Cart Curator #39 - Thank you to all the Evil Gays
Some big CC news, another awards wrap and some fresh sneakers that aren't Adidas.
Hi CC friends,
First of all, some big news from this weekend…
NICOLE IS ENGAGED!!!
Huge congratulations to both her and her partner - you can see some cute snaps and the ring over on her Instagram.
We’re back together this weekend (yes, we know, again) so will be cracking open a champagne (or multiple) to celebrate.
Enjoy,
You Asked For It
Our YAFI for this week is for a pair of casual sneakers that you can wear every day and that you can pair with pretty much everything in your wardrobe. We loved this question because we believe there are many options out there that go beyond the Samba or Gazelle. If you adore these styles, that's fantastic, and you're probably all set. However, we must mention that the look and fit may not be suitable for everyone, as the Samba is quite a narrow shoe, and both are extremely flat with thinner soles.
The new year is often a time to start thinking about replacing some of the well-worn items in your wardrobe, such as your casual sneakers. With the over-saturation of Adidas recommendations, we are excited to share some of our other favourites with you.
Ok, up first is the Flamingo’s Life Classic 70’s, in particular the Off White Ecru shade pictured below, which are also on sale right now. This has a similar look to the Veja V10 but with a fresher shape. Although there are some other colours in this style, like this burgundy colour which I (Nic) have my eye on, this more simple option is a blank canvas style shoe that gives you full versatility with your outfit.
Our next suggestion is the Converse One Star Pro, specifically in this unique gold/mustard colour which are suede, making them a great alternative to the Gazelle’s. We love that this show gives off a vintage vibe, but the shape itself is very flattering. Despite the uniqueness of the shoe, we do think that this would go with most pieces in your wardrobe if you, like us, tend to stick to more of a neutral palette. Again, this is currently on sale and marked down over 30%.
Another option that is the most worn sneaker in my (Nic’s) wardrobe at the moment is the Autry Medalist. I have the white/suede style, but I can easily see myself adding one of the options with a pop of colour into rotation, like the red below. In my opinion, this is such an easy-to-wear trainer but has a little more edge than your common Reebok.
And for our last suggestion, we couldn’t go past the iconic Converse Chuck Taylor in the low top, however, we’re switching it up and throwing a black option into the mix. These look great with jeans, trousers or even a more feminine dress, making for a low-key cool-girl look, for both the weekends and work.
We’re going to bring back The Edit in the coming weeks, so if you have any brands you would like us to share our top picks for, leave a comment or get in touch directly at cartcuratorsubstack@gmail.com.
Popshop
Our favourite pop culture or industry moment of the week.
We warned you last week just how much we love Awards Season, and this week we were blessed with multiple red carpets including the Critics' Choice Movie Awards and a very delayed, well-awaited Emmys.
In true CC fashion, we are rounding up all the best moments, and there are ALOT to get through this time around, so we’re going to go straight into it.
Okay so certified bop I’m Just Ken took out best song and Ryan Gosling’s reaction to this winning over Billie Eilish’s soulful feminist tune is a collective mood.
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Ayo Edibiri is our new obsession with her red carpet moments, phenomenal The Bear performance and black to back perfection red carpet looks.
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Speaking of The Bear this clearly unplanned onstage moment + reaction has us dying.
Also side note if you love food content you need to follow @mattymatheson on TikTok. Matty stars in The Bear as a handyman, he is actually an amazing chef and restauranteur IRL which is quite a stretch from his character who is restricted to maintenance work on the show.
This Greys Anatomy reunion brings a tear to the eye.
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You thought we were done mentioning The Bear but we couldn’t go past this dapper look on Jeremy Allen White.
Ok but why are Kravis here and the kiss is just getting old now - sorry to be haters but it feels like they are trying to stay relevant?
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Selena rarely (ok, never) makes our best dressed lists but this look is kind of doing it for us? The burgundy dress and jewels are chic but this lip just completes the outfit.
Also, maybe we need to take back what we said about not seeing Benny last…
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Our queen getting the recognition she deserves, but there should NEVER be a time limit on hearing Jennifer Coolidge speak.
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Riley Keough and Priscilla Presley took to the carpet together showing that there is no bad blood after their court room battle over Lisa Marie’s estate. PR move or?
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Showing of the bump on the red carpet is becoming more and more common and we’re here for it.
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A clip of Hollywood Reporter accidentally calling a nominee a bad actress is your reminder to ALWAYS MUTE YOUR VIDEOS before posting on social media.
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Loewe can do no wrong this Awards season, and Aubrey is the only person who could pull this needle look off.
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We will wrap with this.
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Think there were some hero moments we missed? Tell us about your favourite look or moment below.
Add to Cart
What’s sitting in carts, or what’s been checked out.
Jess
Charles & Keith Nasrin Panelled Bucket Bag
I’ve never really been that interested in Charles & Keith but having gone into a couple of their stores in Singapore I actually love their styles, quality and of course their price point. Charles & Keith definitely take inspiration from designer product elements but they always put a spin on the design coming up with some fun and really different designs compared to other brands in the same price bracket.
I love this cross body bag in chocolate which definitely pulls inspiration from Loewe and Bottega Veneta giving a higher end feel without being a direct dupe. The bucket bag style is super versatile for every day and I actually really miss having one as part of my wardrobe.
Venroy Sheer Silk Cowl Neck Halter Top
Okay so the top you see below wasn’t my original selection for Add to Cart this week, however, after seeing this top I have not been able to get it out of my brain. First of all I love the coffee shade of this top, I have purchased other items from Venroy in this colour and feel that it is just such a good option for summer and looks beautiful with a tan. The thing about this top that really got me is the sheer material and the drape of the cut. I have really been into the look of sheer tops as of late and this just looks so effortless for drinks and I think it would end up being a staple for when I don’t know what to wear.
Nicole
I’ve seen this brand pop up on Instagram recently, and even though they are a lingerie brand, it is their pyjamas/loungewear that have caught my eye.
In particular the Harper set, which consists of a white bustier style top and a matching pair of breezy pants. They are made of 100% cotton, so would be suitable for these humid summer nights here in Aus, despite the fact the pants are full length. Like I mentioned above, these are a pyjama/loungewear hybrid, and I could see myself wearing these both to bed and WFH.
If you’re a bride to be, this would be a perfect morning of getting ready outfit while you get your hair and make-up done,, because let’s be honest, Sleeper has had its moment and we can move on now.
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Basil Bangs Weekender Beach Umbrella
This is one of those purchases that falls into the practical, could be justified, but also don’t want to spend my money on it categories, which is why I’ve had this on my wishlist for months without biting the bullet.
I personally like lying on the beach for hours, but also want to be sun safe, meaning I can easily dip in and out of the sun using these umbrellas. I haven’t personally put one up, but I feel like it wouldn’t be that hard, compared to the tent-like structures you see on the beach.
Whilst I have nothing against the Cool Cabana, unless you’re a group of 4 minimum then you shouldn’t be hoisting one of these up at the beach IMO, so this is a much more appropriate choice if you’re on your own or with a friend or two.
Beauty Counter
Prod of the week.
Jess
1000 Hour Eyelash & Brow Dye Kit Blue Black
My wallet and I have come to the conclusion that 2024 is the year of the DIY beauty treatment and this product has me kicking myself that I didn’t switch to DIY sooner. I used this DIY lash and brow tint for the first time this weekend and it couldn’t have been easier. The kit includes everything you need including the colour cream, developer, applicator etc. and the whole process is done in under 15 minutes and works out to around under $1.20 per application if you get it on sale which is insane if you have ever paid to have this done in a salon.
I opted for the blue black as this is what I would usually get at any salon and the colour was really pigmented and clung to my lashes well. Added bonus of doing this yourself is that you keep your eyes open meaning less squinting and getting the dye in your eyes (IYKYK) and less staining under your eyes.
After this experience I don’t think I can ever go back to a salon.
Nicole
This has got to be hands down the best mascara I’ve tried in years, and it’s less than $30 (plus it’s always half price at Woolies or Chemist Warehouse). I hadn’t tried much MCoBeauty before I picked up this mascara in Woolies out of curiosity and a 50% promo, so I didn’t have any expectations. If you ever used the Kevyn Aucoin mascara in the past (IYKYK) this is a very similar formulation. This is a tubing mascara, meaning the formula coats the lashes and dries almost in tubes around the individual hairs, meaning it doesn’t flake or smudge which is necessary if you have oily skin and prefer cream products like myself. It then easily comes off by activating with water and gently pulling the tubes off, which is much easier than scrubbing the eyes with make-up remover.
I will add here as a cautionary tale that after a few weeks of using this I noticed that I had accidently been leaving the little black tubes all over my shower walls, so word to the wise to wash these down the drown not just flick them.
I’m yet to see it in the flesh, but it does come in a Brown version on the MCoBeauty site which I am dying to get my hands on.
One to Try
Recent openings and discoveries.
Okay so one thing about me is that I (Jess) love peas (maybe this should have been an IYKYK) so this toasty featuring smashed peas and feta had me interested immediately. If this isn’t your jam you can also find items including a matcha marble pound cake and granola with orange infused yoghurt.
We will definitely be checking this place out when Nicole is in Brisbane next month.
Lottery Win
A girl can dream.
Saint Laurent Manhattan Mini in Brushed Leather
This bag has been popping up all over our TikTok FYP and it is definitely giving Hermès but we cannot get enough of the longer strap. This is such a chic everyday bag and I (Jess) actually love the silver hardware - definitely would love to be moving this one over to Add to Cart (the dream).
IYKYK
Super specific recs and niche hyper-fixations.
IMO no trip is complete to the shopping centre without a donut stop off, and nothing beats a fresh, warm cinnamon donut - no matter the time of the year. I (Nic) am gluten free by choice, so I feel like I’m a pretty good critic of whether something is actually good or just ‘good gluten free’, and these donuts fall into the first category.
Honestly, trust us on this one, pick one up as a treat for doing your groceries next time your at the shops.
These are available through a good number of locations in the east coast of Aus, and a rogue WA location to round it out.
If you’re new to Cart Curator, take a read of some of our recent editions.
Cart Curator #38 - Our Favourite Season is Awards
Cart Curator #37 - Pandoro Pandemonium
Cart Curator #36 - A CC Year in Review: 2023
Cart Curator #35 - Madeline is no longer pretty lonesome