Cart Curator #47 - Death to the Champagne Carpet
We dish on our favourite Oscars moments happening on and off the red carpet, the collagen powder we can't stop coming back to, and the personal chef consuming our FYP.
Hi CC friends,
We spent the weekend celebrating our bestest friend Soph’s engagement in Brisbane over the weekend. The hangovers WERE SO REAL but also so worth it.
We’ve also had a Brisbane special in the works for sooooo long, so we’ve promised ourselves that we are going to make it happen. Think of it as your guide to the best places to stay, eat, drink, and shop in the city if you’re visiting (or for a stay-cay if you live there).
Enjoy,
You Asked For It
Our YAFI for this week comes from a reader that has specifically asked for a bag that “isn't 3k but isn’t Oroton but isn’t middle aged and boring but will be able to carry a laptop and random colouring pencils”.
We’ve covered this sort of YAFI a few times (here and here), so seeing a similar question just proves how difficult it can be to find that elusive fits everything but still chic work/tote bag.
Starting with a cheap and cheerful option, the Marua Bag from M.N.G hits all the right points. It looks a whole lot more expensive than it actually is (it’s less than $100). It’s simple enough to go with every outfit, sturdy enough to hold all your bits, and a zip to keep everything inside.
Our next recommendation is the Oversized Diamond Quilted Bag from Cos. If you’re someone who needs to run from work to the gym to school pick, this is for you. Sturdy, easy to clean, padded shoulder strap (because it’s probably overflowing), and a zip closure to allow you to throw it in the car/on the train without everything rolling out.
If you’re looking for something in a leather fabrication, then this Shopper Bag from Zara is on the pricier side for the brand ($359), but is 100% real leather. The slightly slouchier look to the bag, the silver hardware detail, and the shiny finish give this bag a more elevated look vs that of a regular tote, but without it being too in your face or trend-led.
We’re back with another The Edit next week readers, and keep your YAFI questions coming to cartcuratorsubstack@gmail.com.
Popshop
Our favourite pop culture or industry moment of the week.
It’s finally here. The moment we all(or maybe just us two?) have been desperately waiting for - the Academy Awards, or the Oscars as the young ones call it these days.
Sure, we love finding out who has taken home the coveted little gold men, but let’s be honest - we’re here for the outfits and the drama. Firstly, thank F*** the red carpet is back - does anyone else remember the car crash of last year’s white/cream/apparently champagne carpet?
Ok, now buckle up, there is a lot to get through here because as per usual, we have lots of thoughts.
This is case in point why old-school Hollywood glam is always a winner. Obsessed with Carey Mulligan in Balenciaga.
And just one more of my (Jess) favourite from the night.
You’re risking it trying to upstage Angelina but Sydney pulls it off. We’re also v into this Marilyn-inspired bob.
Loewe never misses. Greta + Loewe forever.
YES, YES, YES.
And that glam - deceased.
Honestly me when I spend too long saying goodbye to my friends and the Uber waiting for me threatens to drive off.
We will forever be obsessed with Kate McKinnon and her delivery of every line ever.
Iconic. I (Nic) want to be truthful with the readers here, I’m Just Ken was in my Spotify Top 100 last year, and I stand by its banger status.
This video sums the performance up perfectly - obsessed with both Margot Robbie and Billie Eilish trying to hold it together.
Now this is how you make a joke RE Barbie and Oppenheimer Mr Jo Koy.
Honestly just so happy for her. She is THRIVING.
Looks like Margot is finally ready to shed the Barbie image. To be fair, the girls been dressing like her now for what feels like 2 years. We approve this PR move and love the theory around giving America Ferrera the spotlight who donned pink for the event.
A new trend emerges - the floating strap. And no, these aren’t the same designer… We like it, won’t hear otherwise sorry.
As we mentioned in one of our recent issues, Ariana is well and truly leaning into the Glenda aesthetic ahead of the movies release. Unsure.
I’d have to leave sorry. My social anxiety would simply be too much to recover from this.
Everything about this moment was perfect.
Appreciate the Madame Web jokes making their way to the Hollywood elite.
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Zendaya can do no wrong. Also, the second Marilyn bob. Do we anticipate a trend?
Justice for every other movie nominated.
Everyone knows that Vanity Fair is where the best outfits come out and Em Rata’s Jacquemus dress is next level. We love how the design makes this look futuristic, with the in-built movement lines. Obsessed.
NGL thought this was Tristan Thompson at first glance. But side note the dress is giving Em Rata double up.
Congratulations on the little gold man Finneas but Claudia Sulewski in Balmain is the real winner.
Greta. never. misses.
This look on Kendall doesn’t feel like anything new for her but it is still so so good.
I looks like Kylie has seen some things (probably her boyfriend in the Willy Wonka movie).
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We’re here for this moment between Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter - we need more of them please.
Who and what were your favourite looks/moments? Please discuss!
Add to Cart
What’s sitting in carts, or what’s been checked out.
Jess
MNG Leather-effect shopper bag
Apologies in advance if you've had more than enough bag recommendations from us, but I just couldn’t resist including this mini-size shopper tote from Mango. The style is the perfect mini carry-all that won’t strain your shoulder in the process, and the deep coffee/chestnut color is perfect for autumn and winter.
This style is also under $100 (win), yet it looks far more expensive.
After a short hiatus, I’m back on the Veja train, and I've had my eyes on the Velcro style, which definitely gives off Golden Goose and even Isabel Marant vibes.
I would love these with the red detailing, which is impossible to get in Australia, but I think the simple white sneaker will be my go-to once again. You honestly can’t beat them
Nicole
Everyone is probably very familiar with the Bottega Veneta teardrop earring that brought with it waves of dupes (which we both have). I came across these & Other Stories earrings on The Iconic last week and feel like they are a fresher version of the BV style.
I have a bunch of & Other Stories jewellery pieces and can confirm that the quality of their pieces are excellent for a costume jewellery brand.
Shona Joy Mira Long Sleeve Off Shoulder Top
I’m very into everything that Shona Joy is doing right now, and whilst they have always nailed the dress I am loving some of their more everyday/wearable pieces currently.
We’ve spoken about the sheer trend in a past issue, and I have a feeling this is going to be even bigger this winter. This long sleeve top perfectly ties in the sheer look, and because it is on the arms it means you won’t feel as exposed as you can sometimes with sheer styles.
Beauty Counter
Prod of the week.
Jess
Revlon Illuminance Skin Caring Foundation
I love foundations that give me a bit of a glow, however, I’ve found in the past that some tried and true favorites that work well for others just do nothing for my super dry skin. I recently started testing this Illuminance Skin Caring Foundation in an attempt to substitute my current pricier option from Charlotte Tilbury, and I have been pleasantly surprised by the results.
When buffing this into the skin with a fluffy bronzer brush (my preferred method of applying any foundation), the skin is left with a radiant, skin-like finish without being too shiny. This product also includes Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane, which, God knows, my skin could do with. If you grab this on sale (which it currently is at Big W) it comes in super reasonably and is a great one to add to your makeup bag if you are a dry skin or glowy makeup lover.
Nicole
Collagen is one of those beauty adjacent products that I always forget about, and when I start using it again I’m like WHY DID I EVER STOP.
I’ve used collagen on and off for years, but I always exclusively buy Pearl. Firstly, I know the brand founder through the industry, Liv, and she is incredible (her hair and skin is enough to make you want to buy this by the truckload), but secondly because of their ingredients. Their collagen is Australian made (which I prefer for any supplements) and is formulated with wild-caught marine collagen (you don’t want to know what’s in the commercial popular collagen you can find around…), freshwater pearl powder (hence the name) and Kakadu plum.
It comes in flavoured (coconut), matcha and unflavoured, both which easily dissolve into cold or warm drinks. I take mine in black coffee.
One to Try
Recent openings and discoveries.
I (Jess) am super excited to try this one, as it is close to me in Brisvegas. Even though Australia is creeping closer to more autumnal temperatures, Brisbane still has a few months of summer temps left, so I foresee this new rooftop bar getting a thorough workout in the foreseeable future.
Expect tacos, a full margarita menu, and even a bottomless drinks package for those feeling so inclined.
Lottery Win
A girl can dream.
Natasha Schweitzer Omega Gold Necklace
As soon as we saw this new release from Natasha Schweitzer, it catapulted to the top of our jewellery wishlist.
Now, keep in mind that the price you pay is just for the gold necklace, you have to purchase any additional charms or gems that you wish to customise this with separately. Either way, we’re obsessed with how unique this is, and if we won the lotto we’d be buying a new charm for every day of the week.
Consumables
What we can’t stop binging.
If you are like us and intrigued/inspired by the journey of Emily Weiss from The Hills Super Intern to Into The Gloss to Glossier founder, then you will BINGE this like we did.
I (Nic) absolutely consumed this in less than 2 days as an audiobook, which is a great way to “read” this whilst on the go, as it almost is kind of like a podcast.
IYKYK
Super specific recs and niche hyper-fixations.
We know private chefs have all the ingredients (no pun intended) for TikTok stardom, and the latest to follow in Meredith Hayden’s (@wishbonekitchen) footsteps is Maddy DeVita. Maddy cooks for the founders of the fashion/lifestyle brand Love Shack Fancy, and her TikTok account showcases her whipping up heart-shaped pasta for decadent dinner parties and setting up tables for summer dinners on their terrace.
I (Jess) am vicariously living my chef dreams through her, and if you love food, she is well worth a follow
If you’re new to Cart Curator, take a read of some of our recent editions.
Cart Curator #46 - What in the Willy Wonka?
Cart Curator #45 - In collaboration with Joanna Fleming
Cart Curator #44 - Madame Web Bites
Cart Curator #43 - Taylor’s Touchdown