Cart Curator #40 - The Hollywood Trade In
How to wear the sheer trend, an American diner in Melbourne and the easiest way to curate the perfect playlist.
Hi CC friends,
This week we decided that 2024 was the year of working our wardrobes harder, and finding new ways to build outfits with the pieces we already own. Stay tuned for some hints on how to do the same.
In this issue you will also see a new section added to your weekly CC newsletter, as we kept wanting to include recommendations that didn’t really fall into our existing sections. So, we’re introducing a new segment called “Consumables' with the TV shows, movies, books, TikTok’s or any form of entertainment really that we can’t stop talking about.
Another one - since Nic has become engaged Jess has been flooding my DM’s with bridal-related purchases, recommendations, and vendors. We are thinking about introducing a series of special CC Bridal issues with unique suggestions. If there is an appetite here, whether you are also in the same boat or just generally interested in this kind of thing, please let us know!
Enjoy,
You Asked For It
This week our question comes from someone looking to introduce the sheer trend into their current wardrobe. Whilst we personally love this trend, we know it can be a tricky one to pull off, especially for occasions like work, or anytime you’re conscious of showing off too much skin.
Firstly, we have to start by mentioning a few Venroy pieces, as their latest drop incorporates sheer into a few styles. This Sheer Silk Cowl Neck Halter Top was included by Jess last week but had to make a re-appearance for this edit.
Our pick from their range currently is this Panelled Silk Dress, which comes in a unique mulberry shade. This slinky style would be a great option for a summer/spring wedding, with just the right amount of sheer, strategically placed so you don’t have to search to find specific undergarments just to wear under an item.
If you’re looking for a more subtle way to incorporate the trend, this Satin Slip Dress from Dissh has sheer layering around the v-neck line and hem.
Our next suggestion, the Sheer Lace Maxi Skirt from Topshop is for someone willing to embrace the trend completely. This flowy, sheer lace skirt would be great for a festival, but we can envision this styled up in a less boho, more fashion forward way, with a boxy blazer and chic pair of pumps.
Our last option is the Camilla & Marc Majorelle Bodysuit, which sits at a higher price point but is one of the more versatile pieces in this edit. Wear it styled like the model shot below, with a black mini and heels for a sophisticated dinner/drinks, or with classic blue jeans and blazer for a more relaxed look.
Popshop
Our favourite pop culture or industry moment of the week.
We need to desperately discuss a dating phenomenon that we are seeing play out like a pattern in Hollywood at the moment.
The trend goes:
Man achieves (a level of) fame
Man leaves long-term partner whom he has a newborn baby and who has supported him when he wasn’t famous
Man starts dating Hollywood starlet at similar or perceived higher level of fame
Allow us to present the evidence, which is more like sad, cold hard facts.
Jeremy Allen White
This one broke our hearts guys. Whilst we love Jeremy and love Rosalia, this behaviour is not approved by CC.
You may know Jeremy Allen White for his role on the TV show Shameless, but it is his work on the award-winning show The Bear that catapulted this man into the spotlight.
Before reaching the height of his fame, Jeremy was married to his now ex-wife Addison Timlin, who met when they were teenagers (over 16 years ago), before confirming they were dating in 2013. They have since shared two kids and even worse, they had gushing Instagram posts declaring their love to each other.
Since then, Addison has posted a series of IG’s that share how tricky the split has been for her. Have a look through this heartbreaking TikTok montage here to get an idea.
Since their announced split, a source declared that they “were having trust issues during their relationship that ultimately led to their divorce”. Checks out.
A few months after the divorce was finalised in May, Jeremy was spotted out and about with Spanish singer Rosalia, who he has continued to be connected to since.
Ethan Slater
If your first thought is who the f- is Ethan Slater, let us jog your memory with one of the biggest pop culture moments of 2023.
Ariana Grande, who was seemingly happily married to her (semi) normie boyfriend Dalton Gomez was spotted without her wedding ring and was quickly linked to Wicked co-star Ethan Slater. Ethan was previously known for playing Spongebob in The Spongebob Musical. Heard of it? No, neither had we, so landing a role next to Ariana Grande in a hotly anticipated movie version of Wicked was set to catapult him to another level of fame.
Now, Ethan had previously been with his wife and high-school sweetheart Lily Jay for 10 years, and they had a one year old child. Lily Jay was NOT happy when this connection came to light because she was blissfully unaware that their marriage was headed for a breakdown, and had actually spent time with Ariana and her partner, inviting them into their home and going out to dinner.
"[Ariana’s] the story really. Not a girl’s girl. "My family is just collateral damage." Oop.
Since their relationship has been publicised Ariana has cemented her thoughts on the interest in their suss coming together with lyrics in her newest song stating: “Your business is yours and mine is mine. Why do you care so much whose **** I ride?”.
Barry Keoghan
Everyone’s new obsession following the blow up of Saltburn unfortunately also needs to be mentioned as part of this new trend after being snapped with Sabrina Carpenter following reports of his breakup with normie girlfriend and mother of his first child, Alyson Kierans.
Alyson and Barry had been dating for two years and had a child together in August, but the relationship seemingly fell apart due to Barry’s partying and the stress that his rising celebrity no doubt placed on the couple.
While the fallout wasn’t as dramatic as that of Jeremy and Ethan’s break ups his new relationship with Sabrina Carpenter (who conveniently could be a doppelgänger for his ex) has still created quite a stir, even with their low key outings.
Add to Cart
What’s sitting in carts, or what’s been checked out.
Jess
Poppy Lissiman Black/Blue Vinny Sunglasses
I feel like this select is so left of field for me but I have been loving the look of a coloured lens sunglass styled with a Winter outfit. I’m sure a lot of us can relate to seeing a piece styled that immediately piques your interest but you dampen the love for the style because it isn’t necessarily ‘in fashion’ (whatever that even means), well that’s this style for me.
Sunglasses are an accessory that I realise I gravitate towards and they can really change up an outfit and I feel that this wayfarer style with the fun lenses is the perfect thing to add to an outfit that may not be particularly interesting (cc jeans and a tee/jumper). An added bonus is that this style from Poppy Lissiman isn’t particularly expensive and isn’t a trend that I’m leaning into so they aren’t something I’m going to want to leave in my wardrobe after the first month.
H&M Flutter Sleeve Poplin Blouse
Poplin blouses are clearly having a huge surge in popularity at the moment with the likes of GANNI continuing to dominate TikTok but as I have previously mentioned H&M have some great options year round in a range of feminine styles like the Flutter Sleeve Poplin Blouse.
I have had this one saved for quite some time but recently saw @breetrootlemonade wearing it on TikTok and I love how this looks in quite a relaxed outfit and even with the khaki cargo pants H&M has styled the model in.
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Nicole
I resisted the return of the larger than necessary hobo style tote bag but the practicality of it wore me down, and now this style has snuck its way to the top of my wishlist.
Reformation’s Vittoria Bag is on the pricier side at almost $500, BUT, if I compare this to my Longchamp Le Pliage that has gotten almost daily wear since I purchased it almost 2 years ago, I think this is worth the investment.
The leather on this looks buttery soft and I love the unique tie handle which is the perfect mid-size which works for both your shoulder and carrying on your inner elbow. One of the selling points to me is the magnetic closure, which is much more chicer than a zipper but also means your items won’t spill out when you place it on the floor of a car/aeroplane/tram.
Glassons Satin Drawstring Pants
I think this might be the first time Glassons has made it into a CC issue, which doesn’t surprise me as I feel like they went through a little bit of a flop era (for lack of better words). These satin drawstring pants are less than $40, but look a lot more expensive than that (with a good steam of course). Keeping in theme with the concept of finding ways to make your clothes work harder in 2024, I envision wearing these to work with a blazer and sneakers, running around on the weekend with a sandal and a casual t-shirt, or even to a fancier dinner worn with a pump.
They come in a few different colours, black of course, this brown shade and a bright green (unsure about this one TBH).
Beauty Counter
Prod of the week.
Jess
Givenchy 03 Voile Rose Prisme Libre Loose Powder
For a long time, I had been a dedicated user of the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. However, after hearing a lot of good things about pink-toned powders, I decided to give this Givenchy option a try. I found a mini size in Sephora while in Europe, and after trying it, I won't be switching back.
My fear with any powder that isn't translucent is that it will give an obvious coloured appearance to the area it is being applied. However, I couldn't have been more wrong. The pink tones really brighten the under eyes and enhance the concealer being used, instead of battling against it, which is what it can feel like when setting under eye concealer with a lot of other powders.
This finely milled powder looks seamless under the eyes. As someone with quite dry and crepey skin, I didn't know that this smooth look was possible with my skin type.
Nicole
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer - Hydrating
I completely forgot I owned this until I returned from Japan and realised that we were heading into 35 degree + days and I needed to wear makeup that was going to last.
I used to swear by the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, which I still stand by being one of the best primers ever created, but I picked up this Laura Mercier primer when I started moving away from matte formulas and wanted more hydration under makeup.
This is a no-fuss primer - easy to apply, hydrates and gives an even smooth base for my make-up to follow.
One to Try
Recent openings and discoveries.
Sometimes you just want a diner style breakfast, and Walrus in Melbourne’s Brunswick will satisfy all your cravings. Their signature old-school American breakfast is complete with pancakes with whipped butter and crispy bacon, and is served all day which makes it perfect for a late start to the day on Sundays.
Lottery Win
A girl can dream.
I (Nic) have been on the hunt for an oversized, chunky gold belt that doesn’t have a boho feel to it for a while. I feel like I’ve finally found the one, the Lucca Leather Belt from Khaite (a CC Lottery Win favourite), however, the $1,270 price tag stings a little/a lot.
Leaving this one on the Net-A-Porter wishlist until I source a dupe.
Consumables
What we’re consuming on repeat.
Having read and loved the book when it first came out, I (Nic) had high expectations for the Netflix adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe, and the adaptation did not disappoint. The casting was top tier, and made the show (particularly young Eli)
As we both grew up in Brisbane, this was such an interesting watch seeing overly familiar locations, but either way, it’s a visual snapshot into suburban Australia in the 80s. Also, you get used to the Aussie accent, which can be jarring on television.
IYKYK
Super specific recs and niche hyper-fixations.
This is one of those times where we are grateful for all things AI and algorithms, because this latest addition to Spotify is a game changer for playlist curation.
Simply search “daylist” on the app and you will be served a perfectly curated ever changing playlist, determined by the time of the day (morning, afternoon, evening) and your listening activity.
Some of our playlists that the app has cooked up include “club dance ibiza morning”, “happy indie feel good afternoon” and “nostalgia lip sync afternoon” and each and every time the algorithm nails it.
If you’re new to Cart Curator, take a read of some of our recent editions.
Cart Curator #39 - Thank you to all the Evil Gays
Cart Curator #38 - Our Favourite Season is Awards
Cart Curator #37 - Pandoro Pandemonium
Cart Curator #36 - A CC Year in Review: 2023