As promised, a full breakdown of what I think is worth buying and what’s not from Quince—because honestly, I think of this retailer as a single-brand TJ Maxx. There are excellent gems; you just have to know what to look for, because not everything is 10/10. (Also, I love TJ Maxx so don’t come for me in the comments, k?)
But if you love ‘em, keep buying them. Your happiness comes before my product nitpicking and dissection.
The $50 cashmere. Consider these “doorbuster” style marketing-first deals. The cashmere is short-fiber (the cheap stuff, though it’s real) and won’t last as long as others on the market that are a bit more expensive. As we get closer to fall, I’ll do a whole explainer on good cashmere and what to look for—loads of EXCELLENT options in the $100 range. The cheap ones tend to tear, pill or feel rougher against the skin.
Some of the bedding. A lot of items are excellent, but some are finished with poor quality synthetics and they’re sort of snuck in to reduce costs (understandable, but disappointing). This includes some of the “organic cotton blankets” that are loaded with polyester fill. Btw, go back to newsletter #57 for a deep dive on quality bedding.
Some of the pants: The ponte pants are advertised as work-friendly pants that compete with Spanx, Eileen Fisher and in some cases, trendier brands like Ruti. IMO, they don’t. The fabric lacks recovery and the fit is inconsistent. I’ll get into work attire later this month if you’d like!
There are also lots of others that I find to be mid-level quality, and you know I love buy-it-once types of things, so I won’t suggest them to you.
FYI: yes, they also sell/ship to Canada, but prices may be a bit different.
These linen sheets (bundles $144). Excellent for cooling/temperature regulation, made of high-quality midweight European flax (likely a blend of Belgian/French). Again, see newsletter #57 for the cooling bedding deep dive.
Cotton-linen quilt set (from $160/set): Easily worth twice the price. 100% natural fibers, well-made, comes as a bundle and is perfect for warmer months, transitional seasons, etc. Machine washes with ease. NO POLY FILL!
Organic cotton coverlet set (under $200): Punches way above its weight—100% organic cotton, loads of colors, machine washable. They’re coming for West Elm and outpacing ‘em with this one.
Giza cotton sateen bedding bundles ($124): Extra long staple cotton, silky-smooth finish, easy to machine wash and care for. ELS cotton has longer fibers that are generally more durable and feel smoother against the skin.
100% wool handmade rugs ($279 and up): Turkish-style looming, made in India (part of where you’re saving the money), but excellent overall feel and design. No synthetics. I want to be clear that these do not rival high-end Persian rugs, but are a wonderful alternative (and you’d pay closer to $600-1,500 if you walked into a store for these). DO NOT GET THE INDOOR/OUTDOOR RUGS—cheap polyester, those are Home Depot-ish.
Cotton-velvet curtains ($80). Put these against Restoration Hardware and report back to class, please. Better quality, appearance and durability than you’d expect for the price. Choose from light filtering all the way through heavy blackout. The sheer linen curtain sets (2-pack from $80) are also excellent buys that rival Pottery Barn.
Organic brushed cotton sheets ($90): Brushed cotton is a fancier way of saying flannel, and that’s exactly what these are. If you need an ultra-cozy, warming bedding bundle this one exceeds the similarly-described LL Bean sheets in my personal opinion (something I shared a while back in Reader’s Digest when I worked there!). You probably don’t need these in August, but if you live in a cool climate they’re fall’s best friend.
Cashmere cotton tees ($29): Mostly organic cotton with a some added viscose and cashmere to add loads of natural movement, elegant drape and an ultra-smooth feeling. Worth every penny as a wardrobe staple. Machine washable, and the $39 cardigans made of the same material are so good it hurts.
Organic Turkish long staple cotton waffle robe ($52): A lot of major spas are currently white labeling this one and charging you over $200. So, there’s that. Lots of sizes, easily machine washed and extra durable thanks to the LS fibers.
Baby cashmere 1/4 zip ($250): The baby cashmere is a major step up from Quince’s standard Mongolian cashmere line (the $50) stuff, and you can feel it instantly. Wears better, lasts longer, pills less. More expensive, though (and now you know why). If you bought this exact sweater somewhere else, you’d probably pay $370-500 though, so it’s a good deal overall. Also the $200 baby cashmere crewneck.
Euro linen long sleeve shirt ($42): If you’re looking for the Eileen Fisher/The Row minimalist, natural fiber vibe, this is a solid quality option with loads of color options. I don’t like the stitching as much as EF’s, but for the price? Pssh. It’s worth it!
Organic cotton cropped cardigan ($50): Nicely made, cute buttons and yes—100% organic cotton fibers. No synthentics or blends. It’s well worth the price (good luck finding anything 100% organic cotton at this price elsewhere) and comes in plenty of colors.
Linen high waist shorts ($32): For me, 10/10 and no notes. I own a few of these. They’re cheap, easy to care for, have deep pockets and the elasticized waist is a dream. Very beach vacay appropriate!
Washable silk skirt ($70): Excellent for work, dressed up, or for whatever. 100% Mulberry silk in 19 momme (I explained momme measurements in a previous newsletter if you want to go back into the archives). Lots of colors, super versatile. I hate the polyester satin stores are currently flooded with—this is MUCH better!
Bella jeans collection ($50+): For the price, these are good—they have a little more stretch and synthetic fibers than I typically like to see, but the fit, construction, washability and PRICE make up for it, IMO. I’ll do a full what-to-look-for-in-denim video next week or the following, though.
Italian leather woven tote bag ($154): Fits your work essentials, comes in a variety of colors and is a good oversized bag that rivals the look of Bottega, just way cheaper. The Italian suede tote ($178) is also a great fall-friendly pick. The Italian leather woven shoulder bags for $120 are also solid bets. The woven satchel ($154) is also nicely good.
Italian leather ballet flats ($84): Another direct riff on Bottega’s classic style. Well-made, they wear in nicely. Leather continues to soften with time. Half sizes available in 5 through 10. The suede driving loafers are also really nice (compare to Tod’s), though honestly if you’re willing to spend a little more I love these from Peche.
Expandable luggage (from $170): I own this and I will tell you it’s pretty much impossible to distinguish from the much more expensive AWAY luggage I also own. I’ve done whole videos on this, but if you want a follow-up, let me know.
I have a lot of thoughts on the jewelry, but I think I’ll save that for another newsletter/video if you want it.
I’m running out of space for this to fit into a standard email, so I’m going to put more accessories/men’s/maternity/kids at the end. I’ll also include a few more in the next email bc I don’t want to run out of lines to share other goodies!
Bookmark or save this email, because I’m going to give you a big rundown of inside info. Some of these I’ve shared before (and now loads of TikTok accounts are copying that content… how do I stop that? Anyone have any ideas on how I can protect my work?), but most I haven’t published before, so enjoy!
First, if you’re spending a lot on Emi Jay hair clips (they range from $36-38 each for the big ones), you probably want to know about this. The designs and precise measurements are somewhat unique (ruffled edges, laser cuts, colors) but the materials and construction are NOT.
Watch this video (IG) or the longer YouTube for details and original manufacturer info to really get into it.
Cellulose acetate large clip from the same factory ($9.99/free shipping and oodles of colors)
Cellulose acetate slightly smaller clips/different shape ($6 each/free shipping, also same facility)
But also, there’s more hair info you should know about (videos coming soon):
If you like ColorWow Drea\m Coat ($30), this Garnier Sleek ($8) product relies on the same technology at slightly lower concentrations. If you don’t live in a literal jungle with nonstop humidity, it does the trick. If you live in Miami or somewhere just as humid, go with the ColorWow. Also, reminder: they’re owned by the same parent company (L’Oreal) with the same ingredients libraries.
Kerastase Elixir Ultime ($60ish) has a nearly identical backbone to the L’Oreal Extraordinary Oil ($17). Very minor differences, mostly packaging and fragrance. Made by the same company with the same ingredients library.
Redken Bond repair systems ($36+) are also nearly identical to the L’Oreal EverPure Concentrate ($10) products. Again, same company, different fragrance, packaging and filler ingredients. The actives you love in nearly identical concentrations.
Biolage Hydrasource ($26) is cheaper via Matrix Food for Soft ($22), then even cheaper as L’Oreal EverPure Moisture ($10). Fragrance is the biggest differentiator in my opinion, but also some fillers and quats.
I didn’t post one of these last week, so I’m doing it now… forgive me! If you’re new here, you’re welcome to request topics or get me to do the dirty work of begging brands for discount codes for you.
They don’t always do it, but they often will because they know this newsletter is positive press for ‘em, so yay!
Also, very important:
NONE OF THESE BRANDS PAID ME TO INCLUDE THEM HERE. Lots of brands offer to send codes/deals, but I don’t share things unless I think they’re worth sharing. Nobody needs more piles of crap they don’t use in their homes.
Tarte Cosmetics: Take 15% off everything on the site with code “BRYCE” at checkout. Yes, includes this secret clearance section where stuff is cheaper than drugstore.
DedCool: OMG this one is big! I didn’t think they’d give it to me, but they did. Take 15% off everything on their site with code “BRYCEG” at checkout. Perfumes, hand creams/washes—all of it. I love the Milk fragrance!
Leesa Mattress: Remember I told you how good the Leesa Sapira Chill hybrid mattress was? If you need a refresher, go back to older newsletters—but basically it’s excellent for both back support and cooling. Use code “BRYCE75” for an additional $75 off ANY mattress on their website. Can be stacked with other sales!
Aurate Jewelry: Everyone’s asked about my pearl necklace. Honestly, it’s vintage (like 100 years old!) but Aurate copied it with gorgeous pearls here. I’m flattered. And they’re giving 20% off literally anything/everything on their site with code “BRYCEG20” at checkout.
Brooklyn Bedding: Take 30% off all full-priced items with code “BRYCE30” all month long. If an item is already on sale (let’s say 20% off), they’ll give you the higher discount if you use the BRYCE30 code. That’s cool considering the prices are already pretty budget-friendly on most of the beds!
M. Gemi: I told everyone I own/love/use this leather bag and then they made me a code for 15% off everything on the site. I will personally use it to get these shoes for fall, tbh. Use code “BRYCE15” at checkout. Also, I heard the brand is looking for a new social media manager (can be based in New York, Miami or Florence, Italy… let me know if you want the info!).
Harper Wilde: Use code “BRYCE15” to take 15% off everything on their website, even sale items. The Cloud Cotton collection is their best offering, IMO.
CurrentBody (my fave LED red light masks): Take 10% off literally any order/any product with code “BRYCEG” at checkout.
Giant box of Crest White Strips, $34.99/free shipping. Currently the cheapest I’ve seen ‘em this year, even Walmart has the same box for $10 more.
If you like Clinique Black Honey, you’ll love the tint/application of this $5 CoveGirl balm. Remember, I’m not calling anything a dupe. I’m just saying this has very similar color/delivery in a different-shaped tube and it’s under $5!
Mrs. Meyers cleaning concentrate 2-pack ($15.11/free shipping). Highly concentrated, makes a total of 32 gallons of multi-purpose cleaner!
Here’s how to get super cheap tretinoin (click here) and then watch this explainer video. You can also use this system to ask for Tarazotene!
And several of you wrote to me saying “THANKS!” for the tip on this mattress topper—worth every penny. If you need a whole new mattress though, this Helix is my personal fave and one that I own <3
Newsletter #59 offered loads of makeup dhoops with identical/nearly identical formulas coming from the same factories. If you like Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof ($29), try this Julep pencil ($12.99) with all the same attributes/same South Korean production facility. If you like Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat ($28), try this $13 Kiko formula (you’ll notice the packaging looks almost identical, same manufacturer and a clever renaming of waxes so the ingredients look different).
Newsletter #60 explored the leather bags from The Row and viable alternatives that are way cheaper/formidable quality.
I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue.)
Short-sleeve linen shirts ($34): Loads of colors, same linen as the women’s shirts and goes up to XXXL. The 100% linen long sleeve shirt ($42) is also great.
Organic cotton mesh-stitch polo shirt ($42): So much better than the pictures even show—better quality and construction than the price by a mile. Easily worth $200 if it had any other label on it.
100% Pima cotton tees ($19.90): In prior newsletters, I explained that all Pima cotton is automatically extra long staple. That’s the good stuff—same category as Egyptian and Sea Island, just a different region. These tees are great, and they discount them by 20% if you buy at least 3.
I don’t want to overdo it with men’s stuff here because I think most of you are women, but if I’m wrong and you want more… just email me! I’ll do a follow-up.
Cashmere baby blankets ($69): This is where I’d go for the cheaper cashmere—a baby blanket is only for a few years, anyway, and these make excellent gifts for expecting parents.
Bamboo Sleep Bags ($34.90): Better than Kyte, IMO, and I say that as the former Exec Editor of Today’s Parent (holy moly we reviewed sleep gear for babies ALL DAY LONG).
Organic cotton skater dresses ($19.90): Cute prints, up to youth 12.
Boys’ organic cotton boxer briefs ($5/each): Well made, lots of sizes. No plastic junk.
And, believe it or not, almost everything made of COTTON in the maternity section is a good buy/well made. But the best one, IMO, is the cotton-cashmere maternit/nursing tank under $40.
They even followed up with a second one. I’m going to double down because I don’t love bullying, and frankly, I’m too old for this nonsense.
In the end, you win. I genuinely don’t care if they throw some sticks at me—I’m not letting my friends overpay for meh-level stuff even if it’s trendy and the brand has a very important Wall Street IPO.
I’ll share their main factories/sourcing and where you can get better alternatives here. This could become a bigger video series soon, but only the paid friends here are getting every nitty-gritty detail right now.
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