Cart Curator #29 - Let's play catch up on the Kardashians
Bringing you up to speed on the KarJenner's, introducing the edit and The Row dupe we have all been waiting for.
Hi CC friends,
A quick update from us - you will see we have introduced a new section (more on that below) and we really hope you enjoy it as it was based on your feedback!
Jess is currently en-route to Sydney which means yes, you guessed it another weekend together doing some CC planning (hello 2023 gift guide) and soaking up what looks to be a scorcher of a weekend. If you do have any gifts or people you are struggling with let us know!
Nicole has been laying low before things get chaotic in the lead up to Christmas (as they always do).
She also came across this story from Elle US, declaring Strava the new dating app. We couldn’t agree more and couldn’t be more obsessed with this.
Oh and, we’ll just leave this here.
Enjoy,
The Edit
Okay so as we mentioned, you ask, and we will deliver. We are excited to introduce our new section - The Edit.
Off the back of several questions from readers looking for brand edits or specific brand recommendations, we’ve created a section of its own, which will be regularly interchanged for YAFI pending new seasons and collection launches.
Cotton On
We’re starting with Cotton On, for multiple reasons and you all LOVED the romper Jess recommended last week (note it is currently back on sale) but in addition to this their current summer range is super chic and you really can’t go past their pricing.
First off we had to call out to some of their many dress options that have just launched and we were hard-pressed to find something you don’t love. Our picks include the Frankie Linen Halter Midi Dress which comes in white as shown below as well as a beautiful lemon colour and the Boat Neck Crochet Maxi Dress in ecru below as well as black.
Cotton On has always been known for its swimwear, a cost-effective option at 2 pieces for $40 but this season has stepped it up with some trending materials and details. The Scoop Back One Piece Cheeky will give fashion lovers a bit of déjà vu with the shirred material having become synonymous with Hunza G’s styles - Jess has tried this style on already and the fit is nice.
Additionally, Cotton On’s swim category has seen them introduce a sparkly material this season across a few styles and shades with our pick being the Slider Triangle Bikini Top and High Side Brazilian Seam Bikini Bottom in Acorn Brown Metallic.
Cover-ups are something that retailers for a younger demo are only starting to tap into. Their Open Mesh Beach Sarong Wrap Skirt is a great example of being both fashion-forward and providing a bit of extra coverage for your walk to the pool, beachside lunch etc.
Since getting back into going to the gym more regularly (Jess) I have had to up my activewear ownership but the current cost of living mixed with Lululemon prices have me in a state of buyer’s remorse whenever I make a spenny purchase (who else can relate).
I have always wanted a cute activewear onesie but again as I mentioned with my romper pick last week most of these give high school wrestling team. That was until I found Cotton On’s Ultra Soft Cross Back Shortie Short Onesie which is sooo soft and looks even cuter with the cut-out back detail. Another recent activewear launch, the Ultra Soft Plunge Front Crop is giving Lulu Align vibes at a fraction of the price and I’m (Jess) actually about to purchase this in a few colours.
Last but not least is a couple of accessories which speak for themselves. I (Nicole) have spoken about my love of hair bows in a previous newsletter. Their Tilly Hair Bow is a cute addition to a half up half down or sleek ponytail, at a very reasonable price and also offers a slightly different take on the trend.
We are also loving the Goldie Mini Handle Bag, which the inspiration behind this piece goes without saying. That being said, you may have seen similar dupes of the Khaite original before, but we can guarantee not at this price. This option definitely makes us feel less guilty for putting our raffia accessories into hibernation for the colder months.
Have a YAFI or The Edit request? Leave a comment below or email directly via cartcuratorsubstack@gmail.com.
Popshop
Our favourite pop culture or industry moment of the week.
We aren’t the biggest Kardashian fans (sure, we watch the show every now and then and follow them all on Instagram OFC), but it felt like for a while they slipped off our radar. However, over the last few weeks, the Kar-Jenner cohort has seemingly been everywhere - launching brands, having babies, and hosting birthdays. We’re here to bring you up to speed.
It would be rude to start anywhere else but with Kim. Last month was a big one for Skims. Firstly, they announced the expansion into men’s with a very thirsty campaign.
She quickly followed this by announcing the brand as the official Underwear Partner of the NBA.
Following, she turned her attention back to the ladies (although I have a feeling that those Men’s campaign images also appeased many women). In an announcement post that quickly went viral, Kim introduced the brand’s latest innovation - the Ultimate Nipple Bra.
In said post, Kim confirmed that whilst the visible nipple is on trend (we’ve always known this), the rising temperatures of Global Warming make it difficult to ensure a perky nip, therefore presenting this as her solution to Climate Change. Look, it’s more than most of us are doing.
And just to further cement Skims as a force, they announced their partnership with Swarovski. The limited-edition capsule collection sees the brand’s shapewear embellished with Swarovski’s iconic crystals.
We have a soft spot for Skims at CC, for two reasons. The products are genuinely incredible (we’ve spoken previously about how the Fits Everyday Thong is the best underwear we’ve ever tried), and the marketing strategy behind the brand is elite.
If you’re interested in reading about the powerhouse duo behind Skims (and Good American), The Cut has an interesting article. The fact their last names are pronounced Greed is almost comical.
In the same week, Kylie, the youngest KarJenner, announced her new clothing brand Khy. We’re very intrigued to see what she will make of this once the hype of the launch dies down, as we are still a little scarred from the whole Kylie Swim thing and her quick transition from barely there swimwear into The Row-esque luxury is confusing. Like most things the Kardashians touch, the line has quickly come into controversy and there are already questions about sustainability given the materials and the price points.
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Over the weekend Kourtney Kardashian-Barker and Travis Barker welcome their first-born together (although they together have 5 children from past relationships). No photos of bub yet, but we do have a name - Rocky Thirteen Barker. We kind of… like it.
And for the most boring of the lot (sorry) Kendall hosted her 28th birthday.
She also featured in Jacquemus’ latest campaign “GUIRLANDE” for their Holiday collection. Despite the comments saying she is giving nothing as usual, we actually really like the look of this campaign and felt that Kendall was a great fit for the direction.
Nothing to report on for Khloe (respect). Keep Tristan at arms length girl.
Add to Cart
What’s sitting in carts, or what’s been checked out.
Jess
Okay, I will preface this by saying that there is no doubt that this item will sell out so if you have been looking for an alternative to the sold out The Row 90’s Bag - run.
We all know Billini love a dupe but besides this, the bag just has such a classic style and shape and is the perfect addition to any wardrobe. I actually have already purchased the bone (below) and am considering going back for the black - yes I already love it that much.
Laneway The Label Cotton Chemise in Ivory
I have been obsessing over this chemise for quite some time now and hesitated before pulling the trigger, which only resulted in me missing out. Luckily, this dainty piece has been restocked and is the answer to my summer prayers, especially when paired with the matching Daily Short in Ivory as pictured below.
Love how this has been styled with gold jewellery and would love to see this with a gold anklet and a minimal leather sandal.
Nicole
I walked past the Bondi Junction Nude Lucy store over the weekend and was pleasantly surprised at their latest releases. A brand that in my mind is reserved for basics, they have moved into a more fashion-led direction (taking a leaf out of Dissh’s book it seems). This buttery Slip dress caught my eye, both simplistic in cut and colour with the added detailing across the stomach.
The sizes available are currently limited on this one, so I’ll also recommend the more simplistic aqua style.
The baby tee is a piece that I didn’t feel the need to hold space for in my wardrobe, for a long time. Then, I purchased the Cotton On Baby Tee (oops, another CO mention!) and quickly realised how versatile this style is. I love Maggie Marilyn’s take on this, which is similar to the Realisation Par Baby Tee, but has a muted feel to it that is less in your face. I know it’s a little pricier, but we’ve given so many affordable recs in this issue that I feel I can get away with it. Pair with denim shorts or a maxi denim skirt for a casual summer chic look.
Beauty Counter
Prod of the week.
Jess
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
The only time I really change up my makeup routine is if something can provide even more convenience or save time which is exactly what this cream blush from Fenty does. With my stick products, I feel the need to put the product on the back of my hand to warm up the formula before using a brush to apply, but with this product, I can go straight in with a stippling brush and achieve a flawless application every time.
This colour gives such a rosy flush that I love for summer and also gives that sunburnt/sunkissed look when dragged across the bridge of the nose.
Nicole
I discovered this product at my hairdressers as a recommendation to extend my Keratin treatments. This is a true smoothing creme designed to be applied to wet hair and blow-dried out, but is also multi-use, which is where its strengths come into play. This always comes to the beach with me, to be applied before and after a swim for protection from the elements, and allows for the hair to be styled in a sleek bun afterwards for the journey home (or to the bar…). You can also use a pea-sized amount to set down flyaways on day-to-day styling, or go heavier with it when tying back into a bun or braids as an almost treatment. If you go down the traditional route, when blown out it leaves hair sleek and is perfect for battling humidity or rain.
One to Try
Recent openings and discoveries.
Oh Boy at the Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool
Not a new spot, but one to add to your Sydney Summer list. Located at the iconic Boy Charlton Pool in Woolloomooloo (on the other side of Mrs Macquarie's Chair in the Botanic Gardens), the Oh Boy Café makes for the perfect spot to start your day with a coffee pre-swim, or lounge in the sun with an Aperol in hand in the afternoon.
Lottery Win
A girl can dream.
After discovering this on Instagram (because, where else), I immediately felt the need to book a long weekend in Byron.
If we could, we’d opt for the full rodeo package and buy out the ranch exclusively for a weekend and host 34 friends across 17 king sized beds across 11 incredible spaces.
Given the cost of the private suite alone is eye-watering, this one was put on the back burner until we secure that lottery win. To discover the prices for yourself (the full Ranch Buy Out is POA), have a play around on their booking page.
IYKYK
Super specific recs and niche hyper-fixations.
One of the best gifts I (Nic) have ever received is my Sodastream. I’m someone who will always opt for sparking over still water at a restaurant, which my friends clearly noticed and purchased a Sodastream for my birthday many years ago. It’s still going strong, and tends to get a good workout in Summer. It is such an easy way to elevate an at home beverage.
I love to pair it with The Beauty Chef Adaptogen Inner Beauty Boost which is a healthy, but just as delicious, substitute for my daily Diet Coke habit.
If you’re new to Cart Curator, take a read of some of our recent editions.
Cart Curator #27 - In collaboration with Chelsea Williamson
Cart Curator #26 - We’ve Got AI-nxiety
Cart Curator #25 - Djerf and the Dupes