We caught word of Left on Friday from several seasoned members of the Amagansett surf scene. (These women generally know what they’re talking about when it comes to high-performance swimwear with plenty of style.) Founded by two surfers who got to talking while they drank margaritas in a hot tub in Vancouver, the brand offers some seriously good swimsuits. They specialize in mix-and-match separates and one-pieces made of smoothing and quick-dry compression fabric from Italy. We especially love the one-pieces, which come in sizes for taller women and fit so wonderfully that we’re finally freed from the expensive tyranny of Eres. Our current favorite is the double scoop, but more styles are en route. ($170, leftonfriday.com) —Ashley Baker

On University Place, in Greenwich Village, just a short walk from Air Mail HQ, former jewelry executive Nicole Ehrbar has opened up a charming new shop called the Grey Pearl. It’s all about the art of the table—a smartly edited mix of tabletop accessories, pantry staples, and assorted odds and ends. There’s no better place to find an unusual host or hostess gift—no dig on the Diptyque candle. Plus, Ehrbar and her friendly associates will wrap it all up in style. In fact, why not outsource the entire operation and let them put together a charming little gift basket of, say, hand-painted tapers, a Tracie Hervy ceramic vase, and Momofuku tamari? Pick up some new artisanal dishcloths for yourself while you’re at it. (instagram.com) —Ashley Baker

For me, the start of summer usually brings hours of tediously crafting friendship bracelets. Even if the days of sleepaway camp are far behind me, I don’t have to forego its sentimental accessories. Fewer Finer, a Brooklyn-based jewelry brand launched in 2018, offers a more sophisticated approach. Their Eternal Bracelet, made of a solid 14-karat-gold chain and available in three link sizes, is micro-welded onto wrists—or ankles, if you are feeling spunky. It’s a unique way to celebrate an everlasting friendship, or yourself. (Starting at $550, fewerfiner.com) —Gracie Wiener

Driving is among the most stressful activities one can do in Manhattan. Toward the top of the long list of reasons why: it’s nearly impossible to find parking. The feat is only made harder by outdoor dining and bike lanes. If you fold and park in a lot, you’re essentially paying rent prices for your car. The app SpotHero helps minimize the chaos by showing you the best available parking spots nearby. It includes photos of spots, reviews of lots, and cuts you deals in parking garages. You can even go ahead and reserve the spot before you arrive. SpotHero may not be the hero New York City deserves, but it’s the one we need. (spothero.com) —Clara Molot

In 2019, Upside Pizza started serving elevated New York slices in Midtown—fresh mozzarella, homemade sausage, and house-pickled peppers. (Rest assured, pieces still leave pools of grease over the plates they’re served on.) Since then, Upside has opened three more shops around the city, and—just in time for summer—they recently unveiled a soft-serve shop next to their Nolita location. Softside offers Mister Softee–style ice cream that tastes like it’s actually made with strawberries or pistachios—not just designed to look like it with food dye. There are sundaes and milkshakes, but AIR MAIL opts for the chocolate-dipped vanilla cones. (yelp.com) —Jensen Davis

Starting September 6, 2020, every two weeks for one year Bret Easton Ellis serialized a chapter of his “memoir,” The Shards, on his podcast. It was a departure from the format the show had followed since 2013: a 45-minute or so monologue about movies, culture, or politics, followed by an equally long interview with a single guest, anyone from Quentin Tarantino to Bruce Wagner to Sam Outlaw. (In the memoir era, chapter readings replaced the monologue.) While The Shards was among the most pleasurable and engrossing literary experiences I’ve had, Ellis’s post-memoir return to his original formula is satisfying. Since last summer, he’s largely avoided talking politics on the podcast and, instead, has focused on topics such as the death of movie theaters, the “spectacle” of Euphoria (in Ellis terms, “spectacle” is a high compliment), and Joan Didion. He only hosts guests whom he actually wants to speak with—not actors or screenwriters with aggressive P.R teams—which makes for engaging conversations with people you won’t find on most other podcasts. Thankfully, for the show’s sixth season, which debuted Wednesday, he will upload weekly. ($6 per month, patreon.com) —Jensen Davis