Cart Curator #71 - Don't Be Suede
Transitioning your Winter pieces into warmer weather, lots of sandal and bag suggestions and a very health focused Beauty Counter.
Hi CC friends,
Nic is back into Marathon training (just when you thought you’d heard the last of the run chat!), and has had an eventful weekend with her hot water system deciding to give up. I’m also very deep into starting my hair growth journey, so will be keeping you posted over the next 12 months.
Jess somehow ended up at a festival over the weekend seeing the queen (Peggy Gou) who was such a vibe live! This week she’s been bopping around London meeting new friends and collecting some pieces for her room.
Jess here and I just wanted to add that I saw It Ends With Us since the last issue and I have some thoughts (I’ll keep it brief).
My perception of Blake may be tainted because of all the drama surrounding the movie however -
Was this movie sponsored by Carhartt
Where did Blake Lively’s character get the money for the Valentino and Fendi bags??
Seriously concerned about Lily Bloom going to bed wearing fishnet stockings under pyjamas
Ryle pulling off the bejewelled sock boots has forever given me the ick
That is all. Let us know if you have seen the movie and you have any thoughts!
Enjoy,
You Asked For It
This week’s request centres around brown suede and how to wear it now that the seasons are starting to shift. Coming into Autumn we saw a huge focus on the popularity of brown suede jackets, accessories, and shoes however now that Winter is nearly over how can you still integrate these pieces into outfits and your wardrobe?
Obviously when faced with pieces like coats and jackets the answer comes down to accessories with international and local brands continuing to launch products in the style as the northern hemisphere starts to cool down.
B-Low The Belt Milla Suede Belt
I (Jess) wanted to start our suggestions with a belt in what could be a bit more of a statement style given the thicker style and elongated buckle however this piece and any brown suede belt is the perfect accent to a plainer outfit like jeans and a white tee or even an all black ensemble of a black trouser and black tee doing the unthinkable of mixing brown and black.
MNG Split Leather Bag With Studs
This piece is my (Jess) favourite out of our selects and could not be a more perfect transeasonal piece as is any brown suede bag. Unlike the structured styles made popular recently by The Row this hobo-like oversized tote is super relaxed and would pair well with double denim, white on white, or pretty much any combos in the denim, white, taupe, black colour ranges. I especially love a style like this paired with a flat strappy sandal for a real of duty - Khaite-esque look.
Our last suggestion is this sandal from Alias Mae. I (Nic) love how almost winter-y this darker chocolate suede and gold hardware combination looks. If you’re starting to search for a spring summer, definitely consider this unique shoe. Although we will add that it is 100% suede leather, so maybe save it for the days when you won’t be sweating!
Have a YAFI? Leave us a comment or get in touch directly at cartcuratorsubstack@gmail.com
Add to Cart
What’s sitting in carts, or what’s been checked out.
Jess
The Frankie Shop Oversized Boyfriend Blazer
I have been searching for the perfect oversized black blazer for what seems like my entire life and I am still yet to own it even after buying multiple cheaper options from the likes of Zara which just seems so counterproductive given I have never been 100% satisfied with the look and fit but have probably now spent enough to have invested in something better quality and a bit pricier (classic).
This Frankie Shop may be my Autumn investment piece and now this definitely won’t be the first (or last) time you see this piece but this is your reminder and my reminder to myself that investing in these classic fits and pieces is definitely worth the money.
Fayecraftstudio French style handmade cowhide leather woven shoulder tote bag
I recently purchased this Etsy dupe for the Dragon Diffusion tote (my own photo below) after seeing how many amazing reviews this seller had online. At more than half the price of the Dragon Diffusion option this leather tote is so affordable and the perfect year round wardrobe addition.
Given the lack of logos, owning or original designs etc. do I feel bad about purchasing a dupe like this? Absolutely not and there are so many affordable options on Etsy when it comes to leather bags, basket bags, phone cases and other accessories and it’s actually fast becoming one of my first ports of call for specific styles I may be hunting.
Having received the bag I can say it is so unbelievably well made and the large size in coffee is the perfect combination. I will say it seems the straps are slightly longer than that of Dragon Diffusion which means it can be worn over the shoulder.
Nicole
The Daily Edited Elsa Large Tote
No one is more shocked than me for including an item from The Daily Edited in CC, but here we are.
I will say this bag looks LARGE, but would that not be so perfect for a carry on when travelling, or as an overnighter/weekender for your next getaway?
This is definitely giving The Row, but about $10,000 less expensive, but given this is still 100% leather, you won’t be compromising on quality.
If the personalisation thing is bringing you back to 2015 a little too much, then skip it, you can simply purchase without it.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
One thing about me is that I will always prefer a sandal to a boot or sneaker. Maybe it’s the Queenslander in me, but I just think a sandal can be so chic, especially if you apply Allison Bornstein's “wrong shoe theory” to your outfit.
You guys know I am a big advocate for the thong too, and I think they can definitely be styled for work or going out - not just for the beach.
I will always go for a leather fabrication for my shoes, just due to their comfortability, and these are such good value for 100% leather.
Beauty Counter
Prod of the week.
Jess
This feels like a bit of a stretch adding a sinus rinse to beauty counter but I swear as a gal who is always sick and has a nose that is really sensitive to perfumes/fragrances this product is crucial in allowing my sinuses to be clear and not as reactive (?) to my favourite scents.
Also coming off of a sinus infection currently I am once again reminded how crucial it is that I have one of these babies on hand at all times.
Nicole
Another supplement-ish Beauty Counter for me this week with a very rogue J.S Health recommendation. The reason I categorise it as rogue as I’m not the biggest J.S Health fan - but that is another conversation in itself entirely.
So I’ll just review this specific product alone. I’ve tried a few different greens powders in the past, and this has by far the best taste. Not too sweet (I still want it to taste “healthy”) and not too “green”, this is very easy to drink and has a subtle pineapple taste. I don’t have any firm evidence, but I do feel like it gives me energy throughout the day which is good considering I desperately try to only intake one coffee per day.
And, like I mentioned I’m trying to up my collagen intake (apparently you can’t take too much according to Google), and the added collagen is a great addition.
One to Try
Recent openings and discoveries.
We will always prioritise a matcha spot on One to Try, and this is getting some top reviews on socials.
Maido is a collaboration between Artificer Coffee and Provider Store, with both interiors and a menu take inspiration from Japan - including Ceremonial Matcha.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
They also have a Shiba Inu Pocari that you may spot hanging around!
Lottery Win
A girl can dream.
Key rings are one of those items - like makeup bags - that I feel you never actually purchase and somehow just inherit.
So, to actually purchase a key ring is one thing, let alone spending almost $800 on one makes this one a lottery win. And considering this will probably be sitting at the bottom of your bag, or in a drawer at home, this isn’t even a designer piece that you will really be able to flaunt.
But isn’t it so chic?
Consumables
What we can’t stop binging.
I love the types of TikTok accounts that find their niche/bit and stick to it and the latest to catch my attention is Subway Takes which sees Kareem Rahma ask people on the NY subway for their takes. The random takes he gets and his back-and-forth with his subjects is so engaging and I honestly love any content on TikTok that isn’t making me feel like I need to buy something.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
IYKYK
Super specific recs and niche hyper-fixations.
This product is available in Australia but it wasn’t until I (Jess) moved to London that I actually tried it. As a longtime lover of Hydralyte, I needed a substitute now that I couldn’t get ye old faithful and oh my god I feel stupid for not trying this earlier.
Unlike Hyrdralyte you add this to a larger amount of water (500mL) so I have been adding this to a water bottle and then pouring over ice in a glass to consume. I find the taste of this better than Hydralyte and it leans more into say a Powerade flavour without being too sweet. Hydration wise I feel like this works 100000000x better and quicker as you are obviously consuming a lot of water in the process as well.
If you’re new to Cart Curator, take a read of some of our recent editions.
Cart Curator #70 - Where the It Ends with Us drama Started
Cart Curator #69 - Are you ready for this Jelly (shoe)?
Cart Curator #68 - The Fashion Games
Cart Curator #67 - Do we need to stop re-making movies?
Cart Curator #66 - Who Did He Date Not Marry?