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Buzz Feed
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
41 Fashionable Things From Amazon
A bow-backed babydoll one could reasonably assume was from Anthropologie or J. Crew. It just screams, "I'm going to the Hamptons this weekend." An adorable tennis skort that will have you leaping for joy — without flashing anyone. Why? Because this amazing piece comes with A POCKET! A sheer lace-style top perfect for transitional weather *and* events. You can wear it under a dress or overalls for extra texture during the day or over a dark bralette for a sultry look at night. A pair of trendy mesh ballet flats that bear a striking resemblance to a certain Alaïa pair, but without you needing to take an extra mortgage out. Or a pair of mesh jelly sandals because I will not let you spend almost $800 on jellies. With these, you can try out the trend, let your tootsies breathe, and shout "Row, shmow!" A swimsuit with ruched sides and drawstrings that allow you to customize your fit, sort of like a corset. Reviewers like that the strings can change how much coverage you get, so you can adjust the look throughout the day. A pull-on midi skirt so you can finally pull off THE Instagram fashionista look: tied tee, chunky chain, Baggu crescent bag, sneaks, and this amazing skirt. And once you're sick of that look, you can style it a million other ways, from sandals to big boots. A comfy long-sleeve/short set that's the closest you're getting to wearing pajamas to the group hang. The stripes are SO cute, I wouldn't blame you if you wore these from bed to brunch. A pair of rhinestone cutout jeans you may have seen worn by a certain pop star at a certain football game. OK, not this exact pair — we're not all millionaires — but close enough! A chic lil' shoulder purse so you can feel as effortlessly cool as a Parisian without any of the risks that come with living in Paris — getting Ratatouille'd, for example. A lightweight crewneck cardigan sweater you can count on to keep you warm in the mornings and evenings when the sun isn't quite ready for the job. I would say this is a great choice for chilly offices, but we all know we need a full-on parka for that type of tundra. 🥶 A simple, reliable tank with a fun V-neck that spices up an otherwise normal basic. Despite its low price, customers are happy with the quality and fit. One reviewer said it feels "soft like satin or silk." Or if you'd prefer a crewneck (and maybe a fun pattern), a tank you'll be glad to have for every grocery store run, outdoor dinner, or intense mini golf game. Wear as a tunic with leggings, tuck it into some high-waisted pants, or — you know, what? You can kinda style this anyway you want. It's that versatile. A puffy sleeve top so darling, even teddy bears will get jealous. The square neckline is basically like a giant spotlight for your favorite necklace. Chunky ankle boots in a timeless sillouette to give any outfit a little edge and a lot of comfort. The elastic sides make it easy to throw these on, so I foresee these being your go-to boots. Breathable and machine-washable pointed-toe flats with stretchy knit uppers that'll have you tap dancing with glee when you try them on. When your dancing shoes start to get dingy, just toss 'em in the wash. A beautiful tennis bracelet no one has to know is actually made with zirconia. You just need to decide if you want yellow, white, or rose gold plating — or OK, all three. A layered necklace set with three classic chains — herringbone, curb, and rope — that'll elevate any outfit, even your dog-walking uniform. Thanks to their gold plating, the necklaces are hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant, making them a great budget option when solid gold is out of the question. A spandex-blend slip maxi dress that's the closest you can get to wearing a nightgown outside while still looking ready for date night. Reviewers say that this fabric is not only comparable to a certain Skims dress, it might actually be even better. And a scoop-neck tee offering the same buttery softness as the beloved Skims top. Bonus: This one comes in more colors than it costs. A midi corset dress if you love the House of CB Carmen dress but not the price. ($225?!) You can still enjoy a cinched back, front tie, and all the compliments of the real deal. A quilted floral jacket perfect for this unpredictable summer weather. (60 degrees in New York in JUNE?!) Can't complain about chilly mornings when it's an excuse to wear something this cute. A pair of crossover flared leggings providing a silhouette so enticing, you'll find yourself getting distracted every time you see your reflection. If the 5,800+ happy reviewers are to be believed, these pants are so comfortable, you'll be asking questions like, "can I wear these to a wedding?" And a super-soft longline sports bra some have compared to Lululemon's Align tank top for an Equinox-level workout look at a Planet Fitness price. Reviewers say it offers a little less compression, so you can wear it on casual days, too. A tie-front cropped shirt perfect for making your vacation pics even more memorable. Remember that time we went to the boardwalk and we couldn't go more than 10 steps because people kept complimenting you? A bodycon pencil dress because you can alwaaaays use another LBD. Whether it's formal or casual, it all comes down to the right accessories — love a do-everything piece! A large satin scarf that's so versatile, it'll likely be named "most worn" by You magazine. You can style it as a scarf, top, belt — or tie it around your bag when your tote wants to accessorize, too. High-waisted palazzo trousers because they offer all the comfort of sweats while still serving up major voted-best-dressed-in-high-school looks. A denim pencil skirt that goes with pretty much anything but is still special enough to get a ton of "where did you get that?"s. A stretchy faux-wrap tee if you're stuck in a T-shirt rut. You can still wear tees — this one is just a step in a new direction. A pair of retro-style oval sunglasses so similar to Miu Miu, you could possibly trick friends into thinking you splurged on a $489 pair. Just be sure to correct them before they expect you to pay for lunch. A lantern-sleeve mini that says "Cinderella on a casual day" to me. Just look at those romantic puff sleeves and back ribbon that was definitely tied by birds! A tiered maxi skirt seen on many a Pinterest board. This dreamy chiffon number is double-layered, so it isn't see-through or likely to blow up in the wind. A lacey corset top that is basically screaming, "hey, can you take a picture of me?" Whether it's you at the trendy new cocktail bar or just picking up a coffee order, the likes are gonna come roooollllingg in. A square-neck cami proving that less is more. Pair it with some jeans and start aura farming! Reviewers rave that this basic feels high-end, citing the super soft, double-layered fabric and amazing fit. A cute faux-wrap dress for basically all occasions. One flight attendant says this dress is great for packing on trips, thanks to its lightweight material! Strappy chunky heels perfect for tearing it up on the dance floor this wedding season. Despite the solid, budget-friendly price, reviewers confirm there's no painful break-in period. A one-shouldered dress that's slightly toga-like, which gives you the perfect excuse to declare this your Italian summer. Someone needs to order you an olive plate and Aperol Spritz STAT. A pair of high-waisted biker shorts you should buy now before summer is in full swing and you're staring at your dresser wondering what you can put on that you won't sweat through in 90 seconds. These shorts + giant T-shirt = summer uniform. A crescent bag that perfectly straddles the line between formal and casual. I can easily see you wearing this cutie every darn day! A cross-strap bikini totally worth the unusual tan lines you might get from wearing it. Picturing you and this swimsuit taking long romantic walks on the beach. :')
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Baggu Bags, Merrell Clogs and The New Attraction To Functional Fashion
A photo from Baggu's Instagram @baggu captioned "Reusable Bags: carry 2-3 plastic grocery bags worth of stuff." (Photo courtesy of Baggu) As consumer values shift within the apparel industry—typically due to social influences, economic turbulence or technological advancements, among other things—the trends that make up modern style volley between silhouettes that emphasize form and construction designed for function. With financial instability looming over U.S. shoppers due to shifting tariff policies affecting the price of manufactured goods, some of the biggest brands in fashion are popularizing a new type of style—one that offers consumers a more resourceful way to spend their earnings that puts durability, quality and comfort first. The infiltration of utilitarian design details have begun to saturate the market with newly released garments and accessories that adhere to consumer needs and look stylish while doing so. A photo from Baggu's Instagram @baggu captioned "Fits about 12 Granny Smith apples." (Photo courtesy of Baggu) One brand that stands out amongst the rest is travel and accessory giant Baggu. Spawned in 2007 with a limited selection of reusable shopping bags, the brand has grown to include a number of carry-all silhouettes and is quickly becoming a generational staple for young shoppers with an eye for bright colorways and functional design. The unique value proposition comes not only from Baggu's intentional use of recycled materials, eco-conscious packaging and minimal fabric waste techniques, but from the brand's consistent use of user-centric design that keeps consumers returning. Amongst modern shoppers, Baggu-branded bags have gained a reputation for their comfortable silhouettes and spacious designs—often recommended for amusement parks, sporting events, travel or any occasion that requires durability, longevity and accessibility. In an interview with Baggu, the brand remarked on its ability to balance quality and structure with fashionable design, saying, 'At Baggu, we believe good design should be both functional and delightful. Our products are high quality thanks to strong relationships with our factories and a focused set of materials we've developed over time to meet our strict sustainability standards.' In the same interview, the brand highlighted their commitment to the customer's user experience—integrating consumer preferences into its product design. 'We're always listening to our customers—through direct feedback in our stores, social media and sales data—and their preferences play a huge role in our design process. With such a broad customer base, we really try to design each season with a variety of aesthetics and use cases in mind, while still staying true to our brand's core identity,' said Baggu. A photo from Merrell's Instagram @merrell introducing the brand's new SpeedARC Surge BOA shoe silhouette. (Photo courtesy of Merrell) In addition to garnering attention for previously slow-growing brands like Baggu, the recent spotlight on functional fashion has also provided more established or heritage brands with a new audience. Merrell, founded in 1981 and known for its outdoorsy selection of hiking shoes, sneakers and boots, has subtly remerged as the newest destination for fashionable footwear. In this new era of style focused heavily on wearability, consumer's are attracted to the brand's use of tactical details such as elasticated laces and chunky outsoles—details initially designed purely for athletic function but are now being incorporated into user's everyday attire. Despite the slightly different pathways each brands went down to reach the space within the market they are currently, the commitment both Baggu and Merrell has to the wants of their consumers—products that feel functional, look functional and are functional—is parallel. In addition to individual brands gaining widespread popularity amongst consumers for their ability to seamlessly integrate user experience into their design model, specific style trends have emerged which further clarify the direction the fashion industry is taking towards utilitarian design. One style detail repeatedly integrated into recent clothing and accessory designs is pockets. Heavily present during the 'fisherman core aesthetic' craze that dominated consumers a few moths previous and strategically integrated into the plethora of maximalist silhouettes shown during fall Fashion Week, the classic adornment has been newly popularized to align with the industry's shift towards functional, user-centric design—with deep cargo-like pockets inspired by traditional military silhouettes appearing on a variety of garments and providing additional functionality to every look they appear on. This detail in particular was even picked up in a recent report from trend forecasting service WGSN. The platform stated that, 'Utilitarian aesthetics seamlessly blend with streetwear and for summer 2025, pockets take center stage as a key detail.' In addition to pockets, shoulder pads and shirt collars, several other uniform-inspired details have contributed to the current rise in utilitarian fashion with a number of fan-favorite brands at varying price points adorning them to a variety of unique clothing silhouettes. As the varying price of goods continues to dictate the ways in which the apparel industry will progress, functionality remains a pivotal factor in garment production—acting as a physical representation of the consumer's desire for more authority over their life, their finances and their wardrobe.
Business Insider
20-05-2025
- Business Insider
The best picnic blankets in 2025, tested and reviewed
Let's face it: any blanket can be a picnic blanket in a pinch. If you're going to spend money on a dedicated picnic blanket, it should be more portable, durable, or waterproof compared to the spare blanket you have lying around your house. As a former professional cook, I take picnic season seriously, so I recruited my Reviews team coworkers to help find the best picnic blankets for every occasion. We settled on two top picks. For one or two people, we like the lightweight and cushiony Baggu Puffy Picnic Blanket. If you're hosting a crowd, we recommend upgrading the NEMO Victory Blanket, which comfortably fits six sitting and four lying down. We've also identified great options for specific needs, like the beach and camping. Our team conducted hands-on testing of 14 different picnic and beach blankets, evaluating them for size, comfort, water resistance, and ease of setup and cleanup. Our top picks for picnic blankets Best overall, for a crowd: NEMO Victory Picnic Blanket, XL - See at Amazon Best overall, for 1-2 people: Baggu Puffy Picnic Blanket - See at Baggu Best overall, for a crowd One hallmark of a true winner is that testers gravitate toward it even after the official evaluations are over. For my picnic blanket testers, that product was the NEMO Victory Picnic Blanket. Its roomy surface, cool-to-the-touch top, and plush cushioning made it the obvious choice for lounging and catching up after an afternoon of testing. The blanket easily fits four lying down or six sitting, with room for everyone to stretch out or share snacks in the center. The waterproof backing keeps any wetness from seeping in from the ground, and while the top isn't quite as waterproof, it does offer some water resistance against spills. The acrylic top is thick, comfortable, and stays cool and dry, making it the ideal spot to hang out for a whole afternoon. The NEMO also has some built-in portability features: the blanket rolls up and is secured with built-in buckles (that double as bottle openers). I also appreciated the extra flap for storing your phone or other small valuables. It has loops for tent stakes, though you'll have to buy those separately. While not the lightest or most compact blanket, its thick handle is comfortable to carry and feels less cumbersome than others we tested. I've continued testing this blanket in my everyday life, and it always garners praise from my fellow picnic-goers. It's manageable to fold by just one person, but comfortable enough for a crowd. Some folks online have reported the top snags; I haven't experienced that, but I'll be keeping my eye out throughout the picnicking season and will report back. Best overall, for 1-2 people Baggu Puffy Picnic Blanket The Baggu Puffy Picnic Blanket is compact, lightweight, and roomy enough to comfortably fit a pair. It comes in several fun patterns, has built-in carrying straps that make it easy to fold, and is reasonably waterproof. Check price at Urban Outfitters Check price at Baggu What we like Very lightweight and comfortable to carry Thick nylon construction that's waterproof but doesn't get too hot in the sun Sand and dirt slide off easily Machine washable Specifics Fits:1-2 people Size:72' x 54' Area:27 square feet Weight:1.2 pounds Materials:Recycled nylon top, recycled polyester bottom Ideally sized for you and one other pal, the Baggu Puffy Picnic Blanket is a delight. It comes in several fun designs to appeal to the aesthetic picnicker who wants a blanket that performs and looks cute. Limited-edition patterns make each Baggu blanket feel unique — you're unlikely to see one of the same out in the park. Aesthetics aside, this blanket has many technical features that earned it a top spot in this guide. At just over a pound, it's incredibly lightweight and compact enough to easily fit in a backpack or tote bag if you don't feel like carrying it by the integrated handle. The blanket is plush, but it stays cool even in the sun. It's also decently waterproof, though in our tests, the water tended to spread rather than pool on the surface like it did in the most water-resistant blankets. The spreading meant spills were a tiny bit more of a hassle to clean up on this blanket, but you definitely won't be stuck with a wet blanket — or worse, a wet butt. Best budget Scuddles Extra Large Picnic Blanket If you're not looking to spend the better part of a paycheck on a picnic blanket, the Scuddles Extra Large Picnic Blanket has many of the features we love in more expensive blankets, like a built-in carrying strap, waterproof backing, and decent stain resistance — and clocks in at under $30. Check price at Amazon I was very surprised to see just how expensive picnic blankets are. The average price of the blankets we tested was $90, which is a lot to pay for a product that likely only gets used for a few months of the year. Fortunately, the Scuddles Extra Large Picnic Blanket performed strongly in our tests and costs under $30. The blanket comes with an integrated carrying handle and two stretchy straps to keep it rolled up and in place. However, not all purchasers seem to receive the design I tested. One of my coworkers bought this blanket, and it came with velcro straps, which she says often came undone. Reviewers on Amazon also report receiving different designs, which is frustrating but not unexpected from a third-party brand. If you can get beyond the ordering issues, this is a solid blanket that has held up very well considering its price. It's lightweight, roomy, and decently plush, though it stops short of being as comfortably padded as the NEMO or Yeti blankets. Best beach blanket Not all picnic blankets are ideal for the beach. A beach blanket needs less padding and absorbency since sand acts as a natural cushion and the sun dries wet spots. Instead, the key factors we look for in a beach blanket are wind and sand resistance, plus a stay-cool fabric that doesn't trap heat in the sun. Any of our other top picks would work decently at the beach, but we really loved the Wekapo as a dedicated beach blanket, especially for a crowd. It was one of the largest blankets we tested and could fit eight to 10 people sitting or six lying down. It also offered the best wind-resistance features of any blanket we tested: you can fill its pockets with sand or use the included tent stakes to really anchor the blanket to the ground. It folds up surprisingly compactly for its size and comes with a handled carrying case. Best of all, it's just $30. The blanket is very thin, which is just fine if you're using it as a beach blanket, but not ideal if you're planning on taking it elsewhere. I could feel every bump and rock in the ground while lying on it in the park, and even got pricked by some "spiky balls" from a sweet gum tree that poked right through the fabric. Its size also makes it a chore to fold — you'll have the best results with a helper. Best for camping When you're camping or hiking, every ounce of space needs to be used wisely and every detail accounted for — it's especially important that your gear stays dry and dries quickly when it gets wet. The Rumpl Everywhere Mat is one of the most technical picnic blankets we tested and by far the most waterproof. Like the Baggu, it weighs a little over a pound and spreads out to about 27 square feet. However, unlike the Baggu, its top has a durable water-repellant (DWR) coating that completely resists liquid. We spilled a whole cup of water on this blanket, and it never seeped in, even after letting it sit for a half hour. The water pooled and then slipped right off the blanket. There was a tiny bit of residual wetness, but it dried quickly in the sun. However, with this water resistance comes some tradeoffs: the brand recommends spot cleaning the blanket only, and it should not go in the dryer. Otherwise, you risk removing the DWR coating. The mat is on the thinner side; it's definitely not as plush as the Baggu, but it has corner pockets where you can stash valuables (or fill with sand to keep the blanket grounded), stake loops (stakes aren't included), and a carrying bag. Overall, we think this blanket is a solid option for situations when weight and waterproofing matter most, like camping, hiking, and backpacking. Most comfortable If price is no object in your picnic blanket quest, let me introduce you to the Yeti Lowlands Blanket. This plush blanket was by far the most comfortable I tried; like lying on a mattress pad in the middle of the park. It's truly a delight to sit on — if you can stomach the $200 price tag. Like other Yeti products — including its signature coolers — the Lowlands Blanket is designed more for performance than portability. It was the heaviest blanket I tested, at about 6.5 pounds, and it comes with its own carrying case. If you're carrying this to the park, you'll probably want someone else to be lugging the picnic basket. Given its price and overall impracticality, I wanted to dislike this blanket. But, wow, once I laid it out on the grass, I wanted to spend all day on it. During testing, I inadvertently set up under a sweet gum tree, known for its "spiky balls," which littered the ground below. I felt nary a rock or spiky ball poking through as I lay on this blanket, and the soft fabric felt cool even after sitting out in the direct sun. It's thick enough that I wasn't worried about it blowing away, but the corners and sides do have loops for tent stakes (not included). It's also one of the most waterproof options we tested. Water pooled on the surface and easily rolled off when we tilted the blanket, instead of absorbing into the fabric. I'd recommend getting one of the darker-colored options, since the light-blue version we tested quickly accumulated dirt stains. Fortunately, it is machine washable. Most portable It doesn't get much more compact than the Matador Pocket Blanket, which can literally fit in the palm of your hand. This is a phenomenal option if you want a blanket to keep in your bag for impromptu picnics. I can also see its value for hikers and travelers who are thinking critically about space and weight. Weighing just 3.5 ounces, this was the lightest blanket I tested by far. Of course, that comes with some tradeoffs. It isn't particularly thick or roomy. It's a decent size for one person lying down or two people sitting, but it's basically just a ground cover to protect your body from dirt and wetness. I could definitely feel every rock and bump in the ground while lying on it. Still, its compactness makes it worth considering, and I now keep this in my purse when I explore the city, just in case the urge to picnic strikes. It also has several smart design features built in. Each corner contains a small metal bar that you can remove and use as a stake to keep the blanket rooted to the ground. These corner pockets can also be filled with sand if you're using it on the beach. I really appreciated the printed fold lines on the reverse side of the blanket, which made it super fast and easy to fold the blanket back up into its attached storage pocket. Other picnic blankets we tested Big Blanket Co. Big Beachy Blanket: At 100 square feet, this was the biggest blanket we tested and comfortably fit a group of six testers with room to spare. However, at $150, it did little to justify its price over the similarly-sized Wekapo Beach Blanket, which had tent stakes, sand pockets, and a carrying case and cost a fifth of the price. Big Blanket Co. XL Outdoorsy Blanket: We like this thick, generous blanket for camping or movie nights, but its polyester exterior gets hot in the sun. During our water test, liquid seeped into the blanket's seams, which could lead to mold growth if not properly dried. Nomadix Blanket Towel: This oversized towel quickly absorbed dampness when we tried it on grass, but it is a decent option for the beach. Nomadix Festival Blanket: This roomy blanket comes in several fun patterns, but it is thin and lacks the portability features of our top picks. RedCamp Picnic Blanket: At $12, this was the cheapest picnic blanket we tested. Its texture is similar to a plastic tablecloth, but it's very easy to wipe clean, has built-in carrying straps, and is a solid budget option. Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket: This outdoor blanket is plush but not very breathable. It got hot in the sun and was quite slippery to walk on. Tesalate Bora Bora Sand-Free Beach Blanket: This beach blanket had a very odd texture, similar to a thick paper towel, which made it unpleasant to sit on. How we test picnic blankets Portability: I weighed each blanket and noted any helpful features, like built-in straps or carrying cases. I also carried each blanket for one mile to and from the park, tested how well they fit in a backpack, and evaluated how easy they were to fold back up. Comfort: A team of eight testers sat on each of the blankets and evaluated how comfortable they were, how easy it was to feel the ground below, and whether the blankets got hot sitting in the sun. Waterproofing: We spilled water on each of the blankets and let it sit for several minutes, noting whether water pooled on the surface, absorbed, or scattered. We also checked for waterproofing on the undersides by observing if we could feel dampness from the ground while sitting on the blankets. Cleaning: We observed how each blanket handled ground debris, whether dirt clung or slipped off of it, and how easy (and successful) it was to shake out after a day at the park. Durability and long-term testing: Each blanket went to a different long-term tester for use throughout the season. We'll report back with any notes on durability and performance as the summer progresses. Picnic blanket FAQs What is the best material for a picnic blanket? A good picnic blanket has two sides: a water barrier and a comfort layer. The waterproof layer should be made of a polyester lining that doesn't absorb moisture. For the comfort layer, we like acrylic, since it's breathable, durable, and easy to clean. What's the difference between a picnic blanket and a regular blanket? Any blanket can be a picnic blanket in a pinch, but not all picnic blankets can be used as regular blankets. The best picnic blankets have a waterproof backing to prevent moisture from transferring from the ground to you. As a result, they aren't very comfortable to use as a bed or throw blanket. Many picnic blankets also have built-in straps or handles for easier portability. What is a good size for a picnic blanket? It depends on how many people will sit on it. A good size guideline is around 25 square feet (5' x 5') for 1-2 people, 42 square feet (6.5' x 6.5) for 3-4 people, and 64 square feet (8' × 8') for more than 4 people.
