My Boss Sent Me a Link to Her Favorite Underwear
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Welcome toHow I Pick My Picks— a kind-of-regular newsletter series in which we check in with the Strategist staff on the stuff they’re using day-to-day, the products they’re testing for stories, and the things their friends and family won’t stop asking them about. Consider it a peek into the always-whirring brain of a Strategist writer. Now, meet our fashion and home-organization writer Ambar Pardilla.
It’s an intimate — and sometimes intimidating — thing to ask someone about theirunderwear. But it’s actually not that unusual — evenpresidentsare polled aboutboxersversusbriefs(orboxer-briefs). And it’s a regular part of my conversations. (The other day, our editor Maxine Builder messaged me about her favorite Tommy Johns, saying something to the effect of how “only in this job” would your boss send you a link to their favorite underwear.) Whether I’m asking a Hollywood stylist about avoiding VPL or talking to a colleague about their cheekiest knickers, I’m unfazed. Of course, I test all the recommendations myself, too — I have spent many nightssleeping in silkin the name of journalism.
The other part of my job is covering home organization: the stuff you need to keep your clothes and jewelry in order, as well as your kitchen and more. I can guarantee you haven’t thought aboutpaper-towel holdersas much as I have. I’ve gotten especially good at finding folks who are enthusiastic enough to talk at length about their less-sexy purchases, too. For example,Caroline Mullen, a former editor atFood52, penned an ode to her holder forthe Kitchn, so I knew she would havethoughts. (She did.) Meanwhile, antiques dealerErica Weinerwent to the trouble of crowdsourcing recommendations from her followers when I reached out about how shestores her own jewelry. It turns out she steals ashtrays.
Do you have any strongly held opinions that have changed after testing something?
TheCommandothat topped ourunderwearguide is truly worth the money. Thirty-six dollars for a bikini brief is a lot compared with the classic three-for-$30 panties, but putting it on was like going commando (as the experts said). It wassonext to nothing. I’m wearing them as I write this.
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What’s the least amount of money you should spend, for example, on a bra?
UsingThe Price Is Rightrules, I’m going with $40. You’re looking at $50 as a starting point for established brands likeWacoal(I swear by itsminimizer) orNatori(very lifting). But lots of these bras go on sale, especially at a place like Nordstrom, so keep an eye out. Usually, the brighter the color, the better the discount. The start-ups —CUUP,ThirdLove,Parade— may be a little less, even at full price, and they’re often more size-inclusive, too.
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What are you currently testing and researching?
As someone who’s five-foot-one and on the curvier side, I’ve always had trouble findingjeans. Hems are never “ankle-length,” and hips don’t have enough give. I’m hoping theAgolde Rileys, which we named one of the best pairs ofmom jeansandpetite jeans, are an exception.
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Agolde Riley High Rise Straight Crop
Which product do you think is a total waste of money?
I have a vendetta againstvermeil. I get that it’s cheaper than gold — but not bysomuch. I never take off my yellow goldsignet ring from Catbird, which was $138. But any vermeil I’ve owned ended up scratched and scraped quickly. Even as a jewelry collector who looks after very delicate pieces and takes fastidious care of them (I have mineorganizedinto themes like “celestial”), I can’t do all that.
What’s the most expensive product you own?
TheseGrande Soireesremind me of the pumps Roger Vivier made forChristian Dior; they have a sort of glamour that’s impossible to find nowadays. These had a price tag of$1,595originally — I would never,everpay that much — but I have a coupon code and tax return to thank.
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What’s the last thing you bought?
Ashirtdressthat’ll be a shirt for me. It has a “corsage” that resembles one of those horse-show ribbons.
What are some open tabs on your computer right now? What do you have on your list that you can’t bring yourself to buy just yet?
AByredo palettereminiscent of a mussel (our deals editorSam Dalylikes the glitteriness) — though all it will take is a late night of scrolling for me to break.
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If you had to spend $1,000 at Nordstrom, what would you buy?
I feel that if you’re given free rein, you need to be ridiculous. Thesetwo-tone Khaite heels,pearl-encrusted Simone Rocha socks, and probably aPuppets & Puppets banana bag. I don’t know how much those total, but I’ll toss in aMiffy light, too.
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A Few of Ambar’s Favorites
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The paper-towel holder that inspired an ode.
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Some $300 socks I would splurge on, given the chance.
The Strategistis designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the bestacne treatments,rolling luggage,pillows for side sleepers,natural anxiety remedies, andbath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
