Cart Curator #14 - Hot Strike Summer in Hollywood
Matching tattoos, a brief overview of the WGA/SAG strikes and the perfect LBD.
Hi CC friends,
After a brief cross-over in Paris (which resulted in us getting matching tattoos, whoops), Nic has returned back to Sydney (was it this cold when I left?) and Jess is finishing up in France before a few days in Singapore. Then you’re done with hearing about our travels, with the exception of a special travel edition of CC coming to you in a few weeks.
Nicole also chopped off all her hair, after many months of going back and forth on the decision. Absolutely no regrets, made only sweeter by booking into a chic, yet cheap by chance Parisian salon that cut it to perfection.
In other Paris-related news, LVMH has announced that they will be a premium sponsor of the 2024 Olympics. Will this be the most chic sporting moment we’ve ever seen? Pour the Moët.
Enjoy,
Jess and Nicole x
You Asked for It
Our YAFI this week comes from long-time sub Jayde who is chasing a tote bag for everyday.
Becoming a working adult is realising that no matter how many cute handbags you own, you’ll end up carting around a ludicrously capacious bag that fits your packed lunch, gym clothes, laptop and other less necessary miscellaneous goods.
Our first suggestion is going to be one that has already been mentioned several times on CC, the July Everyday Tote. We both personally have the large which is more suited to travel, but the smaller size would be great for fitting all the aforementioned everyday essentials. Their recent restock offered a zip option, which we know a few people were holding out for.
A classic option, and one that gets a BIG workout in my (Nic) day to day life is the Longchamp Le Pilage Canvas Tote. Less structured than the July Tote, the Pilage also comes in a variety of fun colours and also conveniently folds up.
Longchamp are having a bit of a moment currently. Their recent ToiletPaper collaboration continues to elevate the brand.
For a more upscale option, Polene does a great chic, yet classic leather bag. Their Cyme Tote can be worn in a multitude of ways, so is a more versatile bag beyond the everyday tote, and given Polene only have a physical presence in Paris and New York, a unique alternative to the above two suggestions.
Popshop
Our favourite pop culture or industry moment of the week.
You’ve undoubtedly seen or heard of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes currently happening across America, putting a halt to Hollywood productions.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike since May, but what’s interesting now is that actors have joined the movement. The last time both parties were simultaneously striking occurred in 1960.
Essentially, it’s tools down for both, which means many shows and movies had stopped production. SAG-AFTRA members are not allowed to participate in on and off-camera work, and can not promote new projects or participate in interviews - essentially anything tied to TV or theatrical agreements.
To briefly describe why actors and writers are striking, In a nutshell, they are unable to reach an agreement with studios, networks and streaming platforms after negotiations around new contracts.
There are several reasons why actors and writers won’t agree to the terms outlined in the new contracts, the most pointed being compensation from streaming services, pay increases and artificial intelligence. The Guardian has an interesting piece on the latter here if you’re interested in what AI has to do with this.
Catch some of your faves on the front line:
Here for Jeremy Allen White’s biceps mainly.
Add to Cart
What’s sitting in carts, or what’s been checked out.
Nicole
I’m leaning into one shoulder tops at the moment, and this sleek satin number from Zara is a great option in the market. This shirt looks expenny (which is not reflected in the price point) and is one of those rare pieces that can be dressed for both work and dinner/drinks with friends (the elusive day to night dressing that magazines convinced us was so crucial growing up).
I’d style this with a pair of classic blue jeans, and a chunky sandal for the day or a pump at night.
I’ve been back on a running kick for several months now, and feel like it’s finally time to upgrade my shoes. After a bit of research, mainly led by what I find the most aesthetically pleasing, I’ve landed on the Hoka One One Bondi 8. Ideally, I’d go for the white, but given white trainers stay clean for approximately 1 minute, so the black are looking like a more realistic colour option.
Jess
I recently purchased this pair of classic black sunglasses whilst in Italy (love for you that they have them on The Iconic for currently 30% off lol). I had been on the hunt for a Rayban Wayfarer-like style and had tried on literally hundreds of pairs before landing on these from Stockholm brand CHIMI and have not worn another pair since.
Odd Muse The Ultimate Muse Strapless Dress
This style and the price tag definitely make this more of a special occasion piece but I have been seeing this dress for everywhere on Instagram recently. I love the shape that the cinched waist creates, and although I usually goes for an oversized piece but this flattering cut is just too good to pass up.
They also have a brown (or rust) and white colourway. See below.
Beauty Counter
Prod of the week.
Jess
Before finding this product I had been a long time fan of a brow lamination however at the price tag that always comes with it I had also been on the hunt for something that would keep brows in place, even during makeup melting Brisbane summers. Enter the Schwarzkopf got2b Glued gel.
To be honest, I believe this product is just Schwarzkopf’s hair gel in a tube with a brush applicator, but regardless, this product will hold your brows in place like nothing else I have ever tried. It doesn’t feel overly crunching and eyebrow hairs won’t fall flat at the slightest sign of heat.
Nicole
NUXE Sun Refreshing After-Sun Lotion
A sneak peek into one of my many (many, many, many) French pharmacy purchases. This NUXE after-sun lotion was a necessity after spending 4 weeks under the European sun, to add hydration back into my skin. To be completely honest, the main appeal of this product was the claim to prolong your tan by 2-weeks, to hold onto my holiday glow for just that little bit longer.
One to Try
Recent openings and discoveries of the food and beverage kind.
This newly opening Bondi joint is an Italian inspired eatery that serves as a cafe during the day and a buzzy evening drinks and small plates space in the evening. Think spritzes and Negronis, paired with burrata, zucchini flowers and olives (always).
Lottery Win
A girl can dream.
Weekly supply of September Studio florals
The serotonin that fresh flowers provide is unmatched. In a dream world, we’d have a weekly delivery straight to our apartments from September Studios, one of our favourite local Sydney florists.
IYKYK
Super specific recs and niche hyper-fixations.
Uniqlo is the only place I will go to to buy socks. The quality is by far the best on the market, and at an excellent price point. My most frequently purchased are the footsies, which wear invisibly under sneakers and have a grip around the ankle so they won’t fall down throughout the day (a harrowing feeling). The HeatTeach range is also perfect for people like us who run cold, to keep you warm under boots.