This roundup of things we liked this week originally appeared in the July 27, 2023, edition of the Secret Strategist newsletter, a weekly email where we share the stuff our staff — plus a rotating cast of writers, design-world people, and various others with very good taste — would otherwise keep to themselves. If you want to get our picks straight to your inbox each week, sign up here.
We SPOTTED a lot this week: some surprising shoes at a coffee shop, a brand we’d never heard of in a designer’s Instagram comments, and a nice, cheap little purse in the window at Muji. We’re keeping our eyes open for you!
This Week’s List
* We recently stumbled upon these relatively cheap Japanese paper lanterns shaped like seashells, apples, and tulips. Their pendants also have a sort of Noguchi effect, while being one-third the price of an actual Noguchi.
* One of our editors just moved into a new house, threw out all her mismatched plates, and bought a full set of (also relatively cheap) white Heller dishware. You used to only be able to find this on eBay; the brand has recently rereleased it in every color.
* Maryam Nassir Zadeh has been wearing this really pretty, sheer embroidered dress on Instagram a lot. Someone commented and asked where it was from, and she responded, “A brand called GHOST from the early 2000s.” Ghost, as it turns out, makes beautiful dresses that are widely available on eBay for like, $40-$50, and many are perfect for weddings.
* Writer Lauren Ro spotted this little Muji bag on her way to an appointment, went to the appointment, then walked right back and bought it. Appealingly, it’s “got the vibe of those see-through Row mesh flats,” she says, and it fits a book, a phone, lip balm, and sunglasses.
* And spotted in Boerum Hill, outside IXV Coffee: the three women’s shoes of the summer. Havaianas, some cool-guy brown-and-yellow Asics, and an even cooler Merrell-ish, balletish situation we couldn’t at first identify. After some intense staring, we figured out they are SKECHERS, and more specifically, the Skechers Women’s Bikers Fiesta Mary Jane Flat. The observing editor ordered on the spot!
* We know it’s a little warm to be saying this, and that it’s a bit expensive, but there’s literally nothing better, nice-gift-wise, than this mohair throw.
* Can vouch that this woven Gimaguas knit shirt from the men’s sale rack at Ssense truly works on everyone. Nice drapey hang that looks just as good over jeans as it does a long skirt. For something less sheer, more embroidered, we also like this green number.
* Gia Kuan’s friend Lexie Park bought her this cake knife for her wedding from Korea — she described it to us as “the most beautiful thing ever.”
Check These Out Too
Six things filmmaker and man-with-good-taste Ariel Schulman has bought recently and likes.
- Vintage Polo cashmere. The Polo golf logo brings me back to 1995, when I was too young to buy fancy stuff.
- Vintage Nike tennis shorts. Modern shorts are too long (nine inches!) and make guys look like Adam Sandler. They used to be five inches.
- Novelty Newport suspenders shirt, for my friend Adam Newport-Berra. I don’t love smoking, but this makes me laugh every time I look at it. And it makes kids who see me wear it think about the possibilities of adult humor. I actually haven’t given it to Newport-Berra yet. I should.
- Top-five novelty shirt of all time? Incredible collabo between Michelangelo and whoever designed this square text box.
- Did you know LeSportsac was actually founded in New York City?? This update on the classic backpack I had in high school has a laptop sleeve and a more industrial zipper, which is good because I always stuff more into a backpack than it wants.
- Chums sunglasses cord. These things are so underrated. Preserves the hinges in my wobbly Ray-Bans. Because I don’t have to bend and hook them over my shirt every time I take them off, and feel like a loser every time I bend over and they fall to the ground. I’ve tested a lot of these, and this rubber grabber doesn’t bump your ears.
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.
