If you thought rent prices were a problem in New York City, try being a fashion editor living smack-dab in the center of its biggest shopping hub. It’s torture, especially recently, with so many of the industry’s coolest and most sought-after brands making SoHo their home after living mostly online. (Welcome to the neighborhood, Khaite, Toteme, Alaïa, Simkhai, and Cult Gaia!) Every day when I walk to get a coffee or pick up my prescription at the local CVS, I have to put physical effort into keeping my eyes forward and my attention away from temptation at every turn. But after a few weeks of good behavior, I decided it was time to let myself indulge in the benefits of the place I choose to call home and spend an afternoon doing what I do best: shop.
In addition to roaming around SoHo for a few too many hours during my day of (mostly) window shopping, I also headed up to Midtown to see what was new at Nordstrom, a store I can’t resist stopping into every single time I’m nearby. And while I’d like to say that nothing at all caught my eye along the way, I’d be lying if I did. In reality, I saw too many good things during my afternoon off, all of which I haven’t been able to shake since. Since journaling has always helped me let go of issues I’m thinking a bit too much about, I thought I’d follow the same protocol in this instance by jotting down all of the pieces I witnessed that are currently taking up space in my head below. Fingers crossed that by sharing them with all of you, I might be able to resist the urge to add every last one into my spring wardrobe.
Relatively speaking, there are few things we love more than a new season and a fresh Zara drop to go along with it. Zara has been uploading trendy and new spring items on what seems like a daily basis, and we’ve been paying close attention. In fact, it’s one of the only things getting us through these final frigid days of winter. (Give us all the saturated colors and retro florals!)
If you’re one of those people who look at Zara and think, “But I want everything!” you’ve come to the right place. We want everything too, but we’re also fashion editors with a keen eye for the best of what Zara has to offer. So keen, in fact, that we were able to narrow it down to just a handful of favorites for the purpose of this very covetable roundup. Scroll to shop our curated picks before they ultimately sell out.
They may not be the most exciting thing in a closet, but a good pair of black skinny jeans is a wardrobe essential that I can’t imagine life without. This was made much more apparent to me recently when I got rid of my trusted pair of black skinnies that I’d worn for years and were definitely past their prime. Only once this key piece was missing from my closet did I realize just how important it was that I invest in a new pair. (You really don’t know a good thing until it’s gone, amirite?) I have L.A. style, after all, so I wear jeans pretty much every day, and a black, skinny option was very noticeably absent after only a few weeks.
So I set out on the most daunting quest of them all: denim shopping. Nothing gives me a headache quite like the glare of fluorescent dressing-room lighting, but I wanted to make sure I weighed all my options before deciding on a new pair. Since virtually every brand under the sun makes a basic black skinny, I had many options to choose from. To save all of you the same headache (and unflattering lighting), I’m here to share my tips on how to find the best black skinny jeans. I tried on a total of 19 pairs between in-store and online orders, but there were only seven true winners that I would feel 100% confident replacing my old pair with. The brands I didn’t like shall remain nameless, but the ones I did are going to get a huge shout-out momentarily. Below, my seven holy-grail pairs and why I feel so strongly about them. Plus, some poorly lit fitting-room selfies for your entertainment.
Mowalola Ogunlesi isn’t keen on being put in a box, or at least that’s what one can deduct after deep diving into the designer’s career. The Nigerian creative first made her foray into fashion by attending (and dropping out of) Central Saint Martins. Though she’s openly discussed how she disliked her experience there, she accredits the school with landing one of her most influential internships with Grace Wales Bonner. Cutting her teeth under the tutelage of one of our time’s most revolutionary female designers inspired Ogunlesi to start her eponymous label, Mowalola, in 2017.
She debuted her first collection at London Fashion Week in 2018 with the philanthropic organization Fashion East. The non-profit is dedicated to fostering new talent and has some of the most esteemed veterans in the program, including Maximilian, Jonathan Anderson, Nensi Dojka, and Mowalola. While Ogunlesi stopped showing with Fashion East in 2020, that first collection (and the subsequent ones after that) cemented her as a rising star in the industry.
That newly attained star status was partly due to the celebrity set that quickly took to her work—fans include Kim Kardashian, Naomi Campbell, and Drake. Additionally, Ogunlesi landed some of the buzziest collaborations quickly (with Nike and Gap). But don’t be fooled by the hype; at the end of the day, the fandom surrounding her work all goes back to her out-of-the-box approach to fashion.
HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
When it comes to staying out of harm’s way, having small emergency-preparedness tools can make a big difference in peace of mind. There are many popular car-specific emergency tools around, like seatbelt cutters, car emergency kits and jump starters, but it’s reassuring to also have a small item on your person that can help out in a range of events, from a simple nature outing to a catastrophic situation. A pocket knife always comes in handy, but there is one multitool on Amazon that thousands of reviewers swear by called the Sharpal six-in-one pocket knife sharpener and survival tool.
It primarily works as a knife sharpener, either for pocket knives or larger chef-style options, but has other functions as well. It includes a Tungsten carbide blade (to sharpen dull, damaged knives), a ceramic blade (to polish and finely hone already-sharp knives), a fire starter, a high-pitched emergency whistle and two additional sharpening components: a tapered diamond rod for sharpening serrated knives and gut hooks and a groove-in diamond rod for sharpening fishhooks and pointed tools.
It’s ideal for camping, nature lovers, fishing enthusiasts and anyone concerned that they could potentially find themselves in a jam while in an outdoor situation.
Boasting 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and 17,292 five-star ratings, it’s also rated as “Amazon’s choice” for hunting knife sharpeners.
Weighing only an ounce and a half, this compact tool is easy to throw in a backpack, tote, or even hang on a belt loop. It’s versatile and easy enough for even beginners to use, with a soft, rubber-coated design that is comfortable to grip. It quickly sharpens dull or damaged blades, starts fires no matter what the weather conditions may be and can alert others in the area of your presence or scare off wild animals. For under $10, there’s no reason not to snag one and keep it tucked away for unexpected situations.
Take a look at just a few of the many rave reviews on Amazon and then pick one up for yourself as well as for the nature lover in your life. It makes for a thoughtful gift while also giving peace of mind.
“With a belt knife and this in your pocket, you can survive in the wilderness till found. I go to northern Canada regularly and always carry this for fire starting, knife sharpening and survival whistle. Easy to carry, never leave home without it. If it had a small high quality compass it would be perfect, but there is always the sun.” — Bassman
“Great little sharpener. In an outdoor situation, you don’t want to spend a lot of time keeping your knife sharp. This little thing will keep your blade honed with very little effort. It’s light, has a lanyard hole, and the diamond sharpener has several different uses. I attach it to my knife scabbard so I can quickly (10 strokes or less) keep my edge nice and sharp while I’m using it.” — Michael Mitchell
“Perfect for outdoor lovers! I bought one for my brother since he enjoys camping. He was playing around with it Christmas morning. The flint area is covered with this black material for safety. You scrape it away and the flint works perfectly.” — Jess
I’d be lying if I said that my bank account wasn’t still suffering from the shopping rampage I went on throughout the holidays (and afterward), from sales to gifts and everything in between. Because of that, I promised myself that, unless something really good came along, I wouldn’t let myself give in and shop, at least not for clothing. (My overflowing and very tiny apartment is proof enough that I don’t need anything new.) When I made that promise, though, I didn’t know that Net-a-Porter was preparing to launch one of its beloved Spend to Save sales. When I did find out, I knew immediately that any chance of me successfully hiding from sale season was plummeting—and fast.
If you’ve never shopped one of Net-a-Porter’s Spend to Save sales, you’re in for a treat. As the name suggests, the more you spend, the more you save, but that’s not even the best part. What makes these sales extra special is that the items included in them usually aren’t from old seasons. Instead, they’re full-price, brand-new items, meaning that you don’t have to wait until things start to feel stale to get them at a discounted price. To kick-start your savings—which include 20% off when you spend $500 and 25% off when you spend $750—simply use the code SPENDTOSAVE at checkout.
To help you get started, I rounded up 32 can’t-miss pieces from the sale. Scroll down to shop them all.
Did that Khaite belt in the promo image catch your eye? Not to fret—it’s in here along with a trove of other fun and fashionable finds that have made me do a double take this month. That’s right. I really did get to write a whole shopping story on clothes, shoes, and accessories that are many things, but most importantly, they’re cool. Did somebody say dream job?
Below, you’ll find 31 pieces that will give any outfit or wardrobe an instant upgrade, from sandals that signal spring is coming to bags and dresses that make me want to attend or even plan a party. Whether your budget is under $100 or nonexistent, I’ve got something covetable for you. Curious yet? Simply keep scrolling to get started and shop this month’s roundup.
Year after year, no matter what the season may be, I end up kicking myself for not ordering certain items sooner, when they were fully stocked in every color and size. It never fails that by the time April rolls around, certain must-have items are often wiped out. There are a handful of these items that don’t change much from year to year, and I’m here to warn you that if you delay, you may be kicking yourself too if these chic, covetable items are on your wish list.
The eight always-popular items below were very in-demand last spring (and the spring before, and some of them even before that), and I’m 100% sure that’ll be the case again this year. So I’m here to encourage you to shop early, and am making it very easy to do so with shoppable links. Keep scrolling to be the early bird that gets the worm.
A vacuum-free space-saving compression bag so easy to use that all you have to do is stick your clothes inside, zip up the bag, roll the bag, and watch all the excess air get squished out of them until your clothes magically shrink.
A set of Sea Bands, which target an acupressure point on your wrists meant to help reduce nausea — a must-have for anyone who gets motion sick on long car rides, cruises, buses, and trains.
A luggage drink caddy for anyone who considers the Starbucks mermaid a copilot — this sticks right into your wheeled luggage and has two roomy pockets for drinks, water bottles, your snacks, your phone, and whatever else was taking up room in your hands on the go.
HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Amazon
A hands-free (rotating!) phone mount
Perilogics is a small business that specializes in tech-oriented travel products and backpacks.
Promising review: “I used it for the first time this week, when I was on three flights. I was able to comfortably sit back and watch TV, check the Internet, and even play a game on my phone. Guess what several friends are getting for Christmas from me ♥️.” — adiaphora
A vacuum-free space-saving compression bag
Promising review: “These were the things I never knew I needed for traveling. They work just as advertised and are really useful when going on a trip. I always hate at the end of a trip having to mix dirty and clean clothes — a ‘laundry bag’ or plastic shopping bag never really felt like a good enough separation. These bags seal up and conceal the most stinky, wet clothes from your clean unused clothes. They are going to be one of my new necessities for my big family when traveling.” — Sarbello
A set of affordable, highly popular wireless Bluetooth earbuds
These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 14 hours of charge (with the earbuds able to play for four-plus hours with each full charge). The earbuds are also sweatproof and waterproof so you can use them during workouts or runs or even in the shower, and have a built-in mic so you can chat on the phone. Psst — these are also a great option for going outside in a mask, since they don’t have wires that’ll get tangled in the mask straps.
Promising review: “So many things to rave about with these! Quality of the design and feel of these is amazing. I could literally wear these all night while on vacation with a roommate who snored, they were that comfortable and good at noise cancelling. I use these most often to listen to music and the sound quality is superb. I have a pair of AirPods that I was *thankfully* gifted and I hardly ever use them because they just aren’t as good as my Tozos!” — Alexis Arnold
A set of Sea Bands
Promising review: “I have always suffered from motion sickness. My whole life I have hated long car rides, even short car rides, as soon as I get in the car and buckle in I already feel the nausea. I couldn’t enjoy rollercoasters (I still have yet to try these bands while riding one). I bought these for a 16-hour road trip and they worked 100%. I felt perfectly comfortable the whole way through. I could even watch movies and text on my phone and feel alright. My two daughters suffer from the same thing (ages one and three) but to the point where they couldn’t keep any food down when going on long car rides. The kids’ bands worked for them 100% of the time too. 10/10 recommend. I’ll be buying more for sure.” — Veronica
A luggage drink caddy
Promising review: “This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, when it’s my turn to check my passport and ticket, the coffee cup fell to the ground and coffee sprinkled. It was a nightmare! This time I bought this cup holder, it did do me a favor! I don’t have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too.” — Philip
Henney’s Boutique/Etsy
Or a leather passport case with a protective side sleeve
Henney’s Boutique is a California-based Etsy shop that specializes in passport holders.
Promising review: “Shipping was impeccable! The holder is sleek looking. It is nice and large. My COVID vaccine card fits snugly.” — Alexandra Tino
A portable cordless phone charger
Promising review: “This is an amazing product, I use it on a daily basis and it keeps my phone charged throughout the day. When it’s plugged in it perfectly it matches the curve of your hand, making it comfortable to use when charging, it truly gives a huge boost to your battery life and I recommend it to people who frequently have to charge their phone, because this product solves the problem!” — Whistle Blower
A dry shampoo powder
Hair Dance is a US-based cruelty-free, vegan small business that specializes in haircare products.
Promising review: “I was a little unsure about this product but wanted it for vacation to limit aerosols or liquids. I am mind blown! It smells great, doesn’t leave a residue and both volumizes and keeps my hair looking fresh. It also lasts for much longer than an aerosol if you’re someone who uses this daily or every other day. The bottle is small enough to not take up space, but I’ve had my first bottle for months and am barely through half. This will be my go-to from now on.” — E
A waterproof pouch
It fits any phone up to 100 mm x 170 mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). It’s also a great fix for keeping out sand and dirt (and a great option for runners, if you’re caught in the rain but still want to be able to toggle through your music options).
Promising review: “I purchased this case in July for an upcoming canoe trip with a friend, and as luck would have it, we flipped our canoe. Being the rebel that I am, I chose not to wear my phone around my neck, and so it, my ID, and my debit card ended up at the bottom of the river and I just assumed it would be discovered a thousand years from now and placed in a museum as an ancient artifact. Fast forward to this week. I was contacted via FB by an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office diver and guess what he found? Yup, my phone case with all of the contents intact and dry as a bone! He had to cut the case open, but there was not one single drop of water in it and he ended up purchasing a case for himself because he was just that impressed!” — Julie McDonald
A pack of Neutrogena makeup remover towelettes
Promising review: “I always have a few of these in my purse as well as using them for travel. It is perfect for removing makeup and making your face feel fresh. I love that it is great for sensitive skin and the individual packets make it perfect to always have some with you.” — Bonnie Review
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed
A set of wax ear plugs
You can check out my review of Macks Earplugs for more deets: “The moldable silicone of Mack’s Earplugs contours easily to the shape of your ear to block out noise much more effectively than other foam or plastic varieties, and the noise reduction is so good that if I pair them with a white noise machine (or just like a white noise loop on Spotify) I genuinely don’t hear noises from outside my room. Not only that, but once they’re in place, they stay locked there until you decide to pull them out. I’ve also *loved* these for traveling — if you put these babies in on a plane not only does it help reduce some of the YIKES factor when the plane takes off (it’s loud!!), but it cancels out the murmuring noises of passengers on the flight and makes it easier to get some shuteye.“
Promising review: “I have always bought earplugs based on the decibel ratings, but none of them have ever worked very well for me, because they don’t stay in my ears. These have a lower decibel rating than any of the foam earplugs I have used in the past, but they are much more effective. They really block noise, and they don’t go in your ear canal; they just cover the entrance to the ear canal. I find this much more comfortable. I am really glad I found these, and just wish i had found them sooner.” — Portlandia
Emma Lord//BuzzFeed
A pair of super-comfy period-proof underwear
Also, unlike your regular undies, you don’t have to scrub the blood out of these. They’re designed so it rinses right out in the sink with soap and warm water, and can get tossed in the washer and dryer from there. You can read the rest of my review on Bambody period underwear for more deets! Available in sizes XS–6XL, eight colors, and in two, three, and six-packs,
Psst — reviewers love these undies, but suggest sizing up!
Promising review: “My job requires traveling to places that may not always have a bathroom, so when I’m on my period I wear these as a fail safe in case my tampon or pad is at a max and I’m not somewhere I can change them out. It’s worked great so far and it makes it far more comfortable on the job.” — Sam
Amazon
A backseat hook perfect for road trips
Promising review: “We travel a lot and of the few things we have bought to make the trips more comfortable, this is the best! I even use it when we are not traveling to hold bags, purses, diaper bag. It’s great and can hold a lot of weight!” — GothicPoohBear
Amazon
A blister-preventing balm
Promising review: “This stuff is amazing! I won’t wear my ‘pinchy’ shoes without it AND I’ll wear them more often. I jammed my toe on the first day of vacation, but had planned to wear my new strappy platform hells the next evening. This stuff made my new shoes comfortable for a full night of dinner, walking all over the resort, and dancing! Everyone is getting this for Christmas this year!” — SM Housel
A reviewer-beloved travel laptop backpack
A lot of nurses, teachers, and parents also swear by this backpack, since it’s so well-organized, durable, and comfy!
Promising review: “Love how well made this is. I’ve spilled things on it many times and it is easy to clean off. All the pockets are amazing. Fits everything I need for work — laptop, small keyboard, headphones, charging cord, etc. very comfortable even though I have it fully stuffed.” — Denise Wells
Amazon
Plus a Baggallini, aka an anti-theft vacation backpack
Promising review: “I am a bag lover and this one is the best. I thought the straps might not be comfortable, but they are. The size is absolutely perfect. The location of the pockets is wonderful. The outside pocket on the back is genius. The red color is gorgeous. Holds all I need and then some. The locking zipper pulls add security.” — Gina
The Lamare/Etsy
A hybrid travel planner and journal
The Lamare is a Florida-based Etsy shop established in 2017 that specializes in planners and journals.
Promising review: “I loved the journals I received. They are gorgeous. They’re well-made and fun to use!” — Kristy
Tushy
Tushy’s travel bidet
Promising review: “We’ve had the original Tushy for a few years and love it, so we really miss having a bidet when we travel. We were a little skeptical about trying this simple product, but it has a great design! It produces a stream of water that’s not as nice as the powered Tushy but still good, and it collapses/expands nicely and looks just like a water bottle, so we don’t have to worry about any weird looks in a public bathroom. There are a couple of great videos online about the best way to use it, very helpful!” — Brittany
Plus a roomy duffel bag
It’s water-resistant and has an adjustable long strap.
Promising review: “I recently went camping and was able to pack a lot into this bag.. It zipped up easily. I love the color, it’s almost a ‘neutral pink’ and not too ‘look at me, I’m Barbie in the woods!’ The shoulder strap was comfortable, the handles were comfortable, too. It was snowing while unloading from the truck to the cabin and despite this bag getting wet (and VERY cold) everything inside was very dry.” — Smile Saurus
Amazon
A beloved grocery bag carrier
Click & Carry is a Shark Tank and QVC-featured small business that specializes in easy carry accessories.
Promising review: “TikTok made me buy it. This is great when you have a few bags and a box — for example, if you balance the bags, you can throw it over your shoulder and walk inside and have two free hands to carry the box, which is great. Product seems well built, and is comfortable on your shoulder or hand because of the padding.” —Hung
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in seven colors).
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed
A popular water-resistant Under Armour face mask
FWIW, if you’re planning to exercise in a mask while traveling, this mask also has the approval of a *ton* of runners and athletes in its reviews. I have two of them in my own rotation, and I’m impressed by how comfortable they are on long flights *and* while working out. The straps are super soft on your ears — I’ve gotten so used to straps chafing and was surprised by what a difference this made. I gifted one of these to my dad for Christmas, too, and it’s his go-to for walks and errand running. It’s just an overall easier mask to breathe in (while still maintaining a tight fit and keeping the people around you safe!).
Promising review: “Like everyone else we’ve been using masks of varying quality. We work from home so I haven’t thought much about airborne pathogens in close quarter environments, until my first business trip in 18 months, yikes. Bought this mask after great testimonials from colleagues who also travel, it worked perfectly for me. Continuous wearing up to seven hours in airports and multiple flights was no problem, very comfortable with great airflow. Is this an N95? No, of course not, but it is an effective barrier that you will use without ‘taking breaks’ and risking exposure. Highly recommended!!” — T. Martin
Type Of Fit: Around-the-ear loops
Pocket For Filter: No
Fabric Type: Iso-Chill fabric
Shipping Time: Standard shipping
Available in five sizes and 10 colors; for reference, I’m wearing the Small-Medium above.
A fully waterproof, super lightweight Columbia travel jacket
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can give this a spin before you buy it! Available in women’s sizes XS–3X and 36 colors.
Promising review: “The jacket is waterproof and very comfortable. I like the bill on the jacket hood that keeps water from dripping into my eyes. A surprise was discovering that there are ‘secret’ inside mesh pockets perfect for securing things you don’t want to fall out of your pockets or get snatched.” — Paula Renfro
A set of DripDrop hydration packets
I’m a long distance runner and recently tried the Strawberry Lemonade and Fruit Punch flavors after some 10-milers in the heat — I wasn’t expecting them to taste so good considering they’re half the sugar of sports drinks, but damn?? These tasted just as flavorful as Gatorade, even when I put them in 16 ounces of water instead of the recommended eight. Usually I feel pretty sluggish by mid-afternoon on days when I go on long runs but I felt fine after chugging one of these packets, so it definitely does the trick.
Promising review: “This was my first experience with DripDrop or any electrolyte powder for that matter. I ordered these to try them out for a beach vacation this summer and it truly made a difference! My family and I noticed we didn’t feel sluggish from sitting in the sun and sweating for hours. I wasn’t sure what to expect with the flavor but the fruit punch flavor reminds me exactly of Hawaiian Punch!” — Mary
Amazon
A transparent TSA-approved toiletry bag
Promising review: “This bag held surprisingly more than expected. I put tiny travel jars for my skincare creams and other small toiletries in it with room to spare. I definitely feel like it was easier to pack and was also easy to grab out of my bag for security. It feels sturdy with nice, thick vinyl. The double zipper moved easily, and I was pleased that it opened completely for ease of getting the items I needed out of it.” — Mrs M Tate
Amazon
An always handy international travel adapter
Promising review: “LOVE this adapter! I travel from time to time internationally and have always used just the ‘standard’ adapters found in airports. Could not pass up the opportunity to purchase this one after reading the reviews. Exceeded my expectations of what it was capable of. Used on a recent trip to Germany and it handled everything needed — laptop, cell phone (USB ports are so very welcome), alarm clock, dryer, etc. Did not miss a beat on the power provided. And, it is also attractive looking 😉 Thank you for making such a great, dependable product!” — Monkey
Promising review: “I bought these before they were on Amazon. I’m obsessed. My kids think it’s a game, and they’re so intent on eating all the food inside. Even my picky eater. As a mom who absolutely hates to hand wash things, I’m so grateful that a) the entire thing comes apart for washing and b) it’s completely dishwasher-safe. This thing is awesome. One of a kind. I own five right now. Will probably be getting more in the future for when the baby is old enough to snack independently.” — Jordan Christman
A set of storage scrunchies
LokiStashed is a California-based small business that specializes in unique and practical hair accessories.
Promising review: “I got these scrunchies so I could stash away money, lip balm, and car/house keys while enjoying a hike, at the beach, or going to festivals … basically places where you don’t want to be worried about carrying a lot or you don’t want people to know where your stuff is. I have very long thick hair and the scrunchie will go around my hair twice while in a ponytail or bun and it is comfortable.” — Amazon customer
Amazon
A set of homeopathic jet-lag pills
According to the instructions, you should take them at take off and then every two hours and then again once you arrive to help with relaxation and combat sleepiness.
Promising review: “I heard about this product from my cousin who used it for a trip to Japan and it was very effective. I used it for a trip to Washington DC that had multiple stops and delays — total of 15 hours to get to my destination. I was comfortable upon arrival. The next morning I was ready for a work day.” — ELEANORE
Amazon
A nifty leakproof, portable pet water bottle with mini dish
Promising review: “I saw this on a TikTok video and checked on Amazon and ordered it. My toy poodle loves it and drank out of it with no hesitation. With the heat wave we are having in California right now I want to be sure she is well hydrated. Before I leave the house I fill the holder with ice and water and I am set. Easy to clean and no spilled water in the car. Easy to throw in my purse and have it when we are out walking around. I know what people with dogs are getting for Christmas this year.” — Amazon customer
A backseat car video monitor
Note: You should only ever look at the camera when the car isn’t in motion!
Promising review: “I saw this product on TikTok and knew I wanted to try it. I LOOOOOVE this product! I hate trying to use my rear view mirror to look into her mirror to make sure she’s okay. The quality of the video is great for the price, and I can easily see if my infant has spit up or I can see her mouth to shove a paci in if needed. I can see details like if her eyes are open or closed. The night vision isn’t too bad but not as detailed but you can see enough. But overall for the price, I would buy this product again hands-down.” — Michael Giblin
A memory foam seat cushion
Promising review: “We enjoy traveling and spend several weeks on the road each year. I have lower back problems that require my getting cortisone shots for pain relief. For the last few weeks, I have also been having trouble sitting for more than a few minutes because of a pain in the area of my tailbone. I ordered this item for our last trip. I could not believe the difference it made! I was able to sit comfortably both driving and riding without any pain, and that made a huge difference in my enjoyment of the trip. When we got home I ordered a second one so I could leave one in the car and have one inside. I am recommending it to all my friends who need some relief.” — Susan S.
Amazon
A 50-count set of super-handy laundry soap sheets
Promising review: “This came SO in handy during my vacation to Europe! I was making lots of different stops to places with different types of weather. With these laundry soap sheets I was able to wash my clothes in the sink — letting me pack just the right amount of clothes for all the different places I went.” — Katie Fujarski
A trusty Tide To-Go stain removing pen
Promising review: “These were a lifesaver. I was walking to the bus and decided it was a great decision to drink coffee while walking. Like a scene from an infomercial, I spilled coffee all over my white shirt. Yes, the classic coffee on the white shirt. Luckily I had one of these in my bag (I put one in each of my most-used purses in anticipation of my clumsiness). I went into a store bathroom and quickly scrubbed the Tide To-Go on my shirt. All of the coffee blobs went away and once the awkward wet splotches dried up, my shirt was perfectly white again. You’ve got yourself a big fan, Tide.” — NAD
Cincha Travel
A quick-release vegan leather travel belt
Cincha Travel is a California-based small business that specializes in adjustable travel belts made out of vegan leather. The brand donates 100 airline miles for each purchase, which are used to reconnect separated migrant families.
Promising review: “I try to go on trips with just a carryon and backpack. The issue is my backpack always gets so heavy and hurts my back in king travel days. This belt completely solves that problem! It is high quality, comfortable, and looks super sleek! It’s my favorite travel precut hands-down! — Benjamin
A pair of compression socks
Promising review: “Prevents your feet and ankles from swelling on long flights. Also gave me an overall more comfortable feel on a 12-hour flight. I didn’t feel the need to stretch or wiggle my feet quite as much. Sizing guide was pretty spot on. They look like regular socks and I didn’t have any issues with impressions on my feet. They also they were not super tight in the toe area which I liked. Time will tell if they stay in shape after multiple uses and wash cycles, but for that price it was a great deal.” — Tar
Amazon
An ultra breathable memory foam neck pillow
Promising review: “I owned a couple of neck pillows previously, but none are nice and soft as this. It is like the memory foam pillow used at night. I used this during my trip to Japan, it is a 12-hour flight and thanks to this travel pillow, it helped me sleep most of the time. I can’t really describe how soft the pillow is… but it’s super soft. The fabric is nice and doesn’t seem like it would irritate over long trips or flights. There’s a zipper for the cover as well, so you could remove it and wash it if you really needed to. Other than the pillow, the black carrying bag also came with an eye cover (I’m obsessed with these, and they’re better quality than the ones you get from the airplanes) as well as earplugs and case for it, which is nice because I sometime lost my earplug or get it dirty. Overall, extremely comfortable, so it’s worth the price if you want a better quality pillow.” — Dang
A pack of Dr. Frederick’s Original Better Blister Bandages
Each pack comes with bandages to fit your heel, toe, and foot. People who wear heels also recommend these!
As a blister-prone human, I swear by these. A few years ago, before I invested in these running socks that prevent blisters, I got a blister on my big toe so unspeakably large and painful that I am cringing even TYPING about it, and no amount of rest from running seemed to heal it; it just kept coming back. I finally used one of these bandages, and the pain was virtually gone from the moment I put it on. It was also so airtight that nothing got inside, and it didn’t loosen in the shower. You’re supposed to take it off when it loses adhesive so it can come off gently without disturbing the blister if it hasn’t fully healed yet. After using two of these in a row over the course of a week and a half, my blister was finally healed up enough that it stopped coming back.
Promising review: “So glad I thought ahead to buy these before going to Italy. I had new fashionable shoes and low-cut socks and we did 10 times more walking that I had anticipated. I tried the shoes on for an hour and got a blister. Wore these for 10 days in Europe and had zero issues, total comfort, left them on for multiple days through showers. I’ll never travel without these again.” — Paul Hinman
Amazon
A packing checklist
Promising review: “We travel frequently and have two children. As any parent knows, packing for yourself and your children can be overwhelming (especially for a trip longer than a few days). I have found this list to be a lifesaver and I also give it as a gift for other traveling families. It is easy to plan, organize, and list out items that are easily forgotten. You can also list the quantity of each item needed. It has a variety of clothing options and space to add more. Overall, wonderful purchase and has likely saved me many forgotten items!” — Mike D.
In 2015, my family and I took a vacation to Lisbon, Portugal. We immediately fell in love with the beautiful weather, the rattle of cable cars, and the welcoming locals.
Just two days in, we decided to leave the U.S. and retire in Portugal — and it was one of the best decisions we’ve made. We spend far less money on necessities in Lisbon than we did in Washington, D.C. We’ve also found that fun leisure and food experiences are just as, if not more, affordable.
On weekends when I’m out and about, I spend less than $40 a day:
Lisbon is paradise for breakfast lovers. When my wife and I are in the mood for something light, our favorite spot is the Copenhagen Coffee Lab in Principé Real, a lively neighborhood in Lisbon.
For a bigger breakfast, we go to the nearby Seagull Method Café, where we order cottage cheese and fruit pancakes for $6.31 a plate.
A one-hour train ride from Lisbon’s historic Cais do Sodré station to the fishing village of Cascais costs $4.92 (round trip).
Cascais is picturesque, with tiled buildings and black and white cobblestone plazas. It’s a gorgeous place to spend the morning.
Downtown Cascais has plenty to look at, including beautiful tilework and architecture.
Photo: Alex Trias
Near the center of town is the Jardim dos Frangos (translated to the “chicken garden”) where peacocks, roosters and hens, followed by their chicks, wander freely through the pine and shaggy eucalyptus trees.
After walking around, my wife and I rent bicycles for $6.42 and ride alongside the ocean.
The bike path to Guincho Beach offers amazing views of the region’s cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.
Photo: Alex Trias
The bike path is relatively flat and takes us past the scenic cliffs of Boca do Inferno and a collection of shops and restaurants to the rough waters of Guincho Beach.
From there, we hike through the dunes and rocky cliffs, or sit and read a book. We might also pack food and have a picnic.
Once an old industrial complex for textiles, LX Factory is now a collection of shops, restaurants and open-air kiosks. We like to stop by on weekends, and it is conveniently located on the train ride back from Cascais.
The LX factory is the perfect place to shop for Portuguese craftsmanship, or just to sit and have lunch.
Photo: Alex Trias
You won’t find brand name items at LX. From clothing to furniture, most things for sale are designed and produced in Portugal.
Our daughter loves bargain hunting at the Feira da Ladra, a popular flea market located within the Alfama district of Lisbon. The area is built on a steep hill filled with narrow, winding cobblestone streets, and it’s the perfect place to shop for antiques.
My favorite market in Principe Real is a cornucopia of antiques and art.
Photo: Alex Trias
I also enjoy the weekend flea market in Principé Real, where you’ll find plenty of delicious artisanal honey, cheese and cured sausages.
My wife and I love to cook. We find gourmet ingredients at the Comida Independente outdoor market, which is open on Saturdays, and the Time Out Mercado.
Both are located near Lisbon’s Cais Sodre train station.
Lisbon’s Time Out Market, the Mercado da Ribeira, is situated near the Cais Sodre train station and the banks of the Tagus river.
Photo: Alex Trias
For a quick and easy meal of gourmet mushrooms and eggs, I buy:
A quarter kilo of freshly picked chanterelle mushrooms: $7.49
Farm fresh organic eggs: $3.19
A spray of truffle oil: $3.19
Seaweed caviar: $4.28
I’ll serve the meal with a loaf of fresh bread from Gleba, a nearby bakery. Their loaves are made with home-grown heirloom strains of wheat for $5.29 per loaf.
For an interesting twist, I’ll create a special bread topping. I mix butter ($2.30) with white miso paste ($5.23) and seaweed crisps ($1.60).
And a bottle of Portuguese white wine for $4.80 goes well with virtually any meal.
Our favorite dessert spot, the Gelateria Nannarella, is a short walk from our apartment. It is well-known for its exceptional sorbets and gelatos. A small serving costs $3.21, with flavors like lemon and basil, stracciatella and, of course, chocolate.
In Lisbon, gelato is eaten throughout the day as a snack as well as a dessert, so there is almost always a line. But, like most good things in life, it’s well worth the wait.
Alex Trias is a retired attorney. He and his wife and daughter have been living in Portugal since 2015. He is the author of the “Investment Pancake” series on SeekingAlpha.com and has published nearly 500 articles about tax planning, investing, early retirement, and where to find the best meals in Lisbon.
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.
You’ve got Valentine’s Day all figured out. You made dinner reservations weeks ago—and subsequently patted yourself on the back for the foresight. You’ve already bought the bottle of wine along with the fancy chocolates you plan to post-game dinner with. And maybe you’ve even mentally figured out what lingerie you’re planning to wear under your Valentine’s Day dress. But wait, what Valentine’s Day dress were you actually planning on wearing?
If you haven’t yet figured out what your Valentine’s Day ensemble will entail, you’re not alone. February 14 might be right around the corner, but it’s crept up on plenty of us—even those of us who were pretty sure we had the whole fancy date night thing on lock. You can, of course, always wear something you already own. But maybe you were looking forward to wearing something ultra sexy, super romantic or extra festive—and nothing in your closet quite fits the bill. With Valentine’s Day just a week away, is it too late to shop, order and try on the date night dress of your dreams?
No, it isn’t. Because some of your favorite retailers (think Revolve and Amazon) have killer shipping policies—I’m talking next-day and two-day shipping kinds of deals. So not only will your procrastination not keep you from buying the Valentine’s Day dress you’ve been dreaming of and getting it in time for February 14, but it also won’t force you to break the bank either. If you go with one of the styles from Amazon, make sure you’re signed up for a Prime membership to get your dress delivered as fast as possible.
Cute, convenient clothes available quickly and affordably? It sounds too good to be true. Consider this an early Valentine’s Day gift from us to you (and your significant other).
Norma Kamali x Revolve Strapless Dress to Knee Dress
Sleek, simple and sexy, this bright red dress is a total showstopper. You could stick to neutrals for shoes and accessories or why not go with hot pink?
Photo: Show Me Your Mumu.
Show Me Your Mumu Best Bow Dress
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to go for a bow moment. This darling red and pink bow dress will certainly get the job done.
Photo: Bardot.
Bardot Ivanna Lace Midi Dress
Cutouts are great for when you want to show off a little bit of skin for your S.O. This fuschia midi dress has them in spades, while the lace material gives the garment a sophisticated flare.
Photo: Amanda Uprichard.
Amanda Uprichard Soiree Dress
A black and white dress is so classic and romantic for Valentine’s Day. If you have commitment issues when it comes to colorful clothing, this combo will always have your back. This number has such a unique asymmetrical hem and split.
Photo: Bardot.
Bardot Adoni Mesh Midi Dress
If you’re not a red, pink and white gal, light blue is equally as chic and festive for the day of love. This midi dress features a delicate lace fabric overlay with floral embroidery, which is beyond romantic.
Photo: OW Collection.
OW Collection Ella Shirt Dress
Go with a shirt dress if you need a slightly more casual option. They’re still super elevated, but not as fancy as, let’s say, a lace midi dress.
Photo: Amanda Uprichard.
Amanda Uprichard x Revolve Leather Puzzle Dress
You can’t go wrong with a little black dress for any occasion, including V-Day. But instead of a completely plain LBD, opt for this sexy faux leather dress.
Photo: Yumi Kim.
Yumi Kim Baxter Maxi Dress
Floral patterns are so fitting for Valentine’s Day, especially when they come in light and pastel hues. This Yumi Kim maxi dress is seriously stunning, and the layered ruffles are everything.
Photo: GOKATOSAU.
GOKATOSAU Ruched Off-The-Shoulder Dress
Show off your neckline in this off-the-shoulder dress
from Amazon. It would look gorg with a pair of sparkly, strappy heels.
Photo: Cosonsen.
Cosonsen Ruffle Dress
This ruffle mini dress
is the No. 1 bestseller in its category on Amazon. If that doesn’t convince you this pick is perfect for your Valentine’s Day plans, we don’t know what will. There are literally 36 colors and patterns to choose from, so make your decision fast!
Photo: Primoda.
Primoda Slit Maxi Dress
Looking for a leggy option? This dress
has a super high slit that’ll have your loved one’s jaw on the floor. Plus, it comes in seven other colors and is under $30 at Amazon.
Photo: WDIRARA.
WDIRARA Ruched Chiffon Dress
This long sleeve dress
is giving major princess vibes. The ruched fabric and mesh sleeves are so dainty and cute.
There are specialty stores, and then there are special stores—the places you can always turn to when you need a specific piece or just want to see if something fun catches your eye. Global retailer & Other Stories falls into the second category.
A fan favorite for its more casual ready-to-wear pieces, the brand is also known for launching new collections each season that tell a new trendy and often colorful story. This tried-and-true circulation of basics and special drops is what keeps & Other Stories shoppers coming back, season after season. And true devotees know you have to shop fast, as many pieces sell out quickly.
Whether you’re in the mood to browse for something special or simply be inspired to add a new item to your everyday wardrobe, we’ve pulled 17 of the best-selling items currently available—and in stock as of this writing—to shop. The only hard part is choosing just how many to add to your cart. Enjoy!
According to Amazon, this $50 discount puts the AirPods at their lowest price in the past 30 days, another reason to jump on this sale that doesn’t have a clear end date.
If you’re unfamiliar with the famed Apple headphone technology, these sweat-resistant earbuds are Apple’s second generation of the AirPods Pro. They offer up to two times more active noise canceling that the previous generation to smartly detect and block disruptive outside noise during listening. A special transparency mode allows you to simultaneously listen to music or calls and hear the world around you, while finger touch features allow you to control everything from phone calls, volume and skipping songs.
Apple also ensured a more comfortable and immersive sound experience this time around thanks to customizable tapered silicone ear tips and EQ technology that automatically tunes music to ears, while the spacial audio places sound all around the listener.
To sweeten the 20% off deal, Amazon is offering free delivery by Feb. 10 if you order by today. Order some for your loved one (or yourself).
Walking into a fresh, clean retail store has become a euphoric experience for me. There’s just something about seeing pieces IRL, starting a fitting room, and leaving with the immediate gratification of purchase that does it for me. This week, I popped (well intended to pop until I got carried away) into the three-story Herald Square Urban Outfitters store and two hours later, these are my findings.
I tried on a mixture of comfortable knitwear, modern basics, lustworthy accessories, and (one of my favorite items to shop at Urban Outfitters) pants. From cargo pants to baggy jeans to relaxed trousers, I definitely hit the pants jackpot.
PSA, I took pictures of everything I loved and included it below so that you can shop right from the comfort of your couch. Keep scrolling to enjoy in the experience.
Last summer, when Mango launched its premiere line Selection, I was all over it. Wool miniskirts with matching menswear-inspired coats, chrome-toe pumps, waistcoat suits, and more—the collection included everything I wanted to buy at the time, and though the price tag was slightly higher than Mango’s standard range, the pieces had the quality to back them up. Now, just in time for spring, the Spanish brand’s gone and done it all over again.
Selection’s second collection arrived early this week and is already showing signs of one-upping the first. Those Miu Miu-inspired knee-length, low-rise, pleated skirts that everyone and their sister is scouring the internet for? They’re in there. Metallic accessories, including a $100 pair of Mary Janeballet flats? They’re in there. Sheer lace, chunky silver jewelry, floor-length slips, and super-strappy heels all, too, made the cut. In less words, for the second time in a row, Mango’s dropped an offering full of all the pieces I want at the moment. And I get the feeling that I’m not the only one.
Scroll down to shop the first Mango items I’m shopping this year.
Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one editor, staffer, or influencer shares their top 30 must-haves or current wish-list items.
January tends to be associated with a fresh start, and with fashion week kicking off, my fresh start is coming in the form of market research. And although scrolling through this season’s fashion trends is my job, I can’t help but make a purchase or two.
Of course, it’s not just fashion—beauty and lifestyle pieces have also caught my attention this month. Some are products I’ve been contemplating for a while, and others are absolute surprise finds. You don’t have to worry about keeping up with the latest because I’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Below, you’ll find 30 of my new favorite products.
Target’s Future Collective collection has returned with its second designer, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. “This is a full circle moment. When Target came to me to talk to me about the Future Collective, I was like, 1,000% yes,” Vogue’s global contributing fashion editor-at-large said of the partnership. “I’m very invested in doing projects that feel authentic to who I am and my story, but also honor where I came from. I also was just so excited about being able to create clothing. I’ve done one very small collaboration before, but this was by far the biggest.”
Over the years, Karefa-Johnson has made a name for herself as an editor and stylist, bringing her expertise and personality to publications from Vogue to Vanity Fair. And when she isn’t busy styling A-list stars like Florence Pugh, and hitting the streets with model friends Gigi and Bella Hadid, the former Fashion Director of GARAGE magazine is simply trying to find her joy—which comes in the form of daily dressing.
“For me, fashion should be about fun and it should be about joy. Getting dressed in the morning is one of the most joyous moments of the day for me,” she said, adding that she wanted her Future Collective line to not only be size inclusive, but help diminish the pressures and intimidation that can often surround fashion.
“Learning from past experiences, I was like, okay, this needs to be size inclusive, super accessible, because fashion can be daunting and it can be intimidating,” she explained. “So I wanted people to be able to step outside of their comfort zone, maybe take some risks, but also not feel alienated by this collection.”
The collection, ranging from XXS-4X and 00-30, features transitional dresses, lightweight outerwear, versatile layering pieces like blazers and shirts, as well as matching sets and an array of skirts and trousers—all between a price point of $10-$50, with most items under $35.
And with nearly 100 items, and three seasonal refreshes—the first of which will drop on January 29 on Target.com and in select Target stores—Karefa-Johnson has created colorful and bold pieces that can easily be mixed and matched, allowing the consumer to create a whole new wardrobe solely from the collection itself.
“If you know the way that I style and what my tastes are, I’m always mixing prints and textures,” she said, adding that a lot of color—which can be seen in her pink, drawstring mini dress and her brightly patterned matching top sets—was one of the ways she wanted to bring that sense of happiness and joy to her collection.
Gabriella Karefa-Johnson.Courtesy of Target.
In addition to color, another necessary requirement for the stylist’s collection is denim—one of her favorite outfits from the line being her uniquely patterned denim set featuring an oversized button down shirt and straight-legged pants.
“The denim is super high quality and fab. Whenever I’m dealing with classics, I want there to be some twist, or something that turns it on its head. So having the printed denim, the oversized menswear shirt silhouette… I just love the idea of big on big. I think in general it’s the most stylish,” she explained. “I think the world tells…if you’re wearing a big shirt, you wear smaller pants. Or wearing a smaller shirt, you wear a bigger…I’m just like supersize and maximize. I am seriously a maximalist.”
Though she’s loving trends like Jenna Ortega‘s Wednesday Addams gothic glamour, with several little black dresses featured in her collection, the fashion force is also a fan of the ’90s resurgence. Combining that with her Southern Californian roots, Karefa-Johnson created pieces like chic cargo pants, which she styled with her purple floral crop top design—a nod to Regina Rocket in the early 2000s Nickelodeon series Rocket Power. (Surely a reference millennial fashionistas everywhere will respect).
“I remember growing up, and I was like…I’m not a skater girl, even though I’m from Southern California. I’m not a surfer. I’m not a goth. I’m not a music kid. I could never figure out where I fit in. Then I realized like I was all of those things in some way,” she said. “You want to combine all those aspects. All of those, we contain multitudes. It’s like some days I feel sexiest and most confident and oversized denim. Some days I want to cut out dress!”
Though she can now add designer to her resume, you’ll still be able to find Karefa-Johnson perusing the aisles at Target. “I will always be a Target shopper, was before this collection, will be after this collection,” she said. “It felt like a very unique opportunity for me to connect with an audience that’s really reflective of who I was, who I still am.”
If you ask me whether or not to buy someone a gift card as a present, I’ll tell you that it’s impersonal and a bit of a yawn 90% of the time. The only time I praise them is when the recipient is anything like my mother, who almost never buys anything indulgent for herself and therefore needs the incentive to go out and splurge on something that’s just for her.
That is why I was thrilled to find out that she’d been gifted with a $200 gift card to Nordstrom aka our department store. (Everyone has one that holds an extra-special place in their hearts.) I’m aware that she knows her way around Nordstrom just as well as I do from years of experience, but given how little time she spends shopping anymore, I took it upon myself to scour the entire contents of the store (no really, I did) to help her get busy spending it. Below, find 34 under-$200 items that I’d pick if I were my gift card–holding 59-year-old mom.
If this is your first time here, let me catch you up to speed: My aunt is my style icon. She was the person who ignited my love of fashion and continues to impress me with her ever-evolving style. Over the years, our personal styles have gone from polar opposite to quite similar. We now shop at more of the same stores and idolize the same aesthetics. One of our go-to retailers has always been Nordstrom and this week, my aunt showed me a handful of new arrivals that I now won’t shut up about.
I love that I’m 30 and she’s 58 yet we have similar tastes now. And the 29 Nordstrom items below will confirm good taste is completely ageless. Featuring everything from cheap finds to investment pieces, basics to trendy must-haves, the assortment here will have you with full carts just like my chic aunt and me.
Photos: Courtesy of Emi Jay, Pixabay; Artwork: Brooke Frischer/Fashionista
Editors’ Picks are the Fashionista team’s true (#notspon) fashion and beauty obsessions, handpicked by professionals who see it all.
As the weather continues to fluctuate between pleasant spring and bitter winter, it has became clear to me that I need to be better prepared for the unpredictable nature (no pun intended) of the current atmosphere. While I attempted the fuzzy bucket hat look last year, I quickly realized I needed something less static-inducing and less likely to fall off of my head.
Enter: earmuffs — the underdog of the winter season.
In my search, dozens of options with a flat, headband-like body flooded my results. And although they would have gotten the job done, they were no match for these ultra-fluffy ones Emi Jay gifted me. Not only are they practical, they’re also extremely cute. Each muff features a star on its side, accompanied by a bejeweled heart charm for an extra sprinkle of cool. Even top It-girls like Matilda Djerf approve.
Faux fur is fluffed to the maximum to keep not just ears warm, but the sides of your face and head, too. These “Sugar Muffs,” as the brand calls them, are the perfect accessory for this season.
