Brenley Goertzen Author Archive
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Brenley Goertzen

Junior Writer, the Strategist
@brenleygoertzen
[email protected]

Brenley Goertzen joined the Strategist as a junior writer in 2022 after interning at the site. She covers clothing basics and bath and body.

  1. trust me i should know
    I Designed the Levi’s Ribcage Jeans“That’s how we came up with the name. It’s sort of like kissing your rib cage.”
  2. women’s apparel
    The Best Cardigans, According to People Whose Taste We TrustWe even found one for the person who’s been collecting Babaà sweaters for years.
  3. women’s fashion
    The 8 Best Jean Jackets for WomenWhether you’re looking for relaxed or straight fitting, cropped or oversize, light or dark wash.
  4. mattresses
    All the Best Firm Mattresses We’ve Ever Written AboutStraighten out your spine with these hybrid, innerspring, and memory-foam options (that we tested ourselves).
  5. gifts by recipient
    A Gift for Every Type of Best FriendFrom Kate McKinnon’s espresso-maker to a hangover-preventing probiotic drink.
  6. women’s apparel
    The 9 Very Best Black T-shirts for WomenIncluding boxy, cropped, scoop-necked, and vintage-looking styles.
  7. bath and body
    The Very Best Body OilsTested by our bath-and-body writer, vetted by our staffers, and recommended by dermatologists.
  8. women’s fashion
    The 17 Very Best Work Bags for WomenIncluding one that can handle both the New York subway and a Vermont mountain hike.
  9. bath and body
    The Very Best Body ScrubsIncluding the formulas favored by actress Ayo Edebiri and fitness guru Tracy Anderson.
  10. men’s apparel
    14 Very Best Black T-shirts for Men“It starts out the deepest of blacks, and as it ages takes on the perfect softness and the most beautiful faded black ever.”
  11. bedding
    All the Best Pillowcases (That We’ve Written About on the Strategist)We got silk. We got cotton. We got linen. We got …
  12. dogs
    The 11 Very Best Dog FoodsDry, wet, dehydrated, human-grade, and more — we found dog foods for every pup’s needs.
  13. bath and body
    The Very Best BodywashesIncluding bodywashes for skin that’s acne prone, extremely dry, and more.
  14. gifts
    A Gift for Every Type of SisterShe may steal your clothes, but you’ll steal the favorite-sibling award.
  15. women’s apparel
    The 13 Very Best White T-shirts for Women“These are the retail equivalent of no-makeup makeup.”
  16. men’s apparel
    The 11 Very Best White T-shirts for MenSpoiler alert: There’s a (potentially controversial) linen option.
  17. women’s shoes
    The 15 Very Best Slippers for WomenFrom cozy cold-weather pairs to waterproof and lightweight options.
  18. women’s shoes
    Cream Leather Madewell Boots, If You Dare — for $45We’ve rarely seen the price this low.
  19. valentine’s day gifts
    The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts Under $25 for Every Type of ValentineSteal their heart without draining your bank account.
  20. valentine’s day gifts
    33 Valentine’s Day Gifts (Under $50) for Every Type of PersonFrom Amy Sedaris–approved ballet flats to Isabelle Huppert’s bergamot tea.
  21. men’s apparel
    The Very Best Men’s Long-Sleeved T-shirtsIncluding an under-$15 classic, lightweight slub cotton, and one made of hemp that “calls to mind a well-loved vintage tee.”
  22. women’s apparel
    The 14 Very Best Cashmere SweatersFrom wardrobe staples to bright color-blocked sweaters.
  23. sales
    Everything We’ve Written About That’s on Sale at Nordstrom Right NowIncluding an undated planner for procrastinators.
  24. women’s shoes
    The Very Best Workout Shoes for WomenIncluding a $30 pair of sneakers you can wear outside of the gym, too.
  25. suncare
    All the Best Natural Sunscreens (That We’ve Written About on the Strategist)Frank Ocean’s mom is the creator of one of our favorites.
  26. bath and body
    The Very Best Bodywashes for Dry SkinIncluding a formula for dry, acne-prone skin.
  27. skin-care
    All the Best Korean-Beauty Products (That We’ve Written About on the Strategist)Fact: We found a better-than-SK-II essence that’s not $$$.
  28. women’s apparel
    The 12 Very Best Sweaters for WomenIncluding Strat-approved basics and bolder picks.
  29. women’s apparel
    The 10 Very Best Trench Coats for Women“Throw this on and you’ll feel a little like Humphrey Bogart and a lot like Jane Fonda.”
  30. health
    Joanna Goddard’s Migraine-Relief Cap Is Just $24We’re pretty sure she gifted one to all her family members.
  31. men’s shoes
    The 11 Very Best Slippers for MenIncluding breathable slides and sheepskin-lined booties.
  32. women’s accessories
    The 11 Very Best Fanny PacksFanny packs to dress up for date night, throw on while hiking, or even used as a hands-free diaper bag.
  33. women’s apparel
    Some Gap CashSoft Pants for Just $31They feel like cashmere but they’re machine washable.
  34. women’s activewear
    Old Navy’s Just-Compressive-Enough Leggings for a Mere $30They actually stay in place, so you “can walk, jog, and lift with ease.”
  35. gifts
    20 Strategist-Approved Gifts for Your Whole List (That You Can Buy at Nordstrom)Something for everyone, from husbands and wives to co-workers and best friends.
  36. gifts
    Every Holiday Gift Guide From the Strategist (So Far)Over 70 carefully curated gift guides for every single person on your list.
  37. style
    Bury Me in Gap’s CashSoft“I think this comes as close as I can imagine to a cashmere dupe.”
  38. style
    Cashmere Galore — and It’s All on SaleThese are some of the best deals you’ll find through the end of 2024.
  39. men’s apparel
    The 9 Very Best Men’s Cashmere SweatersIncluding classic cable knits and less traditional prints.
  40. women’s apparel
    This Perfectly Oversize J.Crew Cashmere Sweater Is Almost 40 Percent OffExtra warm and supremely giftable.
  41. gifts
    43 Gifts for Every Type of BossDid someone say promotion?
  42. gifts
    The Best Gifts for Dog Lovers, According to Groomers, Trainers, and Dog OwnersOf the useful, novel, and just plain fun variety (like a water bottle that’s equivalent to a portable drinking fountain for your pup).
  43. toys
    All the Best Toys for Kids That We’ve Ever Written AboutFor infants to 12-year-olds, chosen by toy-trend forecasters, librarians, nannies, child psychologists, and more experts.
  44. painless shopping
    31 Especially Nice ‘Baskets’ for Every Kind of GiftIncluding woven baskets, monogrammed totes, and a Yeti bucket.
  45. deal of the day
    J.Crew’s (Very Giftable) Cashmere Wrap Is $73It’s extremely soft, plus it doesn’t shed or pill.
  46. cyber monday
    The Best Cyber Monday Deals Under $50Levi’s jeans, North Face slippers, and pet cameras — all for under $50 this Cyber Monday.
  47. cyber monday
    Time’s Running Out to Shop Quince’s Cyber Monday SaleFrom diamond jewelry to cropped puffer jackets.
  48. black friday
    The Best Black Friday Deals Under $50Levi’s jeans, pet cameras, and Parachute slippers — all for under $50 this Black Friday.
  49. black friday
    All the Best Quince Black Friday DealsFrom diamond jewelry to cashmere sweaters and socks.
  50. women’s apparel
    Quince’s Early Black Friday Sale Is Here — and This Wool Coat Is Under $150The deal is only available today — you know what to do.
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