Case by Case

Hi everyone, happy Wednesday! 

Also, happy first day of June! I had a lovely time not worrying about writing WIWO last week, but I also felt a little bit at a loss — what was I supposed to be doing, if not holing up in my room scrolling feverishly through my browser history to see what I’ve been shopping lately? Instead, I sat at a cafe patio with a chai latte and made some headway on Elif Batuman’s new book Either/Or, which was very nice and precisely the kind of activity that this schedule was designed to allow me to do. Hope everyone’s been enjoying some equally relaxing downtime!

Case Study

GETA PHONE CASE IN LILAC - BAILEY HIKAWA ($79)

My Casetify phone case is falling apart after a little over a year, which serves me right, honestly, for falling for a brand that’s hawked by every single mid-tier YouTuber and IG influencer. Though to be fair, I do treat my phone pretty roughly, dropping it from considerable heights and letting it bounce around my bag with abandon. These sculptural phone cases from LA-based artist and industrial designer Bailey Hikawa look to be far more durable than most of the flimsily-constructed options on the market; the “shelf” design relieves finger tension by acting as a grip for your hand and even functions as a stand that will help prop your phone up. The bulky silhouette means that it probably won’t fit into your standard-sized pocket, but considering my phone is clutched in my hand 90% of the time, good ergonomics are a far more important factor for me.

Round and Round

REUSABLE COTTON ROUNDS WITH POCKETS - PLANTISH FUTURE (FROM $6.61) 

My esthetician recently overhauled my skincare routine, which included the incorporation of a “moisturizing toner.” To be honest, I’ve never quite understood the point of toners, since it seems like more product ends up on the cotton pad than it does on your face, but I’m not one to argue with the experts, so I’ve been dutifully following her instructions day and night. Still, I can’t help feeling a pang every time I toss out a single-use cotton round, so I’m planning to get some reusable ones that can be washed and air-dried. These ones from Plantish Future are made from organic cotton and charcoal-infused bamboo, and feature a little pocket you can stick your fingers into for easy application. They even come with a mesh bag that you can toss into the washing machine if you don’t have the patience for hand-washing.   

Coil Turmoil

FREEDOM CLASSIC SKY BLUE - Z-COIL ($260)

Hey guys, quick question: are these cool or are these the ugliest shoes you’ve ever seen? I’m currently looking for some white sneakers that are 1. roomy with a wide toe box, 2. slightly chunkier in their silhouette, 3. comfortable for walking long distances, and 4. aren’t AF1s. And honestly, these Z-Coil sneakers are ticking off all my boxes, except for the fact that the reviews are filled with, um, older folks who bought them to treat arthritis and plantar fasciitis. I never thought I would voluntarily wear orthopedic shoes, but I’m not gonna lie, I’m kind of digging the look of the coil heel? Am I cutting edge or am I just crazy? Please weigh in.

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Tried one of my recs and loved it (or hated it)? Wanna get something cool on my radar? Drop me a line at kittylguo@gmail.com or swing by my Twitter @kitguo!