Cart Curator #44 - Madame Web Bites
The car wreck of a press tour we can't get enough of, the heel style we swore we would never go back to and a protein snack.
Hi CC friends,
A busy week for us with Jess heading to Sydney later in the week for Taylor Swift (!!!!) and then off overseas for a work trip.
Nicole is deep into wedding planning having locked in a venue (yay) so now onto the fun stuff like florals, dresses and essentially party planning.
We are back with another CC Collaborator next week who will surely be a familiar face to many, so make sure you are subbed to get that in your inbox.
Enjoy,
You Asked For It
When you think of the wedge heel a lot of us will think of something black and chunky circa 2010 or the wooden Kookai heel that a lot of people had, me included (Jess). Wedges are coming back around but this time with a much cleaner line and missing the platform making them an ideal item to work into your office or going out wardrobe and we have pulled together a selection of styles that will work seamlessly into any wardrobe.
Starting off with our faves Zara which have nailed this shoe. The Faux Patent Wedge Sandal is a wedge, heel hybrid with a cool wave like cut out giving otherwise a really simple shoe a bit of an edge and an element that makes any outfit look instantly cool. The patent texture of this ‘simple’ black shoe is also a great way to again make a simple shoe a bit more intriguing and add a different texture to your outfit.
Next up is more of your classic wedge style from Mango again a super simple style which you will see carried throughout this trend. The Annie Sandal is the perfect piece for your summer wardrobe and would be a good style for daytime wear with their lower heel and simple skinny straps. This style can also be made to look very cool with a tailored trouser which I feel isn’t the first pairing the mind would go for when it comes to a white strappy sandal but this really ups the cool factor.
Most of us immediately think of an open toed sandal when you mention the word wedge - unless you were into the wedge sneaker at the height of the Isabel Marant obsession (I know I was) we wanted to also include a couple of options that stray further away from this ‘traditional’ style.
Leaning more into the chic work appropriate style are this point toed open back option from Senso. The Hazel I cuts a really good shape down the side of the foot before fading out to a backless style and would look perfect styled with everything from a tailored pant to something shorter that will really show off that side line.
One last non traditional pair this time from Alias Mae which are really killing it with their new Autumn/Winter 24 drop which we may actually look to feature in an upcoming The Edit. The Eden point toe wedge particularly in the bone leather are incredible especially with the oversized gold buckle finishing off the mary jane strap. These are also a backless style which I think really keeps them looking current. This style is absolutely made to be seen in its entirety and it would be a crime to wear them with anything other than a mini skirt or micro short - love the idea of the micro short + tights + these for winter.
If a boot is more your cup of tea, their latest drop also included a wedged boot. Looks like this style may be back.
Popshop
Our favourite pop culture or industry moment of the week.
Now Jess and I aren’t particularly interested in the Marvel universe - we can appreciate the genre and understand that they are very very popular given just how many movies exist (33 to be exact…).
Now that being said, you know what does interest us? Dakota Johnson and more specifically how much she wants to distance herself from her latest movie and the supposed flop based on Marvel’s Madame Web comics.
Now we completely understand the appeal of getting onboard for a Marvel film ($$$) and the usual slew of spinoffs and sequels that follow but whispers on the internet indicate that Dakota appears to not have gotten what she thought she was signing on for.
Without getting into it too much, the dream Marvel movie to be signed onto is one in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) which features Iron Man, The Avengers, Black Widow - you get the drift. What Dakota actually signed on for is set in the Sonyverse which actually sits completely separate from the Spider-Man movies which technically are set in the MCU.
Confused? So are we, even after we completely deep dove into the universes. To serve it to you in a nutshell - essentially this wasn’t the cash cow Dakota thought she was signing on for. Users on TikTok are fuelling this rumoured fire responding to her interview where she mentions speaking with Elizabeth Olsen about her experience - FYI Elizabeth stars in acclaimed WandaVision which is part of the MCU (eek).
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Was Dakota tricked by her agent? The studio? We’re not quite sure but someone is for sure in trouble. The win for us is that this has resulted in some amazing Madade Web press interviews. We LOVE Dakota Johnson and her uber-dry sense of humour (see the Ellen interview), and she is delivering big time on this press tour where you can tell she really couldn’t care less about promoting the movie. See some of our favourite moments below.
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Essentially, this is Dakota:
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When it comes to her co-stars, its clear she also doesn’t give AF. We respect this, especially given she’s older. This is so beyond awkward but we love the friendship these three have formed.
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At least she delivered with her red carpet looks. I mean…
Who else will not be seeing this movie? Or whose boyfriends will force them into a theatre?
Add to Cart
What’s sitting in carts, or what’s been checked out.
Jess
Maria Murphy Let’s Have a Chat Print
I’m currently very into Stockholm-based artist Maria Murphy and her fun and brightly colored paintings, particularly this print titled 'Let’s Have a Chat.' I’m always on the lookout for prints for my apartment, and it’s so easy to get sucked into buying something cheap off Etsy. But pieces like those from Maria Murphy have so much more life and character to them; they can really become a focal point in a home. These prints are also quite reasonably priced, and it's such a great thing to be able to support an independent artist.
I’ve fully leant into the homewares this week but I’m feeling really inspired a number of new brands on my radar including Carrière Frères which reminds me of the Laura Ashley/Crabtree and Evelyn aesthetic that I just love. The packaging and design of the candle itself are really clean and minimal, making it perfect for the kitchen or living room. The range of scents is also really interesting and different from many other ranges on the market, including scents like Sichuan pepper, bay laurel, and tomato, which I have my eye on
Nicole
Lovisa Gold Triple Row Wrapped Knotted Drop Earrings
Back with another Lovisa rec this week. We are a fan of three things here at CC - a statement earring, Heaven Mayhem, and a Lovisa dupe, and this ticks all these boxes. You’ve probably seen these chic, semi-knocker looking earrings on your feed, but at over $150, I’ve settled for the Lovisa version that comes in at under $20.
These are such an easy way to elevate a simple outfit, and I’ve been wearing these almost non-stop since I picked them up in store.
I desperately need the mixed metal version, so Lovisa if you are reading this please help me out.
This is a rec for any of our corporate chic girls out there. I came across this very flattering, very affordable dress on TikTok in the black, which quickly sold out online. As PR girls, we can never get enough black dresses in our wardrobes, and this H&M number could easily be mistaken for a Camilla & Marc piece.
They have since added a white version, which has complete size availability (at the time of writing this..). Maybe this is just where my brain is at, but could be very elegant option for a bridal shower (whatever that is). Even though this piece definitely leans into corporate wear, you could easily wear this to a more formal dinner/drinks event.
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Beauty Counter
Prod of the week.
Jess
Fenty Beauty We're Even Longwear Concealer
As a forever tired girl, as well as one who is genetically prone to purple-toned undereyes, I have tried every concealer, corrector, and treatment under the sun. I can hand on heart say this is the best product I have ever tried for the undereyes. Full disclaimer: I was sent this product to try out, and to be honest, I don’t think I would have naturally gravitated towards it on my own, having been happy with the Kosas Revealer Concealer I had been using. Having tried the Fenty concealer, I now fully believe that I gaslit myself into loving the Kosas concealer.
The texture of this product was really surprising to me, as it feels lighter and more serum-like, which contradicts my perception of what a longwear product should be. This product applies super easily, blending out without settling into creases or setting down quickly, with the product honestly just looking like skin. Even as I am writing this, I’m currently 9 hours into wearing it and 0 product has settled into my lines, and my undereyes just look like my undereyes but better.
Lastly, the packaging and applicator are just perfect. The bend in the applicator is surprisingly helpful, and the bottle dispenses the perfect amount of product, unlike the Kosas which you need to wipe off a lot of product that then ends up spilling out through the seal when you screw the lid back on.
Seriously, I have no notes - this is now a staple in my makeup bag.
Nicole
An exfoliating glove is a mainstay in my shower at all times. The reason I’m including it this week is because it gets a bigger workout during summer for two reason: skin is on display a lot more frequently, and this is a non negotiable step in the shaving routine, and secondly because I’m doing head to toe sunscreen when I go to the beach and this is the best thing to make sure you are properly scrubbing it off after.
Whilst this isn’t the exact pair I have currently, I’ve used these Soap & Glory ones before and they are v good. You can also just purchase these from your local chemist or grocery store for a few bucks.
One to Try
Recent openings and discoveries.
Not a new spot by any means, if you are a Melbourne local then you are probably very well acquainted with this location.
I (Nic) had a tart as my birthday cake, and I’ve been craving more ever since and I’m honestly drooling looking at all the different flavours on their IG.
Consumables
What we can’t stop binging.
Sabrina Carpenter Nonsense Outros.
Everyone in Aus is proper caught up in the Taylor Swift Era’s Tour at the moment, but I (Nic) am so obsessed with Sabrina Carpenter.
Everytime she performs Nonsense she finishes with a unique outro, usually reflective of the city she is in. For example, here are two from Melbourne.
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Very much looking forward to seeing what she pulls out for the rest of her time in Aus, which I anticipate will include a double entendre for “down under” at some point…
Lottery Win
A girl can dream.
Bazilika 100% cashmere cardigan with scarf
We’re suckers for a good knit and this Bazilika cashmere cardigan with a built-in scarf has our full attention. The oversized silhouette of the jumper and cosy scarf just looks like the perfect wardrobe addition for throwing on with jeans, a ballet flat and an oversized tote.
IYKYK
Super specific recs and niche hyper-fixations.
Chobani Raspberry Greek Yogurt Pouches
In an effort to up my (Jess) protein intake (which makes me want to vom - how the hell do people consume the amount you are supposed to?!) I have taken to yoghurt which I have always loved by I know this can be quite a divisive one. In particular I grabbed for the Chobani Raspberry Greek Yogurt Pouches which was first for me preferring plain greek/unsweetened options and my lord I cannot stop eating these.
They remind me so much of the Yoplait Petit Miam mini yoghurt pots I used to take to school (what a throwback) and they just generally are delicious and easy to eat at work in the pouch form. For anyone interested these contain 11.1g of protein and don’t involve boiled chicken or protein powder shakes so they have me sold.
If you’re new to Cart Curator, take a read of some of our recent editions.
Cart Curator #43 - Taylor’s Touchdown
Cart Curator #42 - Sophadopha and Mug-gate
Cart Curator #41 - In collaboration with Paige Carmichael
Cart Curator #40 - The Hollywood Trade In