Cart Curator #36 - A CC Year in Review: 2023
A look back at our favourite pop culture moments as well as our best finds, purchases, and products of 2023.
Hi CC friends,
We hope everyone had a good Christmas - no matter what it looked like!
Following a chaotic Christmas day Jess is currently relaxing on the Sunshine Coast whereas Nic is living it up in Tokyo however before she jetted off we sat down to bring together our top moments and recommendations for 2023.
We’re so excited to officially introduce you to our first-ever Year in Review issue and to give you some background we’ve essentially laid out our CC Year in Review like we do a normal issue, with some extra sections to share a few additional recommendations outside of our usual structure.
Before we go, taking this moment to say a big, big thank you to everyone who has read, supported, and shared Cart Curator this year. It has genuinely been such a pleasure growing this community and something that we continue to look forward to putting out each week.
See you in 2024,
Top Pop Culture Moments
Our favourite niche pop culture moments of the year.
It feels like everyone does a pop-culture wrap at this time of the year, so we’ve decided to whittle it down to the top three moments that truly had us hyper-fixated. Now these moments aren’t necesarily ones you have seen plastered all over the news but they have become the ones that we can’t seem to stop talking about.
3. DJ Mandy’s Insane Remixes
Kicking off with a TikTok moment that is so incredibly niche, and one that probably won’t appear on any of the other wraps you’re reading this time of the year.
I (Nic) first came across DJ Mandy on TikTok and have been obsessed with her off kilter remixes ever since. I can’t even explain in words how iconic she is, I’m just going to have to drop a bunch of her remixes here for you to listen yourself.
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Honestly the best part is you can see her trying so hard not to laugh when she’s blending and the serious comments she is replying to which honestly sends us every time.
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She currently has almost a 650K following on TikTok, so we have a feeling you’ll be hearing this name again next year. We’re going to skip the whole 2024 prediction thing, but we will say that we would love to see DJ Mandy headline a festival ASAP.
2. Harry Style’s Buzz Cut
In our second spot is Harry Styles' buzz cut. Earlier this year we had the privilege and the pleasure of seeing the man himself live in concert, and as expected were in awe of his head of hair and his abs, which luckily for us at the Sydney concert were on display.
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However, last month we woke up to some earth shattering news that he had shaved his head, ridding himself of his iconic locks.
Rumours of the reasoning for the buzz include for a new movie role (we hope) and for a hair transplant (there is a vicious rumour that his hair was a wig).
We’re still processing this one.
1. North West becoming a fashion critic
And in our top spot is sassy North West establishing herself as a fashion critic. We strongly believe North West is Kim’s karma for being the bitchy sister to her own siblings for years. It appears she can escape Kanye, but she will forever be stuck with North and her Kanye-esque behaviour, and we are kind of here for it.
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Also, if you don’t follow their joint TikTok page @KimandNorth, go have a look. You can clearly see that North is forcing Kim to film these TikTok’s with her - iconic.
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Keep humbling her North.
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Book of the Year
Our top read of the year.
Jess
Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
I love a good love story and Paper Palace took out top spot for me this year. I devoured this book which often isn’t the case for me with reading sometimes being a bit of a slog (I wish this wasn’t the case). I was captivated from the first page and loved Miranda Cowley Heller’s writing so definitely add this to your 2024 reading list if this wasn’t on your radar for 2023.
Warning this love story is also accompanied by some serious themes so this isn’t the fluffiest of beach reads that some are making it out to be.
Nicole
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
I had to cast my mind back for this one, as I read it in January of this year. One of my New Year’s resolutions was to read 52 books in a year (which I did, thank you very much), so picking my top read was quite difficult. I enjoy a well written book over a strong storyline, but this had both.
The storyline kept me captured, eagerly turning the pages to understand what was to come of their relationship. But what made me fall in love with this book was Mellors stylish and rich writing.
Eat of the Year
Our favourite dining experience.
Jess
Okay so the fact that this was one of my most recent dining experiences may have made it stick out in my mind more than others but Light Years in Byron was a fantastic experience that is a must for any Byron stay.
The asian style diner has everything from mud crab, prawn, and scallop dumplings and pork belly bao to lobster noodles with a stunning cocktail list to match making this experience one you won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
If the quality of food wasn’t enough to get you there the interiors are stunning making this experience a 10 across the board.
Nicole
This has to be not only my favourite eat of the year but one of my favourite dining experiences in Australia to date.
Now, this is not a restaurant that you’d simply pop to just for your regular nice dinner, but we went for a special occasion (being my birthday). It’s a chefs table type sitting arrangement, and there’s no á la carte menu, you’re giving a daily menu that changes based on season and produce.
Everything is fish and seafood based, from Fish Chartcuturie which includes a seafood based “chorizo” to Snapper Eye Ice Cream. If you have a special occasion or want to make one up to dine here, I’d highly recommend it.
Beauty Product of the Year
The product we’ve had on high rotation.
Jess
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
I’ve tried not to mention this product in CC for so long because, well, you would have to be living under a rock to not have heard about it and already have been recommended by friends, family, media, and influencers around the world but this product is just so unbelievably good.
The product is described as being a multitasking product which it most definitely is and I choose to mix this with a couple of drops of foundation buffed into the skin with a fluffy bronzer brush leaving me with a super glowy and light airbrushed-looking base.
This has been a staple makeup product for many, many years and I can’t see it going anywhere anytime soon.
Nicole
Since I first suggested this, this has been on high rotation in my makeup routine. It is lightweight and blends seamlessly into the skin to provide sheer, almost undetectable coverage and is perfect for everyday wear - for both work and the weekends.
As I mentioned, I personally love a very natural finish (your skin but better, no-makeup makeup, etc), and this gives a similar finish to Glossier’s Perfecting Skin Tint, but Mecca’s version is packed with skin-loving ingredients like Niacinamide and Squalane.
I now have this in two different shades, which I can blend together easily depending on how tan I am at the time. If you haven’t tried this already, Mecca is super generous with samples so definitely pop into your local store and get them to colour match you with a trial pot so you can get a feel for this on your skin.
Add to Cart of the Year
Our top three favourite products we added to cart this year.
Jess
This lottery win made it’s way into my wardrobe following a huge Black Friday discount. Having not tried them on in person this purchase could have gone horribly wrong but these are now one of my favourite wardrobe pieces and they are just such a simple style for everyday.
Next on the wish list is the tortoise shell style with pink/red lenses which I feel are a need not a want.
I picked these jeans up early in the year whilst in Berlin and the extremely baggy and oversized style has become a wardrobe staple for me. These look best when belted giving the waist some shape with a variety of tops/jacket pairings giving very effortless, cool girl vibes.
Weekday are stocked on ASOS so no need to travel to pick these up and I will definitely be looking for these in other shades come Autumn time.
My last add to cart favourite are these flats that have been seriously divisive, but I have found that once styled most people have come around the the concept and end up loving how these look. The mesh makes these flats so comfortable and easy to wear for summer and they look cute paired with shorts and dresses, not just pants which I feel many people would expect.
I have gotten so much wear out of these flats already and they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon so there is so much more to come. Alias Mae has added a huge amount of new flats to their range so be sure to check them out even if the Pia style isn’t your vibe.
Nicole
Everytime I wear these pants I get asked where they are from, and then people are shocked when they learn they aren’t Camilla & Marc or another high-end brand, which is a pretty good sign. These are my go-to for work, easily styled with a basic t-shirt, singlet or jumper pending the season.
I mentioned this when I originally shared this in Add to Cart, but Uniqlo does in-house alterations, so if you’re a petite girl like me, you can easily have these tailored to your preferred length.
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One of my best purchases this year was the Rylan Studio Mini Satchel which I added to my handbag rotation and quickly became my most used handbag for several reasons. Firstly, it has the top handle which you can see in the picture, but also a longer cross body strap which is perfect for travelling. It also fits a good amount of handbag essentials, like your phone, a few beauty products, and my camera - which is one of the reasons I purchased it before I went to Japan. The quality itself is so high, and I feel this one will last me for a very long time.
VRG GRL Novella Bias Cut Maxi Dress
This is a relatively new purchase, but I had to include as I am inundated with compliments and questions when I wear this. Ok, that may be an exaggeration but I did get about 10 IG DMs when I posted this on my story asking where it was from. The cut, fabric, and lace detailing make this dress ultra-feminine in the best way possible. It’s the perfect full length for me as a short girl, meaning I can get away with both heels for a dressier look or sandals/sneakers for the day. The style is very reminiscent of something you would expect to see for $300+ on Realisation Par or Reformation, so this is very well priced at $159. I will say that you get what you pay for with the fabric, which is a rayon/linen blend, but, it’s still pretty breezy, and this has quickly become my favourite summer dress.
They have also just restocked, so if you’ve had your eye on this one move quickly!
IYKYK of the Year
Our favourite super specific rec.
Jess
I will forever be obsessed with Kelly Rutherford. I follow a huge amount of people for style inspiration as I find this is what inspires me and helps expand my thinking when it comes to fashion, and Kelly is one that I will always, always come back to.
The thing I love is that none of her looks are too curated and she always has an element of undoneness (??) with her hair, makeup or accessories making her outfits appear as if they have just been thrown on and ended up looking incredibly stylish.
No matter your age Kelly Rutherford is one to continue watching for your style inspo.
Nic
It has to be Depop for me. I spent a good chunk of time this year scrolling Depop, both saving potential purchases and listing items for sale.
Firstly, it is such a smart way of shopping because if you are chasing something specific you can simply see if you can find it cheaper on the app, which is perfect for higher price purchases like a wedding dress or party outfit (which you can then resell afterwards).
There are so many great pieces on there now that the fashion girlies are also using the app, and you can find sooo many items that are brand new, with tags.
As I mentioned when we originally included this, Jess and I are both the type of person to wake up one day and want a complete wardrobe refresh and personal rebrand, and Depop makes selling clothes SO easy. In fact, last month I went over to Jess’s apartment to help her list about 40 items on Depop because I’m that passionate about a wardrobe clear out.
Let’s not also forget that it is a sustainable and cost of living appropriate way of introducing new pieces into your wardrobe, which we are all here for.
If you’re new to Cart Curator, take a read of some of our recent editions.
Cart Curator #35 - Madeline is no longer pretty lonesome
Cart Curator #34 - Turn off your phone Selena!
Cart Curator #33 - Who the f*** is Madelaine Brockway
Cart Curator #32 - Bring Back Black Friday Stampedes