November 04, 2024

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Dan Bassini, Retailers

In this month’s edition of “Ask Chris Black,” our men’s-style guru helps out a reader who’s looking for a non-puffer coat but still “wants to stay warm and look casual but stylish.” He suggests this layerable one from Sunflower (“I just love the length of this bad boy”) or this wool standout from Wythe in a festive windowpane raglan wool. (Be forewarned that both are not cheap — Black’s taste runs fancy.) In the less-expensive department, he recommends this $79 L.L.Bean robe to a reader; he’s a sucker for Black Watch plaid. (By the way, if you have a question for Black, send it in at strategist@nymag.com.)  

Also on the site: Contributor Malia Yoshioka tested a bunch of chopsticks, and the best pair is from Muji; third-time pumping parent Sara Gaynes Levy used her expertise to find the best wearable breast pumps; RuPaul’s Drag Race’s season-16 winner, Nymphia Wind, told us about the water bottle and black eye shadow she can’t live without; this music editor’s guide to the best music merch to gift is full of delightful picks (including an incredible Chappell Roan bumper sticker), and these are the best tech gifts to buy right now (before they sell out).

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MICRO ODE

I was raised on Reynolds aluminum foil. When I occasionally bought an off-brand version, I was disappointed by its flimsiness and tendency to tear. But then one day, my wife (with whom I run a small-batch-biscuit-delivery company) came home with Target’s Up&up aluminum foil. I was shocked when I realized it was better. It’s slightly thicker, smoother, and doesn’t crumple as easily. It’s easier to tear off and doesn’t lose its shape. I didn’t think it was possible to improve upon the classic, but apparently it is. Now I won’t buy anything else. —Tembe Denton-Hurst, writer