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Ask the Edit: What’s Good?

Jul 1, 2025

It used to be easy to find the hot new thing. To know the best brands, the best beauty products. To be up to date on what works. But one full-time law firm gig and a baby, and I find myself clinging to the sure things. Going out in search of better sometimes feels greedy, like I should be spending time somewhere other than my increasingly unreliable Instagram feed (the AI-generated content and #sponcon has reached new heights).

Then, I remembered something — that every time I needed to find the right thing, I asked you ladies, and I found something great. So what things are you really loving? What is new and hot for you? Whether it’s a great recipe, a cool product, or a must read book? Drop it in the comments.

COMMENTS

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  1. Anne says:

    So far my hits for the summer are OldNavy/Loft for weekend clothes (I still shop in person, some things are too thin/short) but overall it feels like not much below early 2000s level quality.
    I’m loving the Vaseline ProVita B3 serum lotion for summer – light, not greasy, not expensive. Hanni must have an awesome social media budget because everyone raved about it online but I HATED everything from them I tried.
    Asian sunblock is still the GOAT, Poems from the Lab is the best Vitamin C serum I’ve ever tried, and my aging crabby skin loves the Elemis Overnight Matrix. I tell myself the Vaseline/Vanicream/OldNavy balances the cost of that one out.

    • Jo says:

      Second Poems from the Lab vitamin C serum and Asian sunscreens!

    • Yana Khrapko says:

      Where are we getting our sunscreens now with this whole tariff insanity?

    • MaryMary says:

      I have been buying a ton of Old Navy lately! I love that they have extended sizes in almost everything. I have three pairs (and counting?) of their linen pants that were ridiculously inexpensive.

  2. aam says:

    Good read – Isola by Allegra Goodman. Honestly recommend going in blind, because the main plot point is awesome and so well set out.

    Good thing – the slightly more supportive Tevas flat sandal in plain black. I find them so wearable, though they’ve got that earthy feel. I would never be a Chaco gal, but Tevas I can do. And I can wear them to splash pads, the grocery store, church(!) and you just wipe them off and they look new. slightly more supportive because of age.

    Great recipe – Food52 pesto risotto. i’m annoyed it took me this long to put pesto in risotto because it’s literally a perfect match and it’s so easy.

    • E says:

      Seconding Isola! If you want a similar vibe (a little weirder, but I was into it) check out Haven by Emma Donoghue, same author as Room. Also recently loved Wild Dark Shore (as did the entire internet, or at least my algorithm) and Heartwood – both have similar throughlines of human v. nature, though in vastly different ways.

  3. Monica says:

    I splurged on a Biologique Recherche facial on a trip to France and bought the P50 lotion (it’s not really lotion, it’s more like a toner) and WOW the texture of my skin has never been better. I hate when I find out the expensive thing is worth the money.

    • Chelsea says:

      I’m not sure how the lotion worked, every time I put it on my husband wouldn’t shut up about the formaldehyde smell!
      I heard there’s a newer version that smells better?

    • Annie says:

      Yeppp. I got hooked on the P50 too (I use the W one). I hate that it is worth the money…

  4. Amanda says:

    I am LOVING the new smushy matte lip balm from NYX. The texture is so unique, and it feels great. I love the matte finish, and the colors and scents are really nice.

  5. Mad says:

    I’ve been reading a lot lately, and loved Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall, Three Days in June by Anne Tyler, One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (read Every Summer After first!), and Back After This by Linda Holmes.

    My fashion workhorses this summer have been the Hill House Cosima dress, jelly fisherman sandals from JCrew, Shutz ballet flats, and a small Le Pliage tote (I’ve had the medium for years, but the small feels fresh).

    • E says:

      Ooh which Schutz ballet flats? I’m in the market for an everyday workhorse after my Margaux pointy toe flats are finally giving up after 7+ years (fair) and I’m trying to find a less expensive alternative…

  6. Laura says:

    Obsessed with Kopari Beauty Sun Shield Body Glow Gel. I hate putting thick SPF on my arms daily while driving, but this is so light and smells divine and has a lovely summer shimmer.

  7. Hillary says:

    I look forward to making this salad every summer:

    https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/greek-panzanella-recipe-1948825

    Sure, you could make it in winter but this is far better with the freshest summer produce.

  8. Anonymous says:

    Book: “The Oppermanns” by Lion Feuchtwanger (2022 English translation) https://www.amazon.com/Oppermanns-Lion-Feuchtwanger/dp/1946022330

    Recipe: Chocolate Amaretti Cookies https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026199-chocolate-amaretti-cookies

    Board games: Metropolitan Museum of Art monopoly (https://store.metmuseum.org/monopoly-the-met-edition-80053167) and new game by a teenager called Jewopoly (https://www.jewopolygame.com/my-story)

    Still looking for: long sleeve, set-in sleeves (not raglan), mock-neck UPF tshirt in white that costs less than $40.

  9. AmandaG says:

    I spent $20 on 5 Dr. Gross Peel Pads. Used them every other day and I feel like it was a good reset. I will probably buy again but right now I use the cheap salacylic acid pads from Walmart before I put on makeup and things are looking okay! I also recently used a gift card for a Hydrofacial plus dermaplaning and that was a great help.

    • KateL says:

      Things I love – First Aid Beauty exfoliating pads – less pricey than Dr Dennis Gross, gentle enough for sensitive skin. Merit check flush in Stockholm.

      New(ish) make-up Milani’s new skin tint in stick form. (I like as much as Ilia)

      I look forward to seeing all the great suggestions!

  10. k says:

    Related to an earlier post about foreign sunscreens being better than American – the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence sunscreen is so good! It’s a light lotion-gel texture (similar to the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel in consistency). It is an awesome facial sunscreen that absorbs really well with no white cast on my light olive caucasian skin. Julia from Smarter in a Sec recommended getting it from here: https://buymejapan.com/products/biore-uv-aqua-rich-watery-essence-spf-50-pa-110g?variant=45102681096466&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21392466925&gbraid=0AAAAApmHzT1Izy2hdKre5fdeq5yq8mvR2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIraucrN7IjQMVHDUIBR3duynIEAQYASABEgKJQ_D_BwE

  11. E says:

    Loving Typology skincare – particularly the Bakchuoil

  12. Mo says:

    Book: Heartwood by Amity Gaige.

    Listened to the audio and had to stop myself from buying the paperback just to experience it all again.

  13. Eleanor Q. says:

    The Trader Joe’s ultra hydrating gel moisturizer with aloe and green tea extract is an amazing dupe for the Clinique Moisture Surge.

    The everyday soft 7/8 leggings from target’s all in motion brand are fantastic.

    Pact organic clothing, which Instagram told me I would love, has been a great summer find. I have a tie waist t shirt dress, a skirt and a tank dress. Good quality cotton, doesn’t shrink and wears well. Thanks, internet.

  14. Kate says:

    Two budget buys that way out perform their costlier counterparts: Elf Lash Extension tubing mascara with the turquoise lid (long feathery lashes that look like extensions can be yours for just $4.99! And they don’t flake easily! And they rinse off with water!). I’m on my 11th tube. The second is the new Olay body wash with Retinol. I thought anything with retinol that was immediately washed down the drain would be a gimmick, but my skin is significantly softer post shower (and its not the pricey May Lindstrom body oil I have been using forever). Its always so satisfying to find drugstore products that actually work and make a difference.

    • Kate says:

      Other things that are hitting right at the moment:

      -A pop of red. I bought a bunch of cotton red socks on amazon a few months back and am loving the subtle pop it gives to work and casual outfits. Same with a small belt bag in red (Vera Bradly on sale for $15 right now). Makes a neutral outfit feel a bit more dressed up.

      -My deep friendships with older women. I’m 39 but several of my closest friends are in their late 40’s and early 50’s, and seeing the confidence they have has rubbed off of me. They aren’t wrapped up in the appearance-as-generator-of-worth and its been really empowering for me to be around that perspective. They also have a clarity about what is important in life (its not anyone else’s opinion!) and invest their time and energy in nurturing deep relationships and what brings them joy. Its also helped me realize that I would never want to go back and be in my 20’s again. I’m done with the uncertainty about who I am and all that insecurity.

      -Body Neutrality. I have a body. The end. Partially due to the influence of my friends above, I’ve stopped looking at myself in the mirror as much, throwing on a bright red lipstick, and just heading out the door, and I’ve never felt better. Its freeing to spend less time thinking about the wrapping I come in and instead put that energy into the things that fill me up, like my garden, playing with my 5 year old, reading Harry Potter with my 8 yr old, reading my favorite substacks, etc.

      • Amanda says:

        “Body neutrality.” Love that, saving it.

      • Nancy M says:

        thanks Kate! These are great recs. I also have girlfriends that are 10yrs older than me, and had the same experience. I learn so much from them – you said it so well.

  15. Amanda says:

    Wearing: Athleta’s Endless High Rise pants and a nice plain short sleeve fitted work t-shirt, on repeat Monday and Tuesday in different colors. I was watching US Women’s National Team soccer over the weekend and was inspired by Emma Hayes. My office building AC is struggling, I get to be cool and comfortable, I was complimented on the pants both days, and they are currently back in the wash.

  16. Jo says:

    Food: currently loving Truff hot sauces, Ithaca Hummus (especially lemon dill and lemon beet), Brooklyn Delhi Tomato Achaar (I very quickly stirfry some veggies + beans and then use only this for flavoring), Bada Bean Bada Boom roasted bean snacks (easy and relatively healthy), and Trader Joe’s egg wraps (https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/egg-wraps-073420).

    Products: If you have a baby on bottles and no dishwasher you trust to wash them, the Baby Brezza bottle washer (or equivalent from MomCozy) is worth every penny.

    IG Follow: @drjessicaknurick, whose coverage of nutrition / health information and policy in the past year has been SO informative and not clickbaity.

    • Anna says:

      Can confirm, the bottle washer is worth it. It was the only thing I asked for for baby #2. I actually would often comment with #1 how much I wished someone would create a bottle washer that sat on the counter instead of the sterilizer. I have the Momcozy one and it’s only a little bit bigger than my old sterilizer. It gets my bottles and pump parts ridiculously clean, and I don’t even have to rinse them. In fact, my baby is nine months old, and the bottle brush we keep by the sink still looks new we use it so rarely.

  17. Diane says:

    I love the Paprika app – you can save recipes from food blogs, online magazines, websites, anywhere. It will filter out just the ingredients and the instructions and you can categorize recipes. Never again am I trying to remember where I saw a particular recipe or scrolling through Williams and Sonoma saved Instagram posts. I started with the free version and happily paid for the upgrade to be able to save more recipes.

    I find The Recipe Critic’s recipes are reliably good, which I can’t say about a lot of food blogs. All of her slow cooker roast recipes are good, and I’m usually ambivalent about pot roast: https://therecipecritic.com/slow-cooker-italian-beef/ and https://therecipecritic.com/slow-cooker-barbacoa-beef/ are our favorites.

    If you do any litigation, the TranscriptPad app for iPad. It makes everything to do with reviewing transcripts, coding testimony, and creating designations easier.

    MM LaFleur suits, specifically the butter ponte Jordan Wide Leg pants, Jeanette blazers, and the Colby/Moreland OrigamiTech suiting. Also, MM LaFleur Second Act.

    • Kate says:

      Yes Paprika is the best! I no longer have dozens of recipes open in tabs, and it saved scrolling down so far to find the recipe. It also scales and converts recipes!

  18. Melissa Bauder says:

    Everything caro chambers for recipe inspiration. I first got her cookbook, which is so intelligently organized by time instead of the usual guideposts. Now, it’s the only cooking Substack I subscribe to, and I get so excited for the new weekly email. Everything is easy enough to not require much fuss, but so tasty. Added plus- she does an amazing job of suggesting substitutions for almost everything in each recipe.

  19. Laura says:

    Best books: Heartwood by Amity Gaige (seconding the above recs) and Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Both un-putdownable.

  20. Susan says:

    What I am loving: Virtue hair products. (No this is not Jennifer Garner!) I’ve always had decent, not thick or thin dry/frizzy long hair. The shampoo (Restore) line has really healed my hair without weighing it down like most moisturizing shampoos and conditioners do. The 6 in one styling gel lets me leave the house with wet hair and I don’t understand the sorcery, but it works like I blew it out! And honorable mention is the healing oil, it doesn’t make me look greasy (like so many other hair oils) and it smells divine without being overpowering!

    Also if you are in the mood for an expensive but worth it work dress: Brochu Walker. The fabric, the construction, the lack of ironing….expensive but really amazing quality. And compliments galore!

  21. Nancy says:

    Love this post…please make a regular item. My faves:
    1. Athleta Presidio dress…so comfy & cool
    2. Old Navy linen button-down shirt
    3. Just had this inexpensive S. Blanc from T. Joes and its very good: Vignobles Lacheteau Touraine Sauvignon Blanc
    4. Birkenstock soft footbed Arizona Sandals…I have horrible feet (Plantar Fasciitis among other issues) and I can wear these comfortably…wish I could still wear pretty cute sandals but those days are gone.
    5. Anthropologie Maeve button-down shirts
    6. T. Joe gel sunscreen

    • Ginny says:

      Agree with above commenter- love this post! Already downloaded Heartwood audiobook and Paprika app.

      My best finds of late:
      1. Aerie Daybreak Trousers- I know, Aerie/AE, but they’re amazingly soft wide leg pants- so great I bought two pairs.
      2. Jones Road Miracle Balm in Chic- I am not a big make up gal and the stuff is easy to use and multifunctional.
      3. Paula’s Choice Pore Reducing Toner
      4. Old Navy Side-Tie Swim Dress- I’ve crossed the rubicon to the swim dress and have no regrets.

      • Nicole says:

        Jones road miracle balm is my current favorite blush. Very light weight but looks good when I am wearing the absolute least makeup

    • Anna says:

      I’ve already bought two bottles of the TJ’s sunscreen. It’s cheap enough that I don’t feel guilty just slathering it on my hands, especially now that I have to commute to the office five days a week and sit by a window.

  22. Laura says:

    The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver. She is one of a handful of voices bringing forth data and recommendations on how to navigate perimenopause and menopause. Primary care doctors and OBGYN’s receive maybe a few hours of menopause education which is inadaquate on properly guiding women through this time. I think this one of the most important things happening in regards to advancing women’s medicine.

    • aam says:

      YES!!!! i’m only in my mid-30s but this was such an important resource for me to understand how these hormone fluctuations can be affecting me and what very easy lifestyle changes can do to help.

  23. Nicole says:

    Recipe: overnight oats with enough protein to feel full https://www.shesabeast.co/protein-oatmeal-v20-mush-reloaded/ I recommend topping with mango and shredded coconut or grated granny smith apples, dried cranberries, cinnamon and walnuts

    Reading: hench (a fun version of a superhero story from a temp hench woman), the adventures of Amina al sharif (a middle age mom is a semi reformed pirate on a last heist to save a friends daughter), and City of Brass (fantasy book set from middle east fairy tales with wonderfully complex characters)

  24. Claire says:

    Two books I’ve read recently that I really liked were Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Alligator Tears by Edgar Gomez.

  25. Erica says:

    Love this post — great recommendations already bookmarked! 🙂

    Recipe: I highly recommend paying the $5/month for Caroline Chambers’ “What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking” Substack. The recipes are tasty and easy to fit into busy weekday schedules. Her sheetpan sliders + cookout chicken have become regular staples in our house!

    Book: “It’s a Love Story” by Annabel Monaghan was a real delight — great summer read.

    Clothing: The matching cotton gauze dolman sleeve + shorts set from the Gap is making my summer, and I really wish they’d replenish what’s in stock to buy another matching set!

    • aam says:

      Annabel Monaghan’s buzzy book 2 ish years ago ‘Nora Goes off Script’ was so fun. recommend that if you haven’t come across it yet!

  26. evie says:

    I recently rediscovered Ralph Lauren. Was a fan as a broke teenager and then moved on to fast fashion. Now as a middle-aged mother, I realize the price is right for the quality of fabric and style.

  27. Sara says:

    Book: The Favorites by Layne Fargo. Gives major Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes.

    Music: the new Lorde album is wonderful. And I’m obsessed with Olivia Dean.

    Recipe: I second Caro Chambers’ Substack. I made Smitten Kitchen’s Rhubarb Cordial with some rhubarb I got from my CSA and it is….insane. Takes a month to steep so hop to it! https://smittenkitchen.com/2020/05/rhubarb-cordial/

    Wear: the Gen Zers in my life got me to try Le Bon socks and I feel way cooler when paired with my Sambas lolol.
    This Cloth & Stone gingham top is my most-worn piece this spring, almost sold out but it’s quite good: https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/cloth-stone-puff-sleeve-buttondown-shirt

    Wellness: the Liz Moody podcast influenced me to try Seed probiotic (DS-01 Daily Symbiotic) and unfortunately it is worth the money. Makes me SO regular and I’ve noticed a huge difference in the last six months I’ve been taking it. Shameless referral code, that ish ain’t cheap – https://refer.seed.com/x/YF6D5b

  28. Anna says:

    1. TJ’s sunscreen. It’s so inexpensive, I don’t skimp…which is a good thing for this pale girl.
    2. Athleta Midday Relaxed Shirt with a pair of skinny jeans and flats. So comfy and relaxed while still feeling put together. I’ve washed the shirt at least four times so far and still haven’t had to iron it, still looks crisp.
    3. TJ’s shawarma marinated chicken. It somehow crosses cultural boundaries and tastes great with Latin dishes, mediterranean, Korean.

  29. MaryMary says:

    Earth Shoes Berri woven sandal. Super cute AND super comfortable closed toe fisherman sandals. They are available in many colors both directly and indirectly from the Earth people, and some colors are 50% or more off. I have two pairs and accidentally wore one pair on a hike (“nature walk” my *ss) and wore the other to walk a across downtown to a baseball game and back with zero blisters.

    There are dozens of smashed chickpea salad recipes on the internet and I plan to try most of them this summer. A lot are “vegan tuna salad,” which I support but I will also be using real mayo or greek yogurt in my salads. I made one last week with a little mayo, lemon juice, onion, celery, and giardiniera.

    I try to read at least one classic every summer and this year’s is the original Frankenstein.

  30. AVV says:

    I really love Sheep Inc. crewneck light longsleeve merino sweaters and regular weight sweater tees. They are most definitely an investment/splurge purchase, but they feel amazing and fit me so well (5’10”, 14/16 on top). I have worn them for weeks traipsing around Europe in the summer without having to wash them at all, and they make me feel sophisticated and pulled together while still being really comfortable. Plus, part of what you’re paying for is their transparent and climate-aware business model. If you sign up for their emails, sometimes they have sales on seasonal colors or the last few in a style.

  31. Nadya says:

    L’Oreal Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water Lamellar Rinse (is that name long enough?) is a miracle when I absolutely need a good hair day. I have fine hair that can be frizzy and this tames the frizz and gives it body without weighing it down. Magic.

    Nars Sheer Glow Foundation. You can only buy it directly from Nars these days but for my cranky combination skin it’s still the best foundation – covers my redness, doesn’t give me zits, and doesn’t melt off by 2 pm.

    This chicken dish (poulet au vinaigre) is my new go-to for an fairly easy but fancy dinner. Delicious. https://www.allrecipes.com/poulet-au-vinaigre-chicken-with-vinegar-recipe-8705635

  32. JP says:

    Breathe Right strips. Once you start wearing these to bed, you’ll never go back.

  33. Bridget says:

    – K18 molecular repair mask
    – Reading: The Lion Women of Tehran
    – Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
    – Neutrogena body oil
    – Megababe charcoal soap

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