Love a good fashion find? Same. And while there’s plenty we recommend on a daily basis, what makes us play for keeps is in the name: when it feels like a steal. Anything is fair game, as long as it’s under $300. Think of it as a direct line into our wardrobes, with the fashion math to back it up. Expect new names and upcoming brands—spotlighted weekly by our editors.
Toteme’s Little Black Dress
Known for its effortlessly chic sensibility, Toteme bridges New York’s on-the-go attitude with Stockholm’s studied restraint—making it a go-to for the kind of essentials that work overtime in your wardrobe. This spring, it’s their little black dresses that caught my eye: clean, unfussy, and endlessly wearable. The appeal lies in its simplicity. Streamlined yet polished, it’s the kind of piece that moves seamlessly from day to night with infinite styling potential—worn with ballet flats and a sweater draped over the shoulders by day, then finished with a red lip and statement earrings for after hours. The pleated, swingy silhouette, with its subtle nod to CBK’s pared-back uniform, feels especially of the moment, and priced just under $300, making it a wardrobe investment without the splurge. Minimal, versatile, and quietly refined, it’s the kind of dress you’ll reach for on repeat. —Minty Mellon, shopping market editor
Merlette Lyra Pouch
Most of us know Merlette for its dresses: elegant and airy cotton styles that make stepping out in the summer heat not just tolerable, but downright enjoyable. On a recent visit to the brand’s New York City showroom, I discovered its edit of handbags—intricately beaded and sequined styles in an array of shades (black, navy, candy red, and daffodil yellow), all under $300. Their handcrafted charm caught my eye, and the embellished Lyra and Deco styles quickly stood out as two personal favorites. One for day, one for evening, both fitting companions for either scenario. I have a soft spot for decorative pouches, but Merlette’s only appear small in size: A phone tucks in neatly, along with a sundry of other personal necessities. If you wanted proof of its versatility—at the moment of publish—I have the Lyra pouch perched on my desk. Life’s too short to always carry a tote. —Talia Abbas, shopping director
