The Strategist Haul: What the Editors Bought in April

I’m a diligentsunscreenuser for my face and body, but until a few years ago, I had never thought I neededsunscreenfor my scalp — that is, until I got a scalp sunburn, thanks to my middle part. I discovered this Sun Bum scalp spray and used up an entire bottle over the past two summers. A few weeks ago, though, I went without it at the Dreamville music festival, ended up with another part-line burn, and I realized it was time to purchase another bottle. This will be living in my purse for the next few months, and (hopefully) I won’t be contending with another burn for the rest of the spring and summer.

I’ve been dealing withacnesince I was in fourth grade — the battle has been long and hard. A recent return to the dermatologist has been getting my skin under control, but I’ve still been dealing with occasionalbreakouts. After reading about these CosRX patches in our Best in Classpimple patchstory, I decided to give them a try. I’ve only used them a few times on smaller pimples, but the results have been good so far. I think these will also be a useful tool in my arsenal for breaking my truly terrible pimple-popping and skin-picking habit.

For the last three years, my husband and I have lived in a railroad-style apartment that’s so narrow, we don’t have room for acouch. The good news is that I’m finally moving into a bigger apartment. The bad news is that I have no idea how to decorate it. So when my colleague Ailbhe mentioned this book, I bought it on Amazon before we hopped off the call. It’s basically interior design for dummies, chock full of very practical advice — like what size rug will fit your space and how to hang a gallery wall — so I expect it’ll be my guide for the next several months, as I figure out how to set-up a dining room and finally buy a couch.

I’ve been on the hunt for a shoe to run errands in — something that’s not quite asneaker, but that can easily be slipped on since it’ll be left in an entryway for quick in-and-outs. I never thought I would find them at Merrell, but here we are (I blame it on an installment of ourSecret Strategistnewsletter). I almost haven’t taken them off since ripping open the box. A Vibram sole gets me a good grip on the ground. I can wear them withoutsocks. These are also nice-looking enough, and happen to be the mules designerSandy Liangwore on her wedding day.

I wanted a good boatneck, and this is a good boatneck, showing just a peek of collarbone.

I went to visit my brother in Berlin for Easter. I wasn’t expecting to do much shopping with a2-year-oldin tow, but while deciding whether or not we could handle a 30-minute wait for hand-pulled noodles at Weng Chen 1 (adults: yes, toddler; no) I popped into thetoy storenext door. I bought a little broom, which fit in our cabin luggage nicely. Aoife loves it so much that she sweeps the house with vigor every morning.

I spent too much money at Kiehl’s in a fugue state at theairport. I picked up the sunscreen (it’s fine) and the midnight recovery oil (it’s exceptional). I used the recovery oil on and off for several years, but went off it pre-pandemic. I can’t remember why, but I’m pleased it’s back in my life. The scent is delicious, and it’s a nice skin-plumper after using myNuFace Trinityin the evening.

I love these huaraches. I’ve walked at least 40 miles in them since I got them a few weeks ago. I feel like they look professional enough, and no, they’re not as comfy asBirksbut the sole is surprisingly bouncy and the suede is so soft. I didn’t need to break them in at all and I love wearing them with dresses,jeans… anything.

I bought this hairbrush in Italy and it’s my favorite right now. I have super long thickhairand these bristles make it through my hair down to my scalp without snagging at all.

I was compelled by an Instagram ad to purchase this adorable petite tomato cocotte. I haven’t used it yet, but Staub says it’s oven-safe at more than 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so I’m excited to cook little desserts in it. I also think it will look adorable as a serving vessel for dips and sides at futuredinner parties. I’m enamored by some of the other food-shaped cocotte options, such as thisbright bell pepper-shaped cocotteanddashing deep green artichoke-shaped cocotte, but I’m holding out on making a collection (for now).

I’ve recently been intrigued by barrel pants, which I found out about through the hype surrounding Free People’sWe the Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans. I’ve never been one for skinny jeans but also find that I swim in the baggier jeans that Gen Z loves these days, so I wanted to try these slightly tapered-yet-loose pants. I haven’t tried the Free People jeans yet, but I purchased a pair ofEverlane’sUtility Barrel Pants and am loving them so far. They sit right above my belly button and are slightly cropped, coming in a couple of inches above my ankle (which makes them perfect for summer IMO). I have a short torso and long legs and find the barrel shape so flattering on my five-foot-three frame. The extra-large pockets are also very helpful for carrying my phone.

I have a small collection of antique silverserving ware, and several weeks ago, I accidentally smashed the glass holding all the pieces to the floor. It shattered. I’ve been vaguely on the hunt for something to replace it and found this nice amber glass atWoods Grovein Carroll Gardens when I was wandering around the other day. The shape is perfect because it keeps the handles bundled together so they don’t splay out to the sides and make the whole thing unevenly weighted.

I’m not sure if this counts because technically my mom bought these for me and my boyfriendbutI swear we would have bought them for ourselves if she didn’t. We were visiting my family in L.A. recently and used hers — and were both shocked at how nice they are. This is probably because the ones we have are just a random cheap kind from the pharmacy (my fault, should have turned toStrategist’s guideages ago). But regardless, our nail-clipper game has officially been upped.

One of my favorite parts of my recent ten-city tour ofItalywas stopping at this longtime family-run vinegar house. The co-owner, Sandra, was so kind and welcoming, and learning about her family’s work was truly incredible. If you are ever even a little nearby, you should tour it. Anyway, she let us try dozens of traditional balsamic vinegars, one aged for over 100 years, and I couldn’t leave without some. There were bottles ranging from €55 to €95, aged from 20 years to 25-plus years (the 40-year vinegar aged in a cherry wood barrel was so good). I went with the €35 12-year balsamic because in the small chance airport security wouldn’t let me fly with it, I didn’t want to be out so much money. Of course, now I wish I’d bought bottles to gift to everyone. You can only buy it at the vinegar house in Modena, though they do ship (for around $70, email contatti@acetaiasanmatteo.it to inquire). You’d be in good company: Among the vinegar house’s former famous recipients are a certain prince and a certain luxury-car company.

I’ve had my eye on Pauline de Roussy de Sales’ prints for years, and there’s beenmanya time I’ve almost bought one when she’s released new pieces on her Instagram. So it felt fortuitous when I came across a selection of her prints atCollyer’s Mansionin Brooklyn Heights, including this print of a waiter running with a tray of martinis and a woman walking a little dog in a Plaza-esque hotel. It’s printed on a lovely rose paper, and is just really delightful to look at. The print I bought is sold out online, but I also love herNight at the Opera print.

The last time I bought stamps at my post office the selections were a little dismal, so this time around I ordered through the USPS site where there are plenty of fun options. I landed on this sheet of Roy Lichtenstein stamps — my favorites are the fruit bowl and the fish bowl.

During theSephora saleearlier this month, I bought this cleansing oil fromMara Beauty, which was founded by former reporter and producerAllison McNamara. I’ve never tried double cleansing before, but after using this, I’ll never go back. It effortlessly melts away all the grime frommakeupand SPF, and makes my face feel thoroughly clean. I also like that it contains fruit enzymes (papaya, pumpkin, pineapple, and grapefruit) to gently exfoliate my skin. It’s slimy magic in a bottle.

I’m in the process of slowly ridding myself of all my tattered years-old undies and just replacing them withunderwearfrom Rat Boi. The brand recently held an online sample sale, so I seized the opportunity to snap up a few more of their low-rise briefs. They’re ultra-comfortable, never ride or bunch up, and have a cute little rosette in the front — what’s not to love?

I also scheduled a bouquet delivery forMother’s Day, and it was far enough in advance that I didn’t even have to pay extra to have it delivered on the day itself, Sunday May 12. Mine was from a small, local florist that’s five minutes away from where my parents live, but if yours is already all booked up, I’d suggest going with anarrangementfrom Grace Rose Farm — these lush, luminous, peach-and-strawberry Juliet roses are the most gorgeous flowers I’ve ever seen. Get on it, folks!

My son is obsessed with all vehicles, especially trucks both garbage and dump. In addition, the local playground sandbox has become a daily haunt with both his nanny and my husband. But all the other toddlers have their own trucks, and things can get kind of tense around sharing. So, at his nanny’s request, I bought him this working dump truck so he won’t get tackled by the4-year-olds.

Last week I took him to a Mini Rodini press preview and was reminded of how epically cute the Italian brand’s clothes are. That night I sat up late looking at literally every single item of clothing in his size before spending a modest fortune on things for him to wear this summer through next fall and winter. This tank was the least expensive thing I bought and I can’t wait to dress him in it and a pair ofsweat shortscome June or July.

My1-year-oldhas never liked silicone foodbibs, but he’ll tolerate the polyester kind with waterproof backing. Tiny Twinkle’s bibs have worked really well for us, and I just got the apron-style one for him, since he’s started pulling off the ones that fasten behind the neck.

I liked thosesweatpant jeansenough that I got the shorts.

I saw these at the gift shop at the Met Cloisters the other day and liked them so much I took a photo of them. I couldn’t stop thinking about them and decided to treat myself, especially because the Met was offering 25 percent off orders of $100-plus for Mother’s Day. They somehow reminded me of the sweater onAnna Wintour’s first cover forVoguebut are actually inspired by the jewels inthis Flemish painting. Even though they’re flashier than any otherjewelryI own, I can’t wait to wear them with a simple outfit of T-shirt and jeans.