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I worked out in a dress from Outdoor Voices, the startup behind the most Instagram-worthy exercise clothes — and no, it's not a gimmick

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  • Can you workout in a dress? Outdoor Voices says yes. 
  • The activewear brand recently released the Exercise Dress ($100). It's a sweat-wicking, stretchy, nylon dress that's meant to move with your through all kinds of workouts. 
  • I tried the dress out for myself, and while it's not suited for all types of exercises, this dress is great for a variety of high- and low-impact workouts, and athleisure wear.

You can go dance in a dress. You can eat lunch in a dress. You can sit in a dress. You can stand in a dress. Why not exercise in a dress?

Outdoor Voices, the activewear brand that's all about doing things (that's their motto), dropped a $100 workout dress last summer — and there was a lot of hype. People posted pictures of themselves lifting weights, Instagram videos of crossing marathon finish lines, and achieving bendy yoga poses, all while draped in the stretchy nylon dress. 

The idea of exercising in dresses isn't entirely new. I grew up playing tennis in dresses and skirts, but they weren't necessarily cute — I didn't want to leave the court and go hang out for a day in my tennis clothes. What makes the Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress stand out is that it looks nice, like something you'd wear around for a day of flea-market hopping and happy hours. It has a flattering skater dress shape, and the only giveaways that this is really meant for workouts is the nylon sheen and racer back straps. 

And, what's not to like about the idea of a dress? They're low maintenance, and you only have to deal with one item of clothing. Slip on a dress, and boom, you have your whole outfit ready. If I could just pop on a dress every day to head to the gym, my morning workout routines would be a lot easier. So, I decided to give the Exercise Dress a try, and see if it's really true that you can, in fact, exercise in a dress. 

Details of the dress

First of all, this dress is pretty adorable. It has a simple skater dress shape, and is tight in all the right places for a flattering look. Second of all, it's super soft. The dress itself is made of a breathable nylon, while the inside liner is made with a stretchy spandex — both layers are very lightweight.

I was surprised to find that the liner wasn't just a pair of spandex shorts, but more like a piece of shapewear — it's one long swath of spandex that covers everything, so you don't have to be worried about any slips at the gym. This spandex is silky-smooth, feels great on your skin, and really holds everything in — I've been wearing a sports bra under the dress, but the dress is definitely supportive enough on its own that you can forgo wearing one if you'd like. 

I can't forget to mention the best feature of this dress: pockets. One pocket, large enough to hold your phone, graces the side of the spandex shorts. This may not seem like a huge deal, but I'm sure most women would agree, our clothing needs more pockets. This dress satisfies in that regard. 

The dress comes in five colors: black, navy, red, green, and a black and white polka dot. I got to try the dress in navy, which I love. It's a nice neutral that makes it easy to wear just about anywhere. 

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Working out in the dress

I first took the dress for a spin to play tennis, a seemingly natural step. It was a particularly hot day in New York City and the sun was really beating down on the courts. I say this because as much as I was sweating throughout the two-hour session, the dress didn't show any signs of it. My face, on the other hand, was another story, but the dress was clean and dry — truly a testament to its moisture-wicking capabilities. 

Then came the gym. I was a little nervous to wear this outfit, worried about weird stares before I even stepped inside. Once I did though, I was relieved. Nobody cared — I realized everyone was there to focus on their own workout and not what I was wearing, so I went about my exercising as normal. This is where things got iffy. I love how this dress looks and feels, but I have to admit it's not suited for all types of workouts. For running, tennis and even squats or lifting, it's great. For HIIT workouts and ab routines, where you're constantly moving around in multiple directions, this dress would not be my first choice. While it was comfortable throughout, I felt a little exposed as the dress rode up while I did high-knees and other moves. I would wear this to the gym or an exercise class again, but only if I knew I would be doing a lower-intensity workout. 

The bottom line

I think this dress is a great buy. At $100, it may seem pricey, but it's a whole workout outfit in just one piece. Not to mention, it's one of the comfiest dresses I've ever worn. I love that I could wear this to a morning brunch on a day when I have an afternoon workout planned, or to a dinner with friends after exercising, and still feel presentable enough to be out and about.

If you're looking to change up your workout wardrobe, pare it down, or you just want to see what it's like to workout in a dress, you should give the Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress a try. Because, yes, you can exercise in a dress —  and you'll probably like doing it, too. 

Get the Exercise Dress, $100, at Outdoor Voices

Shop all activewear at Outdoor Voices

Join the conversation about this story »


WeWork CEO Adam Neumann dropped $21 million on a San Francisco house with a guitar-shaped room in 2018, and that's just part of his sprawling real-estate portfolio

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Adam Neumann WeWork CEO

WeWork cofounder Adam Neumann owns some interesting residential real estate. 

In 2018, Neumann bought a 13,000-square-foot home in the San Francisco Bay Area with a guitar-shaped room for $21 million, according to The Wall Street Journal. The home was added to Neumann's long list of residential real-estate purchases, which over the past nine years have totaled over $80 million.

Read more: Before he was a billionaire, WeWork CEO Adam Neumann was broke. Here's the NYC building where he and his wife lived in a tiny apartment before he built a $47 billion company

According to public reports, Neumann — who, Forbes reports, has a net worth of $4.1 billion — also bought a townhouse in Greenwich Village for $10.5 million in 2014 and property in Gramercy Park for $35 million in 2017. He reportedly also owns a home in Westchester County and the Hamptons, but the purchase prices are not known.

Neumann's real-estate ventures span beyond just residential. He's invested in commercial properties, startups, and has reportedly given away over $100 million, according to The Wall Street Journal.

WeWork was valued at $47 billion in January of 2019. In July, Neumann made media headlines for reportedly cashing out over $700 million from the company ahead of its initial public offering.

Business Insider previously reported that before he became a billionaire, Neumann was broke. He and his wife, Rebekah, lived in a tiny apartment in NYC's East Village.

The company didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Read the full article at The Wall Street Journal »

SEE ALSO: The 72-year-old billionaire inventor of the Dyson vacuum cleaner just set a real-estate record in Singapore — and his new penthouse sits on the top floors of the city's tallest building

DON'T MISS: A look inside multimillionaire Jeffrey Epstein's real-estate portfolio, where sex trafficking reportedly took place and a $77 million Manhattan mansion may have been acquired for $0

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Jeff Bezos is worth over $160 billion — here's how the world's richest man makes and spends his money

I've been using this Dagne Dover laptop sleeve in place of my previous $20 one — here's why I’d pay $90 for it

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Dagne Dover Laptop Case

  • I'd been using a purely functional $20 laptop case for two or three years before I started using one of Dagne Dover's new laptop sleeves— and I'm so annoyed with myself for being too practical.
  • The Dagne Dover laptop sleeves are functional but sleeker, slimmer, and more stylish than my previous case.
  • It's also water resistant and well padded, and comes with a detachable shoulder strap in case you want to carry it without a tote bag.
  • Knowing I've used my previous case for so long and seeing how stylish something as simple as a laptop case can be, the $90 price tag is a worthwhile investment for something I know I'll use every day for the next few years. 

I've always thought of laptop cases as more functional than fashionable, so I bought this one from Amazon within five seconds of seeing more than 1,000 5-star reviews a few years ago. It's something that I need purely to protect my laptop, so I didn't want to waste my last two brain cells thinking about the style or color. 

Well, it wasn't until I started testing the new Dagne Dover laptop sleeves that I realized function and fashion could — and should — co-exist in something so mundane and practical as a laptop case.

I have the 13-inch Laptop Sleeve in Black, which doesn't come cheap at $89.95. It's definitely a lot more than what I paid for my previous case and what I'd want to pay for a laptop sleeve in general, but the specs, design, and durability sold me. 

Like most other Dagne Dover bags, the laptop sleeve is made with incredibly durable and water-resistant neoprene. I've spilled juice from leftover chicken teriyaki on it, and while there was a puddle at my bottom of my Cuyana tote, my laptop remained dry — which is great, because the sleeve was holding my work laptop. 

There's a mesh pocket inside to carry pens or notebooks, with a Velcro closure so nothing falls out. 

The black colorway required no thought on my end, though if I was more stylish, I'd have gone with one of cooler colors like Dune or Sea Mist. The zipper is also the same shade as the sleeve, so the entire look is very monochromatic. 

The 13-inch fit my MacBook Pro perfectly, and the sleeve is only 1.13 inches thick when zipped. It's ever so slightly thicker than my old TomToc, which is 1.10 inches, but the cloth fabric on that one isn't flush against the case itself so it always looks and feels thicker than the stated specs. The Dagne Dover sleeve is made with neoprene so there's no extra decorative fabric that would add more thickness; it remains slim and sleek with or without my laptop inside. 

Dagne Dover Pouch

The slimmer design also means it gives me extra room in my Cuyana tote bag to schlep more things around — though I don't know if that's a good idea. At least I've been using the Large Arlo Tech Pouch in Storm to organize things more, like charging cables, bandages, and hand sanitizer. I love that it unzips the entire length of the bag so it opens flat and I can see everything instantly. No more digging around the pouch only to poke myself with the tweezers that I never use but think are super important to have. 

And if I don't want to carry my tote bag around, the Dagne Dover sleeves comes with detachable shoulder straps. I use it when I'm heading to a local coffee shop to do some work or chill, or when I'm trying to force myself to streamline things.

Despite the overall design of the sleeve being really slick, that's not to say it's flimsy — it's padded really well. In fact, I dropped my laptop a split second after I put it into the case, and the case just made a soft thudding noise when it hit the ground — no dents, scratches, or bumps that'd indicate what just happened. This was also with my work laptop inside — sorry. 

Buy the Dagne Dover Laptop Sleeve for $89.95

Buy the Dagne Dover Arlo Tech Pouch for $45 (Small) or $65 (Large)

Join the conversation about this story »

'Why won't my Mac turn on?': Troubleshooting tips for any Mac computer that won't start properly

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refurbished imac pro 2x1

  • There are many potential reasons why your Mac won't turn on, and the method you use to fix them will depend on how unresponsive your Mac is.
  • Completely unresponsive Macs may be having power issues that are easily fixed.
  • Slightly responsive Macs (where you can hear restart noises and your computer's fan start up), on the other hand, may have more complex issues going on.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

It happened: Your Mac computer refuses to turn back on. Now what? 

That all depends on exactly how unresponsive it actually is, and why it isn't responding. 

Here are seven troubleshooting tips to help fix a Mac that won't turn on.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

MacBook Pro (From $1,299 at Apple)

How to fix a Mac that won't turn on

Your Mac may not be turning on, but the reasons behind that differ depending on whether or not you can hear any sounds coming out of it. 

Here are tips for those who have completely unresponsive Macs, as well as those who have semi-responsive Macs:

Unresponsive Macs

If you can't get any response (including the usual Apple chime or fan noises), here are a few things that may be keeping your Mac from turning on:

1. Check the charger

It's always a good idea to check that your charging cable is connected to both the power source and your computer. 

If so, check that the cable itself is intact or if there are exposed wires or tears. Those may be your culprit. 

It's also a good idea to try moving to another outlet (or plugging another device into that same outlet) to see if the outlet is working, in addition to swapping out the charger or adapter.

2. Do a power cycle

A power cycle is essentially a forced restart. 

To do this on a MacBook laptop, you'll need to hold down the power button for about 10 seconds. For desktop Macs, unplug the computer for 10 seconds and then plug it back in.

Semi-responsive Macs

If you can hear your Mac make sound, but still can't get it to turn on all the way, here are a few methods that might help fix your issue:

1. Check for a display issue

If you're using a separate monitor with your Mac computer, try unplugging the video cable and plugging it back in. And, again, checking that all of your cables are securely plugged into both their power source and your Mac is always a good idea.

Another thing to check is the brightness settings — your brightness could be so low that it makes your screen look like it's off. Press and hold the larger brightness control button (F2) to see if that's the problem.

2. Start up in Safe Mode

Press the power button while holding down the "Shift" key. Release the "Shift" key when you see the login screen. If your Mac starts, be aware that your interface may look different than normal. 

turnon

From that point, you could do some more troubleshooting to get the root cause of your problems. Those might include: Running a scan for viruses, checking your file system and resetting the Parameter RAM, or PRAM.

For more info on how to troubleshoot using Safe Mode, check out our article, "How to start your Mac computer in 'Safe Mode,' to diagnose problems and track down troublesome programs."

3. Try Recovery Mode

After you hear the Mac startup sound, press and hold "Command" and "R" — don't release those until you see the Apple logo appear on your screen. From there, you'll be able to choose from several recovery methods:

  • Restore from a Time Machine backup (this will only work if you had enabled Time Machine backups beforehand).
  • Reinstall OS (but keep in mind that you should have backed up your Mac first, otherwise you risk losing your data).
  • Get help online (through Apple support).
  • Disk utility (this will repair or erase a disk on your computer).

4. Reset the System Management Controller

The System Management Controller is responsible for many of your Mac's most basic functions, including turning on the screen and responding to button presses.

The way to do this depends on whether you're using a laptop or desktop Mac computer. And if your computer has a T2 Security chip installed— this will be most Apple computers made in 2018 or later — the steps change again.

Resetting the System Management Controller on a MacBook

If you have a MacBook with a non-removable battery, press and hold the following keys to reset your SMC: Shift + Control + Option + Power button. Hold these down for 10 seconds and then release and hit the Power button one more time.

If you can remove the battery, shut down your computer, remove the battery, and hold down the power button for five seconds. Then put the battery back in and try turning it on.

If you're using a MacBook with the T2 chip, shut down your computer and hold the power button down for 10 seconds. Release it, and wait another few seconds. Then press the power button again to turn it on. 

If that doesn't work for your T2 chip MacBook, shut down your Mac and press Shift + left Option + left Control for seven seconds. Then, while still holding those down, press the power button for 7 seconds. Release all the keys and wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac.

Resetting the System Management Controller on a Mac desktop computer

If you're using a Mac desktop computer, shut down your computer, unplug the power cord for 15 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait five seconds before turning your Mac back on.

If you're using a Mac desktop computer with the T2 chip, shut down your computer and press the power button for 10 seconds. Release it, and wait another few seconds. Then press the power button again to turn it on. 

If that doesn't work for your T2 chip desktop computer, shut down your computer, unplug the power cord for 15 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait five seconds before turning your Mac back on.

5. Make an appointment with the Genius Bar

The Apple Genius Bar is a solid place to go if you aren't able to get your Mac to start up, even after troubleshooting. They can help diagnose the issue and help you figure out the appropriate next steps.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best MacBooks you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: All the ways Amazon is taking over your house

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is back now through August 4 — here are the 70 best deals to shop before they sell out

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Nordstrom

  • Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale is one of the biggest savings events you'll see this summer. Shoppers can find brand-new products at pretty amazing sale prices from popular fashion, beauty, and home brands — including Patagonia, The North Face, Theory, Vince, La Mer, Kiehl's, and Anthropologie. 
  • This year, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale runs from July 19 to August 4. 
  • We've already sifted through tons of deals from the sale and cherry-picked 70 that we think you'll love.
  • Whether you're looking for a specific purchase or just some inspiration for the upcoming fall season, check out 70 of the best deals you can find at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale below. 

Nordstrom's annual Anniversary Sale is finally here. In the world of all things fashion, beauty, and home, this is the sale of the season. If you're not familiar, the Anniversary Sale is Nordstrom's annual savings event where brand-new arrivals are offered at seriously discounted prices. 

The 2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now open to the public — you can shop deals from July 19 to August 4. 

Having spent hours scouring the whole sale ourselves, we know that there's no doubt you'll be able to add some new pieces to not only your wardrobes, but also your beauty and grooming kits and home and kitchen setups— all from the top name brands and at discounted prices. 

Since there are thousands of items on sale sitewide, we hand-picked the 70 deals that, if nothing else, you'll find inspiration from. We've also included links to more editor's picks we've put together if you want to take a deeper dive into any specific categories. 

If you prefer to jump straight to shopping the Anniversary Sale, here's where to go: 

Check out more Nordstrom Anniversary Sale coverage from the Insider Picks team here: 

SEE ALSO: Charlotte Tilbury launched exclusive beauty products for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale — here's your first look

Women's clothing

Shop all women's clothing deals here



Women's shoes

Shop all women's shoe deals here



Women's bags and accessories

Shop all women's bag and accessory deals here



Beauty and skin care

Shop all beauty and skin-care exclusives here



Men's clothing

Shop all men's clothing deals here



Men's shoes

Shop all men's shoe deals here



Men's accessories

Shop all men's accessory deals here



Home and kitchen

Shop all home and kitchen deals here



How to properly clean your Apple Watch, including its band and Digital Crown

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Apple Watch 8

Regularly cleaning your Apple Watch, particularly after it's been exposed to sweat, soap, and sunscreen – along with pretty much any liquid that isn't water – is important for both your comfort (a clean band reduces chances of skin irritation) and the long-term life of your device. 

Here's how it's done.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Apple Watch Series 4 (From $399 at Apple)

How to clean your Apple Watch

Note that Apple does not recommend using any soaps, cleaning products, abrasive materials, or external air and heat sources to clean your Apple Watch, as these items can damage your device.

1.Turn off your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button, and remove it from its charger if connected.

2. If you're using a band that isn't water-resistant (such as a stainless steel or leather band), remove it from your device.

3. Wipe your Apple Watch with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth to clean it. You can lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water if needed to remove oily or sticky substances.

4. You can also hold the watch under a lightly running tap of warm fresh water for 10 to 15 seconds, but do not use any soap or other cleaning products.

5. Dry your Apple Watch with your soft, lint-free cloth, making sure you also dry off the back crystal of the device. 

How to clean your Apple Watch band

1. Remove the band from your Apple Watch. If you're using a third-party band (non-Apple branded), follow the care instructions provided with that particular band.

2. For leather bands, wipe the leather portions with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. You can lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water if needed to remove oily or sticky substances. Do not soak in water.

3. Allow the leather band to fully air dry before reattaching it to your Apple Watch. While drying, do not store these bands in direct sunlight or in areas with high temperature or humidity.

4. For all other bands, buckles, and closures, wipe the band with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth that's been lightly dampened with fresh water (if necessary).

5. Dry the band before reattaching to your watch.

How to clean the Apple Watch's Digital Crown

If the Digital Crown on the side of your Apple Watch gets stuck or won't move, check around the Crown for debris and wipe down your device. 

If you find things like dust or lotion, here's how you can clean the Digital Crown:

1. Turn off your Apple Watch and remove it from its charger if connected.

2. If you're using a band that isn't water-resistant, remove it from your device.

3. Hold the Digital Crown under a lightly running tap of warm fresh water for 10 to 15 seconds. Do not use any soap or other cleaning products.

4. Turn and press the Digital Crown as the water runs past the gap between the crown and the rest of the watch.

5. Dry your watch thoroughly using a soft, lint-free cloth.

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatches you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Jeff Bezos is worth over $160 billion — here's how the world's richest man makes and spends his money

How to allow pop-ups on your iPad by turning off its default pop-up blocker

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ipad pro 10.5 inch typing on keyboard

  • Though pop-ups are often annoying and undesirable, you may sometimes want to allow pop-ups on your iPad's Safari browser.
  • Pop-ups can be an essential part of a webpage, like when financial sites use pop-ups to display stored documents. 
  • The iPad has a pop-up blocker turned on by default. It prevents most kinds of pop-up windows from appearing. 
  • If you need to allow pop-ups on your iPad, you can disable the pop-up blocker in the Safari section of the Settings app.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Your iPad has a convenient feature that improves the web browsing experience: It includes a pop-up blocker that prevents many kinds of pop-up windows from appearing over web pages in Safari. 

The pop-up blocker is on by default, and most of the time, that's exactly how you should leave it. But there might be situations in which you want to allow pop-ups. 

Some web sites rely on pop-up windows to work properly — especially some financial sites like banks and credit card sites. Other sites use pop-ups to ask you to sign up for services like newsletters. If you want to sign up, you might need to actually see the pop-up. 

You can allow pop-ups on your iPad with just a couple of taps. You can't specify a list of sites that you want to always allow pop-ups for, so you'll need to disable the pop-up blocker for all web browsing. We suggest allowing pop-ups temporarily when you need it, and turning the feature back on again when you're done.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPad (From $329 at Apple)

How to allow pop-ups on an iPad

1. Start the Settings app.

2.In the pane on the left, tap "Safari."

3. In the General section, turn off "Block Pop-ups" by swiping the switch to the left. 

blocker 1 2

You've now allowed pop-ups in Safari until you return to Settings and turn this feature on again. To turn your pop-up blocker back on, just swipe the switch back to the right.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best iPad cases you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The incredible story behind Slack, the app that's taken over offices everywhere

33 photos show how Melania Trump has evolved as first lady

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Melania Trump

  • President Donald Trump's campaign was a family affair, with his eldest daughter Ivanka leading the charge.
  • Though his wife Melania spent the first few years of her husband's political career out of the spotlight, she has emerged as one of the most closely watched figures in the White House.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When President Donald Trump entered the White House, many speculated that his daughter and senior adviser Ivanka Trump would take on the traditional role that a first lady fills — hosting events, championing causes, standing at the president's side.

First lady Melania Trump stayed back in New York while their son Barron finished the school year, and Ivanka was much more visible at first. Melania didn't move to the White House until June 2017.

Two years later, Melania has cemented herself as a constant presence in Americans' lives.

The first lady has planned state visits, hosted children's groups, and celebrated holidays in the "People's House." But with more visibility has come more scrutiny, and Melania has had her share of controversies.

Here's a look back at Melania's first two years in the White House.

SEE ALSO: Ivanka Trump is copying her stepmother Melania — and it reveals a pivotal shift in the White House

DON'T MISS: Tina Brown: Why Melania Trump is the best aspect of the Trump presidency

Despite being pregnant with her third child, Ivanka initially took the lead as a more vocal figure on the campaign trail while Melania, a self-described "full-time mom" took care of the Trumps' 10-year-old son.

Source: Vanity Fair



Both were formally included in election festivities in accord with presidential tradition.

Source: Vanity Fair



Melania made headlines then for her classic wardrobe choice, which prompted many comparisons to former first lady Jackie Kennedy.

Source: Town & Country



Melania took center stage at the glamorous inauguration ball.



Melania carried out her first official engagement with Donald when they hosted the Japanese first couple at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.



She was also notably pictured at his side with female lawmakers in the Oval Office when he signed a bill to promote women's education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Though the first lady was present for the bill's signing, it was Trump's daughter and adviser Ivanka who appeared to spearhead the initiative, reportedly telling press ahead of the ceremony she believed it is "vital" that young "students become fluent in coding and computer science."



Ivanka and Melania were side-by-side for the Trump administration's visit to the Vatican in May 2017.

Source: USA Today



In June 2017, Melania finally moved to the White House, and Ivanka focused on her role as White House adviser.

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A few weeks after she arrived in Washington, Melania accompanied the president to Europe, where they had a press-heavy Bastille Day celebration with French President Emmanuel and first lady Brigitte Macron.

Source: Business Insider



In August 2017, Melania accompanied the president to the site of Hurricane Harvey. On the way, Melania drew widespread criticism for looking out of touch after she was pictured boarding a plane in heels.

Source: Vanity Fair



Following the lead of previous first ladies, Melania has hosted several public events at the White House. She made headlines when she continued former first lady Michelle Obama's tradition of hosting student groups for gardening on the White House's South Lawn.

Source: Business Insider



To celebrate Halloween, the Trumps got in the spirit as they handed out candy to children and military families who visited in costume on the South Lawn.

Source: Business Insider



She marveled at the White House staff's handiwork in decorating for her first Washington Christmas.

Source: Business Insider



She even hosted a group of children to construct wreaths in honor of the holiday.

Source: Business Insider



The first couple then left Washington for their glamorous New Year's Eve at Trump's private club, a tradition that pre-dated their time in Washington.

Source: Business Insider



But she made a stunning return to Washington for the president's first State of the Union, sporting a suit many pointed out shared the #MeToo movement' signature color.

White clothing has also been associated with women's suffrage.

Source: Business Insider



Melania has also taken center stage in hosting the Easter Egg Roll, which is customary for first ladies.

Source: Business Insider 



Melania was pictured alongside the last four presidents after former first lady Barbara Bush's April funeral, which she attended alone.

Source: Business Insider



Melania and her staff planned the details for the Trump administration's first state visit, for which they hosted the French first couple.

Source: Business Insider 



Melania was by the president's side for state visit activities, and was described by French first lady Brigitte Macron as "really fun."

Source: Business Insider 



For Melania's April 26 birthday in 2018, the president told Fox News he got her "a beautiful card and beautiful flowers".

Source: Business Insider 



Melania came into her own as an active part of the White House when she announced her own campaign focused on childhood well-being.

Source: Business Insider



After an unannounced surgery in May, Melania disappeared for several weeks and sparked concern, speculation, and conspiracy theories, all of which she and her spokesperson denied.

Source: Business Insider



Melania then came into the crosshairs of the Trump administration's controversial policy of separating families at the US-Mexico border after she sparked criticism and confusion when she wore this jacket while in transit to a Texas immigration detention center.

Source: Business Insider 



The jacket inspired similar versions at protests against the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Source: Business Insider



After the jacket incident, Melania took a second trip to the border, which the president said she returned from "really saddened by the plight of the people" at the border.

Source: New York Post



She renewed her commitment to promoting childhood wellness by announcing a trip to Africa, as has been traditional with many first ladies before her.

Source: Business Insider



As the 2018 holiday season came about, Melania plunged into her second year of White House decorating duties.

Source: Business Insider



At Trump's 2019 State of the Union, Melania found herself back in the political spotlight after turning up in black for the speech, sharply contrasting female Democrats who wore white to honor suffragists.

Source: The Washington Post



The first lady showed off her softer side for her second annual solo visit with sick children for Valentine's Day.

Source: Business Insider



The first lady's outfit choice didn't disappoint for her first welcoming ceremony by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Source: US Magazine



While presiding over the all-American July 4 celebration that included military tanks, Melania raised eyebrows when she wore a rainbow dress and shoes instead of the expected red, white, and blue.

Source: The New York Times 



When she visited a field of American flags that represented orphaned children, many of whom lost their parents to the opioid crisis, the first lady added a touching personal side to her patriotic duties.

Source: The Herald-Dispatch




Before he was a billionaire, WeWork CEO Adam Neumann was broke. Here's the NYC building where he and his wife lived in a tiny apartment before he built a $47 billion company

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WeWork CEO Adam Neumann's coworking company is worth $47 billion, but not too long ago, he was broke.

Neumann and his wife, Rebekah, once lived "at 166 2nd Avenue [in New York City] in an apartment smaller than this office," he told Business Insider's Alyson Shontell and Rich Feloni in May 2019.

In July 2019, The Wall Street Journal reported that Neumann had cashed out $700 million from his stake in the company. Neumann reportedly sold some shares and used others as collateral for loans from JPMorgan. He used the money to purchase both private homes and commercial real estate that he then leased to WeWork, according to the Journal. Such transactions are unusual among founders because they can signal a lack of confidence in the company's performance on the market, according to the Journal.

Neumann also set up a family office to manage his new fortune, and named it 166 2nd Financial Services after the building's address, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Today, a studio apartment in the East Village building is renting for $3,098, and the median monthly rent in the neighborhood is $3,150.

Here's a look inside the New York building where Neumann and his wife lived before they were billionaires.

SEE ALSO: How WeWork's CEO manages his ego after going from broke to a billionaire in under 10 years

DON'T MISS: WeWork's CEO explains why he thinks his $47 billion company is recession-proof and how he keeps his ego in check as a young billionaire

WeWork CEO Adam Neumann's coworking company is worth $47 billion and filed to go public in December 2018.

The Israeli-born entrepreneur launched WeWork in 2010 with his wife, Rebekah, and his business partner Miguel McKelvey. Now, it's one of the most valuable companies in the world.

But not too long ago, Neumann was broke.



The WeWork CEO told Business Insider that he and his wife, Rebekah, at one point lived in a tiny apartment at 166 2nd Avenue in New York City.

Neumann didn't specify the year they lived there, but it was likely sometime after 2009, the year he met his wife.



The street level of the building is occupied by a liquor store and a Mediterranean restaurant and hookah lounge, according to Google Maps.

As of August 2018, scaffolding was erected on the front of the building.



The building sits right across the street from St. Mark's Church-In-The-Bowery in Manhattan's East Village, a neighborhood where today's median monthly rent is $3,150.

That's lower than the median rent in Manhattan as a whole, which is $3,325, according to StreetEasy.

In 2010, the East Village's median rental price was about $2,600, as compared to Manhattan's $2,880 at the time.



166 2nd Avenue is a 15-story, pre-war building built in 1929.

It comes with a 24-hour doorman and laundry in the basement, according to the listing.



A studio apartment was listed for $3,098 on May 11, 2019 and is still on the market.

Other studios in the building recently rented for between $2,725 and $3,150, while one-bedrooms have rented for between $4,550 and $4,695, according to StreetEasy.



The studio comes with stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, including a dishwasher.

It's one of 159 units in the building.



The listing describes the apartment as "a perfect mix between elegance and location in Prime East Village."

The apartment was listed with Thomas Perry and Elsa Duarte of Citi Habitats.



Today, Neumann's real-estate holdings are much costlier than a $3,098 studio.

The WeWork CEO bought a Greenwich Village townhouse for $10.5 million in 2014, according to Bisnow. And in 2017, he spent $35 million on property on Gramercy Park, The Real Deal reported.

He and his wife also reportedly own homes in Westchester County and the Hamptons.



The home where the infamous Charles Manson murders took place is on the market for $1.98 million, and the listing agent says it has 'spectacular' views

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The Los Angeles home where Charles Manson's followers murdered Leno and Rosemary LaBianca in 1969 has been listed at $1.98 million.

Now, nearly half a century later, Redfin real-estate agent Robert Giambalvo is hoping prospective homebuyers will overlook its grisly history. 

The house is an "awesome LA home," Giambalvo told Business Insider. He said that its best features are that it's located in Los Feliz, one of Los Angeles' most exclusive neighborhoods, has amazing design details, and offers two panoramic views, which Giambalvo told the Los Angeles Times, are "spectacular."

"It could take you a lifetime to find another home like this," Giambalvo told Business Insider.

Other than a remodeled kitchen and an added carport, the house's structure looks as it did when the murders were committed. In fact, the pink tiles in the bathrooms are believed to date back to the 1920s, according to Giambalvo.

Charles Manson

Giambalvo is confident the two-bedroom home will sell. He told Business Insider that most people who have toured the property aren't put off by the crime.

"The question is, how long is it until something like this becomes ancient news? And I really think we're getting there," Giambalvo told Business Insider.

Read more:The most haunted house in every state

In California, real-estate agents are required by law to disclose any deaths that have occurred in the home within three years, but Giambalvo said he tells everyone who tours the home about the Manson murders because of the crime's notoriety.

Since the home is so popular, those who request a tour have to send Giambalvo a letter from the bank that proves they have the means to purchase it. So far, he's shown the home to about 20 people and rejected around 50 requests.

The Los Feliz home now joins a variety of other famous — and in some cases, notorious — homes currently on the California market. There's Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, which is listed at $31 million, and the iconic Los Angeles mansion from "The Godfather," which is listed at $135 million. Then, of course, there's the array of celebrity homes you can rent, including Harry Houdini's 3,000-square-foot Hollywood Hills estate.

SEE ALSO: 6 celebrity homes you can rent right now, from Harry Houdini's sprawling Hollywood Hills estate to the Brooklyn apartment Biggie Smalls grew up in

DON'T MISS: Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch is on the market for nearly 70% off the original price — here's a look inside the 2,700-acre property with its sprawling mansion and Disney-themed train station

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NOW WATCH: Animated map shows where American accents came from

This $10 purple shampoo is my secret weapon for extending the life of my highlights and keeping my blonde hair from looking brassy

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  • Keeping blonde hair looking blonde can be a hassle. Plenty of things we encounter every day — like chlorine in the pool or mineral impurities in our shower water —can contribute to buildup that makes blonde hair appear yellow.
  • Luckily, there are plenty of products made to banish brassiness and keep blonde hair looking light and bright. 
  • Shimmer Lights (currently $10 for an 16-ounce bottle at Target) is a purple shampoo that uses violet dye to neutralize yellow, brassy color. I've been using it for three years now and it's one of my favorite drugstore products — it's affordable, gets results, and saves me time and money on trips to the hair salon. 

Whether you're born with it or buy it, blonde hair is notorious for needing a lot of attention.

If you've ever colored your hair, you've probably experienced this conundrum. You walk out of the salon with fresh highlights, shining blonde and bright. Then, a few weeks later you look in the mirror and all you can see is yellow.  It's not you — it's your hair. Light color leaves little to the imagination when it comes to showing buildup. A whole host of factors including chlorine, mineral water, and UV rays from the sun, can make blonde hair appear brassy— those dark yellow, orange, and red tones that show up on your strands just after you get highlights. 

Luckily, there are a few easy, affordable ways to keep your blonde looking brighter for longer. Most notably, purple shampoo. If you're looking for a great purple shampoo that's also affordable, you'll probably come across Clairol Shimmer Lights

What is purple shampoo

The name is pretty self-explanatory, but purple shampoo is just that — regular shampoo in a deep purple shade. The active ingredient is a violet dye that neutralizes any yellow, brassy look. If you're wondering "why purple?" just look at the color wheel. Purple and yellow are opposite colors, so purple cancels out the yellow tones. Some call it a toning or color-enhancing treatment. While it's most commonly used for blondes, anyone with colored or gray hair can benefit from the shampoo as well.

There are many brands making purple shampoo, but Clairol's Shimmer Lights is a popular choice among hair stylists and blondes alike. It's affordable — $10 for a 16-ounce bottle— has been around for years, and is deeply pigmented so you'll see results in just a few uses. 

How to use Shimmer Lights 

You can use Shimmer Lights as you would any shampoo, except you should make a few small tweaks. Don't use this shampoo every single day, instead use it like it's a treatment rather than a daily lather. Clairol recommends using it once or twice a week, though you can use more or less frequently based on how your hair reacts. For maximum results, let the shampoo sit for about five minutes before rinsing. You can also add the Clairol Shimmer Lights conditioner to your routine, to amp up the effects. 

There are two main reasons why this should not be part of your everyday routine. One is that the active violet dye in Shimmer Lights is very potent. That's what make it work so well, but if you use it too often it could cause an over-deposit of that deep purple color in your hair.  Secondly, Shimmer Lights contains sulfates. I'll go more into those in a bit, but sulfates can dry out your scalp, so you're better off using them sparingly. 

When I first got my hair highlighted, my stylist recommended Shimmer Lights as a weekly treatment, saying it would help make my color last even longer. I was shocked at how well it worked. My stylist said I would be due for a touch-up appointment in three to four months,  but I ended up waiting six months to get my hair done again — I just used Shimmer Lights every now and then to keep my hair looking blonder for longer. 

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Some things to look out for

When I heard that I should be nixing sulfates from my beauty routine, I start reading the labels on all of my beauty products. I was pretty bummed when I saw that the Shimmer Lights shampoo, one of my most relied-on beauty products, was seemingly ridden with sulfates. Would I have to stop using it?

For me, the answer was no — I still use this product, and I'll tell you why.

Sulfates have gotten a pretty bad rap, but simply put, they're really just what gives your shampoo a soapy, sudsy appearance. Sulfates help remove dirt and debris, which gives you a squeaky clean feel, but can also strip your scalp of oil and moisture. If you're prone to dryness and irritation of the skin, a sulfate shampoo may worsen these symptoms. I have pretty sensitive skin, but I haven't found this shampoo to be too drying for me. I only use it about once or twice a week and I'll throw in a deep conditioner every now and then to keep my hair from getting brittle.

Additionally, if you get hair treatments like a keratin treatment to tame frizz sulfates can strip the treatment from your hair prematurely, so you may want to avoid them. Ultimately, sulfates aren't inherently bad for you, but if you have sensitive skin, dry hair, or have a special hair treatment, a sulfate-free shampoo is probably a better choice. 

Bottom Line

Clairol Shimmer Lights is an easy, affordable way to keep blonde hair looking vibrant and freshly colored — even months after it's been treated. If you're worried about using products with sulfates, there are plenty of sulfate-free purple shampoos out there that are gentler on your skin and strands. If you're on the fence, reach out to a dermatologist or hair stylist you trust to help you make your decision. 

Getting your hair highlighted can be an expensive endeavor, so a treatment like this that extends the life of each coloring really is a lifesaver. If you're looking for a quick brightening boost to banish brassiness from blonde (or brown or gray) hair, you can't go wrong with Shimmer Lights.

Get the Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo, from $10, at Amazon, Target, and Ulta.

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This $1,700 stand-up paddle board and fishing skiff hybrid is my new dream boat for stealthy fly fishing — here's why it's worth the cost

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  • Fishing from a stand-up paddle board can be a wobbly, if not disastrous affair, but Bōte's Rackham AeroBōte stand-up paddle board ($1,699) is stable as can be.
  • It's also inflatable, so transporting it in your car is a cinch, as is checking it onto a flight
  • I tested one out on the grass flats and channels of the Florida Keys while fly fishing, free diving, and lazing, and it's my new favorite fishing SUP (stand-up paddle board).

Fishing from a stand-up paddle board (or "SUP") can be highly productive: You're stealthier, you don't draw nearly as much water as you would in a skiff (or even most kayaks), which means you're able to work your way into skinnier water, and you're kept high and dry, as opposed to wading.

But then, it can also be something of a challenge: Wind and swell are often keeping your balance in check, anchoring (or sitting still) is a chore that either requires a lot of paddling or an actual anchor and something to fix it to, and then there's all your gear, which, at any moment, could end up in the drink.

I've always been cautious when heading out fishing on a SUP. I only bring one fishing rod, a small box of flies, a knife that I keep strapped to me, and maybe I'll bring a water bottle, but only if there's mesh or bungee netting to hold it in place. Otherwise, Keeping tabs on both a water bottle and a fly rod (or balancing them) while trying to paddle gets beyond cumbersome.

There are DIY/jury-rigging solutions to all of this. A pair of bungee cords linked together can make a strap or two, but you have to wrap them around the underside of the board, which creates drag and costs you speed. It's also not the sturdiest thing in the world. You could drill holes into your board, too, but that takes a degree of expertise (and a time commitment) that many of us don't have. It can also get messy, and ugly.

So, there I am, down in the Florida Keys, enduring my normal struggles with outfitting a regular SUP for fishing, when a couple showed up in the rental property next door and inflated their Bōte Rackham inflatable paddleboard. "What's that?" I asked, cunningly (I knew full well what it was).

They explained, excitedly, and invited me to try it out. I politely declined, but when they brought out a pitcher of margaritas well before what most of us would deem happy hour (no judgments), I figured I was safe to steal the thing for a while.

I took it for a quick paddle to see how it handled, and how comfortable I was with bringing two fly rods, snorkeling gear, and a camera out with me, and my apprehensions were quickly assuaged. I found that I could confidently stand right on the rails (edges), rock back and forth, perch on the nose, strap all my gear down securely, and, if a bit of swell or boat wake challenged me, there was the grab rail, ever-ready and shockingly sturdy, considering that it's only resting in two ports on the deck of an inflatable paddleboard.

I loaded the board with everything I needed (and more) quickly, and surprisingly tidily. (Editor's note: Owen is not, by nature, tidy.)

Off I went, over the bounding main, as it were.

Specs

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First of all, at a lengthy 12 feet, 4 inches, this SUP really is bordering on a boat, and nearly as stable as one (much more so than a kayak or canoe). The only way I fell off was by trying to navigate around the lean post, which was a stupid thing to do, frankly. But trial by fire, right?

Accessorizing the Rackham ends only with your imagination. There are D-rings, bungees, and Velcro galore. Conveniently placed handles make portages (and dragging it up the beach) a breeze, while an airplane-ready storage bag cinches the whole thing down so you can take it just about anywhere.

The non-slip deck is a no-brainer, but I must add that it feels notably pleasant under bare feet, and the optional lean post makes for a surprisingly comfortable full day on the water. The Rackham is also cooler- or bucket-ready, so you can take a seat, too. I opted to leave mine on the beach for no good reason at all, other than that I thought I'd want the open deck space. In the end, there was plenty, and it would have not only been nice to have a seat but a place to stash and keep a few drinks and snacks chilled.

The lean post is also a nice addition to have underway. It stores fishing rods, and, again, helps you take a little load off while you're paddling or poling along.

The Rackham comes with an adjustable three-piece paddle, which is lightweight and quickly stores in a paddle sheath near the bow for getting your hands free quickly, which I loved when spotting a fish. I don't know how many times I've bent down or turned around to drop my paddle only to spook the fish I was stalking with the loud clank of it hitting the rails of a kayak or the deck of a SUP. This feature should not go overlooked.

Nor should the push pole, which boaters in shallow water use to push along in lieu of a paddle. The brand calls it a "Sandspear" (though keep in mind that it's not included). I'd never thought that a push pole would make all that much sense with a paddleboard, but cruising the sand and grass flats made it pretty clear that I could cover twice as much water with far more stealth than with a paddle. You can also add on a little sheath for the push pole 

So much of the above rings up a cringe-worthy price tag, I know. But keep in mind that boats are far more expensive, and if you want a functional, portable, and comfortable fishing SUP, it's going to cost you one way or another, especially if you're not building it yourself. The advantage here is that it's still the fraction of a flats boat, and you can kit it out as you go along, when and where your budget allows. Stripped down, it's still a fun and fishable board, and you'll enjoy the little improvements you make along the way all that much more.

On the water

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Getting off of the beach, my first appreciation of the way the Rackham AeroBōte is outfitted is the fact that it accommodates both a push pole (pictured above, sold separately) like any good flats skiff would, and a paddle (included). Often when we're in shallow water, it's much easier and quicker to get where we're going by poling along, rather than paddling. It's also the tool you use to stop the board when you want to hold your position, and there are several points on the board so that you can position yourself based on the wind, tide, and/or fish you're eying.

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The Rackham AeroBōte is also highly customizable. There are plenty of velcro tabs and D-rings around the boat to secure most anything that needs securing. The brand also sells a matching bucket cooler that works well as a seat, or you could fit in your own little hard cooler or bucket just the same.

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The deck pad is made with a grippy, multi-textured foam which the brand calls BVA, which felt very similar to EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam. At any rate, I never slipped once, even when I got a bit of water onboard.

And yes, I'm comfortably seated here; with a cushion, or better yet with your life jacket on (as it always out to be), the lean post also makes for a great backrest when it comes time to take a load off and give your arm a break from casting. Still, a bucket or cooler might've been nicer. Then again, it was nice having my legs and feet stretched out.

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Later on in the day, I started spotting lobsters in the grass. Poling along in search of bonefish, whenever I spotted a pair of antennas, I could jab the pole into the sand and slide my mask on with a couple of quick motions, slip into the water, and approach my prey. And, thanks to the silence of the board and a pole to hold me in place instead of a clanging metal anchor, the poor little buggers were none the wiser.

Sight-fishing for bonefish quickly turned into something of an aqueous easter egg hunt, and before long, I had dinner for myself and the family. By this point, I was really starting to like the Rackham, for many obvious reasons. And then some pesky little voice began to pounder into one of my ears: "Would those drunken (if kind) souls who lent it to me ever notice if it went missing?"

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No, no, I brought it back after all.

The bottom line

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Sure, a full-sized skiff can accommodate more than one person, and the Rackham AeroBōte isn't cheap, but if you like to fish, and you live anywhere near a good, calm fishing hole, fresh or salt, there's nothing better for your skinny (or backwater) adventuring. And, if you want to step it up a bit further, Bōte also offers the Rover Aero Classic, a stouter, micro-skiff-stand-up-paddle-board hybrid that's outboard-engine-ready.

If I ever end up with my beach- or marsh-front dream house, the Rackham, if not the Rover Aero Classic will be my very first purchase. And, if I manage to scrape up some extra dough beforehand, it might just save me a small fortune on charter and rental boat fees every time I fly somewhere to fish.

Pros: Stable, maneuverable, and the most customizable, comfortable fishing SUP I've ever tried; comes in camo for hunting

Cons: Expensive; paddle, push pole, lean post, and all other accessories sold separately; not fit for surfing

Bōte Rackham AeroBōte Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board, available on Amazon for $1,699

Buy the Bõte Sand Spear 8-foot Pole from Moosejaw for $119.95

Buy the Bōte Tackle Rac Paddleboard attachment from REI for $200

Shop all Bōte stand-up paddle boards and accessories at REI, Moosejaw, or Amazon

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How to delete books from your iPad's Books or Kindle app, and free up space on your device

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  • You might eventually need to know how to delete books from your iPad if you've downloaded many of them onto your device. 
  • After you're done reading a book, you can delete it from the iPad, and it will remain in your account and stored in iCloud, so you can download it again later. 
  • Here's how to delete books from your iPad in both the Books and Kindle apps. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When it comes to reading, you have a lot of options on your iPad, though the most common ones are Apple's Books app and Amazon's Kindle app. 

Once you're done reading a title, you can keep it on your iPad in case you want to read it again later, or delete it to recover storage space. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPad (From $309 at Apple)

How to delete books from the iPad's Books app

1. Start the Books app.

2. Tap "Library" in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen. 

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3. Find the book you want to delete from your iPad

  • If you see a single cover, tap the three dots below it. 

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  • If the book is part of a series (you see a stack of books rather than a single cover), tap the cover to open the series and then tap the three dots.

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4. In the pop-up menu, tap "Remove…"

5. Confirm you want to delete it by tapping "Remove Download."

How to delete books from the iPad's Kindle app

1. Start the Kindle app.

2. Tap "Library" in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen. To see only the books stored on your iPad, tap "Downloaded" at the top of the screen. 

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3. Find the book you want to delete from your iPad, then tap and hold the cover. 

4. In the pop-up menu, tap "Remove from Device."

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Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best iPads you can buy

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The best sheets you can buy for your bed

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  • Few would deny that at the end of a long, hard day, sliding into a comfortable bed outfitted with soft, smooth sheets that pamper your skin is one of life's greatest pleasures.
  • After reviewing dozens of contenders for the best sheets, our top pick is the 280-thread-count Pima Cotton Percale Sheets from L.L. Bean.
  • Crisp, cool, and comfortable against your skin, these sheets make bedtime a treat.

To get the best sleep possible, we invest in the best mattresses and pillows that our budgets allow. But the journey to dreamland doesn't just stop there: You need quality bed linens too. Because why buy an expensive mattress and then only to ruin the experience with inferior bedding.

Besides, we spend nearly a third of our lifespan sleeping on our beds, so why wouldn't you want the best sheets possible? Not only do you want something soft and comfortable, but you also want something that's durable and can hold up to washes. So we've made it easy for you: We checked out all the top buying websites, listened to opinions from bed sheet buyers, and tried sheets ourselves to compile our list of the best bed sheet sets you can buy.

Here are the best sheets for your bed in 2019:

Updated on 07/19/2019 by Les Shu: Added new linen (MagicLinen), Supima (Casper), and budget (Home Essentials) picks.

Read on to check out the top picks for our favorite sheets.

A note on thread count and weave

Thread count: Higher isn't always better

When it's time to buy sheets, many people simply assume that the higher the thread count, the better, and make their choice based on this feature alone. While it's true that thread count (a measurement of how many threads run vertically and horizontally in one square inch of fabric) is important, it turns out that there's another factor that plays a bigger part in sheet comfort: type of fabric.

In fact, according to Consumer Reports, there's no reason to pay extra for sheets with a thread count over 400, but it is worth your while to spend a little more on sheets made from the best kinds of cotton: Pima, Egyptian, or Supima. These long-fiber cotton weave into the softest, most comfortable sheets.

What about weave?

Weave is also important when it comes to choosing sheets you'll love. There are two basic weaves: percale and sateen.

  • Percale sheets have the same number of combed, tightly woven threads running horizontally and vertically. If you prefer sheets with a slightly crisp, cool feel, this is the weave to choose. Percale sheets are durable and strong, standing up to repeated washing even in hot water. Look for a thread count between 200 and 400 for lightweight sheets, 400 to 600 if you prefer more weight.
  • Sateen sheets (not the same as satin, which is a fabric, not a weave) have more threads running vertically than horizontally, creating fabric with a slight sheen and a very soft, silky feel. Sateen sheets are generally more delicate than percale bedding, and more likely to pill or come apart in the wash. Still, if you crave the silkiest feel against your skin, this is the weave for you. Thread counts between 300 and 600 are the sweet spot for softness and strength.


The best sheets overall

L.L. Bean's wonderfully smooth 280-thread-count Pima Cotton Percale Sheets are durable, comfortable, and just the right weight to give you sweet dreams all year round.

Woven from 100% Pima cotton for the smoothest, softest, make-you-want-to-wiggle feel, L.L. Bean struck gold with its highly rated percale sheet set. As with all percale sheets, these have just a bit of a "crisp" finish, which feels nice and cool against your skin. They are the perfect weight for summer, and unless you live in a very cold climate or prefer to switch to heavier winter sheets, they are cozy enough for the colder months with the addition of a heavier blanket or comforter.

When you toss them in your washing machine and dryer, the sheets come out fresh, unwrinkled, and ready to coax you into the land of Nod. Sized to fit over mattresses up to 15 inches thick, these cotton sheets won't slip or slide as you sleep, and they hold firm to the mattress. They are available in seven basic colors, although alas, no brights. There are a few prints, as well.

L.L. Bean shoppers praise these sheets for their refusal to pill, long life, and wrinkle resistance. Quite a few customers commented that they have purchased several sets of the L.L Bean sheets, and a common remark was, "These are the only sheets I'll buy."

Professional reviewers agree. We chose these sheets as our top pick in our guide to the best cotton sheetsIn our testing, these sheets had a soft hand feel right out of the packaging and they were cool and soft to sleep on.

We're not the only ones who think the sheets are great. The Wirecutter has chosen the L.L. Bean 280-thread-count Percale Sheets as its number one choice three years running, saying these sheets offer a "superior cool feel at a great price." The Wirecutteradded that its experts love L.L. Bean's lifetime guarantee, meaning you can return the sheets at any time for any reason.

Consumer Search is another review website that picked the L.L. Bean sheets as its top pick, saying the sheets are "ideal for lovers of crisp, 'old-school' cotton sheets." The reviewer did comment that some buyers felt the sheets were a bit too rough, however, although they do get softer the more they are washed.

Pros: Smooth, crisp feel, durability, reasonable price

Cons: Only fit mattresses up to 15 inches thick, no bright colors, few prints



The best luxury sheets

If you take your sleep comfort seriously, the pampering touch and good looks of Brooklinen's Luxe Sheets will have you sleeping like a baby.

Started as a Kickstarter project in 2014, Brooklinen has quickly soared to the heights of success, due to its reasonable prices for high-quality bedding. Luxe Sheets start with the best long-fiber cotton, which is woven into single-ply yarn for the finest, yet softest threads. This also means that the finished thread count of 480 is the true number; many other manufacturers weave lower quality, three-ply yarn into their sheets, then use this trick to inflate their thread count.

Brooklinen's Luxe Collection is a sateen weave, with a soft-as-the-clouds feel. Because sateen is woven more tightly than percale, you'll find these sheets cozy and warm, with a soothingly "heavy" feel that many sleepers love. In fact, Ellen Hoffman, the director of content strategy for the Insider Picks team, has been sleeping on these sheets for more than three years, and reports that they are "hands down the best sheets I've ever put on my bed."

She washes her Brooklinen sheets every two weeks and hasn't experienced a degradation in quality; in fact, she says they've softened with time and, thankfully, don't hold on to stains. Her white sheet set has not yellowed after frequent washings either. Overall, Ellen's sheets are in great condition (no rips or tears, no stains, etc.) after years of use, which is comforting to hear given their higher price. 

Brooklinen customers echo our teammate's words, with most saying they loved the softness of the sheets, which increases every time they are washed. As a bonus, the sheets' wrinkle-resistance improves with each wash, as well. And, by the way, you can do that washing in your machine, then either line-dry your bedding or use your dryer on low heat.

The buzz doesn't stop there. Brooklinen has received positive press all over the web, with InStyle saying, "In order to design beautiful, affordable, and ridiculously comfortable sheets, Brooklinen co-founders Rich and Vicki simply focus on quality and manufacturing responsibly." Vogue writes, "the allure of this brand is certainly its technique and use of long-staple Egyptian cotton, which produces sheets and comforters that are softer than most."

Brooklinen currently offers the Luxe Sheets in seven solid colors, along with patterns like stripes and grids. It also frequently releases limited-editor colors and patterns. You can even mix and match colors or patterns within a sheet set, which is definitely a unique perk. The sheets fit mattresses up to 15 inches thick, so be sure to measure before ordering.

Pros: Super soft, high quality, mix-and-match sheet sets

Cons: Expensive, best if line-dried



The best linen sheets

Having tested many linen sheets, we found MagicLinen's to be best because of the wide range of colors and an option for thicker mattresses, and they age beautifully.

If linen is your bedsheet material of choice, the best is from MagicLinen. The Lithuanian company may be a little-known brand, but its sheets rival those from established players in terms of price and quality. That's because linen is the only fabric the company works with.

As a linen sheets aficionado who has tested many, Insider Picks' editor Sally Kaplan swears by MagicLinen. Why linen? It's cozy, cooling, and keeps one from sweating through the night, she said. 

One problem with linen sheets, she said, is that there are few options for deeper mattresses. She found that linen sheets have "constant bunching and corner flipping." But this is something MagicLinen addresses: Besides the 16 color and pattern options, there's a "deep" option for thicker mattresses.

Brand new, the sheets won't feel as soft as you might expect. However, over time, they will get softer. After many washes, instead of ripping apart, the MagicLinen sheets only "ages as gracefully as Meryl Streep," she said. "I'm wary of linen sheets that come to me super silky right out of the bag because that's often a sign that they were treated with chemical conditioners and softeners. MagicLinen is stonewashed — a softening process that's completely natural and nontoxic — and Okeo-tex certified, meaning they're not processed with any harmful chemicals."

Incredibly, the sheets are hand-cut and sewn, yet the company has managed to keep prices competitive. If you end up loving these sheets as much as she does, MagicLinen also makes other products, like curtains and tablecloths. — Les Shu

Read Insider Picks' review of MagicLinen sheets.

Pros: Soft, ages well, comes in many colors and patterns, "deep" option for thick mattresses, natural and nontoxic 

Cons: Not the softest right out of the bag



The best Supima sheets

You don't need to own a Casper mattress to get the benefits of  Cool Supima Sheet Set and Duvet Cover. Woven from one of the best cotton on the market, these sheets are worth their price.

Supima is considered one of the highest quality of cotton you can find. It's a trademark for US-grown cotton with "extra-long staple fiber that gives the cotton its premium properties: strength, softness, and color retention," according to the organization the licenses its name. While the origin of most cotton is difficult to trace, Supima is strictly regulated and represents only 1% of the world's cotton. Which is what makes Casper's Cool Supima sheets so unique and so comfortable.

Insider Picks reporter Connie Chen tested the Cool Supima sheets and duvet cover, as well as Casper's pillow. "After many nights of great sleep, I can now count (Casper's) bedding products among my favorites." Overall, she thought the sheets were cool and crisp, and the duvet cover was weighty and well-designed.

The elastic of the fitted sheet is rubberized, which makes gripping onto the mattress more effective and prevents them from pulling off. The may seem bigger than normal during the first use, but that's to account for a 2% shrink factor — a couple of washes should bring them down in size.

Supima cotton gives the sheets a "longer-lasting, piling-resistant, and comfortable sheets that are certainly worth the investment," she said. "The percale weave is what gives the sheets their crisp, cool feel. They're perfect for the summer and warmer climates, or if you tend to overheat in your sleep."

The duvet cover is equally comfortable. Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks' director of content strategy, praised the "superior design details that solve for the annoying inconveniences of typical duvet covers." If the quilt shifts around inside, there are hidden openings that let you easily readjust. It has a good weight, but not so heavy that it overwhelms.

In terms of price, the sheets are reasonable. "At $140, its Cool Supima queen-sized sheet set sits between the value-focused Brooklinen and $200-plus options from Parachute, Boll & Branch, and Snowe, so purely based on price, it seemed to strike a good balance," Connie said. — Les Shu

Read Insider Picks' review of Casper Cool Supima sheets and duvet cover.

Pros: Made from high-quality US-grown cotton, cool and crisp, well designed, rubberized elastic

Cons: Does not fit deeper mattresses



The best sheets in fun colors and patterns

Crane & Canopy makes beautiful, silky soft sheets in tons of fun patterns and colors.

Crane & Canopy is a startup that began selling easy-to-use duvet covers in 2012. Since then, the company has branched out into sheets, comforters, pillows, blankets, towels, washcloths, and more. We tried a set of sheets from Crane & Canopy and we loved them. Not only are the sheets silky smooth and soft straight out of the package, they also come in several fun prints and colors.

If you're bored with solid colors and your pile of white sheets, you'll enjoy looking through Crane & Canopy's selection. You can get polka dots, stripes, herringbone, embroidery, and other unique prints that look different from your run of the mill chevron. There are also fun solid colors like coral and lilac as well as more traditional shades like cream, white, gray, and blue.

We tried the gray striped 300-thread count cotton sheet set on our bed, and it felt amazingly soft right out of the package. The fitted sheet is generous in size so you don't feel like you're running out of fabric when it comes time to tuck it in under your mattress. The stripes look classic and cool, especially with a fun bright blanket and pillowcases on the bed for contrast.

Crane & Canopy gives you the option to buy a set with one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases or you can buy each piece on its own. It's nice to have the option because sometimes you just don't need more pillowcases or flat sheets, but you do need a new fitted sheet to fit a new mattress or what have you.

All the sheets are made from long-staple cotton or Belgian linen, and the company's bedding is Oeko-Tex certified, so you know your sheets are free from strange chemicals. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Super soft out of the package, fun colors and prints, can buy as sets or as individual pieces, decent price, long-staple cotton

Cons: Tad pricey for budget buyers



The best flannel sheets

Cozy as a hug and warm as a sweater, the Pinzon Heavyweight Velvet Flannel Sheets are the perfect accompaniment to your cold-weather Zzz's.

When Old Man Winter starts nipping at your nose, it's time to break out the flannel sheets. The Pinzon Heavyweight Velvet Flannel Sheets will keep you sleeping cozy, and the great price won't have you waking up in a cold sweat.  

Made from 100% combed cotton, these sheets are crafted in Portugal, and have a double-napped, velvety soft finish. Flannel sheets are not rated in thread count, but rather, in ounces per square yard. The sweet spot for high-quality flannel sheets is 5 to 6 ounces per square yard, and at 5.6 ounces, these are perfect. The weight adds to the coziness, giving you a snug feeling that Amazon buyers loved. They're very soft, as well, and just plain feel good against your skin.

One caution: While the Pinzon sheets are very durable, and resist pilling or ripping, quite a few Amazon buyers did complain that the sheets shed for the first few washes, so you might want to send your set through several washing machine cycles before making up your bed for the first time.

There are eight colors to choose from, but no patterns. The Pinzon sheets fit mattresses up to 18-inches thick but are only available for queen and California king sizes.

Pros: Cozy, soft warmth at a great price

Cons: Some shedding, not available for twin or full mattresses



The best organic cotton sheets

If organic cotton and Fair Trade standards are important to you, the Boll & Branch Signature Soft Solid Hemmed Sheet Sets will help you sleep easy.

Boll & Branch's sateen sheets are made from 300-thread-count long-staple organic cotton, which makes them an unusual find since only 2% of the world's cotton is considered organic. Beyond that, they're both GOTS certified (the whole manufacturing process is considered organic) and Fair Trade certified, which means they hit standards for ethical wages and working conditions.

If that alone doesn't make you feel good about the sheets, the quality of the fabric will convince you. We found them to be super soft and silky to the touch.

Boll & Branch's sheets were also top pick at the Good Housekeeping textile labs, where testers found that the sheets keep their generous sizing even after washing. Although they're more expensive than other sheets, many owners consider the sheets a luxury that's worth it.

The sheets are available in nine tasteful colors and have a 17-inch deep pocket to accommodate taller mattresses. Boll & Branch sells the sheets in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king sizes. These sheets can returned for a full refund within 30 days. — Ayn-Monique Klahre

Pros: Super-soft, organic, good color range, 17-inch-deep pocket, more size options

Cons: Slightly less soft and breathable than other brands



The best modal bed sheets

If you crave the softness of silk without the diva-level fuss and bother silk demands, you'll love the feel of Pure Beech's Modal Sateen Sheets.

Modal is another fairly new addition to the bed sheet scene, and like bamboo, it's quickly rising in popularity. Also like bamboo, modal is a form of rayon. It starts with beechwood chips, which are dissolved into pulp, dried, and then spun into thread. The resulting material is extremely soft, resists shrinking, fading, or discoloring, and breathes quite well. Modal tends to resist pilling and is very durable.

Pure Beech specializes in modal sheets, and the Modal Sateen Sheets are remarkably soft and breathe well, remaining cool even on hot summer nights.

Bed, Bath and Beyond sells the Pure Beech sheets, and buyers there are quite pleased with them. With more than 500 reviews, the sheets have an average of 4.4 stars. Reviewers mention that these are the softest, most luxurious sheets they have ever owned, and many also comment that the sheets resist wrinkling and remain cool throughout the night.

On the downside, several buyers mentioned that the sheets did not last as long as they expected, and ripped or shredded after just a year or two of use. The problem may well lie in the sheet's care. Unlike cotton, modal must be washed in cold water and dried on low — not subjected to the high temperatures that cotton tolerates.

The Pure Beech Modal Sateen Sheets are 400 thread count, fit mattresses up to 16 inches thick, and are available in ten colors for twin through California king beds.

Pros: Extremely soft, resist fading or shrinking, don't pill or become scratchy, good selection of colors

Cons: Need to be washed and dried on cool settings, may weaken or tear otherwise



The best microfiber sheets

The Brushed Microfiber Sheets from Brooklyn Bedding offer comfort and durability at an affordable price, so you can have luxuriously soft sheets on a budget.

Brooklyn Bedding made its first appearance in the bedding industry with mattresses crafted in the US and sold directly to shoppers for a more affordable price. This company was one of the first to become a part of the bed-in-a-box industry. Since then, the product line has expanded to include sheets and pillows.

I tested the Brushed Microfiber Sheets, and was immediately impressed with how soft they felt right out of the package. These aren't the type of sheets you'll have to wash multiple times to "break in." I also liked that they didn't feel too thin. These are durable sheets that hold up well in the wash, and I've washed and dried them multiple times with no issues.

They come out of the dryer feeling as soft as they did when I first took them out of the packaging. These aren't as prone to wrinkling as cotton or bamboo-derived sheets tend to be, which is great if you're like me and you tend to procrastinate when it comes to folding your laundry.

The Brooklyn Bedding Bushed Microfiber sheets are made from 100% polyester, constructed with a tight weave that lends to their soft feel. Surprisingly, these sheets do have a lower thread count at 300, but in my experience, this didn't affect the quality at all. Thanks to the material used, I also like that they won't have you sleeping too warm. They have a durable feel, but they don't trap in heat during the night.

These fit our Saatva mattress perfectly, but if you do have a thinner mattress, you may find that they are a little roomier than you'd like, causing them to slip around a bit. If you're unsure, Brooklyn Bedding offers a 30-night trial, so you can return them no questions asked if you find you don't like them.

With the comfort, high-quality feel, and durability these sheets offer, I was especially impressed with their affordable price. Other reviewers are equally pleased with the quality and price of the Brooklyn Bedding Brushed Microfiber sheets.

One Brooklyn Bedding owner wrote, "Lightweight, a perfect fit on my queen bed, great color and soft to the touch. Additionally, the price was unbeatable!" 

When it comes to size and options, there are plenty with these sheets. You can choose from 6 different solid colors, and they're available in a wide range of sizes, from Twin to California King, so you can find the perfect fit for your bed. — Kylie Joyner

Pros: Soft and comfortable, durable, affordable, color options available, come with a 120-night trial and one year warranty for extra peace of mind

Cons: May be a bit roomy on thinner mattresses



The best budget sheets

The Room Essentials Jersey Sheet Set comes with a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases. Made out of a cotton-poly blend, the jersey fabric is so warm, comfortable, and soft, you may not need a blanket.

For less than $50, this Jersey Sheet Set from Room Essentials gives you all the sheets you need. Made of 100% cotton (solid colors) or 50-50 cotton-poly blend, the sheets have that worn-in feel of a nice T-shirt.

These sheets are recommended by Insider Picks' SEO fellow, Shalom Goodman. "I was brought up with rough sheets, but now I don't think I could go back to that," he said. "There's just a cozy feeling about it."

The top sheet is so warm that he has even foregone the use of a comforter. And, he likes the stretchiness of the fabric, which makes the fitted sheet easy to tuck into the mattress. One downside is that they take a while to dry after washing. — Les Shu

Pros: Soft and warm, stretchy fabric easy to put on, top sheet can sub for a blanket, affordable

Cons: Jersey may not appeal to everyone, longer to dry



Check out our other great bedding guides

The best mattresses you can buy

A great mattress can be the difference between a good night's sleep that results in a productive day or a horrible night that makes you feel like you didn't sleep at all.

Here are our top picks for the best mattress you can buy


The best mattresses for side sleepers

Finding the perfect mattress is tough for side sleepers. We've done the research and some testing to find the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Regardless of which one you choose from our favorites, though, we're confident that you'll get a good night's sleep. And if you find that these mattresses don't work for you, rest assured that they come with a sleep trial so you can take these beds for a test run before making a long-term commitment.

Here are the best mattresses for side sleepers:


The best mattresses for back pain

If you've suffered long enough with back pain, it's time to wake up to the advantages of a supportive, quality mattress.

Choosing a new mattress can be a chore, however, there's no doubt about it. There are a lot of brands on the market, and a good mattress can be quite expensive. Luckily, we're here to help. We've done the research for you and rounded up the best mattresses to help relieve back pain.

Here are the best mattresses for back pain:


The best mattress toppers

Although a mattress topper isn't a must-have for your bed, it's one of the easiest ways to up your sleep quality and comfort. We researched dozens of mattress toppers and determined that these are our favorites:


The best pillows

A good pillow means a good night's sleep. We reviewed dozens of pillows to narrow down the choices to the ones you'll love best. Here are our top picks:

Here are the best pillows you can buy:


The best duvet covers you can buy

Your cozy down-filled duvet needs a stylish cover to keep it clean and add some spice to your bedroom's décor. Here are our favorites:


The best bed frames you can buy

Your bed is not only the highlight of your bedroom, it's the only furniture you spend 33% of your life on. Here are the Insider Picks:

Here are our top picks for the best bed frame:


The best flannel sheets you can buy

Flannel sheets are warm, soft, and cozy for cold nights during the fall and winter months.

These five picks are the best-reviewed flannel sheets on the market, chosen because they are beloved by both experts and everyday shoppers. All of them will give you a warm and cozy sleepytime experience — without the uncomfortable trial-and-error period.

Here are the best flannel sheets you can buy:



Calling all app developers: We want to know what your job is really like

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Mobile app developer

  • App developers: Business Insider wants to know what your job is really like.
  • From advice for getting your apps featured in Apple's App Store to the best and worst parts of your job, we want to hear about it all.
  • Take our survey to help us give our readers a deep dive into the world of app development. You can choose to remain anonymous.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. 

Calling all app developers: Business Insider wants to hear from you!

Over the past decade, apps have revolutionized everything from the way we get around to how we communicate, send payments, and book doctors appointments. With that in mind, it's no wonder that the most in-demand job of 2019 is mobile app developer, which has growth outlook of 31% through 2024 according to CareerCast.

We want to give our readers a deeper dive into the world of app development, from what it's like to get your app approved to advice for having your app featured in the App Store and the best way to get a job in the field. What better way to learn about it than by hearing from the people who have gone through it themselves?

We want to know the best and worst parts of your job as well as everything in between. What does an average day look like for you?

Share your thoughts with us in this brief survey. We can keep your answers anonymous if you prefer — just be sure to check off that option near the end of the form. If we use your answers, we will be reaching out to you for additional details. 

 

SEE ALSO: These are the social media platforms teens are ditching in 2019

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's why phone companies like Verizon and AT&T charge more for extra data


There's a reason legendary butcher Pat LaFreida endorsed this $1,200 at-home overhead grill — I've been using it, and there's simply no better way to cook meat, pizza, or fish

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  • The $1,200 Otto Wilde OFB Grill is my new favorite cooking appliance. I've seared steak, blackened calamari, grilled vegetables, whole-fried fish, and outdone every pizza joint in the borough of Brooklyn (*dodges rotten tomato*), all within a tiny corner of my backyard.
  • It's a highly simple, yet powerful overhead broiler that approaches infernal temperatures, right in the comfort of your own backyard (or very, very well ventilated kitchen).
  • The Otto Wilde OFB Grill is even endorsed by legendary butcher Pat LaFrieda. I spoke with him about why this grill earned his signature of approval. "Do you see how hot this thing gets?" was his resounding response. "You just can't get this at home."
  • The price of Otto Wilde's OFB (Over-Fired Broiler) might put you off at first, but consider the cost of a good propane (or even charcoal) grill and a pizza oven, and you're already easily at the $1,200 mark.

Otto Wilde's OFB (Over-Fired Broiler) is a consumer-sized, restaurant-grade overhead grill (also known as a "sally" or salamander grill, finishing grill, or hotel grill) that gets up to a scorching 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. It's mainly designed for cooking and finishing steak, which is why it's one of the only grills ever to earn an endorsement from legendary meat man Pat LaFrieda, who provides meat to some of the United States' finest restaurants and steakhouses.

If you've spent any time in the restaurant industry, you know exactly what a sally is, and exactly what it does. But if you don't have the slightest clue, it's a highly simple, yet powerful appliance that approaches infernal temperatures, right in the comfort of your own backyard (or very well ventilated kitchen).

Yes, the $1,200 price is shock-inducing, but let's get that out of the way, right out front. How much are you willing to spend on a propane grill for your backyard? And do you have any interest in owning a pizza oven, at least someday? An average propane grill is going to run you at least a few hundred dollars, and a pizza oven will easily set you back $800 to start (though the sky's the limit with both). Between a fairly inexpensive grill and a bottom-of-the-line pizza oven, you're already at the price of this Over-Fired Broiler.

I spent all winter sampling the fruits of Pat LaFrieda's signature Otto Wilde OFB Grill after LaFrieda himself gave me the rundown outside of his sandwich shop at The Pennsy Food Hall at Pennsylvania Plaza.

Pat LaFrieda explains why, for the first time, he chose to endorse a grill

When Otto Wilde first approached meat purveyor Pat LaFrieda, his immediate reaction, he told me, was something along the lines of "Oh no, not another grill pitch." And, frankly, when I received a similar presentation from the brand, I thought the same: 'I'm not paying $1,200 for that tiny little oven, and neither would anyone with any good sense.' But when you witness how unbelievably hot this grill gets, your mind (or at least mine) gets to conjuring up imagery of crispy T-bones, crackly salmon skin, and perfectly blackened calamari steaks, along with other delightfully crunchy textures you once deemed unachievable at home.

Yes, whether we realize it or not, the salamander grill is often the very reason many of us dine out when we want a steak. Achieving 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit is difficult without a restaurant-grade grill (or an incinerator), and while it may be unnecessary for most culinary adventures, this is, definitively, a meat eater's grill. If you're looking to get the best possible sear on your steak, you can't really do much better. It does excel elsewhere, but more on that later.



Getting the most out of your grill: Setup, cleaning, and maintenance are a cinch.

The age-old salamander or overhead grill (or broiler) — possibly named after old folklore around dragons and lizards wielding fire, but who knows — is the very reason your steak crust and fish skin seem so impossibly crispy when you dine out. And at last, 1,500-degree Fahrenheit heat is safely available to the home cook at a (relatively) affordable price. Yes, there have been other iterations of the consumer-scaled salamander (or "sally", for short), but everything I've found has either been too small or too expensive (I'm talking over $2,000).

The Otto Wilde OFB grill comes more or less assembled, which you may take for an exceptional luxury if you've ever had to assemble a large propane grill before. Just make sure you find the small brass adapter piece as you're unboxing. You'll need this to attach the hose for your propane tank.

Otherwise, all you really have to do is place the top unit on top (no fastening required) and slide in the cast iron grate (the company also offers a stainless steel grate, if you prefer)

Preheating the Otto Wilde takes all of three minutes. Reminder: This thing gets up to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is most certainly a temperature that no part of the human body should ever encounter. Go ahead and try this at home, but keep the kids and pets away, and don't leave it unattended.

One of my favorite things about this grill is the drip tray, which not only helps keep your food from drying out (just like a smoker) but also makes cleanup a cinch. Just let the grill cool down and pull the tray out to wash it (it's dishwasher safe).



The grilling process

This is a delicate balance. First, preheat your grill for about five minutes; it doesn't take long and it's worth the wait.

The key, as with any grilling endeavor, is not to torch whatever you're cooking. Different cuts of meat (or any other type of food) are going to respond to different temperatures and their proximity to the flames above. The good thing about the heat that the Otto Wilde OFB puts out is that it's infrared, so you don't have out-of-control flames blaring, nor do you have much likelihood of a grease fire. Most importantly, though: This is a thrilling piece of equipment to use. Play around and have fun. 



Adjusting the grate height

With the "Meat-O-Meter," you can raise and lower the grate height respective of whatever it is you're cooking. It's self-explanatory but useful. There's also a clamp so you can adjust it and/or secure it more easily depending on how much weight you've placed on the grate.



Are there many (if any) more magnificent sights on this marvelous earth?

Love or hate the tomahawk steak, you can't deny that this is a thing of beauty. While the Otto Wilde will handle a lean cut like a filet, it prefers something with a formidable fat content, like a ribeye, or this tomahawk steak. That's how you get an evenly sealed, crispy, golden crust like you see above.



Heaven is a place...

Sure, you can do alright with any old cast iron and a good gas stove with a finish in the oven at 450 degrees, but you will never quite get this.



Filet mignon, post-fire

The filets were markedly drier than the fattier tomahawk steaks, at least on the outside. That's due to the lower fat content, as the filet mignon is almost pure muscle. Still, they held up on the inside (see next slide).

One trick I've found for keeping the juice on the inside is preheating a cast iron pan or skillet beforehand and then cooking the filet in that, which keeps what little precious fat in the cut from ending up in the drip tray.



Sliced filet mignon

There's a lot more of a gray area between the crust and the core on this filet, and none of the golden-brown caramelization that happens with fattier cuts.  All in all, I'd be a fool to say that I wasn't pleased with this deftly cooked and presented banquet, but one could argue that you might achieve the same results with a skillet on a stove.



Also, a burger for the ages

If you like your burgers as rare as you can get them, this is your grill, too. And unlike with a filet, it will far outdo any stovetop or grill.



Salivate away, fellow meat lovers

We all know the man, the myth, and the legend that is Pat LaFrieda. This is exactly where he, his meat, his artistic vision, and yes, his signature grill, shine.



Did I mention that it cooks more than meat?

You can cook or finish just about anything on the Otto Wilde OFB.

One of our favorite things to cook on it, though, has to be pizza. This one, made from scratch at the masterful hands of my dear roommate, was done in 40 seconds flat. We may have rushed our pizzas a little at the start though. After a bit of trial and (only mild) error, I'd recommend turning the grill down to about two-thirds to one-half of its full power and a Neopolitan-style pizza will be done within two minutes, tops.



There's almost nothing you can't do with this grill and a cast iron pan

I've been placing the cast iron in the Otto Grill for thinks that might dry out or fall apart, but anything you'd like to grill at high heat that might pose such problems (think whole fried fish, vegetables) will thrive in a cast iron in this grill. Whether or not it was in mind during the research and design phase, this grill was made for whole panfish like snapper and porgy, and I can't wait for fishing season to hone my fish-grilling and -frying expertise with my favorite new backyard toy.



But, of course, I had to try cooking steak, too

Of course, I couldn't leave out the steak. I don't eat a lot of red meat, but I had a burning question to answer for myself if no one else: What would happen if I tried to emulate what LaFrieda and Chef Brandon Bryan of the Carlyle hotel did outside the Pennsy without any direction in my backyard? Everything Chef Bryan cooked was superb; how would my amateur skills and sub-par meat stack up? I still need some practice, but everything turned out more than alright, and certainly better than my average stovetop sirloin in a cast iron.

The verdict? Empty plates tell no lies. I could hardly get a photo before my guests made short work of the plate. Yes, it was getting late and those hungry hounds would have eaten my spindly fingers if they'd hit the table, too, but forgive my humble bragging and just look at that crust. Did I mention I really don't know how to cook a steak? Like, at all? My mother, I might add, still won't leave me alone near a grill with a steak, as I'm sure to do this and that wrong. And I don't blame her; steak isn't cheap. But watch and weep, Mother dearest: It is so astoundingly easy to produce an exceptional steak in this bad boy that even your little bundle of joy can pull it off.



The bottom line

$1,200 is a hell of a lot of money for a grill, or, like, anything. But, if you or a very lucky and beloved someone is a grilling enthusiast, the Otto Wilde OFB is the one-stop shop for the backyard, and maybe your whole household. You could, in theory, set this thing up inside, but you'd need a commercial-grade range hood to handle the smoke and grease that comes off of it.

Short of a full-sized commercial overhead broiler, there's nothing that comes anywhere close for grilling or pan-frying at high heat. The other big selling point for me is that if you're also in the market for a pizza stove, which can be just as expensive but gets nowhere near as hot, the Otto Wilde has you covered on that front, too.

Lastly, if you've been using charcoal or propane grills for any significant period of time, there's a good chance that they've only lasted you a few years on end. That $200-300 adds up over the course of a decade. You'll get a lot more use out of an Otto Wilde, which comes with a two-year warranty on all parts, and it will all likely pay for itself in time. Buy the weatherproof cover (and use it), clean it regularly, or not (mine has suffered a whole winter without a cover or a cleaning), and the Otto Wilde OFB will serve you plenty well and long.

Pros: 1,500-degree-Fahrenheit heat, cooks anything and everything, easy to light, clean, and maintain

Cons: Price, would be nice if a larger model were available for those who want it

Buy the Otto Wilde Over-Fired Broiler on Williams-Sonoma for $1,195.95

Buy the Otto Wilde OFB Grill Cover from Amazon for $67.90

Shop all Otto Wilde OFB Accessories on Amazon



25 women's fashion deals you don't want to miss out on during Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale

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  • Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale is a great time to stock up on stylish staples for this season, and the next few. 
  • The highly anticipated annual sale will be running from July 19 to August 4.
  • There are thousands of items on sale, but we want to help you find the best ones, so we'll be sifting through deals for the duration of the event.
  • To make shopping even easier, we've compiled a list of 25 of the best deals on women's fashion and accessories you'll find at the sale.

Nordstrom's annual Anniversary Sale is back. You can shop all the best deals on clothes, shoes, beauty, and home from July 19 through August 4. 

If you're looking for women's coats, dresses, jeans, shoes, bags, and jewelry, you have over 2,500 sale items to browse — but you probably don't have the time to do that.

Below, we've whittled them down to the top 25 deals from your favorite brands like Levi's, Nike, The North Face, Madewell, and Cole Haan. You'll be able to save on closet basics, workwear, fall boots, and more. 

Don't hesitate to buy something you're eyeing. In past years, we've seen a number of popular deals sell out.

You can also head directly to Nordstrom to shop the following women's fashion categories:

Check out more Nordstrom Anniversary Sale coverage here: 

Take advantage of these 25 women's fashion and accessories deals from the 2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale:

J. Crew Striped Tee with Grosgrain Trim

J. Crew Striped Tee with Grosgrain Trim, $35.90 (after sale $55) [You save $19.10]

Pair this classic striped tee with cutoff jean shorts for a timeless and comfy outfit made for cool summer nights. 



Madewell Brenner Bootie

Madewell Brenner Bootie, $139.90 (after sale $210) [You save $70.10]

It may not be boot season just yet, but you can find a pair for less now and save big just in time for fall. A stackable heel makes these comfortable booties easy to dress up or down. 



True & Co. True Body V-Neck Wireless Bra

True & Co. True Body V-Neck Wireless Bra, $31.90 (after sale $49) [You save $17.10]

Get all the support of an underwire bra without pesky wires, elastic, or bulky seams. A wireless design stays comfortable all day long, and keeps this bra hidden underneath your clothing. 



Commando Butter Seamless Hipster Panties

Commando Butter Seamless Hipster Panties, $18.50 (after sale $28) [You save $9.50]

Treat yourself to some undergarments that are soft as butter. These hipster panties stay put, and a seamless design means no more underwear lines. 



Tommy John Jogger Pants and Lounge Tank

Tommy John Jogger Pants, $52.90 (after sale $78) [You save $25.10]

Tommy John Lounge Tank, $30.90 (after sale $46) [You save $15.10]

Tommy John takes a simple approach to making its quality underwear and loungewear. The three F's — fabric, fit, and function — are at the center of everything the company does. That explains why the its loungewear, made of a soft, stretchy fabric that keeps its shape after every wear and wash, is our hands down favorite



J. Crew Tippi Camo Sweater

J. Crew Tippi Camo Sweater, $59.90 (after sale $89.50) [You save $29.60]

This classic crewneck pullover gets a contemporary upgrade in a funky camo print. 



Nike One Lux ⅞ Tights

Nike One Lux ⅞ Tights, $66.90 (after sale $90) [You save $23.10]

Nike One Lux Plus Size Training Tights, $66.90 (after sale $90) [You save $23.10]

Every woman should have a pair of plain black leggings, whether they're for serious workouts or just lounging around. This performance pair has support in all the right places to help you power through workouts comfortably, but the all-black look translates well to everyday wear too. 



Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 Running Shoe

Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 Running Shoe, $111.90 (after sale $150) [You save $38.10]

This lightweight sneaker with a springy sole is the only pair you need for your next run, whether that's a short jog around the block or a long-distance run. 



Nordstrom Chevron Spinner Luggage Set

Nordstrom Chevron Spinner Luggage Set, $199.90 (after sale $299) [You save $99.10]

Prepare for your upcoming vacation with some nice luggage. This set is great because it comes with two sizes, a carry-on and a big suitcase, to meet all of your packing needs. 



The North Face Rissy 2 Hooded Raincoat

The North Face Rissy 2 Hooded Raincoat, $89.90 (after sale $120) [You save $30.1]

Made from a lightweight fabric coated in a water-repellent finish, this jacket from The North Face is made for summer rain. 



AG Ex-Boyfriend Relaxed Slim Jeans

AG Ex-Boyfriend Relaxed Slim Jeans, $149.90 (after sale $225) [You save $75.10]

These comfy, cropped boyfriend jeans already have that worn-in look and feel — don't be surprised if they quickly become your favorite pair. 



BP Polka Dot Spaghetti Strap Jumpsuit

BP Polka Dot Spaghetti Strap Jumpsuit, $45.90 (after sale $69) [You save $23.10]

BP Polka Dot Spaghetti Strap Jumpsuit (Plus Size), $45.90 (after sale $69) [You save $23.10]

This low-maintenance summer staple is as cool as it is comfortable. Throw a leather or jean jacket on top to wear it through fall. 



Tory Burch Everly T-Strap Flat Sandal

Tory Burch Everly T-Strap Flat Sandal, $149.90 (after sale $228) [You save $78.10]

A T-strap sandal is a summer-shoe essential for it's barely-there style and feel. This pair hits all the marks with a cushy sole, slender straps, elegant hardware, and some fun summer colors that'll brighten up any outfit. 



Herschel Supply Co. Alexander Tote Bag

Herschel Supply Co. Alexander Tote Bag, $59.90 (after sale $90) [You save $30.10]

Whether it's for a weekend getaway or your weekday commute, this spacious tote has room for all the essentials you need, and then some. 



Pendelton Sidney Barn Coat

Pendelton Sidney Barn Coat, $119.90 (after sale $180) [You save $60.10]

Pendleton is known for its wool blankets and clothing, so it's no surprise that this jacket will keep you super cozy come fall. A detachable, faux-fur collar adds a nice touch, and some extra warmth on really chilly days. 



Spanx Luxe Leg Shaping Tights

Spanx Luxe Leg Shaping Tights, $18.50 (after sale $28) [You save $9.50]

A nice pair of opaque tights that can be layered under dresses and skirts is a staple on chilly fall days. This high-waisted pair from Spanx is an Insider Picks favorite and is made to keep you feeling comfortable and supported all day long, so you might as well snag a few pairs while they're under $20 each. 



Levi's Wedgie Icon Fit High Waist Ankle Jeans

Levi's Wedgie Icon Fit High Waist Ankle Jeans, $64.90 (after sale $98) [You save $33.10]

One of the brand's most popular pairs, the Wedgie Jeans are inspired by old-school Levi's and boast a hip-hugging fit and tapered hem that's universally flattering. 



Coach Nomad Burnished Leather Crossbody Bag

Coach Nomad Burnished Leather Crossbody Bag, $263.90 (after sale $395) [You save $131.10]

Whether you're spending the day exploring a new city, running through your list of errands, or just meeting up with a friend for lunch, this leather crossbody from Coach is the perfect size — roomy enough to hold all you need for a day, but light on your shoulders. 



Paige Willa Studded Chelsea Boot

Paige Willa Studded Chelsea Boot, $249.90 (after sale $375) [You save $125.10]

A tale of two aesthetics, these boots bring cowgirl and cool girl together for a pair that's of-the-moment, but just funky enough to stand out in a sea of black booties. 



Levi's Wool Top Coat with Faux Shearling Collar

Levi's Wool Top Coat with Faux Shearling Collar, $159.90 (after sale $250) [You save $90.10]

This wool coat is casual, cool, and cozy — it's everything you need in a fall jacket. 



Sarto by Franco Sarto Toby Flat

Sarto by Franco Sarto Toby Flat, $84.90 (after sale $128.95) [You save $44.05]

Cutouts on either side give these classic, pointy-toe loafers a contemporary upgrade. Pair them with trousers, jeans, or a dress for a chic look. 



Madewell Suede Stripe Transport Leather Tote

Madewell Suede Stripe Transport Leather Tote, $131.90 (after sale $198)[You save $66.10]

If you want a stylish and spacious tote, go for this Madewell option. The combination of leather and suede is unique, plus it's a great price for an everyday bag. 



Natori Bliss Perfection Underwire Contour Bra

Natori Bliss Perfection Underwire Contour Bra, $43.90 (after sale $66) [You save $22.10]

If you've been hesitant about splurging on nice undergarments, there's no time like a big sale to take the leap. This Natori bra is lightweight, super soft, and will stay virtually hidden under your tops. 



Cole Haan Joanna Bootie

Cole Haan Joanna Bootie, $124.90 (after sale $190) [You save $65.10]

If you're anti-heel, but looking for just a little boost, go for a pair from Cole Haan. The brand's signature cushioning paired with a low-stacked heel make for easy, all-day comfort. 



The North Face Miss Metro II Hooded Parka

The North Face Miss Metro II Hooded Parka, $239.90 (after sale $320) [You save $80.10]

It may be way too hot to even think about wearing a down jacket, but if you can bear the thought, you can snag a pricey winter jacket from The North Face for much less during the Anniversary Sale. This water-resistant parka with a fuzzy fleece lining is made to withstand cold temperatures, so it's perfect for whatever winter weather comes your way. 



20 stylish pairs of men's sneakers you can get your hands on during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

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  • The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially underway, with thousands of deals across the entire site.
  • Since footwear will be one of the first categories to sell out, we rounded up 20 of the best men's sneakers on sale.

From July 19 through August 4, Nordstrom will be hosting its biggest sale of the year with thousands of deals on fashion, footwear, home goods, and beauty products. 

Much like men's apparel and dress shoes, sneakers will be one of the first categories shoppers go after, so you'll want to grab your favorite styles before the early-access window closes. Now that the sale is open to the public, certain items will either sell out completely or sizing will become very sparse. 

To help you shop even quicker, we rounded up 20 of the best men's sneakers on sale, below.

For more deals on menswear check out the 20 best dress shoes and boots and the 30 best pieces of clothing and accessories

You can also browse other Nordstrom Anniversary Sale deals for each of the following categories, add some things to your wish list, or shop them if you have a Nordstrom Card.

Adidas Gazelle

Adidas Gazelle, $59.90 (after sale $79.95)[You save $20.05]

As one of Adidas' most popular styles, the Gazelle will always be a classic. The black suede upper is complimented by white leather stripes and gold-flake lettering.

 



Cole Haan ZeroGrand Trainer

Cole Haan ZERØGRAND Trainer, $99.90 (after sale $150)[You save $50.10]

As one of Cole Haan's more sportier styles, the ZERØGRAND Trainer has Grand.OS energy foam and a lightweight upper, which is great for working out or wearing casually.



Nike Air Max 1 Premium

Nike Air Max 1 Premium, $96.90 (after sale $130)[You save $33.10]

This premium take on the 1987 classic features a textured upper, extended hits of suede, and rounded laces.

 



Greats Royale

Greats Royale, $119.90 (after sale $179)[You save $59.10]

Believe it or not, Greats sneakers are made in the same Italian factory as the (more expensive) luxury sneaker brand Common Projects. With a similar aesthetic and premium leather, these shoes are a great buy — even at full price.



Nike Epic React Flyknit 2

Nike Epic React Flyknit 2, $111.90 (after sale $150)[You save $38.10]

The Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 has a lightweight upper and a responsive midsole designed for comfort while running. 

 



Adidas SenseBoost Go

Adidas SenseBoost Go, $89.90 (after sale $119.95)[You save $30.05]

If you're looking for Boost on a budget, the Adidas SenseBoost Go, is the best choice. With a full-length Boost midsole, a Primeknit upper, and a scannable QR code that links to a music playlist for runners, the $90 price is a great deal.

 



ASICS GEL-Nimbus 21

ASICS GEL-Nimbus 21, $99.90 (after sale $149.95)[You save $50.05]

Designed for long-distance runners, the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 21 has advanced cushioning technology to keep your feet comfortable and less fatigued. Available in black and grey colorways, you'll find a pair that matches all of your running gear.



To Boot New York Colton

To Boot New York Colton, $229.90 (after sale $350)[You save $120.10]

If dress shoes are too formal and athletic sneakers are too casual for you, the Too Boot New York Colton is a solid compromise. They feature a leather upper and a white rubber cupsole.

 



Adidas Swift Run

Adidas Swift Run, $59.90 (after sale $84.95)[You save $25.05]

Lightweight, breathable, and affordable, the Adidas Swift run is a great sneaker for runners and casual wearers alike.

 



Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81

Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81, $49.90 (after sale $74.95) [You save $25.05]

With black suede, mesh, and a gum bottom, this early '80s silhouette is just as stylish now as when it first released.

 



Vans Era

Vans Era, $39.90 (after sale $59.95)[You save $20.05]

The Vans Era is one of the most iconic sneakers ever made. Rooted in Southern California skate culture in the 1960s, the style lives on as a lifestyle staple.

 



Sperry Gold Cup Victura LTT

Sperry Gold Cup Victura LTT, $99.90 (after sale $150)[You save $50.10]

With a rich brown leather upper and brown leather rope laces, the Sperry Gold Cup Victura LTT pays homage to the boat shoes that the brand is best known for.

 



Nike Air Tailwind

Nike Air Tailwind, $66.90 (after sale $90)[You save $23.10]

Fully in line with the late-70s and early-80s runner look, the Nike Air Tailwind uses a combination of suede and mesh and Nike's vintage-style big Swoosh.

 



Vans Sk8-Hi

Vans Sk8-Hi, $45.90 (after sale $69.95)[You save $24.05]

Fitted with an all-black suede upper, a dark grey Jazz stripe, and a white outsole, these Sk8-His can be worn with just about anything in your closet.

 



Adidas Seeley Skate Sneaker

Adidas Seeley Skate Sneaker, $47.90 (after sale $64.95)[You save $17.05]

If you're looking for a modern skate shoe to actually skate in, the Adidas Seeley is built to perform. It has a vulcanized rubber outsole, cushioned interiors, and a low profile, so there's no added bulk when landing tricks.

 



Nike Free X Metcon 2

Nike Free X Metcon 2, $89.90 (after sale $120)[You save $30.10]

Designer for training, the Nike Free X Metcon 2 is an all-around good sneaker for most activities in a gym, from running to weightlifting.

 



Nike Blazer Low LX

Nike Blazer Low LX, $55.90 (after sale $75)[You save $19.10]

The Nike Blazer was the Swoosh's premier basketball sneaker in the 70s. Today, this low-top version might not fare well on the court, but it's perfect for a sporty casual look.

 



Converse Jack Purcell Ox

Converse Jack Purcell Ox, $42.90 (after sale $65)[You save $22.10]

Named after Canadian badminton legend Jack Purcell, these Converse are a refreshing alternative to the popular Chuck Taylor All-Star model.



Adidas I-5923

Adidas I-5923, $96.90 (after sale $129.95)[You save $33.05]

Featuring a blacked-out upper and Boost midsole, these Adidas I-5923s are ultra-sleek.



Vans Old Skool

Vans Old Skool, $42.90 (after sale $64.95)[You save $22.05]

With the likes of the Era, the Old Skool is another one of Vans' most popular silhouettes. This version uses a unique checkerboard pattern on the upper of the shoes.

 



Luxe Pillow is the small, no-nonsense sleep startup you've never heard of but need to try — here’s why

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  • Two pillows from a young and nondescript company have dethroned my longstanding big-name favorites.
  • Luxe Pillow makes two eponymous pillows — the premium down-and-feather Luxe Pillow ($129) and the less expensive gel Luxe Pillow ($79)— that have a firm internal core and softer external chambers that nail a soft-but-supportive feel. 
  • They worked well as I slept on my side, stomach, and back. The pillows come with breathable cotton casings, and are machine washable and dryable.
  • I'd recommend using the 100-night sleep trial to check both out for yourself before deciding which one is better suited for your needs.

As a commerce reporter, most of my time is spent researching cool new retail startups and integrating said startup's products into my life as an e-commerce shopper's proxy guinea pig.

Despite always trying something new though — or perhaps because of it — all these new products face an uphill battle.

When you've already pitted your toothbrush, face wash, sheets, towels, and pillows up against dozens of supposed competitors, you grow confident in your top choice. Like a true Darwinian contest, those products actually become harder to defeat the longer one owns them.

But two nondescript pillows with the same name from a nuts-and-bolts, we-sell-two-things company called Luxe Pillow recently unseated my incumbent favorites.

I'll still write home about the breathability of Helix's Cool Pillow and the preternatural bounciness of PangeaBed's now-retired Copper Pillows, but the best classic pillow I've tried goes to the down-and-feather Luxe Pillow ($129), with the more affordable Luxe Pillow ($79, and made from polyester gel fiber) coming in not far behind.

The company uses a three-layer design for comfortability, so there's a structured core surrounded by two chambers that prevent the fill from becoming unevenly distributed while you sleep. The high-quality feather, down, and fine polyester fill won't clump or bunch, and the pillows come with cotton casings keep things breathable. Bonus — the pillows themselves are machine washable and dryable. The feather and down are known to fluff up like new after, and the gel poly fiber won't clump at all.

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What each Luxe pillow feels like

Luxe Pillow, Down and Feather, from $129

This is the company's most premium pillow, made from certified sustainably-sourced white goose down and small-game waterfowl feather, and housed inside the breathable cotton casing. The structured internal core is made out of the waterfowl feather, and the two additional chambers are composed of goose down. It's certified hypoallergenic too.

It comes in a standard queen size as well as a king. Of the two, in my experience, this is the superior pillow as it has more heft, and a firmer center.

Luxe Pillow, Polyester Gel Fiber, from $79

Despite being named essentially the same thing, this is Luxe's gel alternative, which is why it's the more affordable of the two. It's not 100% perfect, but still a great value and gave me a good night's sleep.

It has a polyester fiber fill that includes gel to help pull heat away from your skin and keep you cool throughout the night. It's certified hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial, and comes with a cotton case again.

It comes in a standard queen size as well as king. This is a very close second and will cost you $50 less than the premium, so it's worth checking out. 

If you're unsure about either one, know that Luxe Pillow has free shipping and returns, as well as a 100-night no-risk sleep trial.

My experience with each pillow

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I sleep on my back, stomach, and side regularly, and both Luxe Pillows strike a great balance between support and softness, which makes them easy adaptors to any sleeping style.

The internal core provides underlying support your head can always feel, and the surrounding chambers help provide that plush, contoured feeling you want without sinking all the way into the pillow. It's pretty responsive too when I change sleeping positions — it can go from feeling really flat yet soft when I'm on my stomach, and then thicker and more supportive when I'm on my side. 

The cotton casing is soft and effective at keeping my temperature regulated at night, though I'll still put my usual pillowcase over it.

The pillows have more similarities than differences, which is rare and impressive for pillows that use vastly different materials. If your budget is a bit tighter, you'd be quite happy with the down pillow for $79. But if you can afford to spend a bit more, the premium Luxe Pillow with both down and feathers is noticeably plusher, and its support is more dynamic. It has a slightly firmer center too, which might be more helpful for side sleepers.

Of the two, the down and feather model is the superior pillow for me. But it's not so far ahead of the down-only alternative that I check which pillow I'm laying my head on at night. Both are good, and both are standouts for me, so it's a matter of your personal preference here.

If you'd like to test both out for yourself, order one of each and do a blind sleep test to see which one you should keep during the company's 100-night no-risk sleep trial. Though after trying both, I'd be willing to bet you keep the premium version. 

Shop the Luxe Pillow, Down and Feather, $129

Shop the Luxe Pillow, Polyester Gel Fiber, $79

Join the conversation about this story »

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The 25 best home and kitchen deals from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale you don’t want to miss

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  • If you're looking to spruce up your space, you may want to check out the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
  • The annual savings event includes thousands of deals on new arrivals across all categories. This year, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is running from July 19 to August 4.
  • Keep reading for 25 of the best home and kitchen deals you won't want to miss at Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale this summer.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a major shopping holiday in July with deals on pretty much everything, from women's fashion to beauty and skin-care products to home goods.

This year, the Anniversary Sale is running run from July 19 to August 4. As always, we're plucking the best deals from the thousands so you can spend more time shopping things you love and less time agitated and clicking through pages and pages of results. 

While the sale is especially noteworthy for its mountain of brand-new clothing and shoes, there are also ample deals on home and kitchen products to be had — and true to the Nordstrom aesthetic, they typically look much nicer than the price suggests.

You can even buy online and pick up in store if you'd rather not wait for shipping.

Check out deals on thousands of items in the following categories:

Below are 25 of the best home and kitchen deals included in the 2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

The White Company Reversible Queen Mattress Topper

The White Company Reversible Queen Mattress Topper, $185.90 (after sale $249)[You save $63.10]

Make your mattress even softer with this quilted topper. Keep the wool side up when you need some extra warmth, but use the cotton percale side when you want to sleep cool.



Diptyque Set of 5 Travel Size Candles

Diptyque Set of 5 Travel Size Candles, $55 (after sale $75)[You save $20]

Too hard to decide which Diptyque scent you want to splurge on? Go for this travel set, which is filled with five of the brand's most popular scents, like fresh Figuier and fruity Baies. 



Peri Home Chenille Lattice Queen Comforter Set

Peri Home Chenille Lattice Queen Comforter Set, $86.90 (after sale $129.99)[You save $43.09]

In white or grey, this basic comforter is the perfect base for any room — just add decorative accents that fit your personal style. 



Nest Bamboo and Grapefruit Reed Diffuser Duo

Nest Bamboo and Grapefruit Reed Diffuser Duo, $58 (after sale $96) [You save $38]

Diffusers are a safe and simple way to flood your home with some lovely scents. This set comes with both bamboo and grapefruit scents, a refreshing duo. 



Nordstrom Round Marble and Acacia Wood Serving Board

Nordstrom Round Marble and Acacia Wood Serving Board, $49.90 (after sale $79)[You save $29.10]

Who doesn't love a good cheese board? This one, with its marble and wooden elements, will instantly elevate snack time or serve as a beautiful display for your next dinner party. 



The White Company 4x6 Fine Silver Plated Picture Frame

The White Company 4x6 Fine Silver Plated Picture Frame, $35.90 (after sale $49)[You save $13.10]

Give your favorite memories the spotlight they deserve by placing them in a beautiful silver picture frame, just like this one. 



Nordstrom Faux Mink Fur Slumber Bag

Nordstrom Faux Mink Fur Slumber Bag, $132.90 (after sale $199)[You save $66.10]

Like the nylon sleeping bag you used on family camping trips, but much cooler. This sleeping bag is made of a comfy faux fur that looks as good laid out in a tent as it does on your couch for guests. 



Anthropologie Attingham Measuring Cups

Anthropologie Attingham Measuring Cups, $17.90 (after sale $28) [You save $10.10]

Save some counter space with these beautiful stoneware measuring cups that also can be stacked on top of each other for simple storage. 



Nordstrom Organic Cotton Rib Bath Towel

Nordstrom Organic Cotton Rib Bath Towel, $20.90 (after sale $29) [You save $8.10]

If you could use another bath towel, you can't go wrong with something super soft and absorbent — just like this option from Nordstrom's in-house label. 

 



Nordstrom Large Wood Serving Bowl

Nordstrom Large Wood Serving Bowl, $45.90 (after sale $65) [You save $19.10]

This large wood serving bowl brings a rustic aesthetic to the dinner table, and it has enough space to hold a salad big enough to feed a big group. 



Nordstrom Chevron Luggage Set

Nordstrom Chevron Luggage Set, $199.90 (after sale $299) [You save $99.10]

This luggage set, with a full-sized suitcase and a smaller carry-on, gives you enough packing options for all of your travel needs. 



The White Company Queen Luxury Savoy Duvet Cover

The White Company Queen Luxury Savoy Duvet Cover, $125.90 (after sale $169) [You save $43.10]

Egyptian cotton and crisp, minimal lines add a simple elegance to any bedroom. 



Barefoot Dreams Throw Blanket

Barefoot Dreams Throw Blanket, $96.90 (after sale $147)[You save $50.10]

This plush chenille throw is machine washable, so don't shy away from buying it just because of the color. 



Anthropologie Rosie Platter

Anthropologie Rosie Platter, $44.90 (after sale $68) [You save $23.10]

Whether it's appetizers, cheese and crackers, or charcuterie, everything looks better when displayed on a pretty platter. 



Ugg Bliss Pillow

Ugg Bliss Pillow, $35.90 (after sale $49)[You save $13.10]

With one side of smooth fabric and the other plush fleece, this pillow lets you switch up your style as often as you'd like. 



Jo Malone London Travel Candle Collection

Jo Malone London Travel Candle Collection, $76 (after sale $108) [You save $32]

Another fragrance favorite, we love Jo Malone's timeless scent combinations. This travel set has an assortment of three of the brands best-selling scents, English Pear & Freesia, Peony & Blush Suede, and Lime Basil & Mandarin.



Marimekko Unikko Twin Quilt and Sham Set

Marimekko Unikko King Quilt and Sham Set, $66.90 (after sale $99.99) [You save $33.09]

Marimekko's Unikko flower pattern is instantly recognizable, especially in this bright pink color. If you ever want to tone it down, just flip this quilt over to reveal a simple black-and-white striped side. 



Cathy's Concepts Cheers Champagne Flutes

Cathy's Concepts Cheers Champagne Flutes, $49.90 (after sale $75) [You save $25.10]

Whatever you're raising a glass to, these Champagne flutes — which are etched with "cheers" in multiple languages — are a fun way to do it. 



Herschel Supply Co. Small Trade Rolling Suitcase

Herschel Supply Co. Small Trade Rolling Suitcase, $126.90 (after sale $190) [You save $63.10]

An aerodynamic design makes this small rolling suitcase the perfect choice for running through the airport to catch your flight on time. 



Cathy's Concepts Monogram Decanter Set

Cathy's Concepts Monogram Decanter Set, $55.90 (after sale $84) [You save $28.10]

This hand-blown glass decanter set with a simple monogram makes a great gift, or treat yourself to the set and make your home entertainment-ready. 



Jaipur 6x9 Lynne Rug

Jaipur 6x9 Lynne Rug, $396.90 (after sale $529.99) [You save $133.09]

This rug may be a neutral gray, but an abstract pattern and mixture of textures make it stand out. 



Pendleton Serrado Throw Blanket

Pendleton Serrado Throw Blanket, $73.90 (after sale $99.50) [You save $25.60]

You may not need a thick wool blanket right now, but you'll be thankful for this piece when winter comes around. 



Tumi Alpha Bravo Reno Travel Kit

Tumi Alpha Bravo Reno Travel Kit, $99.90 (after sale $150) [You save $50.10]

A spacious travel kit with an included hook lets you hang your toiletries while you're away, so you can actually see everything you've brought on your trip.



Ugg Bliss Fuzzy Throw

Ugg Bliss Fuzzy Throw, $69.90 (after sale $98)[You save $28.10]

Stay warm under this reversible blanket that's fit for any space. 



Serene House Corona Teardrop Scentilizer Diffuser

Serene House Corona Teardrop Scentilizer Diffuser, $39.90 (after sale $59.99) [You save $20.09]

Add some color, and fresh fragrance, to your home with this teardrop-shaped diffuser. Just add water, the essential oil of your choice, and turn on the device for a cool, aromatic mist. 



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