Cart Curator #51 - In collaboration with Gaby Howard
Is Jojo Siwa a PR genius? We introduce you to our new favourite app, Carted, and Gaby from their team shares her shopping wins.
Hi CC friends,
Welcome to our April In collaboration with… issue! This issue is especially exciting for us as it is part of our first paid collaboration with a brand we have been working with quite closely behind the scenes, Carted. Carted is a new shopping app that will be launching very very soon and we have actually been using this app for quite a few weeks now and can’t wait to tell you a little more about it.
We’re joined by Gaby Howard, the Head of Operations and Growth at Carted, and if you’re wondering “What does that even mean”, in her own words:
“I wear many hats, which I absolutely love. I get to work on GTM, partnerships, community building, brand, product - and a lot of copywriting. A lot. I also lead on all things legal and compliance.”
Gaby started her career in fashion and lifestyle PR, before founding Flaunter in 2014. If you’ve ever worked in Fashion, you’re probably very familiar with Flaunter, and if not, it’s a an all-in-one service-based software for PR’s, influencers and brands. She then sold the business in 2022 - “The move from PR to startups was the best thing I ever did.”
I have always loved fashion, dressing up, design - shopping. It feels like I’ve been preparing my whole life to work on a shopping app like Carted, made for lovers of shopping (me, lol).
What might surprise you about me? I love camping in remote places (read: no showers) just as much as I love a day bed in Paros. My daily reads are the What’s New edits on Net-a-Porter, Khaite and Zara, alongside my Substack addiction.
If you want to find out more about Carted, here’s some insight:
You can find out more about Carted on their website, or if you want to have a play around now (trust us, you do) the app is now available for download on the App Store.
Before we get into it, please go follow our new IG, @cartcuratornewsletter. We’ll be sharing much more content on this platform in between issues, and you’ll be the first to know about what’s coming up.
We hope you enjoy this issue with Gaby and we will be back in your inboxes next week,
Popshop
Our favourite pop culture or industry moment of the week.
If you’re like us you have no doubt seen the dumpster fire that is Jojo Siwa’s rebrand over the past few days, which actually has got us thinking she might in fact just be a marketing genius?
ICYMI Dance Moms Alumn Jojo Siwa, previously known for her side ponytail, kid-like persona and audience and extensive merch range, has entered her “Miley Cyrus Bangerz era” (her words, nor ours let the record show), and has seemingly shed her good-girl image with the upcoming release of her new album.
Prior to this Siwa had amassed a huge audience of young children through every fault of her own, which left her trying to slowly chip away at her past perception over the last few years, most notably with her coming out and when she scandalously decided to stop wearing her side ponytail.
However now, timed with the release of her song “Karma” the lead single of her upcoming album, she’s taken it much, much further and honestly readers, at first we were a little scared.
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Drop the album Jojo, WE DARE YOU.
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Where is Abby Lee to intervene!!!
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We probably wouldn’t admit this publicly Jojo.
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Ok, she’s technically right about everyone of these points.
It was at this point in the madness that we turned a corner. The way Jojo was acting at her listening party at Rocco’s in WeHo (the clip above) made us ask question - Has this all been part of an epic PR move to promote her new music? Are we just being trolled?
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To round it all out Jojo has sat down with none other then Alex Cooper of Call Her Daddy set to launch this Wednesday. Colour us intrigued.
Over to Gaby!
Add to Cart
What’s sitting in carts, or what’s been checked out.
Deiji Studios Open Long Sleeve Top
I have become obsessed with long sleeved tops. Even in summer, I like the way they balance out a pair of shorts or skirt.
Naturally, I have a Carted list dedicated exclusively to long sleeves. Currently top of the list is this Deiji Studios Open Long Sleeve Top in Coffee. I love the weight of the knit and the colour is perfect as a season transitional item.
Not long ago we moved into a new house. The plan was to immediately renovate. Like all good plans, 2 years have passed and our renovation is no closer to becoming a reality. Let’s just say our kitchen is not the kitchen of my dreams. So to console myself I’ve recently started a new collection of plates from a small batch maker in Marrickville, Mennt.
I’m working my way through collecting the range, and currently top of my list is a full set of the dinner plates. The pictures don’t do these handmade ceramics justice, they are simple but design led.
My most recent purchase was a pair of Celine loafers. I love them so much. Mostly with socks (like these must-buy white ruffle ones from Princess Polly).
I was on a work trip to San Francisco and LA with Holly (Carted’s founder), and we were deep in market research mode. My size had been sold out everywhere. And then. There they were. I mean, we’re building a shopping app that creates warm fuzzy shopping feelings. A shopping win was a must-have experience at that moment…
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Beauty Counter
Prod of the week.
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush
I don’t wear much makeup - but I’d die for this stick. I’ve always loved a cream blush but I find this one actually lasts the whole day.
It’s super easy to apply (with fingers) and I use it on my cheeks, lips, lids. In less than 30 seconds I feel like I look like I’ve had at least 8hrs sleep and am fully hydrated.
I recently bought the mini version and keep it in my bag. That’s how much I love it. Next on my list is one of the new GW lipsticks - which I will probably also use on lips, eyes, cheeks! It’s the multi-tool of beauty products.
One to Try
Recent openings and discoveries.
I LOVE a good lunch sandwich. I’ve spent most of my working life in and around Surry Hills (fun fact: I also grew up there and my parents still love there), so South Dowling Sandwiches is my go-to. I’m actually getting hungry just writing this…
I’m now working in Rosebery and Kostas Takeaway has just opened a hole in the wall here. I still haven’t been but it’s been on my list. Apparently these sandwiches are the bomb. My first order will be the Classic Salad Roll. Stay tuned.
Lottery Win
A girl can dream.
I love Lucy Folk’s gold jewellery. For my birthday my friends bought me the LF tribute ring. It’s custom in all gold - no stone. I wear it everyday. When I was getting it fitted I also spotted the necklace. I don’t know why I always seem to be able to find the most expensive things to fall in love with 😅
This 9ct gold necklace, in which you can engrave with your own initials has been on my list for almost 2 years. One day…
Consumables
What we’re consuming on repeat.
Palm Royale on Apple TV
I was hooked on the intro alone: “In 1969, an ambitious woman aspires to cross the line between the haves and have-nots to secure her seat at America's most exclusive, fashionable and treacherous table: Palm Beach high society.” The costumes are INCREDIBLE. Also Kristen Wig, RICKY MARTIN and Leslie Bibb. So fun.
A special mention for Cowboy Carter as I’m also hooked on Beyonce’s Jolene. I am a Dolly Parton fan girl, but this comes very close.
IYKYK
Super specific recs and niche hyper-fixations.
A bath.
I know - divisive. Turns out, there are many, many bath-haters out there! Not me. It’s my happy place. No bath bombs allowed. This might be TMI but here goes…
I’ve got two modes for bath time.
I’m submerged but still firming off emails or responding to messages that have banked up during the day. I usually lose track of time and find myself in a cold bath by the end…
Lights are out, I’m burning the only candle I buy now, Maison Balzac Miel D’hiver, I have a towel behind my head for maximum comfort, I’ve scooped out (sparingly!) a portion of my favorite Rationale mask and every 20 mins I top up with scalding hot water.
Thank you Gaby! And before she goes, a reminder that if you’re interested in playing around on the Carted app (we highly recommend) you can now download it via the app store. Thank you to Carted for sponsoring this issue of Cart Curator!
We’ll be back next week, and if you have any questions or requests, send them directly to cartcuratorsubstack@gmail.com.
If you’re new to Cart Curator, take a read of some of our recent editions.
Cart Curator #50 - Up on the High Fashion High Horse
Cart Curator #49 - In collaboration with Isobel Larkin
Cart Curator #48 - #justiceforkate
Cart Curator #47 - Death to the Champagne Carpet