The Strategist Haul: What the Editors Bought in May
This past May, I got married in a patch of woods on my husband’s parents’ property. The week before we said “I do,” we spent a muggy afternoon clearing brush from the area, after which I was covered in bug bites.
Not wanting to spend my wedding day scratching myself, I consulted Maureen O’Connor’s list of non-smelly mosquito repellents for the Strategist and ordered her “backup bug lotion” because she wrote that it’s more consistently odor-free than her go-to repellent. And I am happy to report that O’Conner’s assessment holds up: When I squirted the lotion into my hands, not a trace of chemical smell wafted from it (and neither my neck nor my hands smelled like chemicals after applying).
More importantly: I made it through our ceremony in the woods without a getting a single bug bite.
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I was in desperate need of a new weekender, and this canvas bag from Baggu fit the bill: It’s sturdy, can handle my overpacking habit, and is super-inexpensive.
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I’ve long coveted a pair of red Gammarelli socks — the ones worn by the Pope — but, out of fear of losing one or both, have never been able to justify spending $25 on them.
With the Gammarelli ones in mind, I picked up these bright-red Entireworld socks, and they’ve turned out to be a good alternative for a little less money. They’re a bright tomato color, mostly cotton, and hit a nice spot just above the ankle, making them perfect for warmer weather.
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Most of my spending this month happened in Portugal, where I went for a vacation with friends. Between all of us we bought enough beautifully packaged bar soap to last a few years, and this Madrigal Water Lily one from Claus Porto is my favorite.
Though the lovely packaging tempts me to hoard it away, the water-lily scent — which smells like a freshly cut bouquet — makes the soap too nice to not use it regularly.
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I cannot believe I did this, but I did this.
As much as I love wearing white sneakers all the time, they are not that easy to get on when you’re bleary-eyed and trying to walk the dog in the morning. I’d been skeptical about Birkenstocks, but Chris Black convinced me.
They also just look really good with jeans!
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I’m realizing now that I did a somewhat embarrassing amount of shopping this month.
Big Memorial Day sales — like the one at REI — didn’t help. I’m already a fan of Janji’s soft and breezy long-sleeve running shirts, so I picked up a short-sleeve one for summer in “mauve,” which is actually a very pretty dusty rose color.
And I love them! They stay put while you’re running (which isn’t always the case with this style of shorts), and they have more pockets than I have things to fill them with. I’m thinking of getting another pair in green.
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After getting suckered in to Bed Bath Beyond’s “Beyond+” loyalty program (it’s actually not a bad deal — you pay $29 annually for 20 percent off everything you buy), I thought I’d make it worth my while and upgrade my bedding. I’ve yet to figure out how to put on a duvet cover, so I stick to comforters, and this one is just right.
The subtle texture feels sophisticated and it’s very comfy.
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I committed a massive shopping faux pas this month.
I went to Tuza, a jewelry shop on the Lower East Side that’s filled with very special, pretty things, to find a birthday present for my little sister. I decided on this very lovely beaded red necklace with a freshwater-pearl heart, got it wrapped in the store, brought it home, started getting dressed for dinner, peered at the bag, unwrapped the gift, put on the necklace, and didn’t take it off for four days straight.
Now it is my necklace, and you all know I’m a monster.
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And I also got her this fun fish jug, which makes a delightful gurgling noise when you pour out water from it!
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I bought my last bike used (or, more specifically, built it out of used parts).
It cost me around $300 and only has one gear, but I like how light and uncomplicated it is. Still, long rides of more than a few miles weren’t that comfortable, and I always struggled up hills because I couldn’t change gears.
So when REI had its big anniversary sale, I decided it was time for an upgrade. This bike, which I got for 15 percent off, feels sturdier, more cushy, and just slightly zippier.
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I used to own a navy pair of Chuck’s high-tops that I wore everywhere and with everything (jeans, shorts, skirts, dresses). When they conked out from overwear, I replaced them with a salmon-pink pair that is great but not as universal.
The black ones (and a pair in off-white) have been on my list for years; I felt extremely accomplished when I finally bought this pair.
Maxine Builder, managing editor
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While checking out at Outdoor Voices, I also threw in an Athena crop top in charcoal, and yes, I am now that girl who goes to hot yoga wearing a full OV kit with OV Tevas.
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That same day, I got suckered into stopping at the J.
Crew on Wythe Avenue and picked up a couple of these colorful (and very on sale) scrunchies made with Liberty London print.
