Comfy Wedding Heels, Men’s Summer Pants, and Other Recent Strategist Finds

There had to be an excellent cooler out there for under $200. Strategist writer Katherine Gillespie was set on finding a cheaper option to replace the Yeti on our list of best coolers. But after testing several and talking to a dozen experts, she conceded the Yeti is still deserving of its top spot. Rebecca Webb, who studies energy systems, told Gillespie the brand has pulled off the trick of designing something lightweight and roomy by using more expensive insulation and thinner walls. (Coolers become heavier and less spacious as insulation gets thicker.) This means even compact models like the Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler are large enough to keep “a couple bottles of wine, lunch for two, two water bottles, and a few other drinks” ice cold for a day, according to event planner Julie Lindenman. Chef Dan Pelosi says it’s light enough to tote on bike rides. Strategist writer Dominique Pariso likes that it’s “UV-resistant, mildew-resistant, and practically disasterproof.” It should look (and smell) relatively new summer after summer.

“I’ll go to great lengths for the perfect T-shirt, and this, to me, is it. I hate when my shirts are longer than my jacket and also when they are too cropped. This goes with everything, has
a boxy fit, and the body’s not too short.”

“I like a blank notebook—not lined or gridded. And I love when you can write on a page and it doesn’t bleed through to the next so that you can use all the sides. This is my favorite. It has that ’70s-meets-’90s chaotic, colorful fantasy look. For the last six years, I’ve drawn every drag costume that I have come up with in one of these.”

After my ankle gave out on the walk between the ceremony and the reception at a friend’s wedding, I knew I needed to find evening shoes that were more supportive and comfortable than the J.Crew velvet platforms I’d been wearing for years. I discovered just what I needed in the Aerosoles Cosmos. The silhouette is classic with a crossover strap, a sturdy three-inch block heel, and an ankle strap with an elegant silver clasp. They proved stable on cobblestoned streets outside a château wedding in Provence and kept me on my feet for four hours straight at a black-tie reception. I sing the Cosmos’ praises so often that I’ve influenced multiple friends to buy them—and have even intrigued my podiatrist. –Gaby Grossman

When I first started to search for a replacement for the two messy wooden Ikea carts in my small galley kitchen, I wasn’t exactly sure what to type into Google. I needed a counter-height surface that would be comfortable for chopping and storage that is shallow, babyproof (with doors to hide dangerous items and all of our clutter), and easy to keep clean—and all for under $300. I first tried “kitchen cabinets,” but I mostly found the sort of things geared to contractors. Then I started searching for “kitchen islands.” They were freestanding and had convenient features, but all of them ended up being too big or too expensive. After that, I played around with “kitchen sideboard” and “counter- height storage unit,” which ultimately led me to slim metal storage cabinets with doors. I liked Mustard’s metal lockers, but none of the height options was quite right. Discouraged, I put my hunt on hold. Not too long after, a sale on Wayfair reawakened my curiosity. That’s where I discovered that using the phrase “accent cabinet” would lead me to my prize. I ended up buying the Hashtag Home Soft White Gioia Metal Accent Cabinet when it wa son sale, and I have been smiling at it since setting it up. I love how much it holds— including four cast-iron skillets, three huge soup pots, seven baking dishes, and five mixing bowls—and how much more streamlined my space looks now. It’s a bit higher than the Ikea carts, but when I put my cutting board on top of it, I can chop fruit, cheese, and bread with no problem. It was easy to babyproof and came with anti-tip straps, which means it won’t fall on my son if he pulls too hard on the handles. –Liza Corsillo

“The brushed cotton can be dressed up or down, and the fit is loose but not baggy. They have an elastic waist, so you might not be able to tuck your shirt in, but you aren’t going to beat these for the price.”

“Supreme makes mostly logo-free pants at a very good price. These are made from a cotton-twill blend that is tough and will wear in nicely. They also come in six colors, but I am partial to brown or green. For this price, get both.”

“It’s a great summer pant made of a cotton-linen slub-twill fabric that is breathable but not too casual. This perfect shade of khaki is based on the original 1940s U.S. chino.”

“Everything from Copenhagen-based, Fugazi-loving Mfpen is created using deadstock fabrics. These are made from Italian wool. Double pleats but nice and roomy. You can wear them out on a summer night and look better than everyone else.”

First, I shower with this mix of sweet-almond and grape-seed oils, which are known to soften skin. It comes out as a thick liquid and quickly turns creamy and soapy once emulsified with water. My arms are silky smooth, and my legs look freshly lotioned, even before I step out of the shower.

Next, I apply this lotion. I’ve been using it for years to hydrate my ultradry skin year-round. It is rich without feeling heavy and contains omega fatty acids and shea butter, which help to strengthen the skin’s barrier.

Finally, I spritz myself with this. Ifound this product on TikTok while watching one of those shower-routine videos and picked it up before a trip to Myrtle Beach. It kept my skin hydrated through eight-hour beach days.