Cart Curator #55 - The Only Met Gala Recap You Need
A BIG Met Gala recap, the revival of the Rom Com and the comfiest pyjamas on the market.
Hi CC friends,
Nicole ran a half-marathon over the weekend (yes, in the very rainy Sydney weather), which is her warm-up before the real deal marathon in a few weeks.
Jess had her own marathon, the packing marathon that is her move and snuck in a couple of movies including Idea of You (more on that below) and Challengers.
This is, of course, one of our favourite issues of the year as we wit at home in our PJ’s judging the fashion choices of Hollywood’s elite - AKA the Met Gala. In the interest of giving you all our thoughts, there is no YAFI this week due to the sheer volume we ended up wanting to share around Met.
Quick PSA, this our second Met Gala wrap here at Cart Curator, and is still one of our favourite issues to date. Catch up here if you’re so inclined.
Enjoy,
Popshop
Our favourite pop culture or industry moment of the week.
For anyone remotely interested in fashion, celebrity and pop-culture the Met Gala is like a day at Disneyland.
Before we get started we just wanted to relive this Met Gala memory in honor of Sofia being unable to attend. Edgy.
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Kicking off we have a little insight straight from the horses mouth as to what can be expected on, or should we say off the menu. A win for FODMAP girlies everywhere.
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Okay now for the actual event. This year’s dress code was The Garden of Time in celebration of the exhibition Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion. Essentially, many reference points and we had high hopes going into the day.
If you’re confused let British Vogue break it down for you below.
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Immediately the reigning style was moody Avant-Garde, which almost left a sombre mood to the red (well, green?) carpet this year. We felt that despite the fact that we were going to see some incredible art in the form of fashion, the interviewers, hosts and general atmosphere was a little lack lustre - almost like the personality was missing a little compared to previous years?
Let’s start with the aforementioned carpet. Commentators were comparing it to mouldy cheese. It’s giving share house ceiling after La Nina.
We couldn’t not address the woman of the night but Florals for Spring Anna? GROUNDBREAKING. Loewe hall pass luckily.
Up next, our 2024 hosts: Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and Chris Hemsworth. An eclectic mix.
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa. Boring, SORRY. I mean, there is only so much the man can do, but Elsa is giving Greek Goddess in like a 2017 costume kind of way.
Law Roach can do no wrong in our eyes, but it is the make-up that really transformed this look for us. A nice change from the clean aesthetic Zendaya has been leaning into for Challenger’s press.
We can’t forget about Emma Chamberlain, who returned as Vogue’s red carpet correspondent, but we didn’t see any footage of her in the live stream which was a HUGE missed opportunity and feels strange given the virality of her interviews in the past. Hoping some will surface on socials ASAP.
Mr Bunny! See, this is what we were hoping for Chris. A man who can experiment.
Snooze. Seen JLO in about 100 iterations of this same dress before. The only silver lining is that we didn’t get a despresso Ben Affleck beside her.
Okay and now onto the guests starting with Demi Moore in a peacock like number from Harris Reed. A big YES from us and this is actually a favourite of the night.
One ticket for the Loewe bus please.
I (Jess) would do anything to become besties with Jonathan Bailey and we love the cheek he brings to an event where often all we see is rushing and posing.
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Taylor Russell, who was inspired by a tree. Trust Jonathon Anderson to make a tree look this sleek and incredible.
Dying at the Daily Mail putting the smokers on blast.
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We’ve said it many times, but we will say it again. Greta Lee + Loewe = perfection. And the mullet? Here for it.
Tyla has very quickly cemented herself in the fashion game. The hourglass clutch was GENIUS (and one of the only literal time references). Obsessed with her needing to be carried everywhere due to the fact her dress was molded to her body.
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We love a two-part look and the Thom Browne numbers worn by Gigi were top tier this year. In general Thom Browne killed it this year.
Sienna Miller, Greta Gerwig, Emma Mackey, Zoë Saldana and Chloé creative director could have been mistaken for the HAIM sisters.
One of Kendall’s better looks, but still safe and boring. We will say that there was so much long mermaid hair this year it’s almost making us want to grow out our bobs. URGH.
Staying on KarJenners, Kim Kardashian.. in a pilling cardigan? Again, very safe, we would have loved to see something more high fashion/couture. Also, we couldn’t not address the non-existent waist - so not okay, have we not moved past this? Expect a lot of commentary on this.
Thom Browne does it again in this incredible creation on Rebecca Ferguson.
FINALLY. Some personality, thanks to Emma. She is single-handedly bringing the vibes.
Stella McCartney continues to bring out the most random group for her table, in what she describes as “British, kick ass, fun, beautiful, chic, epic, iconic motherfuckers”. Not the adjectives we’d usually put next to Ed Sheeran, but he kind of… serves?
Obsessed, this theme was made for Lana. The winding vines were chef's kiss, very Disney villain meets Riverdale Season 4 monster (IYKYK).
Details, details, DETAILS! Elle you are a vision.
Pamela Anderson is our new-age Cinderella. And the real question - is Pandora having a fashion revival or just spending big bucks to make it look like it is (including sponsoring Sydney’s upcoming fashion week)?
Camila Cabello, love your commitment to the bit carrying a literal melting block of ice down the carpet. Pray for her poor fingers.
Obsessed with the Ikea tag.
Another two-part look. Doja left her hotel in a towel dress, which TBH was chic enough, but then changed into a sexy wet t-shirt dress from Vetements with running mascara to match. Doja is to fashion now what Lady Gaga was originally, fun but with depth. Hot take: this is what Kim K wishes she was but just can’t nail it.
Is Sabrina’s look giving anyone else Deja Vu? It feels very similar in vibe to Carey Mulligan's Balenciaga number at this year's Oscars and feels uninspired.
We do love the new couple though <3.
Our glam winner. The mermaid hair, the long midnight nails and smokey makeup is just perfection. Simone Ashley will never not nail a carpet.
Cardi B was the last to arrive, shutting down the carpet with an enormous black gown and a beehive to match. Almost like a gothic Marge Simpson.
But then we had Zendaya with an encore!!! Look, the headpiece is slightly giving fish, but we just feel so blessed to see more of Zendaya that we will let anything go.
Ok, let’s briefly talk about who was missing. Rihanna, of course, Billie Eilish, who we had high hopes for with this theme, Anne Hathaway, Blake Lively and Taylor Swift - as there were several strong rumours that after a decade off the steps of the Met would be returning.
OK, big breath. Onto the After Party.
NOW THIS IS A LOOK KENDALL.
And another?!
NGL this scares me a little. Kinda looks like something a toddler would bring home from Daycare arts and crafts.
Bridgerton fans rejoice - this is the reunion we needed.
Olivier from Balmain literally just chopping Tyla’s dress into a mini. Still obsessed.
If we had to choose an after party it would be Stellas.
We will leave you with this.
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What were your thoughts? Did you rate this year’s looks? Any key moments we missed?
Add to Cart
What’s sitting in carts, or what’s been checked out.
Jess
Faithfull The Brand Calais Pant in Pear
The second I saw these pants on @rachelle.rowlings I knew they were going to become my new hyperfixation. I love a baggy cargo style pant and the colour, cut and details on this pair from Faithfull The Brand tick all the boxes for me. I have been hunting around for a good pair of cargo pants for a while to pair specifically with a white frilled blouse (it sounds niche but trust the vision) and they are surprisingly hard to come by in anything that isn’t more cropped and green.
Anyone planning on a Euro Summer I would also highly recommend checking out Faithfull’s most recent drop (including these) as they have upped their chic factor going from more beachy to cool vibes.
ASOS DESIGN Hickery Thong Heeled Sandal
I have been lusting after the Gucci Horsebit Thong Sandals for quite some time but they are definitely not within my current price range. ASOS has released a couple of stunning pairs which are definitely inspired by the Gucci’s without crossing into rip-off territory.
These buckle toe thongs come in both white and black with a chunkier heel making them a chic option for a night out or even the office.
Nicole
I know, I know. I put a pair of the Adidas shorts in a few weeks back, but I’ve changed my mind. These are a much cooler and definitely more work appropriate way to wear the trackie trend.
I love the fit of these, and could see these styled with a pair of heels (like the exact pair Jess has above!). The drawstring is a controversial style, but I quite like it as it's comfortable, of course, but doesn't look like you are repurposing your work pants on a weekend.
Despite the fact that it comes with a matching jacket, I would avoid it, unless you want to dress like a lad. Instead, style with an oversized T-shirt or sweater up top. Actually, the cardigan below would be an excellent option…
VRG GRL have a similar option, but in a silky fabrication if you are looking for a more ‘affordable’ option.
I purchased this on impulse after walking past a Glassons store a few weeks back, which is rogue behaviour for me and goes against many of my own shopping rules. Nonetheless, pleased to report that this is already getting excellent CPW (cost per wear) in my wardrobe, and we haven’t even dropped below 13 degrees in Sydney (yet).
It was the red that caught my eye, a colour that I lean to pretty often, so it was easy to slot into my existing in-rotation outfits. That being said, I’ve also got my eye on the grey colour.
The cardigan continued to make a comeback as a chic knit option last season, and I think this year we are going to be seeing even more of the style. Wear completely buttoned with trousers for work, open under a singlet for the weekend or pinned with just the top button for a slightly more adventurous look with jeans, this is such a versatile item - even in the bolder red.
Easy styling inspo here:
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Beauty Counter
Prod of the week.
Jess
Over the past couple of months, I have had a couple of tattoos done and have come to find my now go-to artist - Ink by Kel. I had struggled to find a (super) fine line artist in Brisbane who did the kind of fine/microscopic work I wanted but eventually found Kel after some Instagram digging and thank god I did.
She operates out of the super chic Salon Lane in West End and honestly just gets it. Plus she gave me a lot of education around the different options when it comes to getting a tattoo, something I haven’t received from previous artists. If you know me personally you would know that I haven’t been able to stop talking about Kel so I would highly recommend her to anyone and everyone looking for someone in Brisbane.
Nicole
OPI That’s What Good Friends are Thor
Any female with fingertips will know that winter is the season of OPI’s Malaga Wine. IYKYK. BUT, with the cooler weather I am trying to get a little more experiential with winter shades outside of the usual dark red, and this rich, eggplant brown (sorry, the best description I could come up with) is a fresh alternative. Ignore the Marvel inspired name however. Cringe.
I got this in Shellac, but you can also just DIY yourself with the polish if that is more your style.
One to Try
Recent openings and discoveries.
Wally’s Albert Park, Melbourne
We’re big fans of a wine bar here at CC (just take a look at our One to Try archives…), so anytime a new spot opens it catapults to the top of our lists.
Wally’s Albert Park is a European inspired neighbourhood wine bar, with a wine list that spans from affordable (but v good OFC) drops to bottles you’re happy to splurge on. Pair a glass, or two, with a simple menu including anchovies, flatbread and lamb pastrami.
Lottery Win
A girl can dream.
A scarf is one of our favourite accessories, but unfortunately, there are about 5 days in Australia per year where a scarf is really appropriate. For that very reason, dropping over $1K on this mohair Missoni number is wildly
I (Nic) “invested” in a scarf (mine is Ganni) a few years back and it’s become a little bit of a Sisterhood of the Travelling Scarf moment, and it can instantly elevate a winter outfit from basic to stylish. Actually, that reminds me, Jess bring it with me when you come to Sydney next week.
Lol Jess here doing a review before this lands in everyones inboxes and confirming I wil bring it.
Consumables
What we can’t stop binging.
This is hands down the best rom com I have seen in a long time. I am a sucker for a cheesy romance and a happy ending which is exactly what I thought we were going to get from Anyone but You after the release saw reviews dubbing it the new How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, but I was sadly very very disappointed.
Initially, I thought this was going to be the cringiest movie ever given the premise but I thought Miss Anne Hathaway wouldn’t get involved with something trash so had a gals night in on the day it launched on Amazon and my god it did not disappoint.
Now don’t get me wrong the first 10 minutes were so unbelievably cringe and both me and my friend had to look away at times but once you get past that this is just the cutest rom com ever that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy and having renewed faith in love.
For people who criticise the acting or any part of this movie - it’s not that deep. This movie was so cute to watch with a friend for a night in and honestly for the way it left me feeling I can’t fault it - love your work, Anne.
IYKYK
Super specific recs and niche hyper-fixations.
Cotton On Sleep Recovery Pyjamas
I (Nic) am OBSESSED with the Cotton On Sleep Recovery range. They are the softest fabric and come in a number of different styles (shorts, singlets, pants, slip and so on).
They are a thicker ribbed style fabric, which you can get away with wearing around the home (not that we would judge you wearing pyjamas out of bed) which is perfect for those colder WFH days.
Unless you’re happy to invest in Skims, I think these are some of the best PJs on the market at such an affordable price.
If you’re new to Cart Curator, take a read of some of our recent editions.
Cart Curator #54 - Call Her Married
Cart Curator #53 - Hot, not Cold, for Katy Perry
Cart Curator #52 - One Year of CC!!
Cart Curator #51 - In collaboration with Gaby Howard
Cart Curator #50 - Up on the High Fashion High Horse