Cart Curator #38 - Our Favourite Season is Awards
A Golden Globes wrap-up, the best workout brands to motivate your New Years resolutions and the app that will give you better fashion inspiration than TikTok.
Hi CC friends,
How was everyone's first week of the year?
Nic is now back home in Aus and straight back into routine and work. Jess meanwhile is recovering from the flu which has meant a very rocky start to 2024.
As promised, we have a Japan travel special on the horizon as well as our collaborator issues kicking off in a couple of weeks - for reference, this will be the last issue of every month.
Now that we’re into 2024 we would love to hear if there is anything you would like to see more or less of here so that we can best shape our content for the coming year.
Enjoy,
Also, ICYMI during the discombobulating time over the summer break, we did a CC Year in Review just before Christmas, which is worth a read for our ultimate recs for the past year.
You Asked For It
New Year, new us, and before my (Jess) start to the year was derailed I had set myself the goal to get myself to the gym five times a week, no matter what I intend to do once I’m there - because the hardest part is just getting yourself there right? We find nothing gets me more motivated to exercise and even just be productive than new active/leisure wear but it can sometimes be challenging to find something that isn’t Lululemon or Cotton On Body (not that there is anything wrong with these brands - trust us our wardrobes are full of them).
I (Nic) on the other hand am a full-blown running addict, and my New year’s goal is to run a marathon. What started as just purchasing cute workout gear has quickly moved to researching the best shoes and gear to make a PB. Honestly not sure who I’ve become TBH.
We’re sharing the brands that are getting us inspired and excited to get dressed in the morning and we hope they will do the same for you too.
Okay, I (Jess) will admit I had previously been a secret LSKD hater - no idea why but I feel like we all have brands like this. I went in the store during their boxing day sales to try some pieces on while strolling through the shops and my lord, I hate myself for not trying sooner. Previously having been a Lulu Align stan I think I have officially jumped ship with my new go-to being the Elixir X-Short Tights. They feel quite similar to the Align but I love that they don’t have a seam up the middle of the front which just makes them soooo much more flattering.
During this in-store visit I also picked up the Momentum Ribbed Sports Bra which I had seen someone wearing in a reformer pilates class the day before and I just can’t tell you enough how flattering this sports bra is holding you in all the right places. Next on the purchase list is the Flow Ribbed Shelf Bra Performance Tank which is padded so no bra is needed making it perfect for yoga, pilates or coffee.
The Upside is one of the most underrated workout brands on the market. They blend function with fashion, with many of their pieces leaning into a more preppy look - which is perfect if you play tennis.
We’re very into the one-piece for working out during summer, and this classic black onesie and this more unique navy and white option are perfect. Wear alone, or style with an oversized shirt to level up your next coffee and walk catch up (you know the ones where you want to look cute, but also comfortable and the regular workout set won’t cut it?).
They also have a v chic Aprés Ski line which is a grossly under serviced category of clothing as I (Nic) found out when purchasing my ski wear for Japan. I mean I can just see myself wearing this knit sitting slopeside sipping a mulled wine.
If this brand doesn’t get you feeling ready for the day, nothing will. If you have dabbled in the US influencer scene you will no doubt have heard of Alo Yoga which is worn by every celeb and influencer under the sun walking through LA with an Erewhon smoothie in hand. After doing our own scrolling through the website who can really blame them, Alo have a huge amount of styles ranging from high-intensity activewear to the perfect sweatsuit for heading to coffee.
I (Jess) have had a number of their styles on my wish list for quite some time including the Wild Thing Bra which is perfect for yoga or pilates and just looks so clean with the longline style and ruching. With all of Alo’s styles you will find that they like to include detailing like the white piping on the Airlift Suit Up Bra that makes these items perfect for running from the gym to the shops etc. This last select I am so so obsessed with but don’t have the tennis abilities to warrant the purchase. The Airbrush Real Dress is just so crisp and a beautiful shorter cut with built-in bike pants making it functional too.
Any brands we missed? Have your own YAFI question or The Edit brand request? Leave a comment or get in touch directly at cartcuratorsubstack@gmail.com.
Popshop
Our favourite pop culture or industry moment of the week.
You know that at CC we love an awards night, and the Golden Globes did not disappoint us. The line-up of nominations this year was top tier, meaning the attendees and their outfits bought some of the best fashion and pop-culture moments together we’ve seen in a long time.
As always, we’re here to wrap up the best moments, sartorially or not, so let’s jump into it.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Prada were seemingly the standout brand, and the wind is working overtime here to give us the full effect of its etherealness.
A+, no feedback.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Miss Tay does not usually make our best-dressed lists, but this green sequinned Gucci number is *chef’s kiss*. Also, petition for these videos to be muted because no one wants to hear the screaming paps.
Greta + Loewe = perfection.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
We’re not always the biggest fan of Chanel on the red carpet but adore Riley Keough in this dress, This look is so basic but we feel like this is the perfect match for her,
Very into this and we won’t hear otherwise.
When I grow up I want to be Meryl Streep.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Gillian, we love this look but we love the embroidery on your dress even more.
Ok, now moving onto some more pop culture moments.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Of course we had to start with Kylie and Timmy, proving us all that she has not in fact gotten the ick from watching him in Wonka (honestly, so strong of her).
We actually can’t get enough of them.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
The things we would do to sit down with these three.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Screaming, crying, hoping for a Mamamia 3, mostly so we can forget that Mamamia 2 happened.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Need to smell this ASAP.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Despite the fact that J.Laws style has had a chic upgrade, glad her sense of humour hasn’t aged.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
“ben always looks like you just asked him for a ride to the airport for a 530am flight”, reads one comment and we couldn’t agree more. YOU’RE MARRIED TO JLO at least try to look happy about it.
This Suits reunion brings a tear to the eye but we love this situation one TikTok user has also dreamt up.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
I mean we live for the drama.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Jess has been a BIG fan of The Bear, and TBH Jeremy Allen White since his Shameless days but this pair together is *chefs kiss*.
We say bring Will Smith back to slap this guy.
Now, back to hibernation until the Oscars.
Add to Cart
What’s sitting in carts, or what’s been checked out.
Jess
I currently have a stack that I never take off my right wrist but I am always on the hunt for different pieces to add that sit outside the ordinary and I came across this Miansai Screw Cuff during some recent TikTok scrolling. I love the screw detailing which I feel nods to the Cartier type bangle that stays on but this is a lot more minimalistic.
Love the rounded bottom to this and the flat top - I just feel like this would be so unobtrusive to wear.
Tony Bianco Javelin Espresso Suede Flats
After a hiatus of anything good, Tony Bianco is back with a huge drop of flats including these suede espresso babies. These are the perfect transitional piece as things eventually start to cool down and the rich espresso shade just gives autumn in the best way possible.
This slip-on style is perfect for work or running around on the weekends and would be good paired with a straight leg jean or mini skirt and a tee.
The Leopard Pony version of these deserve a honourable mention - as I discussed last week leopard is a great neutral to have in your wardrobe and the only reason I’ve mentioned the espresso vs leopard is I recently purchased another pair of leopard flats in the Zara boxing day sale.
Nicole
Ok, this probably should be in Lottery Win, but I’m trying to justify this purchase so let me leave it in Add to Cart for now.
I feel like there is always a brand logo shirt that has its moment in the snun. For the longest time it was the Loewe Embroidered Tank, but it’s time to move on (sorry). I feel like that crown is about to be passed to the Cassandra Tank from YSL, which is simple and incorporates the logo in a chic understated kind of way. I also love the red thread, which is unique as most of these kinds of shirts run with black. Now, I don’t actually wear logos, in fact I try to stay away from them, but something about this is pulling me in and telling me I just need it.
Balancing out my second Add to Cart with a slightly more affordable, but random rec - but hear me out. I needed to buy fake candles for my 30th birthday dinner as the venue does not allow open flames. After searching high and low on Amazon only to find very plastic-y looking options, I turned to trusty Kmart. I purchased these without expecting much as they are only $12 for the 3, but they then managed to turn up on my door step within 24 hours of purchasing them on standard shipping, and let me tell you that I am very shocked at the quality.
They not only look like wax, but they actually feel wax (my nails actually scratched a chip out of it, exactly like a normal candle would). Look, they won’t bring the same vibe as an actual lit candle to your space, but if you have an outdoor area and want to have candles burning for several hours while you host, or if you want to light a candle while you are having dinner without competing for smells, then this is a cheap option that looks very realistic with a soft flicker. You can also play around with the colours, which is unnecessary for the most part, except for the fact that you can select between a cool white (summer) and a warm white (winter).
Beauty Counter
Prod of the week.
Jess
Make Up For Ever Limitless Brown Artist Colour Pencil
If I’m completely honest this was a product I was completely influenced to buy from TikTok however I love it nonetheless. A video from creator Vanessa Nicole Stern popped up on my FYP using this product to line her inner and outer eye corners and showed a few celeb examples of this (video below) for the perfectly defined almond eye look - something I have tried previously with a black shade and it just looked way too harsh with my colouring.
The Make Up For Ever pencils are a product I have mentioned here before as they are actually multi purpose and the formula is just so smooth and creamy. I have also seen this shade used as a lip liner so may give that a try when I’m feeling brave enough.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Nicole
Shisedo Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask
This is a special sneak peak for the Japan special (which of course will include shopping recommendations).
After being served numerous TikToks on the must-buys at Don Quijote in Japan (IYKYK), I purchased this for both myself and Jessica (you’re welcome Jess!). I actually didn’t realise initially that the brand of this is Shisedo, especially given the price point - of which I can’t remember the actual price but I don’t think I paid more than $10 and given how much I spent in the store it was tax exempt. This is like liquid silk, and I know this isn’t the most practical of recommendations if you’re not heading to Japan, but I did find the mask on Amazon at double the price (which is actually still only $20).
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
One to Try
Recent openings and discoveries.
You’ve heard us (and the rest of the internet) say that Le Relais de l’Entrecote is a must try when you’re in Paris, but if you aren’t heading to Paris anytime soon we’ve found the next best thing in Sydney. We are dying to try Gavroche and in particular their steak with unlimited frites, and can we just say this looks mighty close to what we had in Paris. The steak frites is $45 and includes a glass of wine and if that doesn’t sound like the perfect night out we’re not sure what does.
Lottery Win
A girl can dream.
Nensi Dojaka Tulle-trimmed cutout stretch-knit mini dress
I (Nic) will be celebrating my 30th birthday in less than a month (!), so the hunt for a chic dress begins. If I won the lottery, I’d be adding this Nensi Dojaka dress to cart immediately. The tulle floral details adds the perfect pop of interest to the dress, and when combined with the running detail of the one shoulder down to the bottom of the hem creates something that seems both chicly minimalistic and unique all at once.
IYKYK
Super specific recs and niche hyper-fixations.
Not the freshest of fresh recommendations, but we think with everyone's love of TikTok most have forgotten the OG source of fashion, cooking and nail inspiration. If you know how to correctly use Pinterest then this is the ultimate platform for moodboarding, finding inspiration, outfitting and sorting out your style. I (Jess) am one for making a Pinterest board for anything and everything (this is my love language) including style inspo for the upcoming season, recipes, hacks etc. and this could not be more relevant then right now with my current quest to redefine my style.
I find Pinterest the best place to find styles I love that don’t lean to heavily into the trend cycle and the TikTok sell out panic of products and styles which I find often sways me.Obviously this is the same with most platform algorithms but I find Pinterest the easiest of all to discover a new style or look and to then explore that rabbit hole via the more to explore section below the image you have selected.
For anyone else out there trying to be more considered with their shopping in 2024 and find what they actually like (not just think they should like) I would seriously recommend upping the Pinterest scrolling hours vs TikTok.
If you’re new to Cart Curator, take a read of some of our recent editions.
Cart Curator #37 - Pandoro Pandemonium
Cart Curator #36 - A CC Year in Review: 2023
Cart Curator #35 - Madeline is no longer pretty lonesome
Cart Curator #34 - Turn off your phone Selena!