An all-over-the-place assortment of stood-behind products culled from this very website that appear in the most recent December issue of New York Magazine.
Best in Class
Irons can be irritatingly precious. Some need a mix of tap and distilled water to avoid getting clogged; others require constant checking lest they burn one’s favorite silk shirt. When Strategist writer Erin Schwartz sought recommendations for a simple, durable option, several laundry experts suggested Rowenta’s Focus. It has “very accurate and sensitive” temperature gauges, says designer Tracy Ma. And it’s effective: When Schwartz tried it, they said it was able to “unwrinkle creases in one sweep that would take two or three passes with the ancient hand-me-down I’d used before.” After mentioning this in the office, Schwartz learned editor Crystal Martin owns a Rowenta Focus too — and that hers had lasted more than a decade despite the fact that she’d dropped it “more times than I can count.”
Celebrity Shopping
“I used to get made fun of for having baby hairs, and now I guess it’s the in thing? In the morning, I always have my baby hairs done. You will know if I’m sick — that’s the only time I don’t have them done. I use this baby-hair brush, then I use pomade to smooth them down.”
“I was hosting a live awards show, and on a break, I got a text from Samuel L. Jackson. He said, ‘Hey, bro, your ankles are ashy.’ He was just messing with me, but I always want to be moisturized. I came across this in a CVS. It’s light, goes on smooth, and it’s not greasy. It lasts the entire day.”
“Because I’m bougie, I can’t make mashed potatoes. Instead, I use this ricer to make pommes purée. Afterward, I spread the potatoes with warm butter through a very fine mesh sieve, then butter and milk or cream. It rivals the finest French restaurants. It’s extremely smooth.”
This Thing’s Incredible
I moved to L.A. 14 years ago. After a few years, I knew it was time to go artificial, fully embracing the juxtaposition of wintry traditions and beachy vibes. My first tree was a traditional eight-foot spruce. When I got divorced in 2021, I left it behind because, you know, fresh start. I entered the holiday season ready for a new narrative for me and my 8-year-old daughter, which is how I came to purchase a 7.5-foot pink tinsel tree. I figured it would be one of those weird reactionary things I did to be different. I didn’t realize it would deliver actual joy. It took several hours to get it fluffed out in all its glory. It filled the living room with delight. We took turns stepping out into the yard, marveling at how it popped from 50 feet away. The thing sang. It twinkled. It was downright fun. —Ivy Pochoda
Please Advise
In his latest column, Chris Black responded to a reader who wants a winter hat not from a streetwear brand.
“Doesn’t get more simple than this. Made from insulating wool, this beanie features chunky ribbed stitching.
Logo-free!”
“Thankfully, the mohair trend has died down, making this beanie from Auralee a perfect choice. Knitted in Japan with a ribbed cuff, it comes in two great colors: jade, if you’re feeling festive, and black, for a stealth look.”
“This is the shape that started it all. This watch cap is made in the USA and will keep you warm. So well priced you can buy every color for some variety.”
“Cable knit is not just for sweaters.
Howlin’ comes through with a supersoft made-in-Scotland beanie with a unique cable-knit pattern in a neutral shade of cream.”
Our Shopping Cart
I’ve been toting around the same Mokuyobi backpack since college, and though it’s held up wonderfully and I plan to use it for many years to come, it does sort of give off college-student vibes. But I didn’t want to switch to some boring black commuter backpack, either — I still wanted something playful and colorful, just a little more grown-up. I found exactly what I was looking for from Portland-based accessories brand Primecut; I love the fluffy texture of the sheepskin, the mishmash of patchwork, and the linen-lined interior that’s just roomy enough to fit my laptop, keys, wallet, and a couple snacks. —Kitty Guo
Ask the Strategist
As recommended by our fitness writer, Jeremy Rellosa.
The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite has a thin, flexible sole that is only 2-mm. thick. It’s so thin the shoe can be rolled up into a ball, which means the shoe is also lightweight. A single shoe in a women’s 71⁄2 weighs only 6.4 ounces or just under half a pound. I haven’t tested the Primus Lite myself, but I can see its appeal: The best workout shoes have a flat, grippy sole that gives you a grounded feeling, which is the shoe’s main feature. It doesn’t have the stability you’d need for running, but for using the machines at a hotel gym, this is likely your best bet.
Packing List
This year, I’ve taken 11 flights and passed through seven airports. Here are the essentials I take with me, whether it’s a two-hour dash from London to Paris or an overnight long haul to Korea. —Rachael Griffiths
I pack a universal adapter so there’s no panic when I have no C-plug in France or A-plug in the U.S. And this one has a USB port, so I need only the one adapter to charge my phone and use my hair dryer.
This allows you to connect your wireless headphones to the airplane screen and eliminate the need for those wired ones that get in the way anytime someone wants to get up. It seemed like a silly luxury, but it makes flying much smoother.
This is simple to use; just unfold your tray table and rest the sling over the top. Once it’s looped over, I rest my feet over it and wriggle around until I’m comfortable.
Besides cubes to organize clothes, this set has a waterproof envelope I use for my toiletries and liquid makeup, so when I reach security, I don’t have to fish them out of a separate bag. It has a nice wide opening that I can easily reach into.
My toothbrush case is bulky, but nobody wants their brush to get dirty. This clip-on case is a good compromise: It’s small and comes in a pack of two, if you’re with someone and feeling generous.
And while I swear by miniatures, my full-size SPF is something that I won’t give up. I picked up this SPF in a massive store in Japan a few years ago, and since it didn’t exacerbate my acne, I’ve stuck to it. It has a light consistency that doesn’t pill.
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.
