An all-over-the-place assortment of stood-behind products culled from this very website that appear in the most recent December issue of New York Magazine.
Best in Class
There’s a fairly simple way to find out which toothpastes are effective enough, according to the dentists whom writer Arielle Avila spoke to on the subject. If it has the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, they say, it will capably clean and protect against decay. But Colgate’s Total Deep Clean Toothpaste was widely recommended to Avila for its ascendancy above the seal. Unlike an average tube of Crest or even other Colgate formulas, it contains zinc phosphate (which, per Dr. Lana Rozenberg, bonds to weakened tooth enamel, “forming patches, much like patches sewn into worn-out fabric,” to strengthen the tooth) and stannous fluoride, which is antimicrobial (and, per Dr. Golda A. Erdfarb, helps fight bacteria that causes bad breath, cavities, and gum disease). Hearing all this convinced Avila to try it herself—now it’s all she uses. It has a pleasingly strong but not overpoweringly minty flavor, she says, and “leaves my teeth feeling squeaky clean.”
Celebrity Shopping
“These remind me of something my grandfather would have brought with him from Ukraine. They have a real homemade, old-world style, and they actually keep my feet warm in the winter. They almost look like they could be made out of the same industrial felted wool Joseph Beuys used to make Felt Suit.”
“A friend of mine recommended this, and I was very surprised not only by the quality but by how affordable it is. It’s a three-in-one. You could use it as a brow pencil, eye shadow, or as an eyeliner, which is what I mainly use it for. Some eye pencils are too dry and stick when you’re drawing on liner, but this is very smooth.”
“I’ve been wearing these since they came out 14 years ago. It’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed natural my whole life. I wear them anytime I’m not in glam or working. They make me feel great, and every time I get my makeup done, if I’ve had them on just before, the makeup goes on so smoothly.”
This Thing’s Incredible
I used this pack as my only luggage item for a four-day trip to the East Coast last fall, and while I was there, it pulled triple duty as my luggage, a commuter bag, and a hiking pack in the White Mountains. I packed my laptop, notebook, sandals, running shoes, rain jacket, jumpsuit, two pairs of leggings, two pairs of shorts, shirts, toiletries, socks, undergarments, five pairs of headphones, and snacks, then stashed my water bottle in the stretchy side pocket. The pack fits under the seat of every airline I’ve flown (even Spirit!), and the round-top lid unzips to the main compartment, which means I can access everything without dragging the entire bag out from under the seat. Despite having tried dozens of packs in my decade as a gear-tester, I can’t imagine one replacing this. –Maggie Slepian
Please Advise
In his recent column, Chris Black gave one reader a few options for a sturdy and durable upgrade.
“Steele makes some of the highest-quality tote bags in the world. The thick canvas will last forever, and the straps are durable and long enough to go over the shoulder. Think of it as a heavy- duty version of the classic L.L.Bean.”
“Leather tote bags are just expensive. That’s how it goes. They feel more upmarket and age a little more gracefully than their canvas brethren. This one from Jil Sander has handles and a cross-body strap, which makes it great for travel or the office.”
“If you want something less understated, Pacific Tote Company has you covered. This open-top canvas tote comes in an electric shade of orange that will have heads turning.”
“Everything from this collaborative collection was quite good, but the tote bag stood out. Done in a great shade of deep blue, it features a co-branded heavy-duty two-way zipper to keep your stuff secure.”
Ask a Cool Person
As recommended by editors, interior decorators, and artists.
Interior decorator Leah Lane first came across these stockings made from antique Turkish kilims while browsing for vintage rugs. They’re “timeless, classic, and just a bit elegantly knackered,” she says.
This rainbow stocking is made from deadstock yarn, woven through with metallic threads. Caroline Vasquez Huber, the co-founder of Jones, describes it as “MoMA Design Store meets Christmas décor.”
“It can double as year- round décor,” says artist Yu Ling Wu of this fuzzy, silk-and-faux-fur stocking by home-design brand Jiu Jie. She likes that it feels Christmasy but not overly Christmasy.
Dusen Dusen founder Ellen Van Dusen says she has already picked up one of these sturdy canvas stockings. “I love all things Lorien Stern,” she says, “and I like that these don’t have any religious iconography or affiliations. It lets it be more about the gifts.”
Packing List
Perusing the travel-toiletries aisle is a very specific kind of joy, whether you’re at a Duane Reade near your home or a pharmacy in the Fifth Arrondissement. There’s the visual pleasure of something big made small as well as the chance to try a pricey item for a fraction of the cost of the full size. So I’ve rummaged through the metaphorical travel aisles to find minis from dozens of Strategist-approved brands—many of which you might not have realized make travel-size products. –By Ailbhe Malone
Ask the Strategist
A reader recently wrote in seeking a stylish but still functional black winter boot. More specifically, they wanted something ankle-to-mid-calf length, low profile, and office-and-date-night appropriate with super-solid traction for snow and slush. Our editor Ailbhe Malone had a suggestion.
“I just bought these boots from Camper, which I think are exactly what you’re looking for: They’re mid-calf and leather with a decent tread that easily stomps through slush but aren’t dorky-looking for a date. You can choose from brown, black, or burgundy. Plus if you sign up for the Camper mailing list before purchasing, you’ll get 10 percent off.”
The Strategist is 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 best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
