“Strategist Brain” is a series where staffers share the stores they’ve stopped into, stuff they’ve spotted, and extra tidbits from stories they’ve worked on. You’ll hear from a different writer every week.
While I do truly love my Ikea dining table, sometimes it can feel a bit drab. I’ve tried to make it look nicer with candlesticks and coasters, but it can start to look cluttered very quickly. I’ve recently become obsessed with finding a table runner to pull everything together (a quest that has become a bit more frantic since my family will be visiting for Thanksgiving next month). A tablecloth isn’t what I’m looking for — though this one has definitely tempted me, but it’s far too expensive — because I’d like the wood to be visible, too. Somewhere along the way, I’ve become extremely picky about this decision. Do I get simple white or a funky pattern? Linen or something woven? Long fringe is absolutely out because I have two very curious cats. Also, since when did table runners cost $100? All of the below have caught my eye, but please let me know if you have suggestions.
Here’s everything else I’ve seen recently …
“I don’t need another shoulder bag,” I chant to myself each and every day. But this one is different! The colorblocking! The climbing rope strap! I will be texting this link to my family’s group chat with nothing but the winky face emoji.
I also think about this bag from Baboon to the Moon a lot. I just can’t decide on a color.
I’ve been following Blumenhaus Magazine, a periodical focused entirely on botany, forever, but somehow I’ve never picked up a copy of their print issue and would really like to. Their fifth edition just came out, but shipping to the United States is absolutely atrocious — nearly $24 — since it’s only in-stock in Europe right now. I think I’ll pick up number 4 while I wait for 5 to arrive stateside.
I’m a silver jewelry only person and was delighted to find this Philadelphia-based brand, Floating World, on Instagram about a year or two ago while looking for new pieces. All her designs are so delightful and enchanting. I purchased these earrings as a Christmas gift for my mom last year, and I just bought this necklace as a birthday gift to myself in June. I pretty much haven’t taken it off since.
This past weekend, I went to Lone Star Zine Fest, which reminded me that I’d really like to find some sort of shelving system to display my collection. My dream is to have something like this one day, but since I’m renting, a stepped display stand that I can fit on my desk seems to be my best option. I like the style of this one that I found on Amazon, though I’m not totally sold on the plywood look.
When I finally crack and decide that I am willing to spend $40 on a trash can, I will be heading immediately to the Academy Museum Store to buy this.
We’re nearing holiday-card-sending season, and my stamp supply has dwindled. I only buy Forever Stamps, and these are the designs I’m considering. (Currently leaning toward Strega Nona, even though it’s only one design instead of a variety pack. She is the It Girl this fall, after all!)
Remember how bows were literally everywhere last year? I saw online somewhere, probably Instagram, that people were wearing Madre’s lovely linen ribbons as hair ties. (I’ve been coveting the brand from afar for years but didn’t know they made things other than napkins!) I’m not sure my hair is long enough just yet to accessorize with them, but a girl can dream. The kerchiefs are also pretty.
Dark-wash denim with pinstripes has taken over my brain. I’d love to find a pair of pants in the the pattern. This pair from Damson Madder is a contender, but the stretchy waist might read as too pajama-y.
The stripes are far more subtle on this pair. They’re in men’s sizing, which could potentially work since I’m typically a size 30 in women’s jeans.
While poking around Older Best, I also noticed a lot of nice tees for around $30! More subtle striping here.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
