The Shopping Team’s October Under-$100 MVPs (Most Valuable Products)

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Shopping Team,

Here on the Refinery29 Shopping team, we see it all. All the new arrivals, all the top sellers, all the sales, and countless pitches on products ranging from snow boots to butt spas. We spend our days combing the inventory of retailers big and small, looking for the must-haves that will help our readers solve a problem, feel their best, or indulge in some self-care. (We also occasionally buy things for ourselves in the process.) All of this researching, browsing, and buying has given us a pretty good handle on what’s a good value and what isn’t — so you better believe that when we do see a stellar buy, much cross-cubicle chatter ensues.

We get so heated about these finds, in fact, that we decided it was time to start assembling them into a living, breathing, frequently-updated roundup of what we’re calling our “Shopping team MVPs” — those hands-down, no-foolin’ solid purchases that embody the much sought-after combination of competitive price, function, and sheer appeal. We put our heads together and assembled a list encompassing all of our shopping “beats” — fashion, lifestyle, home, and beauty (plus a few wild cards) — to create a short list of product suggestions that all clock in under $100. Click through to see what’s getting the Shopping team’s seal of approval this month.

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Shopping Team,

Everlane Cheeky Straight Jean

“I haven't hit ‘add to cart’ on these just yet, but my twin sister just got a pair of Everlane's Cheeky Straight jeans (their answer to the iconic Levi’s Wedgie), and I'm right behind her. The slim boyfriend fit is comfy (and cute!) and I love that it's available in ankle length for us petite ladies. (There’s tall sizing for the 5'10 and up crowd — which, what is that even like?)”

— Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty and Wellness Market Writer

Everlane The Cheeky Straight Jean, $, available at Everlane

Shopping Team,

H&M Conscious Collection Turtleneck Sweater

"This recycled polyester sweater from H&M's Conscious Collection is the type of oversized cozy knit I'd wear a few times a week paired with white jeans and boots or thrown over my prized vintage Pleats Please pencil skirt. It's a no-brainer Monday – Sunday winter accouterment."

Marissa Rosenblum, Senior Shopping Director

H&M Knit Turtleneck Sweater, $, available at H&M

Shopping Team,

Usual Wine (Rose)

“I was immediately taken in by the sleek bottles from this new natural wine brand — each one is a (generous) single serving, making it super easy to serve to guests. (Or yourself.) The rose (which, despite its “summer water” designation, we are very much still drinking) is made from a blend of sustainably made Santa Barbara grapes — and for you seasonal traditionalists out there, there’s a highly-rated red available, as well.”

— Liz Buxton, Lifestyle Market Editor

Usual Wine Rosé, $, available at Usual Wine

Shopping Team,

Deadstock Stan Ray Jacket

“I recently purchased a deadstock quilted liner jacket from this Texas-based eBay seller, and now I find myself checking their shop for new arrivals on a weekly basis. My next purchase may be one of these Stan Ray chore jackets — if I can find space for another piece of outerwear in my closet.”

— Emily Ruane, Fashion Editor

Stan Ray Duck Canvas Chore Coat, $, available at eBay

Shopping Team,

100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

“Aside from my actual work computer and a pinned photo of *NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick (yes, actually), The Ordinary’s new chia seed face oil has become an essential desk staple of mine. A couple drops applied mid-day instantly rehydrates my skin after being exposed to dry office air, while also making my foundation or concealer look freshly-applied.”

— Karina

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil, $, available at Ulta

Shopping Team,

Flight 001 5-in-1 Universal Adapter

“After spending a month on sabbatical traveling Europe, I can state with confidence that my packing MVP was this adapter — its little frame packs a cute multicolored punch with 5-in-1 adapting abilities for over 150 different countries (although I only went to five).”

— Liz

Flight 001 5-in-1 Universal Adapter, $, available at Shopbop

Shopping Team,

XYD Pointed Toe Ankle Booties

“I'll be honest, this is the third time I will have featured these boots in a story this week. I love the heel height, elongated shape, and wraparound buckle, and the subtle sheen on this deep navy colorway.”

— Emily

XYD Pointed Toe Ankle Booties, $, available at Amazon

Shopping Team,

Black Leopard Jacquard Skirt

"Up until now, I have resisted jumping onto the leopard midi skirt bandwagon but this new black on black jacquard style at Shopbop has me pretty close to getting on board. I can picture it with a black oversized sweater and pair of brown soft leather knee-high boots…and once I start vision boarding an outfit, it's usually game over for my wallet."

Marissa

re:named Leopard Jacquard Midi Skirt, $, available at Shopbop

Shopping Team,

Insta Dri Nail Color

“I'm somewhat of a nail polish connoisseur (my party trick is identifying polish names by looking at them; I'm quite good at the Essie ones), but Sally Hansen's Insta Dri formula is my favorite cheap thrills buy, bar none. I recently spotted them marked down to just $3 on Ulta, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't immediately fearful of it being discontinued. If you'll need me, I'll be adding all of my favorite hues to cart.”

— Karina

Sally Hansen Insta Dri Nail Color, $, available at Ulta

Shopping Team,

OUAI Rose Hair + Body Oil

“I am a huge fan of multi-purpose moisturizers, and when our beauty editor Karina introduced me to Ouai’s rose-scented hair and body oil, I became a devotee almost immediately. If you’re a rose-notes enthusiast — as I am! — you will, like me, slather this lightweight and super-moisturizing oil all over your skin and tresses with glee. I use a single pump for my face, so I'm pretty sure these three fluid ounces are going to last a minute. Final (temporary) bonus: it’s on sale at Urban Outfitters right now! Run, don't walk!”

— Emily

Ouai Rose Hair + Body Oil, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Shopping Team,

Wild One Twist Toss

“As a proud new dog mom, I've been on the hunt for toys that would keep my sweet little 7-month old adoptee safely occupied (while still looking stylish inside my space). Wild One, not unsurprisingly, saved my butt with its Twist Toss toy — the little nugget comes in an array of matte-chic shades, is compact, durable, incognito, and can be stuffed with enough treats to keep a pup busy for hours.”

— Liz

Wild One Twist Toss, $, available at Wild One

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