Latest news with #Blundstones
New York Times
17-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- New York Times
Are These $20 Costco Pants a Lululemon Dupe? We Investigated.
While I tested Lululemon's pants in the Classic Fit, they were still decidedly slim-fit on me. With a leg opening of just over 6 inches in the Classic Fit, I cannot imagine how slim Lululemon's actual slim-fit pants are. These pants fit more like joggers and looked silly when worn over Blundstones. Kirkland's pants, however, had a slightly wider leg opening, at more than 7 inches. In general, Kirkland's men's clothing is less slim-fitting than that of stores like which can make them look bulkier and less fashionable at times. But in this instance, I think this design aesthetic works to Kirkland's advantage. The slightly slimmer fit of the Lululemon ABC pants (top) against the Kirkland pants' wider leg opening (bottom). Alexander Aciman/NYT Wirecutter But there were issues. Although it is difficult to measure rise when pants have a gusseted crotch, the Kirkland pants came up higher and sat closer to my natural waist. Although I usually find a higher rise more flattering and versatile, that was not the case here. Something about the design of these trousers created a lot of fabric tension in the upper part of my body, which at times gave the pants a kind of moose-knuckley aesthetic I most assuredly would not want to wear in public. By comparison, slim though they may be, the Lululemon ABC pants fit comfortably in the seat and did not create a series of unflattering lines around the crotch. Over the course of about two weeks, I swapped out my daily uniform of black jeans for these two pairs of pants, wearing them in my daily life, on long car rides, to the movies, and out in the world. I found that the ABC pants, with their slimness and the visual look of their knit fabric, felt a little out of place in a business-casual wardrobe. The fact that they borrow design elements from athletic wear, jeans, and chinos makes them not entirely any one thing. Something about the aggressive leg taper that hugged my calves looked off when I wore them with a tucked-in oxford shirt. They looked best with more dressed-down styles such as hoodies and a cardigan, and with sneakers rather than leather shoes. They were, however, exceedingly comfortable, and their lower rise and crotch gusset made them feel more like Adidas track pants than chinos, even as they resembled the latter more than the former. The Kirkland pants were also comfortable to wear, thanks in large part to the gusset and the elastic waistband. But the strangeness of the cut made me feel like I wanted to wear them only in situations where comfort entirely superseded style. They would be great for a long flight, but the pattern made the pants pull in weird places, and unlike with the ABC pants, it made me feel more like a schlub.
New York Times
15-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- New York Times
These Are the Best Shoes Chefs Wear for Long Days in the Kitchen
After years of wearing Birkenstocks, Chef Byron Gomez switched to Cole Haan's ØriginalGrand Energy Twin Oxfords because they combine the comfort of a sneaker with the sleek look of a dress shoe. Elissa Sanci/NYT Wirecutter While clogs generally reign supreme in the kitchen, some chefs prefer more-structured shoes with closed backs. Chef Gomez, though a fan of the clog-style Birkenstocks, eventually switched over to the Cole Haan Men's ØriginalGrand Energy Twin Oxfords for a more-professional look. 'Having the open back was very comfortable,' he said. 'But at Bruto, I just want to make sure that I'm not slipping out of my shoes and ending up with my socks out in front of guests.' This sleek, non-slip shoe combines the comfort of a sneaker with the luxe look of a polished dress shoe. The ØriginalGrand Energy Twin Oxfords combine the cushiony comfort of a sneaker with the polished appearance of a dress shoe. 'I know a lot of people who work in hospitality who wear them,' he said. 'They have great cushioning, they look sleek, and if food falls on them, I can just wipe it off.' With their bouncy, cushiony insoles, the Oxfords are comfortable enough to wear for hours without leaving your back or feet aching, and the shoes' shock absorption helps to cut back on painful shin splints. They also have a non-slip sole that grips to even the greasiest floors, Gomez said. Chef Gomez keeps his retired Oxfords (left) in his locker at work, just in case. Elissa Sanci/NYT Wirecutter Like the other high-quality shoes that professional chefs like to wear in the kitchen, these lace-up leather shoes are an investment worth making. They're made of easy-to-clean leather that doesn't feel stiff against the top of your foot, and they're durable enough to withstand various types of kitchen debris for years. At Bruto, Blundstone Chelsea Boots were a popular footwear choice. Elissa Sanci/NYT Wirecutter Blundstone Chelsea Boots are another popular choice in kitchens across Denver. They're favored by chefs for their durability and slip resistance. These durable, non-slip boots offer ample ankle support, and they protect feet from both icy winter weather and slick kitchen spills. In Denver, these pull-on leather boots are commonly worn in inclement weather. They have grippy soles that can also keep chefs from slipping on slick kitchen floors. Like other leather shoes preferred for kitchen work, Blundstones are easy to wipe clean, and they're durable enough to last our chefs upwards of five years. Several chefs working in Gomez's kitchen also wear Blundstones for the added ankle support the structured boot offers. A lot of chefs like to leave their kitchen shoes in their restaurant lockers, but Chef Lakin prefers to wear his shoes home. And he said this makes his Blundstones his go-to shoe on snowy winter days. 'They're comfortable, with great grip, but I swapped out the insole for even better support,' Lakin noted. 'The ones they came with only gave me about six hours of comfort.' The right shoes can make all the difference in a fast-paced kitchen, where long hours on your feet and slippery floors are part of the job. Whether you swear by Birkenstocks, trust the support of Danskos, or opt for another chef-approved clog, investing in high-quality footwear is an investment in comfort, safety, and longevity. As chefs like Martinez and Coen have learned, the right shoes don't just protect your feet—they can also improve your posture, reduce fatigue, and even boost confidence. If you're on your feet all day, take a cue from the pros, and invest in shoes that keep you comfortable, supported, and ready for anything. This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder.
Buzz Feed
06-02-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
Go-To Warming Products Recommended By People Who Work In Frigid Temps
If you've ever wandered down a busy street in a neighborhood like Williamsburg, Brooklyn, or Manhattan's SoHo and been greeted by the sight of a towering painted-on image adorning a building several stories high, you may have encountered the work of Colossal Media. 'Sometimes painting outside is as active as a session at the gym, and other times it's as stationary as typing at a desk,' said Colossal painter Daniel Levin. 'Except you're five stories up on the side of a building with wind howling down Houston street at a steady 15-miles-an-hour from the same direction the entire day.' In those conditions, you can imagine how important the right clothes and accessories are to Colossal's team of artists, or 'walldogs.' Levin said that, in order to stay warm, he depends on wearing layers of varying materials (like cashmere and wool) and thicknesses, along with high-quality bases. Levin, along with his fellow New York City-based artists, gave me a list of cold-weather essentials that have come in clutch this winter season and in years past. Whether you're commuting in inclement weather or prepping for an arctic blast, you'll definitely find cozy comfort in this selection of painter-approved socks, jackets, shoes, and more. 1. A set of men's microfiber base layers Amazon When it comes to base layers, Michel said he uses microfiber underpants beneath a pair of snowboard pants. We found this pair of thermal microfiber underwear that's not only fleece-lined for superior warmth but offers an ultra-flexible four-way stretch and moisture-wicking comfort. Available in 18 color options, this set is available in sizes XS–3X. Get them from Amazon for $27.98. 2. A pair of fleece-lined cargo pants Wrangler "Fleece-lined cargo pants can be found cheap and keep pockets accessible when wearing a harness and thick gloves," Levin said of this affordable pair from Wrangler. "I don't spend a lot on these because I'm going to trash them with paint in one or two seasons." These relaxed fit pants have a polyester fleece lining and come in five colors and men's sizes 30–42. Get them from Amazon for $30.23+. 3. Carhartt fleece-lined work cargos Carhartt Another fleece-lined cargo option suggested by both Taylor and Caruso are these durable work pants by Carhartt, which come in a ripstop exterior. They promise the brand's Rugged Flex stretch technology, which moves with the wearer, in addition to providing warmth. Get them from Carhartt for $69.99 (available in men's waist sizes W30–W44 and four lengths). 4. A pair of Bludstone Chelsea boots For painter Samara Nelson, these Chelsea work boots by Blundstone, a versatile footwear company with a longstanding reputation for reliability, are a frequent staple in her winter wear rotation. According to her, boots are tricky for most women in this industry because few work boot brands fit smaller feet. "But I swear by the leather Blundstones as waterproof, all-weather everyday boots," Nelson said, adding that in the winter, she uses the brand's sheep's wool footbed inserts for added warmth. These leather boots, which use a brand-exclusive system that disperses shock and reduces skeletal stress, are both heat- and slip-resistant and have a steel-toe design for protection in relevant work environments. They are available in both men's and women's sizing. Get them from Blundstone for $204.95 (available in men's sizes 4–14 and women's sizes 6–16). 5. A pair of down utility pants Amazon Painter Armando Balmaceda said down-filled garments are lightweight yet supreme options for warmth. He likes these down utility snow pants, which have five pockets plus an adjustable elastic waist and can be compressed down for super-easy travel. Made with a water- and wind-proof exterior, they are available in four colors and gender-neutral sizes XXS–XXL. Get them from Amazon for $57.99+. 6. A fleece-lined jacket Carhartt "[An] outer shell is the most important in our industry and gets beat up the most, so those have to be heavy-duty," Nelson said. According to her, they can help cut wind chill and can be worn over a down jacket. "[The] fleece-lined Carhartt duck-washed canvas jacket is waterproof and adds some extra insulation," Nelson said of this tough and durable coat, which features an attached sherpa-lined hood with a hidden drawcord. Grab this in five colors and sizing for both men and women. Get it from Carhartt in women's for $129.99 (available in sizes XS–3X) or in men's for $129.99+ (available in sizes S–4XL and Tall L–3XL) 7. A heated full-zip fleece Ororo Painter Harrison Cencer suggested this heated zip-up by Ororo that's made from a breathable fleece material and comes in options for both men's and women's sizing. "This is a battery-powered heated jacket that I wear underneath my outer layers on any extremely cold day," Cencer said. "It doesn't keep the cold out, but it heats itself to keep the warm in. I layer thicker down jackets and a windbreaker on top of it to really seal in the heat. It's already served me so well this winter.'
Buzz Feed
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Just 33 Indulgent Products From Nordstrom If You're In Your Champagne Era
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Sorry Taylor, no champagne problems here, only champagne solutions. 1. An Able basketweave backpack I ~personally~ can endorse as an A+ bag companion for your champagne era. It's cute, goes with everything, and is so delightfully roomy without being bulky. I can fit my iPad, a couple of books, my paper planner, and snacks for me and my preschooler with room to spare! Nordstrom Price: $278 2. A copper and gold winged corkscrew so you can open your bottles with the utmost style and the utmost ease. 3. A Blundstone Chelsea boot if you want a stylish shoe that's also a workhorse. Blundstones are from the great Down Under, so know they're designed to last many champagne eras. Nordstrom I just got my first pair of these after *much* research on a boot that was going to hold up over several seasons. A handy sizing tip from the Blundstone community: half sizes for this brand are more an indication of width. So, if you are a size 9 but want a wider fit, go with a 9.5. It'll give you a little more wiggle room without lengthening the shoe itself! So far, I LOVE these. They're easy to break in, and they look great with jeans, long winter dresses, and my fave overalls. 4. A Béis carry-on roller bag perfect for all those vision board vacations on the horizon. This one includes a TSA-approved lock, 360 swivel wheels, and built-in compression straps to help you pack as much as possible into your new overhead-bin-friendly travel pal. Nordstrom Promising review:"This bag is GOATed. I recently used this for a two-week trip to Europe — three cities in two weeks. (I should note I packed my toiletries in my personal item.) I wanted to pack exclusively carry-on as I would be using different modes of transportation through the EU. Using packing cubes, I was able to bring plenty of clothes and two pairs of shoes. The padded handle is such a great, thoughtful touch. Especially navigating the ancient, cobblestoned streets of Europe. If you're on the fence about purchasing this functional and sleek bag, hopefully this review convinced you. Based on how much I love this suitcase. I recently purchased the large check-in for my domestic trips. And bought this one as a gift. 10/10 recommend!" — spro927 5. And a charming Maison de Sabré leather AirTag charm to go with it! This transforms your bulky tracker into a drool-worthy accessory that will have you wondering what else you need to keep track of with AirTags in your life. Nordstrom 6. A famous Dyson Airwrap multi-styling tool for trying all those hairstyles you've seen around TikTok. If you're in your luxe era and want to take your hair game to the next level, this is a very good place to start. Nordstrom Here's a quick TikTok tutorial if you want to see it in action! Promising review:"I bought one of these for my salon. After using it there, I loved it so much that I bought another one for my home use. There is a learning curve; give yourself time, and you will love it too. For those who cannot get the curls to stay, use a styling product with curl memory, take smaller sections, use the cool shot, and don't run hands through your hair until it is ice cold." — HairStyler 7. A pair of Madewell ballet flats so you can get on the coquette-style train with many color options that will elevate just about any outfit in your closet. Nordstrom Promising review:"This review is for the color Vintage Ink in suede. These sold out twice on Madewell last year and I wasn't able to get them. I haven't been able to get them out of my mind since. I just happened to look at the Greta's on a whim here at Nordstrom, and they had them! The color is just as beautiful as I imagined them to be. I have several pairs of these in different colors, and I don't know why people say they run big. I am a solid 6 in most shoes, and they fit perfectly. I've not had any quality issues with any of them so far. If you are lucky enough to score this color in your size, you won't regret it." — Lynne66 8. A pair of Waterford crystal champagne flutes because what even is your champagne era if you don't have the cutest, sparkliest champagne glasses with which to toast your upgrade efforts? Nordstrom Promising review:"These flutes are incredibly beautiful and fragile. I purchased these for my granddaughter's wedding. They are so elegant I have decided to buy her a full set plus cocktail glasses. If you love Waterford, you will love these flutes. Would highly recommend." — gemlady 9. An Aura digital photo frame if you're like me and take tons of pictures but forget to, you know, look at them. This frame makes it absurdly easy to display your faves in your home without having to scroll endlessly through your phone. Plus, you can invite collaborators, so family and friends can add *their* favorites to the lineup, too! Nordstrom Like the review mentions below, this would also make a great gift if you're trying to help the people in your life usher in their champagne eras, too! Promising review:"This was a wonderful Mother's Day gift! It was easy to set up and easy to add photographs. I love that other family members can also add their pictures. We all live in different parts of the country, and I feel connected through the photo slide show. Also, a nice way to keep all of those pictures taken on our phones!" — Denise Clack 10. A Jo Malone London wood sage and sea salt cologne I was influenced to buy (you guessed it) on TikTok. The smell is fresh without being too sweet, and the base scent of sage makes it warm and cozy with a touch of ruggedness, so you can stand out in any perfume-loving crowd! Nordstrom ALSO, you can get this scent in a candle??? I did *not* know this was possible, but I'm putting it in my cart posthaste. POSTHASTE, I SAY. There is also a sample set if you want to try a few of Jo Malone's offerings first! Promising reviews:"I just love this scent… I wear it every day!" — LEMSki "Jo Malone makes beautiful, clean, non-chemically smelling scents. I introduced my daughter to this scent, and it's become her 'signature' scent. This classic will take her through her entire life. Trends come and go, but Jo Malone will be beautiful always." — crcham 11. An Anastasia Beverly Hills brow definer that'll make it look like you just visited the salon but without the price tag. (Who doesn't want a mini brow salon in their handbag???) Nordstrom Promising review:"I've been using the Anastasia Soft Brown Eyebrow Pencil for over five years, and I absolutely love it! The larger size is a game changer for me — it's so much easier to use compared to the smaller versions. The formula is smooth, and the color is perfect for achieving that natural look. Highly recommend this product for anyone looking to enhance their eyebrows with ease!" — Tombonz 12. A guiding star signet ring made of 18-karat gold plated on sterling silver to help you keep your goals at the front of your mind and the tips of your fingers. (Well, the knuckles of your fingers, anyway, but that doesn't quite roll off the tongue.) Nordstrom 13. A Topshop cable-knit cardigan because if 2025 is the year of the fisherman aesthetic, you can get ahead of the trend now in the coziest way possible by throwing this in your cart. Nordstrom 14. A luxe ponytail cuff holder if you're like me and wish you could make your go-to pony look a little more put together without any extra effort. Nordstrom 15. A tiger graphic tee to give your closet a quintessential touchstone (who doesn't need a fave go-to tee?) you'll miss every time it's in the wash. 16. A deco-style crystal hinge bracelet with a serpentine aesthetic that will inspire you to seize the day during this champagne era (and every era thereafter) whenever you wear it. Nordstrom Speaking of eras, this will be perfectly decadent and subtle to celebrate Reputation TV when our girl Swift finally releases it! 17. A soft Zella tank top you can layer or wear all on its own to your fave workout class or to look fab while running errands. Nordstrom Promising review:"This is my all-time favorite workout tank. It is so soft, and provides a bit more coverage/length than the Lululemon Love tank. I own several. It washes beautifully. Thank you for bringing it back!" — Akimoto 18. A soft and slouchy tote bag too perfect to ever go out of style, so you know your cost-per-wear on this is going to be out of this world and in your budget. 19. A pair of Dearfoams cable-knit chenille slippers with a faux fur cuff and fleece footbed, because if a champagne era doesn't include being as cozy as possible, I don't want it. 20. A luxurious santal and vetiver body wash reviewers call "heaven in a bottle" because of the scent and texture. I, for one, would like my shower to feel more spa-like, no matter my era! Nordstrom Promising reviews:"The most luxurious body wash, the most wonderful scent. It feels like a luxury spa! Won't use anything else." — KLBKLB "It's heaven in a bottle. Love the fragrance of the body wash. Spa-like feel." — Skybarbie5 Price: $36 21. A crochet wool hat that's giving main character energy in the best way. The colors, vintage '70s vibe, and handcrafted construction ensure this pom-pom beanie will never go out of style, so why not snag both colorways while you're champagne-ing? Nordstrom Promising review:"I was a little skeptical at first, thinking this hat would not meet my expectations. Much to my surprise, it not only met but exceeded my expectations. Absolutely LOVE it. I have received many compliments. Fits perfectly and is fully lined." — Hippie Soul 22. A water-resistant anorak with a hood and huge front-zip pocket so you and your cute outfit can stay dry (and cute) no matter how aggressive the deluge is. Nordstrom Price: $115 (available in sizes XS–XL and in two styles) 23. A Lancôme powder blush if you want to reapply your blush throughout the day but don't want to haul around a full-sized brush in your bag. How cute is this little compact? It is the height of sophistication to take this cutie out of your bag and get those cheeks back to rosy in no time! Nordstrom Promising reviews:"No one is talking about these blushes, but they are WOW. Such an airbrushed quality to them and what a beautiful shade." — thecandyqueen "I love the Rose Romantique and the Cosmopolitan Pink. Both are great for my skin tone. The Rose Romantique is subtle, and the Cosmo Pink is a great pop of color. I apply lightly to the apple of my cheeks. It lasts and is not drying. The compact lasts a long time and is worth the investment. Sheer and natural-looking, my favorite blush." — whocareswhoiam Price: $34 (available in three shades) 24. A Tweezerman tweezer set with a cute lil' carrying case so you never have to worry about a stray hair ruining your look while you're on the go again. Nordstrom Tweezerman also has a manicure set if you're looking to up your self-care game further! Promising review:"I saw the Tweezerman set and thought, 'What a great stocking stuffer gift for my two daughters and daughter-in-law.' I liked that there was a case for the tweezers. I have my tweezerman tweezers in my makeup kit, and I am always searching for them. The girls loved them and remarked how it was a gift that they wouldn't buy for themselves. I have used Tweezerman tweezers for years, and they are of very good quality." — UniqueGiftsMom Price: $28 25. A cozy pair of crew socks giving major après-ski vibes to keep your toesies warm and fashionable while lounging at home or popping out of your new boots. Nordstrom Promising review:"Exactly what I was looking for. Soft comfortable socks that I can lounge in." — MotherJoy Price: $12 (available in two styles) 26. A Zwilling sous vide stick that can attach to your own pot and cook your meat perfectly without touching your stove. It's practically a magic cooking wand, which I'm pretty sure qualifies as the ultimate champagne-era kitchen tool. Nordstrom Price: $169.99 (available in two colors) 27. A Free People packable puffer jacket that's perfectly on trend and foldable so that you can take it wherever the wind blows you. (But without actually feeling the cold wind blow, you know?) Nordstrom Promising review:"This jacket is pricey, but it is my favorite jacket of jackets! SO warm, lightweight, and it can fold into an inside pocket (12" by 14") if you want to pack it for travel. I love this jacket for its warmth, fit, and smart style. I ordered large because I usually layer. Some might think it is too oversized, but it has definite style!" — Yam4002 Price: $198 (available in sizes S–XL and in six colors) 28. A Nodpod weighted sleep mask if you love weighted blankets but wish you could have the same feeling on your eyes while you sleep. Wish no more! The Nodpod is one of those "How did I live without this?" products you'll be so happy you welcomed into your champagne-era sleeping situation. Nordstrom Promising reviews:"I didn't know how much I needed this. The weight is soothing, and the design is awesome. I can use it sleeping on my back and also as a side sleeper. One side is velvety, and one is like a jersey. I sleep more deeply and fall asleep faster." — ClassicFunMomIL "I work night shifts in the hospital. I used to sleep in a…closet. I've tried everything, and FINALLY, I can sleep in bed during the day. It's the weight and the light-blocking together that make it just right for me. Five stars all the way!" — sleepydoctor Price: $34 (available in five colors) 29. A smart Pura car scent diffuser that'll make you forget your car ever smelled like fast food or wet dog. With an app that lets you control the strength of your scent and reminds you when it's time to change the wow-we're-in-the-future scent disks, this thing is a dream for anyone who has ever wanted their car to smell a little more like a home away from home. Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed Pura has SO many great scent options, including the cult-fave Capri Blue Volcano, which is the first one I grabbed when I bought this! Oh, and did I mention the diffuser knows when your car is moving and will automatically shut off when it's not in motion to save battery life and scent disks? TRULY a magical addition to my fam's car. According to Johns Hopkins, you may want to avoid diffusing oils around larger groups and young children because of the side effects of different oils. You may also want to avoid using an oil diffuser around pets with breathing problems, according to the ASPCA. Price: $64.99 30. A cotton twill pajama set with an actual champagne print option so you can really commit to being comfy while also staying on theme. Nordstrom Promising review:"I got these PJs for my granddaughter, and she loves them! They are a very nice, flannel-feeling material and have pockets in the pants. For the price point, they seriously can't be beat! I would highly recommend!" — Lorrux Price: $44.20+ (originally $68, available in sizes XS–XL and in six styles) 31. An Original Makeup Eraser headband and wristband set because hair getting stuck in your skincare and water dripping down your arms while you wash your face are not invited to your glow-up era party. Nordstrom Promising reviews:"I love the quality of these and I'm happy that I purchased them. It makes doing my skincare routine much better. Very reasonably priced as well." — salequeen "Love this!! No more drips down my arms when I wash my face." — Lori Price: $15 (available in two colors) 32. A two-pack of the famous Nordstrom decaf whole bean coffee in their signature espresso blend so your mornings can all smell like the Nordstrom cafe. Nordstrom Promising review:"This is outstanding espresso. It is full-bodied without being the least bit acidic or bitter-tasting. It actually does have a subtle chocolatey flavor to it, as advertised. I do wish there was an option to purchase a single bag at a time for freshness; that would be my only complaint. That said, these bags are well sealed, and as they are only 12 ounces each, I go through them pretty quickly anyway." — Tmcl Price: $29 for a two-pack (also available in caffeinated) 33. And finally, a clip-on LED makeup mirror to ensure you look optimal in all of those selfies you'll be taking as you show off your best era yet! Nordstrom Price: $50 The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
