We write about hundreds of products a week. Here, in our version of the Sunday circular, we’ve plucked out some of our favourites — expert-recommended essentials, life-changing stuff you didn’t know you needed, newly launched gizmos, and the very good deals we uncovered while trawling the vast online-shopping universe this past week, including a fashion buyer–approved silk shirt, a hair-quenching mask, and a chain made from recycled gold.
If you want even more Strategist stories sent straight to your inbox, sign up for our email newsletter.
Some truly flexible sports leggings
“No matter how much I spent on leggings, within a few months they lost elasticity and fell down,” says Strategist UK intern Lucy Carr. That was until a friend directed her toward the Vital Seamless Leggings from Gymshark. Carr found the high-waisted leggings were truly high-waisted, and after three years of use, they haven’t lost their impressive elasticity. A few months after purchasing her first pair, Carr ordered a second pair, a testament to their quality. She’s also trekked across Central America and Lapland in her leggings, finding them exceedingly flexible (and comfy) across all manner of climates.
An expertly vetted turntable
To find a turntable suitable for beginners, Strategist writer Chris Mandle scoured sites from Currys to Richer Sounds and spoke to eight music experts, including DJs, producers, and other audio professionals. Four of those eight named the Sony PS-LX310BT Bluetooth turntable as the very best (as did the reviewers at Currys and John Lewis). DJ Alex Bean says it’s simply a “good entry-level turntable,” while Declan McGlynn, digital tech editor at DJ Mag, considers it a good all-rounder at a good price. As the title suggests, the turntable has Bluetooth connectivity, so can be connected to speaker setups from across the room. Mark Steinberg, chief technologist and turntable specialist at B&H Photo Video, said it’s one of his favourites for the price because Sony is such a trustworthy brand.
A seriously discounted luxury shirt
When we spoke to 13 stylish people about the best silk shirts, fashion buyer Dana Thomas recommended Parisian brand Equipment. According to Thomas, Equipment has “democratised the silk shirt, making it more accessible than ever to the everyday working woman.” She also recommended browsing the Outnet sale for a bargain — this is where we spotted the brand’s Polka-Dot Print Silk Shirt. The beige, dotted shirt has two sloping front pockets and a crisp, handsome collar, and is currently on sale at over 50 percent off.
A remedy for frazzled hair
If your hair has suffered the perils of overheating or bleaching, Coco and Eve’s Like a Virgin hair mask could offer some help. Stephanie Louis, founder of Stylebox Salon, says that the mask is suitable for a wide variety of hair textures. “The best part of this mask is that you can use it on ANY hair — and I mean your own hair or extensions to revive them,” she explains. “Because it’s both sulphate- and phthalate-free, it’s going to help hair retain moisture and stay soft.” The mask gives dehydrated hair a feeling of immediate softness, and the “amazing” coconut-and-fig scent lasts long after application.
A two-in-one cooler
If you’re lucky enough to have some balcony space, you may want to give it a spruce as spring begins to fully bloom. This outdoor cooler has a five-litre capacity and, with a rattan finish, could function as an unassuming side table.
A collection of illuminating poems on motherhood
A new entry into our readers’ most-bought items this month was Holly McNish’s collection of poetry, Nobody Told Me. We originally recommended it as a thoughtful gift for a new (or expecting) mum. It was brought to our attention by voice-over artist (and mother to an 18-month-old) Juliet Mayne, who says it’s “absolutely brilliant” and “about all the stuff nobody tells you about being a mum.” For more of what our readers have been loving over March, read here.
A dainty gold chain
Strategist editor Ailbhe Malone had been on the hunt for a slim gold chain for some time before a PR from Mejuri reached out, asking if she’d like to try something from its recycled-gold range. She chose the baby box chain in 14k recycled gold. At £170, it was less than half the price of the £500 Missoma option she’d previously had her eye on. “I haven’t taken it off since it came in the post three weeks ago,” says Malone. “The chain is exceptionally fine, and glimmers pleasingly at my neckline.” One final thing: Despite it shipping from Toronto, Malone explains there are no extra customs fees to pay.
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.