Our editor in chief, Kat Collings, knows her way around the online shopping landscape. Working at Who What Wear for over a decade will do that to you. And while she can recommend luxury or designer picks all day long, for this story, we asked for a behind-the-scenes peek at her favorite Amazon orders of 2023—you know, those easy-on-the-wallet gems you'll never regret buying. These are the recs she shared with her two book clubs, close friends, and family. They're the "if you know, you know" fashion, home, and beauty items (plus a few gifts) that don't usually make it out of the group chat. Just try to scroll through this list without snagging an item or two for yourself.
FASHION
"Red tights are the cheapest, easiest way to look like a fashion person this winter. I'm wearing these exact tights in the photo above, which is from when my NYC-based stylist and I accidentally twinned at the Miu Miu show in Paris in October." — Kat Collings, Editor in Chief, Who What Wear
"These are the perfect, sheer, barely there socks for loafers and ballet flats." — Collings
"The thin headband look is about to have a moment. Think Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. These stretchy versions will get the look without the headache." — Collings
"I wear these at least once a week, and they're incredibly comfortable. I find they encourage me to walk to destinations where I want to be wearing less comfortable shoes but don't want to wear those less comfortable shoes on the journey. Put your shoes in the bag, wear the roll-up flats for the walk, and change back into your shoes when you arrive at your destination. I'm too old to be chill with blisters if I can help it, and these help me plan ahead and get the best of both worlds." — Collings
"I guess I really hate blisters. TikTok convinced me to buy these heel protectors, and with boot season in full swing, they're a smart purchase." — Collings
HOME
"I've waxed poetic about my love for this detergent. It's clean, and the Le Labo-esque signature scent is truly the most elevated. I bury my face in my clean laundry every load, and I'm annoyed when I run out and have to resort to other detergent while I wait for my next shipment." — Collings
"A weighted blanket for your eyes? Say less. Well, actually, I'll say more. It's so soothing and has become an indispensable part of my nighttime routine." — Collings
"If I have a drink or two, I always finish the night with one of these to prevent a hangover. It's like a Liquid IV but without all the sugar." — Collings
"I suppose I hate hangovers as much as I hate blisters because here's a second pick in the hangover category. My book club turned me on to these supplements that help your liver process alcohol. I take one pill before I go to bed (though the dose is two pills, I find one is enough), and it's like I didn't drink the night before." — Collings
"This is the kind of thing that you begrudgingly buy, but you'll be so glad you have it for the rest of your life. Need to punch another hole in a belt so you can wear it on a tighter or looser setting? You'll be ready to go in two minutes flat. No trip to the leather repair person, no fuss." — Collings
"This salad dressing shaker makes homemade dressings feel that much more approachable. The design is super functional in every way, and I swear it has increased my salad consumption." — Collings
"For way too long, I carried supplements in a plastic baggies when I traveled, and this little case feels like such an upgrade." — Collings
"Even though it only takes me five minutes to fill out, I go in phases of using this daily journal, but I always find it shifts my perspective when I do use it. For me, gratitude is one of the best antidotes for anxiety or irritability, and I swear the first time I used this journal for a week, I felt significantly, noticeably happier. It was kind of wild." — Collings
"One of my petty, irrational fears is that I have a secretly stinky house and that I am just used to the scent. Enter this affordable diffuser that smells great!" — Collings
BEAUTY
"This spray will completely transform your hair texture. The first time I tried it, I had the best hair day of my life. I have three bottles including the travel size, and I'm usually not the type to stock up on anything." — Collings
"Our beauty director convinced me to buy the + Lux Unfiltered Self Tanner, and when it comes to beauty purchases, she's never wrong. It's pricier than your drugstore Jergens, but I would purchase this again and again for the scent and natural color." — Collings
"I go to Japan every year, and this flyaway stick is my favorite beauty find so far. I use it every day to tame frizz on the crown of my head, and it never leaves my hair greasy." — Collings
"This natural deodorant is beloved by many fashion people, and for good reason. It simply works to prevent any underarm odor and sweat. I've been using it for years now and even trusted it on my wedding day in 90-degree heat. I recently tried another deodorant I had on hand when I ran out of this one, and by the end of the day, my armpits were frankly a bit stinky. I was reminded of how it's such a bummer to have your deodorant fail you, especially when you're wearing your favorite non-machine-washable tops and dresses." — Collings
"Let's keep the armpit chat going, shall we? Call me high maintenance, but I use a different soap to clean my underarms versus the rest of my body. I find Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap is the best out there for completely removing any underarm odor." — Collings
"There's no greater sunscreen. My husband, most of the Who What Wear edit team, and I are repeat purchasers." — Collings
"Who What Wear's co-founder turned me on to this spray. It transforms any shower into an intoxicating spa experience. I think your next 'everything shower' needs this." — Collings
"A professional makeup artist who does the makeup of our favorite It girls and influencers turned me on to these lashes. They look so real it's insane. You'll want the fishtail lashes 0.07/c for the most natural look." — Collings
"I keep a bowl of these in the bathroom to keep my bangs out of my face if I'm washing my face or applying skincare products." — Collings
"I have the hunch recommending Crest White Strips may have a 'stuck in high school' energy, but that's not going to stop me. Thankfully, since then, I've grown out of the obsession with Chicklet-white teeth. (I'm dating myself again—does Gen Z know what Chicklets are?) But if you need a little boost in the brightening department, this does the trick without the semi-freaky toothache that comes with the full-strength variety." — Collings
GIFTS
"This black-and-white disposable camera is just the thing for your artsy friend. Get it for them before a trip, and they'll come back with shots that look like film stills." — Collings
"I grew up with these angel cards sitting out in a bowl in my parents' house, and I love them so much I sometimes even travel with them. They are cards with single words on them such as 'balance,' 'play,' or 'freedom.' Whenever I'm looking for guidance or a little boost, I'll ask the universe, 'What would help me, or what should I focus on now?' and draw a card." — Collings
"These Japanese flower scissors come in a bunch of colors and are the most darling sidekick to a bouquet of flowers for a friend." — Collings
-
Zendaya's Cute Tory Burch Tennis Skirt Is Shockingly Still in Stock—Ready, GoI smell a sellout.
-
Zara Didn't Tell Anyone About This Sneaky Sale, But I Still Found the Best ItemsFrom mesh flats to elevated basics.
-
I'm a Luxury Fashion Director—These Are the Only Designer Buys That Matter for SummerFrom Miu Miu to Alaïa.
-
Madewell, J.Crew, and Banana Republic Are Hosting Big-Deal Sales RN—Do Your WorstAnd do it fast.
-
The Only 35 Swimsuits You Need to Know About in 2024From bikinis to maillots.
-
I'm Prepping for My Trip to Havana—39 Items on My Shopping Wish ListI want it all.
-
French Women Are Wearing Socks With These Classic Shoe Styles This SpringChic as always.
-
I Objectively Have Enough Shoes, But Then I Saw These On-Trend Styles From Nordstrom, Zara, and ShopbopThey're all under $300, too.
