Cart Curator #43 - Taylor's Touchdown
Many many affordable recs, a necessary movie recommendation in celebration of Nic's 30th Bday and our new fave summer drink.
Hi CC friends,
Happy Valentine’s Day lovers.
Before we jump into things we’ve had a few DMs regarding Nic’s 30th birthday which was quite the event (and hangover). The dinner was held in a private room at Chin Chin which was the perfect backdrop for the night and of course you can’t go past their cocktails and menu. You can see some more of the finer details on her IG.
I (Nic) wore a pink mini dress from Helsa Studio, which is sold out pretty much everywhere online, but gets sporadic restocks on Revolve. It also comes in black which is equally chic. Jess wore a green Christopher Esber number with lace detailing. It’s currently on sale on NET-A-PORTER.
Flagging that we did rent both of our pieces, from One Wardrobe and The Volte, because it is such a great way to find fun options without committing to the re-wear (because you should always commit to the re-wear if you’re purchasing something).
Enjoy,
You Asked For It
This week we are tackling the question of some chic denim maxi skirt options that fall into the fashion category, and not the boho which a lot of us still may associate this style with.
Besides being on trend the denim maxi/midi is the ideal transitional piece as we start to move toward cooler weather, further extending the wear time of this item.
Our first option is the Cotton On Harper Midi Skirt, specifically in this indigo shade which is quite different from a lot of the other styles that are on the market - and that’s exactly why we like it.
We love how it’s been styled with the flat, as sometimes a boot or heeled boot can take the denim maxi into the aforementioned boho category, which is fine but not what we are trying to deliver here.
Up next is the Topshop Denim Reworked Maxi Skirt, which has a panel with a different grey wash appearing to open the skirt up in place of a slit (if that is not your thing). I (Nic) am a big fan of Topshop denim jeans, and their skirt options also do not disappoint.
Another Topshop option (can you tell we are fans of the brand) is the Low Slung Denim Maxi Skirt in White, which I (Nic) feel like is an underrated shade for denim and is very versatile, and can be dressed up more than your classic blue or black denim.
Lastly, we have an option from Sportsgirl which is a bit of a throwback and is a brand that I didn’t think we would see in CC, but their Edin A-Line Denim Maxi Skirt could easily be mistaken for another brand. If you like the look of the flared hem, then this the option for you.
Have a YAFI? Reach out at cartcuratorsubstack@gmail.com and we will do our best to answer it.
Popshop
Our favourite pop culture or industry moment of the week.
To be honest, other than the halftime show and the occasional critique of the advertisements, Jess and I would usually not even give a second glance to the Superbowl as a pop culture moment.
That being said, throw in the it couple of the moment (Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce duh) and you know that it’s bound to be worth covering. Did we understand the actual game element? No. Were we confused when they tied and went to extra time? Absolutely.
But, like some, we were there for everything that doesn’t involve football, so here are our favourite pop culture moments from the day/night/following morning.
Okay we’re into this boy fashion show that happens when the teams arrive to a game but Travis, I’m sorry sir what is this outfit.
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But seriously what is she doing to give her this kind of stamina and immune system to be able to keep travelling/bopping around/partying? We NEED.
I (Nic) will never get over the fact that Jess has a mega crush on Post Malone.
Okay I (Jess) surely cannot be alone in this? Defend me in the comments please.
A strategic PR moment if we’ve ever seen it. What are everyone’s thoughts on the new Wicked trailer? And why does every movie need to have a matching press tour wardrobe á la Barbie?
Our obsession with this friendship could even surpass that of the it couple themselves.
The most relatable of them all. Proper clowns for thinking/wishing this would happen.
We will happily settle for Alicia Keys however.
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Okay was this just us or was this incredibly rogue/cringe but a vibe at the same time.
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I certainly wouldn’t say that Lady Gaga is vibing here.
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We love Travis but god this has given us the ick.
Obsessed.
Okay, this show of personality is why I (Jess) love Post Malone.
A short lived bob era for Hailey but we are v v into this dark brunette.
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Okay actually into the jacket on Taylor.
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This is the best piece of content to come out of the entire event and this is just so normie of her.
Add to Cart
What’s sitting in carts, or what’s been checked out.
Jess
Lovisa Gold Large Square Statement Stud Earrings
Oh Lovisa, we meet once again. We’re still on the statement earring train and I don’t think I will ever be hopping off. These gold rectangle style oversized studs are sitting high up on my wishlist and I feel that they will be a great staple piece to accessorise my colder weather wardrobe with.
In my experience earrings from Lovisa are great quality for the price as well and don’t tarnish quickly or in most cases ever which is such a win for the price.
We love an inexpensive basic and this sheer ribbed long sleeve from H&M will be checked out shortly. I’m envisioning this with a pink silky bralette or balconette layered underneath and a chunkier grey cardigan over the top with a straight leg jean, ballet flat and finished with a long black coat.
Tell me you don’t see the vision.
Nicole
Immediately after walking into the Billini store in Bondi Junction (dismal stock I will say, the online selection is much wider), I fell in love with these simple white pumps. In particular, the v-detailing around the top, which is unique and looks excellent under a tailored trouser.
If you’re a bride-to-be these would be the perfect pair of shoes to get maximum wear of across all your bridal events - including an engagement party, bachelorette, recovery etc.
Jessica pointed out this chic summer maxi when we were perusing Cotton On over the weekend, however they had no sizes available in-store. Quickly jumping online, I confirmed they have a full size range in stock, and also have this style in a cream shade, and a white/blue pinstripe which is also v fun.
This is one of those dresses that you just know you would get soooo much wear out off. A wardrobe heavy lifter. As a short torso girl, I would definitely have to try this one to see if the ribbed section works for my height (sometimes they can come too low on my hips and look weird) but this does have adjustable straps which would be a saving grace.
Beauty Counter
Prod of the week.
Jess
You know we are big fans of Who Is Elijah at Cart Curator, so we were eagerly awaiting their next launch, Ocean Eyes, which we both got our hands on to try. I will say straight off the bat that this scent is not going to be for everyone, but for anyone who loves something a bit more masculine, you will absolutely love this scent especially once it mixes with your skin creating a musky and salty scent.
The description says that this is like “the feeling of a deep plunge into the crisp, blue ocean” and it smells exactly like that. I have previously mentioned my love for the Korres Blue Sage fragrance and this comes quite close to this also making it a great unisex option which Nic’s fiancé has actually taken to.
Nicole
To give some context to this recommendation, many moons ago when I was working with Charlotte Tilbury she released a limited edition shade called Sunset Lover. It was the PERFECT soft peachy shade for my complexion and quickly became my favourite lipstick when I wanted to look put together without going full glam. Whilst it is no longer available, the page is still live online if you are curious. However, I’m always complimented on the shade but can’t give out the recommendation, and I’d never found a dupe (or, just never looked that hard).
Fast forward about 6 years, and even though I still use the CT lippie (I don’t want to hear about expiry dates for some beauty products sorry) this Revlon lipstick turned up on my doorstep and has quickly become a replacement for CT. It’s a much creamier formula, with a glossier finish, which I actually prefer. And it’s only $18.
One to Try
Recent openings and discoveries.
A Brisbane option this week. Monal Dining is a buzzy neighbourhood hang in Newstead that only opened in Jan this year.
Right by the Brisbane River (or the big brown snake for us locals lol), if you’re searching for somewhere fresh (and off James Street…) then add this to your list.
Lottery Win
A girl can dream.
Frankie Shop London Double Breasted Coat
I (Jess) have been on the hunt for a new coat (that I absolutely do not need) for an upcoming work trip and have been looking for something more structured and found this absolutely stunning double breasted option from Frankie Shop. The length of this coat is perfect hitting around mid shin and the structured shoulders are what dreams are made of.
This would make even the most basic outfit instantly chic.
Consumables
What we can’t stop binging.
In honour of Nic’s 30th Birthday we did what anyone would do and sat down to watch an absolute classic, Suddenly 30 (this is the correct name and we will absolutely not be told otherwise). This movie is definitely a comfort movie and should not be reserved for every now and then watching but more so multiple times a year with the perfect and tear-jerking performances from Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Garner which hit too close to home as we continue to grow up.
Now if you are a regular reader of Cart Curator you know that we love to throw the term chic around and even worse if you know us personally this term sits in the top used word position for years running and while watching this weekend we developed a greater appreciation for TomTom’s rebrand presentation and in particular the quote “cause of death? Chicness” - absolute relatable content. Please expect to hear/see us quoting this from now on.
IYKYK
Super specific recs and niche hyper-fixations.
Pimms is strictly a summer drink in our minds, but unless we’re sitting outside in a sunny pub garden then we honestly forget that it exists as an option.
These cans are obviously convenient, but also taste v v v good. Served “long lemonade” (?) so with lemonade and ginger ale this is exactly what you want in hand at a summer bbq/beach day etc.
If you’re new to Cart Curator, take a read of some of our recent editions.
Cart Curator #42 - Sophadopha and Mug-gate
Cart Curator #41 - In collaboration with Paige Carmichael
Cart Curator #40 - The Hollywood Trade In
Cart Curator #39 - Thank you to all the Evil Gays