An all-over-the-place assortment of stood-behind products culled from this very website that appears in the most recent February issue of New York Magazine.
Best in Class
When our senior writer, Liza Corsillo, asked more than 20 well-dressed guys to name their favorite socks, nine had Uniqlo’s colorful socks atop their lists. These comfortably snug, crew-height socks are a true multitasker. The weight of the fabric puts them squarely between an everyday and a dress sock, and at $5 a pair, they cost what a sock should cost. Street-style photographer Christopher Fenimore says they “last hundreds of washes before fading or tearing,” too, and Nicolás Lazaro of Buck Mason tells us he has been wearing some of his for “more than a decade.” The color range is another big draw. There are 50 shades to choose from, including a cheery red and pleasantly muted marigold.
Celebrity Shopping
“A doctor told me when your throat is dry, a cough drop actually dries it out more. Instead, they suggested a Jolly Rancher because it causes you to salivate, which creates more moisture in your mouth. I only eat the cherry ones because if I eat a blue or green one, I look crazy in a meet-and-greet photo. That I learned the hard way.”
“I had no idea electric toothbrushes feel so good and are so effective. I was like, Whoa, this is insane. I’ve been using a caveman’s toothbrush forever. I love this toothbrush. I’ve been raving about this shit for, like, two weeks.”
“I use glue guns a lot in my work as
an artist. I’m very hands-on, and I love to make little prototypes of homeware or jewelry that we’re designing, even if they’re fabricated elsewhere. So the glue gun is useful to keep around. The ones for crafting are a little flimsy, but the DeWalt is very sturdy and dependable. I have 20.”
This Thing’s Incredible
I bought this red-light face wand about a year ago, sucked in by ads on social media promising smoothed fine lines and less acne. Before the Solawave, I tried the NuFace but quickly gave up on it because the brand’s serum is so pricey. I like that I can use the Solawave with whatever cheap serum I want. About four times a week, I putter around while I run the wand across my face for the recommended 12 minutes. Now, my skin glows and my eyes look much less tired than they feel. Recently, my former college roommates and I reunited to celebrate our 40th birthdays, and they all marveled at my skin. “I’m not wearing any makeup. Rub my face and, see. Rub it!” I shouted at them. They didn’t rub my face, but they did all order Solawaves. —Diksha Basu
Please Advise
In his latest column, Chris Black helped a reader with an unfortunate Crocs dependency find exceptionally comfortable shoes that won’t make him look like a toddler hanging out by the pool.
“One of the best sneakers of all time. I have kept a gray pair in my closet for over a decade. The look is simple, so they feel versatile. They also come in several widths if that is something you need.”
“This style is super-lightweight and lands somewhere between a shoe and a slide — a hybrid to help you easily wear real shoes without sacrificing comfort.”
“Mephisto is a classic Old Guys Rule–esque brand, but the Match has been worn in fashion circles for years. They look good, and the comfort is next level. Stick with tan or black textured leather.”
“I am feeling generous, so I will throw you a bone. If you cannot escape the warm hug of a plastic mold, at least wear the only passable Crocs. The Dylan Clog is a little mature — you can’t decorate it with charms.”
The Hunt
I will say that I did give beanies a shot. For years, I gazed longingly at girls wearing slouchy cashmere beanies, their long hair somehow tucked underneath just so. But no matter how chunky, finely knit, soft, long, or short, the beanie always ended up swallowing my head and my personal style with it. Then began my journey to find an alternative. I ventured to the land of earmuffs, then fur headbands, then fuzzy bucket hats, and there was even a brief stint with a sheepskin trapper hat in 2017. Then recently, outside my front door, the “It” girls of Brooklyn were all wearing bonnets. I had to have one. But which one? From Paloma Wool to Acne Studios, lots of designers began making them over the past few years. I thought about getting a white bonnet from Sandy Liang, but it just felt too expensive. And while I did consider a tightly knit, more structured one from the Vermont Country Store, I wanted a bonnet with longer, more exaggerated front ties. I soon realized Etsy was a hub for reasonably priced knit bonnets with thousands of options. Ultimately, I went with one from the seller Another Hat & Bag.
My bonnet has been my prized possession this winter, and I will rave about it to anyone who will listen. It doesn’t slip off my head, and it doesn’t make my forehead itch. I have discovered that a bonnet is sort of a “statement,” and it’s better not to go overboard with other loud pieces. I usually pair it with oval sunglasses and an oversize thrifted coat. —Mya Gelber
Strategist Explains
If you’re deciding between the two, know that percale is lightweight
and crisp and better for hot sleepers, while sateen has a heftier, smoother feel and is warmer. Both are durable, but sateen sheets are less likely to thin out. That said, percale sheets have a minor superpower of their own: They can stretch without ripping, which is particularly helpful when it comes to the awkward task of changing a fitted sheet. Both percale and sateen start with the same base material — cotton — but the way they’re woven yields vastly different fabrics. (Percale has a tight weave; sateen’s is loose.) Whether you choose percale or sateen, look for long-staple cotton. Its fibers are stronger than regular cotton yet still sumptuous and soft. —Lauren Ro
Worth It
When I bought it close to ten years ago, I knew this little bag would become my most-worn accessory. Called the Pasticcino, it is made from gathered fabric, all attached with a small metal frame and ball closure. Even though it’s mini, it fits a mighty amount of on-the-go necessities. Beyond the usual suspects, it can hold a balled-up pashmina, a detachable strap, a portable phone charger, and some sort of snack. I have five versions now, and functionality aside, it checks two important boxes: First, this bag already looks old. No risk of appearing dated next season, as this style spans decades. Second, it is the flair that tips an outfit into personal-style territory. This bag, in all its fun colors and prints, doesn’t actually go with anything and therefore goes with everything! It doesn’t need to match. I’ve worn an orange-and-white-striped Pasticcino on vacation with a bright floral caftan and to the grocery store with sweats and a Barbour jacket. I’m basically set for any time I need to leave the house sans laptop. —Becky Malinsky
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.
