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What The Strategist UK Editors Are Buying On Black Friday

Photo: Courtesy the retailer

If you follow our feature Your Shopping Cart, you know that we have some eerily good intel on what things you all are buying. It led us to think that, as Strategist editors, we could turn the tables and highlight all the things we’ve been buying ourselves. As you’ll notice, it’s both a blessing and a curse to be a Strategist editor; we’re picky, but sometimes we just have to get on with it. Here’s what we bought this Black Friday.

Ailbhe Malone, Senior Editor

London is plagued with hard water, which means the only way to make tap water drinkable is to filter it. I’ve been holding off buying a new water filter for a while, as I was convinced I’d find one on sale. I’m thrilled I waited, as I found this Brita fridge-size filter, complete with three cartridges, for £21.

I’ve had my eye on this Vans fleece since we included it in our Friday sales story a few weeks ago. When I spotted the price had dropped again, into my basket it went.

I already own two pairs of these jeans, and wear them almost daily. They’re high waisted, with an ankle crop, and they hang nicely on my 5’2 frame. Normally I wear the Blue Dillon jeans, but as they were sold out in my leg size, I thought I’d try out the recycled denim option.

Another Friday sales spot that I’ve finally bought during my Urban Outfitters spree. My winter coat is calf-length and dark wool, so I’m looking forward to brightening things up with these trainers.

Chris Mandle, Writer

Like many Northerners, I like to play a game every winter called ‘Don’t touch the thermostat’ where I refuse to put the heating on and instead drape myself in as many blankets as I can. I love the way this lambswool throw has a vivid pattern rendered in muted hues – and better still it’s 50% off at the moment.

To celebrate moving into our East London HQ, team Strategist UK went to lunch at Gloria in Shoreditch, a buzzy, quasi-nostalgic Italian carb den. I became quietly (OK, not quietly) fixated on this fish-shaped carafe our water was served out of – so silly! So ornate! I decided I had to buy one for my flat. Not only did I find one, but it was 15% off, too. And I’m kind of tempted to use it as a vessel for a batch of margaritas come summer, too.

My best friend Sam and I have been doing ‘Sockmas’ for nearly eight years. What started as a cheap way for two mates to indulge their love of menswear (shout out to the TK Maxx on High Street Kensington) has become a more tasteful, ambitious attempt to find really great socks for each other. This year I’m getting him a pair of crew socks from Japanese brand RoToTo – they’re 70% silk and are like a sleeker, more indulgent take on a gym sock. Sam, if you’re reading this, try to act surprised when you open them.

The Strategist UK is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Read about who we are and what we do here. Our editors update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

What The Strategist UK Editors Are Buying On Black Friday