Day, and it was far enough in advance that I didn’t even have to pay extra to have it delivered on the day itself, Sunday May 12. Mine was from a small, local florist that’s five minutes away from where my parents live, but if yours is already all booked up, I’d suggest going with an arrangement from Grace Rose Farm — these lush, luminous, peach-and-strawberry Juliet roses are the most gorgeous flowers I’ve ever seen. Get on it, folks!
Liza Corsillo, senior writer
My son is obsessed with all vehicles, especially trucks both garbage and dump. In addition, the local playground sandbox has become a daily haunt with both his nanny and my husband. But all the other toddlers have their own trucks, and things can get kind of tense around sharing. So, at his nanny’s request, I bought him this working dump truck so he won’t get tackled by the 4-year-olds.
Last week I took him to a Mini Rodini press preview and was reminded of how epically cute the Italian brand’s clothes are. That night I sat up late looking at literally every single item of clothing in his size before spending a modest fortune on things for him to wear this summer through next fall and winter. This tank was the least expensive thing I bought and I can’t wait to dress him in it and a pair of sweat shorts come June or July.
Winnie Yang, senior editor
My 1-year-old has never liked silicone food bibs, but he’ll tolerate the polyester kind with waterproof backing. Tiny Twinkle’s bibs have worked really well for us, and I just got the apron-style one for him, since he’s started pulling off the ones that fasten behind the neck.
I liked those sweatpant jeans enough that I got the shorts.
Lauren Ro, writer
I saw these at the gift shop at the Met Cloisters the other day and liked them so much I took a photo of them. I couldn’t stop thinking about them and decided to treat myself, especially because the Met was offering 25 percent off orders of $100-plus for Mother’s Day. They somehow reminded me of the sweater on Anna Wintour’s first cover for Vogue but are actually inspired by the jewels in this Flemish painting. Even though they’re flashier than any other jewelry I own, I can’t wait to wear them with a simple outfit of T-shirt and jeans.
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.
