Cart Curator #73 - We Taste a Doppelgänger
A new bar that deserves your Attenzione!, a wooden hair tool and a logo tote bag that achieves classic status.
Hi CC friends,
Nic has been soaking up Sydney’s decadent sun, which is feeling a lot like high summer and definitely not like the last of Winter and the start of Spring. The weather has reignited my social battery and I’ve spent the last week at the beach, the movies, a musical, dinner, drinks - and all without feeling drained?
Also, she watched Zoë Kravitz directorial debut Blink Twice last night and has SO many thoughts. Has anyone else has watched it?
Jess is prepping for a trip to Turkey to make the most of Summer while the weather is still here! I also just wanted to take this moment to reference my bloomers select for Add to Cart last week and The Cuts post today. Did someone say Sandra Sully with the late news? You know where to find the most up-to-date fashion info…
Enjoy,
Popshop
Our favourite pop culture or industry moment of the week.
We’re pretty sure that you’ve heard pop-princess of the moment Sabrina Carpenter has just released her new album - Short n' Sweet. An undeniable suite of bangers.
BUT it’s the drama behind some of the album’s songs that has us talking at CC. It all started with the video to the latest single off the album, Taste.
The video - linked below - has been on everyone's lips, and not just due to the overly graphic clips or the kiss Carpenter shares with video co-star Jenna Ortega, but due to some uncanny resemblances.
Enter Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes. Unbeknownst to me (Nic), apparently Sabrina and Shawn dated in the brief window whilst Camilla and Shawn were split (before they famously reconnected at Coachella, and sadly quickly split again).
Which means that the person Sabrina is singing about having to taste her on her boyfriend’s lips is in fact Camila, who Jenna suspiciously looks like in the video (and the boyfriend does also looks a little like Mendes…).
As this started to stir, the internet had thoughts. Firstly - did we know that Camila also released an album this month, at the same time as Sabrina? I certainly did not, and the reviews have not been the kindest either. There is one song by Drake on there, yes literally just Drake alone, which appears to be Camila showing allegiance to the singer during the Drake vs Kendrick feud.
THEN I came across this video on my feed, digging up even more dirt.
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If you don’t have time to watch the video (we would tho - it’s juicy), a few years back Camila allegedly had a racist Tumblr and Twitter with multiple damning posts, and then had several personal messages leaked using inappropriate racist language.
And the takeaway? It maybe feels like Camila is trying to leverage Sabrina’s popularity to now sell her album. I mean … does this not look exactly like Sabrina’s Espresso cover? Surely Miss Camila knows what she is doing here - and the comments agree with me.
Interesting, the third person in this ménage-à-trois Shawn Mendes is also releasing a new album - slated for mid-October. Perhaps we will then see his side of the story?
Which leads me to believe that all three players are all just leveraging each other as PR for the threesome of album releases?
To round it all out, we had this meeting between Olivia Rodrigo and Camila. We’re sure there was much for this pair to bond about.
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I feel like this is still developing…. so we will be watching this space.
Add to Cart
What’s sitting in carts, or what’s been checked out.
Jess
A.Emery Elliot Suede Thong Sandals
A.Emery will never not make it’s way into my Add to Cart as I really don’t think there are any other brands producing the quality and design forward sandals that they manage to. I own a style similar to the Elliot Thong Sandals so I immediately know that I will find these so comfortable for walking/trekking around when on holiday or even in London.
The deep brown suede is such a trend forward addition to their range however it isn’t so in your face and ‘trendy’ that it is going to date quickly. A minimal style like most of the A.Emery pieces will never not be a wardrobe staple and can be worn with such a diverse range of outfits from holiday to office wear.
ASOS DESIGN fitted cap sleeve blouse in black
Ladies and gentleman this is my official petition for us all to stop sleeping on ASOS and in particular the ASOS Design sub range. I’m heading to Turkey in the next couple of weeks and the warm weather isn’t going to hack my staple wardrobe of jeans and tees and in an effort to diversify my wardrobe I have been trawling ASOS which is fast becoming my go to with their next day delivery in the UK.
In the past couple of days they have dropped quite a few really cute blouses including this fitted cap sleeve blouse which is so similar to the viral Reformation Valetta Two Piece Set obviously at a fraction of the cost. Having picked this up myself I can say the quality and fit in person is so great and this would work with any black shorts/skirt or denim as a transitional piece coming into AUS Spring or UK Autumn
Nicole
I think I’ve discovered the perfect work shirt. I came across the below TikTok on my FYP a few weeks ago and was in genuine awe of how smart this shirt has been designed.
The video does the best of explaining it, but essentially it's a classic button up that can be worn in a variety of ways due to the sleeves, cuffs and metal slider (which you can see in the below image). Using these individually, or in combination, can create several different looks - from cinched to oversized - making it possibly the most versatile piece I’ve ever seen.
At 100% cotton, this looks like it is very high quality and I’ve put my name on the waitlist this in the white (it also comes in a classic blue), and am crossing my fingers this will be back in stock ASAP.
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SIR Molinier Narrow Leather Belt
As someone whose outfits lean a little “basic” (read white shirt, jeans or trousers), I’m always on the hunt for unique accessories to elevate a look.
This belt from SIR is exactly that. With a unique skewed buckle in silver, this would easily add an element of interest to even the most simple outfit.
Beauty Counter
Prod of the week.
Jess
The decision has been made to grow out my bob (just like Nicole #twinning) in preparation for travel plans and bridesmaid duty next year and for once I am giving my hair the attention it deserves including a few new products that have been added to the rotation.
I saw someone use one of these wooden massage combs to rub product into the scalp and stimulate hair growth - whether that actually works or not I will leave speculating up to the experts however I can say this has become a really relaxing part of my hair routine and as someone who suffers from jaw clenching and tight muscles this really helps with massaging some of that stress out and bringing a bit more relaxation to the practice.
The combs from Amazon are so inexpensive and obviously do work to distribute product through the scalp so if you are looking to change up or elevate your hair routine this could be the tool for you.
Nicole
The BEST lip balm ever created. Hands down. No arguments.
I was first introduced to this by my dermatologist when I went onto accutane and was told I was going to get very dry lips. Funnily enough, and besides the point, I actually didn’t experience this very common side effect. Blessed.
ANYWAY, I now can not live without this lip balm, and I’ve probably converted about 10+ people to this, because once you try it you can’t use anything else. I tend to react to alot of heavily lanolin based lip products, so this is such a godsend.
One to Try
Recent openings and discoveries.
You know we love a new wine bar, and Attenzione! is the latest opening on our radar. This Italian restaurant and wine joint has just opened in Redfern.
Their IG describes Attenzione as “Bringing tasty dishes and glasses of Nebbiolo to the people”. Good enough for us.
Lottery Win
A girl can dream.
This goes against everything I (Nic) usually love in designer goods (understated, classic, timeless). But for some reason I am obsessed with this tote after seeing Clothes Are Friends sharing this on TikTok.
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Consumables
What we can’t stop binging.
Definitely not a new recommendation by any means, but I (Nic) have rediscovered my love for Sentimental Garbage this week.
I originally discovered this podcast - like I’m sure many did - when host Caroline O’Donoughe (yes, the author behind The Rachel Incident) invited her friend Dolly Alderton (who needs no introduction) onto the podcast for a spin-off series Sentimental in the City, in which they watched and discussed season by season Sex & The City.
The OG podcast has exactly the same premise, each episode Caroline invites someone onto the podcast to discuss pop-culture - from Rom Coms to TV shows. SUCH an easy listen, and always a laugh.
IYKYK
Super specific recs and niche hyper-fixations.
Fage Yoghurt
Since the move to the UK, I (Jess) have an obsession with this yoghurt. I definitely was a yoghurt lover before but this is just next level. It is sooo creamy and thick even with 5% or even 0% fat versions (FYI not opting for low fat, those are the only choices).
I have been obsessed with putting this on every food known to man including burrito bowls, breakfast parfait, and even as a dessert with a slow roasted sweet potato (my new obsession).
You can buy this from any supermarket at the UK but apparently they also stock at Aldi in AUS - definitely worth a hunt down!
If you’re new to Cart Curator, take a read of some of our recent editions.
Cart Curator #72 - Travel, the CC way
Cart Curator #71 - Don't Be Suede
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