Cart Curator #15 - Is Cosette Too Good, or Too Good to Be True?
Deep diving into the mounting claims against the retailer, embracing the #nakednail and a chic-er alternative to the Apple Watch.
Hi CC friends,
We’re both under the weather this week, fighting the good fight in the midst of flu season. We both have agreed it’s our body’s rejecting the notion of reality, and this wouldn’t have happened if we stayed on holiday.
In more relevant news, we’re working on those Euro recommendations newsletters and have another exciting CC collaborator coming, which we can’t wait to tell you about.
Until then,
Jess and Nicole x
You Asked for It
This week our YAFI is a basic item that most of us either already own or are constantly on the look out to replace and/or expand on in our wardrobe - the classic black heel.
First up is an option from Charles and Keith (they actually have a lot of great styles at a really good price) which Jess has actually tried on in-store. The Charles and Keith Square Toed Heeled Mule is a classic mule style with a 9cm heel height meaning you should have the ability to easily walk around in these and they will look great with everything from long pants to a short/skirt/dress where you can see the full shoe. A work and weekend hero.
Next up is Spurr’s Kiana Heels which are a lower, strappier pair of heels that will go with everything, and a great option again for work. Spurr is one of our affordable go-to brands, but if they are new to you, also check out the Kate Heels which are another classic and budget-friendly option.
Our last option is the Karli Heel from Senso, which are definitely on the fun side. They would be better paired with a more minimal outfit with shorts/skirt/dress that will show off the entire shoe. We’ve been seeing a lot of maximalism from head to toe, including feathers, flowers and ruffles creeping onto shoes.
Popshop
Our favourite pop culture or industry moment of the week.
We were originally going to cover the Logies in this week’s Popshop, but have been so intrigued by the Cosette controversy that they were quickly bumped.
ICYMI, the Sydney-based luxury story (they also operate largely online) has been accused of selling “superfake” designer goods.
We first came across this when journalist Melissa Singer penned an investigative piece into the mounting claims, which is definitely worth having a read of here and here.
Mel also recaps the article in the TikTok below, if that’s more your style (no judgement).
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At first glance, the concept of Cosette seems straight forward enough, especially as the fashion industry increasingly embraces second-hand. As their own website describes it:
COSETTE brings in-season couture from Luxury Designer Brands in Europe to your front door in Australia. In our exclusive boutiques and online store, you will find the most coveted, internationally renowned brands at cut-prices.
Thanks to our exclusive networks and high-end buyers we are able to source only the very best, for less. By taking advantage of the opposite seasons between Europe and Australia, we bring you the most sought-after brands long before they would be on shelves in Australia.
Our premium brands put you in the front row with runway-worthy styles and very highest quality staples, without the designer price tag.
Whilst we do know that luxury items can be cheaper in different countries (see a BOF breakdown below), immediately we have a few questions. Who are these exclusive networks and high-end buyers, how are they sourcing these designer items before even the brands themselves can get them within their own Australian stores, and at a reduced price?
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As further counterfeit experiences from customer have started to roll in following the allegations, Fair Trading Australia has commenced a formal investigation.
‘Superfakes’ are hyper-high quality designer knockoffs, and are becoming an increasingly common way to submit to the pressure of owning luxury fashion and the clout that comes with it, without the price tag. Access to these superfakes have become easier than ever, thanks to social media. DHgate, we’re looking at you.
Currently, Cosette’s website states that they allow for individual product authentication upon request, however, many past customers are now taking it into their own hands to have items privately authenticated. They’ve also promised refunds for previous purchases that have come up counterfeit following authentication reviews.
Despite the fact that they have been potentially scamming consumers, many are quick to call out the hoards of influencers who have worked with the brands over the years, without doing their due diligence. The company has a Cosette Collabs incentive, in which promoters get a commission on converted sales.
As PR’s we were particularly interested in how Cosette has worked with PR agencies in the past, who have most likely engaged and contracted the influencers, so the question is open as to how responsible influencers actually are for promoting this company, that would have seemingly been legitimate.
On another note, the faux designer conversation is also heating up in the US with TJ Maxx having sold fake designer goods off the back of designer goods return fraud with RHONY alumni Bethenny Frankel weighing in on the conversation after purchasing fake goods herself.
Definitely, more to come on this topic.
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Add to Cart
What’s sitting in carts, or what’s been checked out.
Jess
Whenever I get back from a holiday I get a surge of determination to get my living space in order and one location that is definitely needing some attention is the bathroom. Saarde make some beautiful homewares and I’ve got my eye on the tray and the Toothbrush Holder in Peach Blush to keep my products organised and sink clean.
Pull&Bear Asymmetric Double Top
I believe Pull&Bear is a recent launch on The Iconic so I had to scroll through and as a big fan of any white basic this singlet caught my eye. I love this relaxed style with the layered neckline that immediately draws the eye vs a more basic white style.
This top is super inexpensive and I can see this styled with a blue or white jean or even a more tailored pant heading into spring (or right now if you live in Brisbane).
Nicole
Ok, yes, I know, another & Other Stories recommendation.
I’ve been wearing this hair bow non-stop over the last two weeks, both pre-cut (in a pony tail) and in my new bob, of which I wear in a half up/half down. I personally find this easier to style than a barrette (although, if that is more your jam here’s an option).
Whilst I am on the topic of cute hair accessories, I’ve got my eyes on this Claw Clip from Emijay.
I’d previously put silk scarfs in the “too hard basket”, due to the fact that you need to actually tie and style them every wear, as opposed to simply slipping them on. However, after trial and error in Europe, I quickly realised just how versatile and fun these are to wear as a shirt, skirt, hair accessories and so on. Plus, if my IG is anything to go off, it’s clear these are v popular in the Northern Hemisphere currently and will most likely stick around as a trend for our summer. This colourful print scarf from Oroton is particularly fun (and I like sardines), and it’s nice to see a colourful option in Add to Cart (we do wear colour!).
Beauty Counter
Prod of the week.
Jess
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
I have always had a soft spot for all things ABH and have been an avid user of their brow products since they arrived in Australia having tried everything from the Dipbrow Pomade (haven’t we all) to the Brow Pen. My favourite for the past couple of years whether my brows have been waxed/tinted/laminated or are just doing their thing is the Brow Wiz.
The smaller precision pencil can be intimidating for some but this fills and outlines brows in a second and blends like a dream. The shade range also has something for literally everyone including everything from Taupe (my shade) to Strawburn to multiple shades and undertones of brown.
Nicole
After a short-term relationship with BIAB, I’ve removed my polish and embraced the Naked Nail trend (which, on reflection, could be cost of living related trend…).
Either way, this cuticle oil has been a godsend to keep my finger tips nourished, particularly when it's cooler, avoiding any flaking skin around the nail beds.
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Sol De Janeiro Shampoo + Conditioner
A rare second beauty recommendation this week, but it felt too good not to share.
I never thought I’d stray from my faithful Virtue Recovery hair range, but I took minis of this shampoo and condition from SDJ away with me and now I’m obsessed.
Aside from the smell (yes, it smells like the Bum Bum Cream), I was pleasantly surprised at how my hair felt after washing. My hair had weightless volume and felt so hydrated, despite the harsh conditions it was under the European sun.
One to Try
Recent openings and discoveries of the food and beverage kind.
We came across this bottomless pasta making experience on TikTok, and couldn’t think of a better way to forget you’re not in Europe like the rest of your Instagram feed.
This is at Semola, an authentic Italian cucina in Sydney’s Marrickville, and if the class isn’t for you, the food and drink options look just as special.
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Lottery Win
A girl can dream.
This boujee ring has been gracing my FYP as the chic-er answer to an Apple Watch and to be honest, you’ve got my attention. With sleep, activity and wellness tracking features I don’t know why the eye watering $499 (USD may we add) price tag hurts even more than the similarly priced Apple Watch, but I guess it may be because we don’t need an overpriced ring to tell us we need more sleep.
IYKYK
Super specific recs and niche hyper-fixations.
The Summer I Turned Pretty (Amazon Prime)
This book turned Prime series is the perfect summer-themed romance that will make you feel all of the feels. I binged watched the first season when it came out last year and have just started and finished season 2 (in the space of a day) which came out last month. These episodes are also around 1 hour each which ensures you are really able to get into the story.
If you love a backdrop that can only be described as coastal grandmother inspired (think cape cod beach house with endless hydrangeas) + a classic coming-of-age love story + heavy Taylor Swift soundtrack inclusions then this series is definitely for you.
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