The Obtainer - 4/3/23, Monday
↦ How Liquid Are You?
Monday, April 3rd Edition
I hope you’ve started to hydrate before reading the newsletter. Not that it’s a long one, but downing some cold water is one of the best ways to wake up and start your day.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
BuyingGuide
The Best Water Bottles at Any Price
I can’t be the only one that drinks more water whenever I have a cool vessel handy. Tumbler water bottles have been around for decades, but you've probably noticed that they've exploded in popularity recently. Probably because we have all this knowledge on how bad plastic waste is and additional insights on the benefits of staying hydrated.What makes for a good tumbler? From how a bottle is designed to its functionality—you can spend as little on one as possible or invest in one for a pretty penny. It really depends on your personal needs. A basic insulated tumbler is usually made from aluminum and can keep your beverages hot and cold for up to 12 hours; some companies have even claimed longer, especially if you're outdoors. Some come in either plastic or recycled materials, and others are even outfitted with a filter or UVC light to further purify the water. Traveling with one of these is ideal because you can use water from nearly any spigot and your water will be alleviated from any undesirable tastes and smell—the only downside to those is that you have to switch them or recharge them occasionally.Of course, size matters. But bigger isn't always better—larger bottles can be a little cumbersome and inconvenient to tote around, and wider tumbler styles won't fit in standard cup holders. Then again, if you get a bottle that's too small, you might be constantly refilling it. We've rounded up well over a dozen to help you hydrate in the cleanest and most sustainable ways—now take your pick and get filling.
4 of Our Favorites
This 20-oz. vacuum-insulated tumbler maintains temperatures while a ceramic coating keep flavors crisp and fresh.
Porter insulated tumbler, $40 / $32 (w/code PLANET) by W&P
A durable and lightweight titanium bottle, made in Japan and also anodized, allowing the metal to be corrosion-resistant and safe to drink from.
Titanium Aurora bottle, $139.95 by Snow Peak
Sunglass brand Chimi makes one of the sleekest drinking tumblers with this 100% stainless steel bottle.
Active water bottle, $40 by Chimi
A compact, leakproof tumbler made from double-walled stainless steel that keeps your drinks hot for six hours and cold for 12.
Thermos tumbler,$34 by Waterdrop
I’m looking for a wool deconstructed jacket on a budget. Any suggestions?
- Lorcan
Now’s actually the ideal time to buy a jacket because spring has rolled out in stores and online, pushing winter merchandise in the sale section. When it comes to wool, it’s much smarter to buy quality items on sale than the cheaper stuff that won’t last beyond one season. So, I’ve found this Madison sport coat from Todd Snyder for you. It retails at about $800, but is now you can grab from 60% off, making this even more tempting for me to grab one too.
This three-season blazer checks all the boxes—it’s navy, unstructured, unlined and made in Italy. The soft shoulders, double vent and patched pockets will complement your upper body and have you dressed like the sharpest person for any occasion. Wear this one with dark denim, chinos, or even cargos depending on the setting. This blazer will be the most versatile piece in your wardrobe.
⋆ Have a style question you'd like answered? Ask The Obtainer
Test Drive
Tote Bag by Le Labo Fragrances
Traveling is the perfect time for impulse purchases. I was in Vegas a few months ago and ended up in a Le Labo shop, a brand I often purchase from whenever I need to replenish a cleanser, moisturizer, or hand soap. However, I usually buy online. This wasn’t my first stop in a shop though. I was in one a few years back and regretted not buying this tote bag. I didn’t make the same mistake this go around and pulled out my credit card. (There are worse ways to spend your money in Vegas, right?) After all, tote bags are like novelty dad caps—buy the ones that are great conversation starters.The bag is influenced by Le Labo’s shop aprons the perfumers wear, which are made in Brooklyn. The tote is constructed from a durable waxed canvas and is deep enough to carry a heap of items. The straps are longer than your average bag, which I appreciate, and it’s wide enough to throw in books or other heavier objects. And one big benefit of buying in-store? The perfumer doused my new bag with Oud 27—my preferred scent—so it won’t lose the smell after purchase.When I returned to the hotel, I decided to use it as a laundry bag for our clothes—why not put dirty clothes in an amazing-smelling bag, right? The depth of the toe is large enough to fit half a load of laundry, and this bag has turned into a nonnegotiable while traveling now. The sumptuous scent remains, and if you’re at a local farmer’s market while traveling, it really serves its purpose there. For under $100, you’ll get your money’s worth with this sturdy tote.
Tote bag, $69 by Le Labo Fragrances
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
If it rains or you need an extra layer of warmth, the Barrow liner is the answer. Produced from recycled materials, the mid-layering jacket is diamond-quilted with an oversized kangaroo pocket and finished with a ribbed collar and cuffs.
$235 / $105by Carhartt WIP
A bomber jacket always looks cool, but this one is extra comfy since it's crafted from lighter, breathable 100% lambswool. The unique wavy pattern and ribbed collar make for a contemporary look for a go-to classic.
$600 / $240by A Kind of Guise
If you buy it, spring weather will come. Todd Snyder’s sale section is packed with summery, vacation-ready styles like this linen camp collar shirt cut from fabric by Ireland’s Baird McNutt. Snag it will its on sale and start prepping for your warm-weather wardrobe.
$138 / $64by Todd Snyder
The three best stories from around the web.
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A utopian sense of the possible is the best starting point for any adult looking to learn a language.”
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He’s made a name for seeking out the sort of pieces that make you think both, ‘Why did they decide to make that?’ And, ‘How did he get his hands on it?’”
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Two forces shape the current luxury fashion landscape. The first is the pressure to constantly reinvent a brand; the second is to make money.”
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Maybe I’m back… need someone to hire me for street style in Europe next season. First of a few carousels I’ll post from #NYFW, shot for @esquire.
February 15