By attending the in-person sample sale you agree to the following terms listed. We reserve the right to refuse service to any person/party and/or remove any person/party from the premises. All orders from this sale are final. No returns or exchanges. Photos of the inventory are not available.
It’s officially time to start holiday outfit planning and getting ready to put your best foot forward — literally.
One of the best parts of the season is getting together with friends and loved ones. Knowing that those moments will live forever in photos, you want to look your best. Yes, the clothes are important, but so are the shoes — after all, the pair you wear determines how confidently you carry yourself when walking into a room.
When it comes to holiday party shoes, you want to find footwear that fits well into your wardrobe, brings out your style, is comfortable enough to wear to a variety of functions and, of course, feels festive.
To make it easier, we found the best, on-trend shoes to wear to potlucks, gift exchanges, family dinners and new-year gatherings, from velvet heels to Mary Jane platforms. Shop them all below.
Madewell Zip-Up Lugsole Rain Boots, $69.99 (from $88), available here.
Editors’ Picks are the Fashionista team’s true (#notspon) fashion and beauty obsessions, handpicked by professionals who see it all.
A big part of the reason I moved to Los Angeles was its lack of inclement weather and, thus, the lack of consideration I have to give cold-weather gear. But I recently decided that I should own at least one pair of rain boots for trips to locales with more varied forecasts. Given my general distaste for boots and my budget — I didn’t want to spend a lot on something I wouldn’t use a lot — my expectations were pretty low for being able to find something I actually liked.
In a strange twist, I ended up with a pair of boots I find myself wanting to wear even when it’s not raining — for under $100.
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I happened upon these Madewell boots on a trip to my local outdoor mall, and while I wasn’t initially blown away, they fit my main requirements: simple, black, practical and inexpensive without looking cheap. It wasn’t until I took them home that I realized how great they look (with straight-leg jeans, especially). They create a nice silhouette with the not-too-chunky lug soles. I find myself reaching for them on chillier days instead of the sneakers or loafers I normally would’ve gone for. Am I a boot person now?
Madewell Zip-Up Lugsole Rain Boots, $70 (from $88), available here.
Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. This in no way affects our editorial decision-making.
Given that I started working at Who What Wear almost a decade ago, it’s to be expected that my style would’ve changed a lot during that time. But I’m also someone who has brand loyalty, and although my city of residence and budget may have changed over the years, there are a few brands I come back to time and again. And one thing that they all have in common is that they’re relatively affordable.
I took a look at my existing wardrobe and did a little photo research of my 2014 self, and it was instantly clear that these six brands have stood the test of time for me, from baby fashion editor then to senior fashion editor now. I sadly don’t have photos of myself wearing all of these brands during both decades, but please enjoy these photos of me now and then, and scroll to shop my current favorite items from each brand.
“I’ve been to a handful of weddings this year, and I feel like I have it down to a science. While for the majority of my formal events I try to keep a good collection of timeless dresses I can wear again and again, I approach wedding guest dressing differently. For a friend’s wedding day, I’m expected to wear a statement number that will be remembered fondly for years to come. Cult Gaia never disappoints in this category, and I’ll be wearing it at two out of three weddings this year, with the bride’s approval of course.” — Sierra Mayhew, associate editor
These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Monday.
How brands are finding new customers As independent brands look to establish themselves in an oversaturated market, they are looking to word-of-mouth, trunk shows and small networking events to build their customer base, in lieu of traditional advertising. Le Majordome, a Zurich-based shoe brand that opened a store in Midtown last fall, has relied heavily on encouraging the stores next door to refer their customers to them and hosts happy hour events for all their retail neighbors to help with brand recognition. {Business of Fashion}
Max Mara’s trend-free world For Harper’s Bazaar, Rachel Tashjian invites readers into the label-less and trend-free universe of Max Mara. Citing the brand’s unique connections with powerful figures, such as Angelina Jolie, Meghan Markle and Nancy Pelosi, Tashjian emphasizes the significance of the brand’s commitment to understatement and “to putting the woman before the clothes.” Ian Griffiths, Max Mara’s creative director, says, “There is a sea of ideas out there, which is overwhelming. And I always think of Max Mara as being a rock in the sea. It represents lasting value. It’s clinging to something with meaning.” {Harper’s Bazaar}
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Christopher John Rogers and Dries Van Noten in conversation For The New York Times, designers Christopher John Rogers and Dries Van Noten spoke for the first time via video call about their respective brands, unique use of color, design process and more. On staying inspired, Rogers asks, “When you feel like you want to take your work in a divergent direction from what is expected of you, how do you cope with that?” In response, Van Noten shares, “I try really to start with a blank page in front of me for every collection […] We always say if it sold very well last season, everybody has it, so we have to surprise them with something else.” {The New York Times}
The beauty industry needs to talk about Hijabi hair care For Allure, Hajar Mohammad discusses the lack of representation in the beauty industry for Hijabi hair. She brings up common concerns such as “hijab alopecia,” which describes hair loss from the friction of one’s hijab. “When your hair is in a bun for most of the day and rubbing against the fabric of your hijab, it’s inevitable to have hair concerns like thinning, a receding hairline, and breakage,” Mohammad says. When it comes to brand marketing, she shares that brands like Briogeo and Dae have been receptive to open dialogue about how to include Hibjabi influencers in their campaigns, and says even these small steps can have positive impacts. {Allure}
’Tis the season for gift giving. ’Tis also the season for emptying your bank account on odds and ends for everyone under the sun. Gift-giving is a joy until the bill comes. If your kid’s second-grade teacher, your mother-in-law, your dog sitter, cousin, grandpa, best friend and more are all on your list, then consider consulting this list of some of Anthropologie’s more affordable finds.
Breaking the bank doesn’t need to go hand-in-hand with a thoughtful gift. Anthropologie (a known gift-giving hot spot) has some great options all under $30. Fluff up an affordable find with a little extra something — a candle to go with those candle sticks, a box of tea tucked inside the tea towels, a sketchbook for the pencil set — and you’ve got a truly great gift on your hands.
HuffPost receives a share from retailers on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
There may still be a prolonged supply chain shortage, but there are plenty of holiday tips and tricks for ecommerce brands to win this time of year. More often than not, most tips floating around tend to focus on different types of acquisition strategies to get consumers to your site. However, I’m here today to offer up one overlooked piece of advice: look to your most loyal customers to reach your goals.
Your most loyal customers will be turning to you during the holidays, and you should be doing the same for them as a merchant. Remove any friction while creating new opportunities for your loyal customers to share their favorite products with friends and family.
With everyone in the spirit of giving, there is no better time to promote, package and offer products as gifts. A great way to flip your marketing funnel and build from your most loyal customer base, we’ve seen brands executing this strategy in a few impactful ways.
Arguably the lowest hanging fruit to optimize your holiday shopping products is to offer the option to “gift” their next subscription order. Take Methodical Coffee, for example! Traditionally, if a customer has too much coffee, a brand would allow them to skip or pause their next order in their customer account portal. However, in addition to those standard subscription preferences, Methodical Coffee allows customers to gift their next month’s subscription order to a friend. Holiday season shopping is a phenomenal opportunity to introduce and educate this option to your subscriber base.
Another game-changing holiday program we are seeing is giftable subscriptions. Brands such as Scott’s Flowers are leveraging maximum billing cycle subscription programs to encourage customers to gift three or six-month subscriptions to their loved ones. After receiving three months’ worth of flowers, the recipient could receive an email or SMS notification asking if they would like to opt into a full subscription. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!
Loyalty and rewards programs can be strategically positioned to boost referrals this time of year. Over-communicate to your subscriber base that they will be rewarded for gifting products to their friends. The more product referred, the more credits are received. Go further to allow customers to exercise those credits however they wish — setting up the ideal brand experience!
3. Allow customers to customize bundles
71% of consumers expect brands to deliver more personalized interactions. What better way to provide personalized experiences than through an interactive and customizable bundle experience? Loyal customers looking to share your product with their friends may want to pick their go-to flavors or favorite colors. Offering discounted variety packs during the holiday is a great way to gain exposure across your product line.
4. Discounting can be a win-win
Margins don’t always have to suffer from holiday promotions. Instead of discounting your standard subscription program, offer a greater discount on larger quantities shipped less frequently to save on excessive shipping costs. Taking a note out of Slate Milk’s playbook: they ran a promotion to all subscribers who were receiving packs of 24 cans of Slate milk every month with a significant discount if they switched to 48 packs bimonthly. A win-win situation, with Slate Milk saving on shipping and the customer saving on the overall cost.
One last note we often see in the ecommerce space year-round that translates nicely during holidays is charitable donations. Companies that donate a percentage of proceeds to charitable organizations tend to see less churn and higher LTV. Consumers care where their dollars go, and they want to contribute to a greater purpose and mission.
While acquiring new customers with holiday discounts is important, it’s equally as important to lean into your subscriber or membership base. This time of year is an excellent opportunity to come through and leave lasting impressions on your loyal customers. We are confident the tips outlined above will positively affect your short and long-term business goals, just as it has for many other brands.
Bonus holiday season tip: get creative with one-time add ons
Don’t forget the bow on top, literally. We strongly recommend brands suggest gift wrapping-themed one-time add-ons such as tote bags, branded wrapping paper or gift boxes. This is a great way to increase order value, hedge shipping costs and introduce another opportunity to build brand awareness to a greater audience.
No matter how hard I work to ensure that I’m always prepared for whatever life throws at me (sartorially speaking, at least), without fail, occasions often arise in which I realize that I need something I don’t have. But I’m also an online-shopping devotee who isn’t fond of visiting brick-and-mortar stores. Because of these reasons, over the years, I’ve figured out which sites won’t let me down when I need something—and fast. I’m talking wide selection, quick and affordable shipping, and great customer service.
Something that I’ve realized after moving from the West Coast to the East Coast a few years ago is that some of the sites that I used to rely on for quick shipping have changed, due to where they ship from. (Not that this stops me from ordering from them—I just have to plan ahead a little more.)
Ready to bookmark these sites the next time you’re in a wardrobe-induced panic? Keep scrolling for my recommendations and shop my current picks from each.
The final weeks of 2022 have a lot of things in store — aside from obvious holiday festivities, there’s something else that should be on your radar: end-of-year sales.
Right off of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, brands are looking to treat their customers with discounts on some of their most sought-after products. And if you’re in still in search for holiday outfits, you can look no further: Reformation‘s holiday sale gives shoppers the opportunity to stock up on velvet gowns, printed bottoms and flirty blouses for up to 40% off — and it’s live now.
Luckily, the shopping event just started, but we can’t guarantee that the right ‘fit will be marked down later on (or be there at all). Head to the Reformation site now to shop some of your wishlist items before it’s too late. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite discounted party-ready pieces in the gallery below.
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Reformation Alisha Dress, $153 (from $218), available here (sizes XS-XL)
Reformation Addie Velvet Top, $104 (from $148), available here (sizes 0-12)
Reformation Nya Velvet Dress, $279 (from $398), available here (sizes XS-XL)
Reformation Molly Platform Sandal, $209 (from $298), available here
Reformation Daytona Silk Dress, $174 (from $248), available here (sizes 0-12) and here (sizes 1X-3X)
Reformation Satine Sleeveless Foldover Sweater, $118 (from $168), available here (sizes XS-XL)
Reformation Carrington Two-Piece, $125 (from $178), available here (sizes XS-XL)
Reformation Remy Knee Boot, $335 (from $478), available here
Reformation Bellini Cashmere Collared Sweater Dress, $230 (from $328), available here (sizes XS-XL)
Reformation Arlington Jacket, $244 (from $348), available here (sizes XS-XL)
Reformation Sera Two-Piece $209 (from $298), available here (sizes 14-24)
Reformation Jorgia Wedge Sandal, $174 (from $248), available here
Reformation Zenni Dress, $195 (from $278), available here (sizes 0-12)
Reformation Highgrove Coat, $230 (from $328), available here (sizes XS-XL)
Reformation Brandi Dress, $153 (from $218), available here (sizes 0-12) and here (sizes 1X-3X)
Reformation Mimi Buckle Pump, $209 (from $298), available here
Reformation Alaine Silk Dress, $149 (from $248), available here (sizes 0-12) and here (sizes 14-24)
Reformation Suzie Skirt, $62 (from $88), available here (sizes 14-24)
Reformation Corynn Two-Piece, $101 (from $168), available here (sizes XS-XL)
Reformation Wendi Satin Mule, $209 (from $298), available here
Reformation Jason Blazer, $174 (from $248), available here (sizes 0-12), and Cameron Skirt, $104 (from $148), available here (sizes 0-12)
Reformation Davina Silk Dress, $209 (from $298), available here (sizes XS-XL)
Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. This in no way affects our editorial decision-making.
When the cold winds roll in and snow comes down, there are few better feelings than wrapping yourself in something warm from head-to-toe: lined boots and thick socks to keep feet warm, cute mittens to protect your hands (while still easily accessing your phone), dramatically chunky sweaters.
Winter is already a gray time, so I like using fashion as a tool for bringing in more joyfulness and color — an extension of dopamine dressing, if you will. There’s an air of exuberance right now, with that post-lockdown feeling and being “back outside,” and that extends to our cozy-season essentials.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the most fun cozy items money can buy, from Ugg mules to shearling scrunchies to Gigi Hadid-approved cardigans. Happy shopping!
Guest in Residence Cabin Cardigan, $645, available here (sizes XS-XXL)
Offline by Aerie Fluffy Sherpa Jogger, $59, available here (sizes XXS-XXL)
Another Tomorrow Merino Wool Knit Skirt, $490, available here (sizes XS-L)
The end of the year can be hectic between finding gifts for loved ones, wrapping up work to-dos and mapping out your winter plans. (It doesn’t help that the sun is basically gone by the time we clock out. Sigh.) Still, the holidays are exciting and present a host of fun dressing opportunities. Finding what to wear for the occasion(s) doesn’t, in the words of Avril Lavigne, have to be so complicated.
There are plenty of current runway trends that’ll inspire you to elevate your #OOTD with playful silhouettes, fun textures and other details that bring some much-needed festive flair. Below, check out six holiday-ready outfits to wear to any and all parties this season. Cheers!
Photo: India Roby/Fashionista
Shimmer’s not new to the holidays, but we have to admit, it’s always refreshing to see metallics get the spotlight they deserve during this time, wether it’s on pants, knits or a party shoe. If you’re feeling a bit daring, why not wear the look head to toe?
ME+EM Metallic Color Block Vest + Snood Metallic Viscose Stretch, $215, available here (sizes XS-L)
Eloquii Collectors Edition Metallic Mesh Tank, $70, available here (sizes 14-32)
Good American Good Icon Metallic Faux Leather Pants, $195, available here (sizes 00-26)
Nina Parker Plus Size Metallic Gold Duster, $109, available here (sizes 2X-3X)
Rosettes have recently reappeared on our style radars after many designers showcased them on the Spring 2023 runways. No matter the time of year, this darling, romantic floral detail is always a good choice for just about any outfit. You can incorporate rosettes through dresses and mini skirts or even Loewe’s rose-heeled pumps. Complete the look with a rosette-accented hair tie.
Lisa Says Gah Ceramic Rose Necklace, $50, available here
Mara Hoffman Rosie Ruffled Cropped Top, $177 (from $295), available here (sizes XS-3XL)
Sandy Liang Warton Skirt, $460, available here (sizes 0-12)
Samantha Pleet Persephone Dress, $360, available here (sizes 00-24)
Wolf & Badger Silk Rosie Green Scrunchie, $60, available here
Loewe Leather Rose-Heel Slingback Pumps, $1,700, available here
Fanm Mon Simbi Rose, $348, available here (sizes XXS-XXL)
Ana Luisa Rosalie Flower Stud Earrings, $55, available here
The Sparkly Glam Look
Photo: India Roby/Fashionista
Much like metallics, we’ll never get tired of sequins during the holidays. Glittery boots, crystal-adorned accessories and bejeweled denim are all pieces that just have to be worn. (If you’re want to rock the “dazzle” without all the shimmer, you can go for a more subtle gem print.)
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Intermix Viola Embellished Cropped Cardigan, $298, available here (sizes P-XL)
Frame Le Jane Studded Trouser, $898, available here (sizes 23-34)
Brother Vellies Elevator Boot in Disco Dust Glitter, $675, available here
& Other Stories Sequin Party Blazer, $249, available here (sizes 0-12)
Brandon Maxwell Pailette Pleated Skirt, $1,495, available here (sizes 16-20)
Kurt Geiger London Shoreditch Extra Small Cross Body, $170, available here
Cult Naked Pink Moon Top, $380, available here (sizes XXS-XL)
The Velvet Look
Photo: India Roby/Fashionista
Another holiday classic, velvet is plush, festive and keeps you warm on those long nights out. It’s always a solid choice for apparel, but there are also super fun accessories, like an all-over-pearl velvet bow and a velvet choker to complete the outfit.
Rhode Pia Dress in Jaipur Velvet, $475, available here (sizes 0-14)
GooGoo Atkins x Bar III Trendy Plus Size Scarf-Neck One-Sleeve Draped Maxi Dress, $80, available here (sizes 0X-4X)
Nana Jacqueline Vanessa Pants, $380, available here (sizes XS-L)
Maximilian Davis Harlequin Print Sheer Velvet Devoré Halter Top, $246 (from $615), available here (sizes S-XL)
Kate Spade Maya Flats, $198, available here (sizes 5-11)
What better excuse to bring out every single plaid item you own than winter? This season, you can channel your inner “Gossip Girl” by opting for tartan-printed dresses and skirts, platform heels, handbags and headbands.
Ralph Lauren Plaid Tie-Neck Taffeta Cocktail Dress, $285, available here (sizes 00-18)
Hill House Home The Party Platform, $295, available here (sizes 35-42)
Calzedonia Rhinestone Diamond Opaque 50 Denier Tights, $18, available here (sizes XS-L)
Selkie The Jane Eyre Ballroom Skirt, $249, available here (sizes XXS-6X)
Charles & Keith Altea Plaid Bucket Bag, $63.20 (from $79), available here
Frances Valentine Finley Blazer Stonegate Plaid Wool, $498, available here (sizes XS-3X)
The Comfy-Cozy Look
Photo: India Roby/Fashionista
“Cute” knows no bounds and contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be uncomfortable to be an absolute sartorial show-stopper, even in the cold. The Comfy-Cozy look can be embodied in so many different ways, like knitted midi dresses to chunky vests. Finish it off with shearling earmuffs or a fuzzy purse.
State Cashmere The Oversized V-Neck Vest, $150, available here (sizes S-L)
We’re mere weeks away from the first day of winter, so, if you haven’t already, it’s time to start looking for proper gear to brave the chill. Thankfully, fashion’s embrace of the puffer jacket has turned practical outerwear into a style statement.
Sure, you can stick to a plain black puffer, but why not add something bright and colorful to your cold-weather rotation? There are so many elegant and fun options to choose from, like the print-forward styles from The Very Warm to the just-announced collaboration between Reformation and Canada Goose.
Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite puffers in a variety of lengths, patterns and price ranges so you can make a statement this winter.
Columbia Nylon Puffer, $350, available here (sizes XS-XXL)
Reformation x Canada Goose, $1,150, available here (sizes XS-XL)
Hill House The Violet Ruffle Sleeve Puffer Jacket, $375, available here (sizes XS-XXL)
If you’re out to raise the next generation of great thinkers, problem solvers and innovators, so-called “STEM” toys — a genre of toys and games that has risen in popularity over the past several years — might just provide the foundation to do so.
STEM is an academic discipline that groups together science, technology, engineering and mathematics. According to Andrew B. Raupp, executive director for STEM.org, a privately held educational research organization, it’s most beneficial to introduce some of these elements to kids as early as possible.
“Implementing STEM approaches in early education not only can help students perform better on standardized tests and in careers, but an early start in STEM can also have additional benefits that may help reduce inequities in the workforce later on,” Raupp told HuffPost.
It’s not just children who should be involved STEM-based play, Raupp said. He’s a proponent of lifelong learning as a way to reduce cognitive decline and indulge in curiosity, all while having fun doing it.
“STEM toys are available to all ages,” he said.
A large part of Raupp’s and STEM.org’s work revolves around evaluating and credentialing STEM toys and educational resources using a non-biased framework and voted-upon STEM standards.
“We are unique in that we avoid financial conflicts of interest by turning down commissions, affiliate partnerships, sponsorships and advertising revenue,” Raupp said, noting that the organization differentiates themselves from other toy award programs by offering a recognition-based program that brands don’t pay to be a part of.
Using a list that Raupp provided to HuffPost, along with STEM.org’s gift guide, we rounded up top-rated and very gift-able STEM toys for kids that can help nurture future tinkerers and foster imagination and cognitive abilities.
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.
Target
A bridge-building set
This building set teaches the basic engineering elements and helps to encourage creativity, logical reasoning and fine motor skills. Kids eight years and up can assemble a number of different replica bridge models using the 620 uniquely shaped beams and bricks.
Amazon
An arcade coder console
The Arcade Coder is an educational console that connects to an iPad to use game play to teach video game block coding. There’s also a design function that teaches users how to create visuals for video games. It features three levels of difficulty, making this a suitable toy for ages 6-10.
Walmart
An interactive STEM lab
The Stem Jr. Wonderlab from Little Tykes is meant to simulate a laboratory experience for toddlers using 20 hands-on experiments that only require basic household materials to conduct.
Amazon
A computer building kit
Kids eight and up can learn the basic elements of computer building with this kit by Piper. They’ll use wooden pieces and a full slate of electronics to create and dismantle a fully functioning computer that, once built, contains 11 progressively challenging coding projects.
Amazon
A modular robotics set
The Modular Robotics’ Discover Set features a set of eight independently functioning blocks that perform differently according to how they are paired with other Bluetooth-connective cubes within the set. This can help teach kids tactile cause and effect coding as well as software manipulation.
Amazon
An innovative 3-D strategy game
This three-dimensional tabletop game, perfect for the whole family, requires strategy as well as elements of engineering and geometry to play. Players aim to build, modify and expand the grid set while eliminating opponents in order to be the last player standing.
Amazon
A circuit board building block set
This battery-powered circuit board uses colorful building blocks containing electronic components, such as switches and generators, to build inventions that gradually get more complex.
Amazon
An educational LED projector unit
The Helio base unit is a nightlight that projects various scenes on the ceiling depending on the various interchangeable and educational discs. Kids can learn everything from the habits of animals to the planets in our solar system to mathematical facts.
Amazon
A buildable pulley system
This building set allows players to erect replicas of real-world machines like cranes, pulley systems and drawbridges in order to teach a concrete understanding of how they work as well as basic engineering principles. The 77 transparent plastic pieces can be configured into a virtually endless array of operating contraptions.
Amazon
A cardboard construction system
Highly rated by STEM.org, the Makedo cardboard construction system contains kid-safe tools and 360 pieces of up-cycled cardboard to create large interactive structures and 3-D creations. In addition to exercising creativity and problem solving, this set can also help with collaboration and communication skills.
Amazon
A smart digital rendition of the Rubik’s Cube
The Rubik’s Cube, possibly one of the best known STEM toys, is given an updated twist that allows cubers to digitally connect to an app that can track their progress and strengthen problem solving.
Sammy+Nat
A light-up crystal growing kit
Perfect for the curious chemist, this light-up crystal growing kit includes all the ingredients needed to create three different colored clusters that they can observe forming over time. Once the crystal formations have finished growing, they can be displayed on the LED light-up stand.
Amazon
An educational ant farm
This ant farm can help teach kids about habitat and ecosystems as well as organized societal structures by observing ant habits. The farm is filled with a transparent and plant-based gel, suitable for ants, which makes watching them easier. Note, that ants are not included.
Amazon
An interactive and augmented reality science game
The Merge cube is an innovative toy that, whenever it’s pointed at a tablet or phone, uses augmented reality in order to let kids explore objects like dinosaur bones and plant cells using their hands. The app, which requires a monthly subscription, contains over 100 different interactive science simulations for tactile learning experience.
Amazon
A stomp-powered rocket launcher
A classic outdoor toy, this launcher uses pressure and air to send foam rockets up to 100 feet in the sky whenever the pedal is stomped on. This is a great and straightforward way to teach kids about cause and effect.
Amazon
Pixel building and puzzle bricks
These colorful and interlocking bricks can be used to create both 2D and 3D structures that seamlessly blend art and engineering skills.
Amazon
A simulated dissection kit
This kit, which is available in a number of different animals, creates a realistic dissection experience without the use of a real animal. The re-fillable mold uses a safe gelatin-like material and contains a complete skeletal structure, a full set of organs, plus veins and arteries in order to teach anatomy.
Amazon
A complete water ecosystem kit
This year-round and self-watering garden teaches kids about aquaponic and hydroponic ecosystems as well as the concept of symbiosis in nature. The kit becomes a self-cleaning fish tank. Waste from the fish fertilizes the microgreens while the plants naturally clean the water. (The kit includes a coupon to purchase a betta fish from an approved company.)
Amazon
Creative and constructive building sticks
Spagheteez is a sensory toy ideal for nurturing creativity and basic building principles, suitable for children four years and up. The kit is made up of colorful, bendy and soft sticks that can be clicked together to create artistic formations.
Amazon
A smart-connected dice game
This set of six smart connective dice allows users to play some of their favorite math-centric dice games with a tech-y twist. By connecting to the free app, kids can turn their tablet or smart device into an interactive game board while using the physical dice to play.
There is art. There is commerce. And then there is Art Basel, which began as a convention for gallerists, and somehow spun into a week-long rave for people who think Damien Hirst makes the only Shark Tank worth watching. This year, fashion brands went particularly hard on collaborations and co-signs, which means even those without VIP access can purchase a piece of the collectible action. Scroll through for all the style debuts during the annual art extravaganza, including some that would (hint!) make fabulous gifts for the museum-worthy friends on your list.
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Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany Coffee Cups
Saint Laurent
Sex by Madonna Book Re-Edition
Louis Vuitton
Monogram Graffiti Pochette Accessories Peach
Bottega Veneta
Come Stai? 201
Fendi
Peekaboo ISeeU Medium
Ray-Ban Stories
Round Smart Glasses
Hublot x Mira Mikati
Fly Bracelet
BBC ICECREAM x Todd James
Rocket Varsity Jacket
Balmain
Buttoned Track Pants
RTFKT x Rimowa
“Meta-Artisan” Original Cabin Luggage
Esteban Cortazar
The Rock With You Open-Back Silk Chiffon Minidress
Faran Krentcil Editor at Large, ELLE.com “Her beauty and her brain go not together.” —William Shakespeare
Most winter days, I want to put on a chunky sweater so big that I might as well just wear a blanket out of the house. Sometimes, though, I would love to feel like I’m not being swallowed whole by oversized knits. I want something that’s refined, effortless and says “Hey! There’s a person under this sweater!” That’s where the twin set comes into play.
Modern iterations of the twin set — a coordinating sweater or cardigan and knit top — are a far cry from the originals that arrived on the women’s workwear scene in the 1950s. (Although, you can definitely still find that look, too.) We’re living in a post-Katie HolmesKnit Bra society, and now have plenty of alluring options from brands like Jacquemus and Khaite (think bralettes and barely-buttoned cardigans).
Easily layered under a coat when needed, the knit twin set is just enough to keep you warm in the cooler months. Plus, they’re just so versatile: Wear them together or separate, mix and match, adjust them to your liking for variety of settings. For example, you can button up for the corporate world, then bare it all for post-work happy hour drinks.
From recycled cashmere sets to affordable knit duos, shop 18 of this season’s best sweater sets in the gallery below.
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Reformation Frida Cashmere Tank and Cardi Set, $268, available here (sizes XS-XL)
Gap Cropped Skinny Rib Tank, $18 from $45, available here (sizes XXS-XXL) and Cardigan, $24 from $60, available here (sizes XXS-XXL)
Naadam Cashmere Baby Rib Cropped Cami, $95, available here (sizes XXS-XXL) and Crewneck Cardigan, $175, available here (sizes XXS-XXL)
Arch The Halterneck Knit Pullover, $190, available here (sizes 36-38) and Wide Organic Knit Cardigan, $440, available here (one size)
Blumarine Twin Knit Set, $890 (from $1,369), available here (sizes XS-L)
Tove Studio Nora Knitted Vest, $416, available here (sizes S-L) and Charlotte Knitted Cardigan, $717, available here (S-L)
Alessandra Rich Knitted Cardigan, $1,009, available here (sizes 36-46) and Knitted Bandeau, $580, available here (sizes 36-46)
Madewell Mapleton Crop Sweater Tank, $49, available here (sizes XXS-XXL) and Haskell Crop Cardigan Sweater, $89, available here (sizes XXS-XXL)
LHD Rocher Twin Set, $395, available here (sizes XS-XL)
Dion Lee Slash Turtleneck & Tank Top Set, $409 (from $610), available here (sizes 3XS-3XL)
& Other Stories Cable Knit Tube Top, $69, available here (sizes XS-L) and Knitted Bolero Cardigan, $99, available here (sizes XS-L)
Good American Collegiate Cable Knit Cardigan, $91 (from $130), available here (sizes XXS-5XL) and Crop Top, $60 (from $85), available here (sizes XXS-5XL)
Abercrombie & Fitch Mini Sweater Dress and Scuba Cardigan Set, $84 (from $120), available here (sizes XXS-XL)
Alice + Olivia Luetta Fuzzy Tube Top With Shrug, $279 (from $465), available here (sizes XS-XL)
J.Crew Cashmere Sweater-Tank, $84 (from $110), available here (sizes XXS-3XL) and Featherweight Cropped Cardigan, $99 (from $138), available here (sizes XXS-3XL)
Staud Aileen Cable Knit Tube Top, $195, available here (sizes XS-XL) and Norma Cable Knit Cardigan, $395, available here (sizes XS-XL)
Victor Glemaud Cropped Cardigan, $207 (from $295), available here (sizes XS-L) and Bandeau Top, $105 (from $150), available here (sizes XS-XL)
Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. In no way do either affect our editorial decision-making.
In late May, Amazon opened its first clothing store in a sprawling suburban mall outside Los Angeles. Like most physical retailers these days, Amazon Style, as it’s called, aims to bring a little something extra to the brick-and-mortar experience, as some might do with plush coffee bars or rotating art installations.
Amazon Style, though, has technology. Each clothing tag comes equipped with a QR code shoppers can scan to see more details about the garment, like sizing, colors and customer ratings. Rather than wrangle an armful of jeans into a fitting room, customers can curate a list of pieces the’d like to try on or rather purchase directly. Clothes bought online can be shipped in-store, where shoppers can try them on and begin the process over again.
It’s hard to argue with the convenience — but even more appealing, maybe, are those QR codes themselves, which supply consumers with a sea of information at their fingertips.
Retail analysts have been teasing digital product tags for years. London-based trend-forecasting agency WGSN, for one, began discussing them back in 2015, predicting they would hit the mass market by 2024. Amazon Style is the most widespread implementation to date, but slowly, fashion is catching on: Mulberry announced this summer it would be adding what’s called “near-field communication” (NFC) tags to all of its products by 2025, beginning with the pre-owned bags in its internal resale program.
Digital tags offer a whole host of benefits, from curbing counterfeiting to, in a perfect world, supporting transparency all throughout the product’s lifecycle. Yet this is technology that has to be implemented correctly, and with a commitment to use it in the long-term. In today’s supply chain turmoil, this may be easier said than done — but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying.
According to WGSN, there are two types of digital product tags that will reshape the retail landscape in the near future: radio-frequency identification, or RFIDs, which use radio frequencies to track and identify objects and will be a key tool for retailers’ back-of-house operations, like inventory tracking and real-time product location; and digital IDs, into which both Amazon Style and Mulberry’s efforts fall.
“We’ll see digital IDs really start to hit mainstream over the next few years, giving consumers highly detailed information about an item, from where the product has been and how it was manufactured, by simply scanning a QR code,” says Candice Medeiros, a strategist for WGSN Insight. “This could reshape current-day models and offer consumers more peace of mind.”
Inside the Amazon Style clothing store at The Americana at Brand mall in Glendale, Calif.
Photo: Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images
Consider Mulberry, which is rolling out its own NFC-enabled tags — powered by Product Cloud software platform Eon — as we speak. Its take on digital IDs enables customers to access a personalized digital guide about their item, featuring content and services around authentication, repair and resale. This, Mulberry believes, will create a direct and ongoing connection between the label and its customers for the entire lifecycle of the product.
“We take great pride in creating objects that are made to last, to be loved and passed onto the next generation,” said Mulberry’s CEO Thierry Andretta, in a statement. “Through the digital ID, Mulberry can offer customers increased transparency into the unique journeys of our products, deliver services such as lifetime repair, buy-back and resale, and ensure that every bag can have multiple lives.”
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Indeed, Mulberry is intently focused on sustainability. A member of the Sustainable Markets Initiative Fashion Task Force, Mulberry aims to achieve net-zero status by 2035. In 2021, as part of its 50th anniversary, the house announced its Made to Last Manifesto, an ambitious commitment to transform the business to a regenerative and circular model, encompassing the entire supply chain, by 2030.
Circularity, however, is fashion’s big white whale, the largest global logistics challenge the world over. Can digital tags help it get there?
Natasha Franck, Eon’s founder and CEO, created the platform in 2017 to help solve the most systemic barriers to sustainable business models in fashion retail. It became immediately clear, she recalls, that the underlying enabler to a truly sustainable — i.e., circular — industry was product identity: How could we turn physical products into intelligent assets that brands could monetize, increasing the profitability, intelligence and sustainability of each and every physical product?
“Today within fashion, brands are capturing a fraction of the value they possibly could from each product, and that’s why we’re seeing this tip of brands moving to uniquely ID each and every item for its entire lifecycle,” says Franck. “In a few months time, we’ll be looking back and thinking, Wow, I can’t believe that once upon a time, products didn’t have identities.”
Eon’s technology works fairly intuitively: When consumers are done with their Alexa satchel, they can tap their smartphone on the piece’s RFID tag and be presented with a range of resale options via the brand’s in-house Mulberry Exchange; that bag’s new owner will have access to the item’s past lives, including how it was authenticated or if and how it was repaired. This, Franck explains, will help foster a new kind of relationship between brands and their customers. Right now, this is entirely transactional, ending at the point of sale. But digital IDs like Mulberry’s shift that interaction into something more intimate, rooted in ongoing, personalized service for that customer and that customer only.
Digital tags have use cases beyond commerce. Adrich, a smart-label platform that’s considered the world’s first consumption tracker, monitors product usage in real-time to enable timely replenishments of consumer packaged goods, from body wash to olive oil. With Adrich’s technology, product labels are able to understand that a bottle of hand soap, say, runs out after 20 pumps, reordering you a new bottle after 15.
“The technology has evolved at the same time the use case has evolved,” says Al Sambar, a general partner at XRC Labs, a New York City-based venture-capital fund and startup accelerator focused on retail technology that invested in Adrich earlier this year. “Say you’re inside your closet and you realize your denim looks faded and you want to reorder a new pair — wouldn’t it be nice if you had a code that could automatically make reordering available?”
It would be nice. So much so that, for shoppers, digital tags may soon make the leap from a nicety to something of an expectation. In fact, WGSN forecasts that on-demand expectations are set to increase, making it essential for retailers to invest in tools that give consumers more transparency around the location and detail of their merchandise. And amid ongoing supply chain disruptions, forged by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, this technology is well on its way to becoming foundational for retail resiliency. The numbers don’t lie: New data from Adobe finds that consumers have seen over 60 billion out-of-stock messages in 2022 alone — a 235% increase compared to 2019.
“That’s done massive damage to consumer trust and loyalty,” says Medeiros. “Going forward, it will be important for retailers to invest in end-to-end inventory optimization.”
Aside from warehouses and fulfillment centers, RFIDs can be placed on cargo containers, which can ensure more precise visibility of their material flow. For mass retailers that have heavier fulfillment needs, Medeiros finds that these digital tags are helping to smooth unpredictable obstacles in the supply chain, as much as in consumers’ everyday wardrobes.
“In times of hardship, innovation thrives, and while a lot of this technology is not new, digital tags are providing tangible, real-time relief across the retail sector,” she says. “What’s great about these tools is that they take everyday touch-points and elevate the customer journey while also empowering them.”
Spending time reading with kids is one of the best gifts you can give them. Story time is about more than just the book. It’s about the one-on-one attention that makes them feel safe and loved, the illustrations that inspire creativity, and messages and themes that expand their minds.
But walking into the children’s section at the bookstore can be overwhelming. If you’re not sure what book to get, you can’t go wrong with a tried-and-true classic. There’s a reason why certain books have withstood the test of time. Rounded up here are some of the very best, from books that came out 100 years ago to new releases that are sure to still be beloved for generations to come.
HuffPost receives 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.
HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices and availability are subject to change.
A set of cactus-shaped dryer balls
Reviewers say they actually catch (human and pet) hair too!
Promising review: “These cute little waving saguaro cactus dryer balls are perfect. I’ve bought other dryer balls that dried and cracked after a month, these are over three month of heavy use and look as fresh as the day they were delivered on my doorstep. Great value and your clothes will dry faster as well as more efficiently because the saguaros tumble and separate your clothes for more efficiency. 🌵” — Christian B Staller
Amazon
A portable pack of soap sheets
Promising review: “Exactly what I wanted! Hands feel very clean after wash! Highly recommend! I read other reviews and decided these had the best reviews, those reviews did not disappoint! Each sheet of soap produces enough soap to give the comfort of knowing your hands are throughly clean. We liked our first order so much that we bought 10 packs for my fiancé’s work crew to help make keeping their hands clean during this pandemic! ( he’s a delivery driver/repair tech). If you have wanted to try something like this product, I highly recommend this brand!” — Clippin4you
Amazon
A Dracula garlic mincer
Promising review: “I purchased this as a gift for my friend who is a fantastic cook — she uses fresh ingredients almost exclusively — but pressing fresh garlic is a task usually delegated. No longer: Gracula is there for her. She uses him nearly every time she needs garlic (which is basically daily) and months later still makes a point of saying how much she enjoys the gift. I’m pretty sure she likes it better than other gifts I’ve gotten her which were more expensive/thought out, and I’m fairly certain it’s what took me from ‘good friend’ to ‘best friend,’ but it be that way sometimes. Anyway, definitely recommended for people who cook with garlic and have a sense of humor.” — L
Uncommon Goods
A pair of adorable stainless-steel caribou
Promising review: “My wife and I gift each other from here all the time. She was a little worried they would not fit the thick walls of some of our mugs, but they did perfectly. Softer cookies go on them very well, as do marshmallows. We also liked the idea of pretzels, but have not tried it just yet. Thanks to UG for bringing us awesome US-made items like these.” — Charles
Amazon
A TonyMoly bunny perfume stick
They’re available in three delightful scents.
Promising review: “Perfect and super cute, as a receptionist I’m running everywhere all day, and this cute little bunny keeps me smelling great. It’s easy to apply and is nice and light so the scent isn’t overbearing like some perfumes. It fits right in my purse and I take it everywhere!” — Aspen Trumps
Amazon
A purrfect night light with a soft silicone body and touch-sensitive control
Promising review: “These kitty lights are super adorable, super fun, and super loved by my kid. I bought this light as a gift for my daughter for her birthday… she loves it. The kitty is soft and squishy, the light colors are bright and pretty, it has a good battery life… I loved it so much that I bought another for a friend’s daughter. Great little light.” — KMMR
BoxLunch
Or a Zero mood light for anyone who can’t decide whether “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie
Featuring a favorite character from the Tim Burton classic.
Winky Lux
A purrfectly shaped lipstick
Promising review: “It was exactly as I expected with color — it adds just enough for a hint without being too overpowering. It’s so creamy and my lips feel amazing.” — Autumn
Amazon
Succulent-shaped tea lights that’ll almost be a shame to set on fire.
They each burn for about 30 minutes.
Promising review: “Super cute tea lights! They come in two gift boxes with a ribbon around it, perfect for gifting a set and keeping the other!” — Amy D.
JD and Kate Industries
And/or a “Pride and Prejudice”-themed, Earl Grey-scented candle
The house is modeled after Lyme Park (the house used in the 1995 miniseries), but I can guarantee any Pride and Prejudice lover — not just the miniseries fans — will love this.
A silicone dachshund ice try to make any beverage more of a weiner
It’s made of flexible silicone so it’ll roll right up to fit in a stocking. You can use ’em to mold chocolates too.
Promising review: “They are great. I love dachshunds and to have little ones in my drink are even better. Everything about the silicone is great and it is easy to take the ice out and not have it break. I’ve used it for a few months and it still is holding up wonderfully.” — Schmidty
Amazon
A giant bow-topped fleece head band
Promising review: “This is actually the second one I have purchased through this company, the first I gave to my sister in law because she loved it so much! You really can’t get anything comparable for the money…I’ve tried and failed. It has the perfect amount of stretch without being too tight or too loose, and it’s incredibly soft. I can’t recommend this enough!” — Laura Sanchez
Amazon
A coin purse shaped like a corgi butt
Promising review: “OK, this is the cutest coin purse Ive ever seen. I have a friend who is obsessed with corgis and I don’t blame her. Those floofy butts are too adorable. I cant wait to give this coin purse to her for Yule. She’s going to love it.” — Bunny
Amazon
Or a corgi butt mousepad
Promising review: “I ADORE this mouse pad!!! I work as a software developer and was starting to experience the beginnings of carpel tunnel. This has totally stopped the numbness in my hand! And as a corgi mom of two bouncing corgi boys, this was a must-have!” — LP
Amazon
A pair of sherpa-lined slippers
Promising review: “Very nice, plush, comfortable and so cute! For indoor use! I would definitely buy these again! They fit very well, even if you have wide feet. I bought them for my daughter who has a pug. Great gift! Was supposed to be for Christmas but I couldn’t wait! Love them!” — JC
Amazon
A set of mini macaron containers
Promising review: “These are the best little containers EVER! I use them for so many things: change ‘purse’ for my work locker, pill containers, small jewelry holder (fits my earrings, rings and necklace and works great for when I can’t wear something and don’t want to lose it). I’ve used a few daily and none of them have broken or popped open and I’ve had these for two and a half months already! Cannot praise these things enough! Definitely worth the money.” — Meghan Danielle
Amazon
Chenille-style fuzzy socks in the shape of quirky creatures
Promising review: “I love these socks! I’ve bought several sets to give as gifts and one for myself. Mine have held up a year and going strong. They’re warm but not hot and not so thick that you can’t wear shoes with them. Perfect fuzzy socks! And so cute and fun to wear!” — Kelli Nash
MouseDelights3D
A hand soap attachment to transform boring foaming soap into a secret Mickey
Promising review: “Great quality — took a few practice attempts to get a good Mickey shape at first, but we’ve got it down now. My 3-year-old daughter LOVES it! So much fun.” — Katie Thies
Amazon
A tiki-inspired Baby Yoda mug
Promising review: “OK Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) is cute enough to be a Lovely Tiki mug, but this one just make it beyond my expectations, detail hand painting, different color inside the mug, a real treat for tiki culture or Star Wars fans looking for a nice cocktail in Mos Eisley cantina, big enough for a Iced Rusty Nail or any glass-size poison” —G. Salvador
Amazon
A set of cat sponges
Promising review: “The way they sit up helps them dry rapidly and they work very well too. I used them as stocking stuffers.” —pinkzin
A mini Lodge cast-iron skillet
Promising review: “This thing is amazing! Just like our big Lodge cast iron skillets, except smaller. Much smaller. Comically small. Pictures don’t do it justice. Got this as a stocking stuffer for my wife. Literally. She got a good laugh out of it. But besides that, it is a great little skillet for a single egg (from a hummingbird preferably) or some popcorn on the grill (three or four kernels). Just buy it!” — CollierCatMan
Or a miniature baking set
The set comes with a storage tin, rolling pin, wee knife, pizza/dough cutter, mixing spoon, three wee spoons, mixing bowl, pizza/pie pan, pie server, sheet pan, silicone cake and cupcake molds, two silicone finger mitts, and 48-page recipe book.
Promising review: “My 8-year-old daughter purchased this for herself. She absolutely loves it and so do I! With very minimal help from me, she can make her own treats. I love that she gets a little snack/treat and the kitchen isn’t a big mess and I don’t have two dozen cookies lying around calling my name. She used to beg me to bake all the time and now I can let her because I know she’s not filling up on sugar and she doesn’t need me hovering in the kitchen to keep an eye on things. It’s amazing!” — Sherrie801
BuzzFeed / Emma McAnaw
A sloth to-do notepad
It has sections for your must-do tasks (with two different areas for top and lower priority), appointments, errands, and people they need to reach out to. A BuzzFeed Shopping editor who loves sloths swears by this to help organize her day — check out her review in one edition of our monthly review series! Here’s a snippet: “And for anyone who’s not a natural-born multitasker, this is great for you! I, for one, like to do one thing at a time so it’s great to be able to list everything by time frame (like to do soon or to do after a nap) so I can think out the order of importance. I don’t have to say how SATISFYING it is to check things off when I complete them — do I sometimes write things down just to give it a check? Maybe. It also has cute ways to motivate me, like a mood- and productivity-rating method in the form of sloths. Dare I say, I owe these little sloth heads full credit for keeping me out of stress mode every week — they just a have a way with…planning?”
Lockwood
An adorable pigeon planter
Lockwood is a queer-owned, woman-owned, family-owned small business with several locations in New York City.If you’re based in New York, you can also pick up at your local store.
Amazon
A floating pasta timer whose name is “Al Dente”
The three-minute song (“That’s Amore”) is great for angel hair, the five-minute song (“Tarantella Napoletana”) is great for spaghetti, the seven-minute song (the Godfather theme) is great for tagliatele and more, and the eleven-minute song (“Prisoner’s Choir”) is great for fusili and more.
Promising review: “Purchased as a gift for my Mother-in-law, and was a hit! I don’t think she will use it daily but is a very cute novelty gift. The timer does work and the pasta was perfect ‘al dente’ and was so fun to hear it start singing when it went off.” — Rochelle P.
Amazon
A dozen squishy cat stress toys
Promising review: “So Soft. So squishy. So stretchy! These little guys are so satisfying to sit there and squish when you’re feeling anxious or frustrated. The paint on their little faces is a little messy sometimes, but the way a stress ball looks isn’t very important. I like that these are small enough to fit inside of your pocket, because so many stress balls are big and obvious and embarrassing.” — Emma McConaughey
AnaMaria Glavan / BuzzFeed
An extra-durable duck-shaped dog toy
Here’s what BuzzFeed Shopping contributor AnaMaria Glavan has to say: “My French Bulldog is extremely spoiled and gets new toys all the damn time — my sister will, I’m not kidding, raid the rows of TJ Maxx once a week for a new seasonally appropriate squeaker. There’s currently a mangled pastel purple bunny sitting in the garbage because, yep, he chewed right through it in a day… which brings me to my point! Chew toys can cost anywhere from $10–$14 a pop and last maybe three days with minimal play. My dog sleeps for 18 hours in a 24-hour cycle so it mystifies me that he manages to go through them so quickly. But a few months ago, I found this very plain yellow duck toy on Amazon that had over 14,000 reviews with buyers claiming it could take a lot of wear and tear. I thought, my doggo deserves the best so let’s try it out. Folks! This duck is woven with Valyrian steel! I literally purchased this on Nov. 24, 2020 (and I’m writing on March 25, 2021) and it’s STILL GOING STRONG. It has not torn, ripped, there is no toy entrail fluff scattered throughout our living room. Nada. It’s still perfectly intact and Rockie generally prefers this toy over any other one in his ever-changing arsenal. It’s also perfect for his medium frame but I can see it being equally as ideal for smaller dogs because it’s lightweight, despite being on the larger side. My dog is also strange in that he prefers sleeping on this random blanket in the corner than in his bed and sometimes he’ll drag the duck with him and lay next to it and I just…my eyes fill with tears when I think about how adorable that is.The best part is that the toy costs less than $10. Considering the quality, you’d expect it to cost way more considering that I haven’t had to replace it in the four months of me owning it. And again, I want to stress — my dog typically shreds through toys in less than a week, so to have one last 15x longer?! It’s pretty sweet. I also want to point out that the squeaker isn’t obnoxiously loud which is pure bliss.”
Emma Lord / BuzzFeed
A pair of LED light saber chopsticks
There’s a button to turn ’em on and off, and they come with batteries so you can ~get glowing~ as soon as they arrive. Here’s what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord has to say: “As you can see from the above GIF, I bought these for myself, and I love them to pieces. TBH, I use them as decor every bit as much as I use them to eat. Sometimes I just keep them in my work area to light them up during the day to feel fancy. They toggle back and forth between a bunch of different colors, like red, blue, yellow, purple, and multicolor, so you can either make them match *or* have a red and blue one together and bring balance to the Force.”
Amazon
A set of cat gel roller pens
Promising review: “These adorable pens are a hoot! I can now ensure the pen thieves stay away from my desk. The point is very fine. It writes smoothly with black ink. The colors and the tiny faces are too cute. My favorite part is the little tail on the cap.” — Amazon Customer
Amazon
Disney Tsum Tsums filled with moisturizing lip balm
Promising review: “This could not be any cuter! The Princess is here to save your lips, and her cinnamon bun flavor is a wonderful choice to go with her bun hairdo. The container’s too heavy to carry with you, but it’s great to sit on your desk. Also in case you’re worried about it, the cinnamon is not strong enough to burn your lips, but you can taste it.” — ThatVulcanB
Gifts by Ells
A Harry Styles air freshener
Promising review: “I ordered these for my daughter for Christmas and she LOVES them. Super great quality, the seller was super responsive and answered a question I had within a couple of hours… 10/10 thank you!” — Etsy Customer
An octopus-shaped blackhead scrub stick
Promising review: “First time buying this and didn’t know what to expect but I’m most definitely buying it again. My skin has never felt better and I have the most sensitive skin and I’ve had no issues at all.” — Melissa
Amazon
A bag of Reindeer Farts (spoiler alert: it’s actually peppermint-flavored cotton candy)
Promising review: “I won’t lie — the whole reason I purchased this is because I knew that my kids would laugh at the name. However, I was really happy with how yummy the actual cotton candy in the bag was! The candy was fresh, and well packaged, and the product name got the laughs expected. Overall, I would say it’s a bit expensive for what you get (though it was easily enough for me and two children to share), but would still recommend as a cute/silly gift for someone who would get a kick out of this type of thing.” — Deb
Amazon
An otter tape dispenser who knows a thing or two about being stuck together
Promising review: “No one is buying this tape dispenser for any purpose other than to look cute on a desk. It definitely does that. It’s adorable. Just look at that happy, furry otter face. As a bonus, it also holds tape, which is useful in a variety of situations. It’s also very sturdy and isn’t likely to go flying when you forcefully grab a piece of tape from it (if you’re an aggressive gift wrapper, by chance). This otter tape dispenser is one of the few novelty items that actually does what it’s supposed to do. Two paws up.” — Bargler
Amazon
A set of four fruit-shaped flash drives
Promising review: “They are exactly what they look like — super cute flash drives. I’ve loaded them up with photos, videos, and music and given them to friends as gifts. They’ve been a big hit.” — Urban Fantasy Super Dragon
Amazon
A screaming goat figurine
And it comes with a 32-page, illustrated booklet all about goats, making this product the G.O.A.T. itself.
Promising review: “This little piece of screaming plastic has created an excellent outlet for resolving frustrations in our home. Every time a conflict or struggle arises we push the little goat, get a gratifying screech, chuckle and move on throughout our day. No regrets on purchasing this. When you get one, get four or five because you’re going to want to share with family and friends.” — Amazon Customer
Amazon
A desktop inflatable tube guy
It even comes with a 32-page booklet about the ~history~ of the tube man.Promising review: “Makes my wife laugh every time she turns it on. Everyone should have one of these at home.” — P. Farrow
Amazon
A velvet finish lip tint packaged in an adorable ink bottle
Promising review: “I usually don’t wear lipstick, I’m more of a gloss girl but that’s mainly because I don’t like reapplying or uneven color after an hour. I’ve searched for a light, long lasting lip color in shades that worked with my skin tone. I LOVE this. I ordered a second color a few weeks after the first and probably will stock up just in case. It last a long time and as it fades it doesn’t look bad. The color wears naturally but it takes a while, and several glasses of water, before that happens. Worth every penny!” — Veronica
Amazon
A snack container with two separate compartments (one for food, one for dip)
Promising review: “I bought this because I saw someone at work with it and I had to have it! It’s a little pricey but I didn’t care LOL. It stores a lot of carrots and the perfect amount of dip. I use it everyday now.” — Gabbie
Amazon
A brontosaurus loose-leaf tea infuser
Promising review: “Got this as a present for my fiancé — so dang adorable! Fits a decent amount of loose leaf tea in it well, seals great to keep any little pieces from coming out, sits in any of our coffee cups easily, and looks so cute while brewing. The neck sticking out makes it very easy to take out of the cup after brewing, and it’s dishwasher safe! An awesome present, he loves it! Came on time and in great shape, would buy from again.” — Sabrina
Amazon
A plush squeaker toy so your small fry of a furry friend can enjoy a treat when you do
Promising review: “This is the second toy from this maker I have bought and I LOVE them. More importantly so does Lola! They last forever and she gets so excited. The best part is that she hasn’t been able to tear it apart yet. I decided I was going to buy her a new one each month until she has them all.” — Reynold Wang
Welcome to Let’s Get a Room, a series where editor Eliza Huber heads to the dressing room to try on pieces from your favorite retailers, buzzy items, and new collections. Think of this column as a detailed guide to the pieces that are actually worth buying and the ones that, unfortunately, looked better online—no returns necessary.
If you know me, you’re probably already aware of my slight obsession with Zara. Ever since a store opened at my mall in the Chicago suburbs back in high school, I’ve been hooked. So, of course, now that I live in New York City’s biggest shopping hub, I frequent Zara’s SoHo store on a frequent basis. And this last time, I decided to document it.
With a new season approaching, I couldn’t resist popping in to see and try on all the fresh arrivals I’d already bookmarked in the Zara app. And I must say, this latest drop is one of the brand’s best—no question. From tube tops fit for fall and winter to moto boots that are destined to garner you compliments galore, see all the pieces I test-drove at Zara during my most recent post-work drop-in. I have a feeling you’ll like them as much as I did.
