The Shopping List: October
The ten things we can't stop thinking about this October including the tried and tested comfiest pair of underwear to ever exist.
It’s a real mixed bag this month. There’s usually some sort of familiar thread that weaves both of our lists together but i’m baffled at what it might be this month. What is October anyway? We’re one month into spring so the sheen of the change of season has slightly worn off (though our little toes are still singing a song of freedom). The allure of Christmas and summer holidays is harassing us from every angle though it seems a ridiculous concept to start getting excited about just yet. This month is a strange holding pattern between the promise of spring and the freedom and joy of summer. So what are we going to do with you, October?
A good place to start can be to pause, take a breath, and think about how you want to dress this warmer season. If you’re anything like me (hi, it’s your friend Sophie) you likely want to say different things between seasons, I haven’t fully explored why, perhaps there’s a newsletter in that alone, but she’s a different gal in the warmer months. She’s cheekier, softer, more playful. So i’ve been practicing what I preach and moodboarding — i’m saving images of looks that I love for when Melbourne’s weather finally gets its shit together and allows us to live the skin bearing life we’ve craved for months. I’m doing the sort of preparation one might do for their weekly food shop, but instead it’s in anticipation of my favourite time of year: summer. I’m taking this time to answer some questions: how do I want to feel in my clothes? Who do I want to be? What do I want to say to the world? What do I want to shed this season? Literally and figuratively, and no i’m not talking about weight. What wardrobe gaps do I have that need filling in order to live my best life? Kidding with the last one (sort of) — yes i’m majorly hyping up the idea that the approaching season will be the solution to this years woes, but isn’t that the allure of summer?
I fullllllly digress, but after all that here’s my common thread: this month’s list of ten pieces captures that quiet shift — wearable everyday updates mixed with pieces that make the nothingness of October feel a little more inspired. Pieces built for the in-between, which is usually where the hard work is done.
Thanks for being here with us,
Sophie & Annie
xo
Sophie
SENSO / Dena — $199
I’ve returned to thinking about the sheer shoe now that it’s finally appropriate to wear them again. It makes me happy that i’m still lusting after this style because it proves it wasn’t just a quick trend. A sheer shoe solves a lot of problems when it comes to dressing - you get that flash of skin despite the foot still being fully covered. Why is this a good thing? Showing skin can be the perfect balancing element to the proportion of a look, it opens things up while keeping with the formality of a closed toe shoe. Whether you practice the ‘big-slim-skin’ theory or not, the Creative Pragmatist explains the need for a little skin perfectly in their styling theory.
While they’re a little trickier to dress with shorter hemlines, I don’t really mind given they look so damn good with a trouser making them a perfect spring addition. I’ve been going back and forth between a wider mesh and a finer mesh such as these, but the oval toe of these is winning me over. There’s also something really delicate feeling about the white, it’s ‘soft’, which feels good to me for the warmer weather for some reason.
Annie
AYLLÓN / Aurora Bag — $530.00 (pre-order)
I’ve been going through something of a sartorial evolution this year. Actually, it’s probably fairer to call it a sartorial homecoming — back to something more true to myself and the more romantic, expressive version of ‘minimalism’ that I feel drawn to in virtually every facet of design.
I only recently discovered that Australian accessories label Ayllón — makers of the beautiful, 90s-leaning sculptural jewellery you might have seen in the display cases at St. Agni — makes bags, too. And I am just about ready to forgo all extracurricular spending for the next month just so I can make this beauty my own.
Tassels are definitely having their moment, and I am so here for them in all their vintage-inspired, crafty, bohemian glory. So much drama, so much playful movement and texture. Such a welcome antidote to an increasingly homogenous, AI-influenced culture. Also high on my wish list is another of Ayllón’s pieces, a long be-tasseled pendant necklace that looks like a relic of a bygone era.
Sophie
BEARE PARK / High Rise Long Jean — $590
I do a lot of repeating in these shopping lists, not of the same product but of the same types of product. A jean, a sheer shoe, a midi skirt, a beaded necklace, a t-shirt. It says a lot about my style but even more about my purchasing behaviour. These repeats are proof that I really put in the research when it comes to a purchase. I’ve always done this for all of my purchases: travel, white goods, food. Everything. And to be honest it’s a painful attribute, there’s an almost OCD-ness about it where I feel I need to exhaust every single fucking label on the internet for the option they offer, so I can rest assured i’ve done a full market cost benefit analysis before moving on and making a decision. It’s fucking annoying (can you tell this trait is a thorn in my side?) and I would hate to welcome in some sort of life / business coach to my world because I know they would tell me I waste an awful lot of my time doing this (know a good one though? Send them my way). BUT. All of this being said, it does mean that when I do finally make a decision, I’m likely to make the a very good one. It means i’m really fond of the piece that i’ve put my effort into researching and it becomes entrenched in my wardrobe, home, etc.
I have two current research projects on the go: the perfect, comfortable blue straight leg jean that I can wear both day and night without feeling like my vagina is being strangled, and the perfect all-day wearing flat sandal. I’m coming out the other end of a particularly psycho period of daycare sickness and juggling of multiple big jobs (for my day job), so I haven’t been able to do the legwork on either of these very important topics, but I plan to soon. Unfortunately for my wallet I think i’m leaning towards the Beare Park but I have it on good authority from a v cool personal stylist Georgina Downe that they are worth every penny. Ughh.
Annie
JASMIN SPARROW / Echo Ring — $300.00
Another example of an accessory with a hand-crafted, human touch feel to it. Kiwi jewellery label Jasmin Sparrow is yet more proof that New Zealand is a trove of design talent (this is such an incredible necklace for someone in the market to spend $3k!). This ring is bold and refined at the same time, ideal if, like me, you like to say more with less.
If you’re in Melbourne, pop down to Friends With Frank on Gertrude St this Thursday evening — Jasmin Sparrow is holding a trunk show. I wish I could go!
Sophie
ANNA ROSSI / Onyx Beaded Necklace — $169
It’s not a pendant but I like that! The graduating beads, the long length — they’re formal but I think paired with a t-shirt they’ll look very cool.
Annie
ST. AGNI / Thong Detail Slide in Rosso — $319.00
I’ll admit, The Row’s cult-status red-soled rubber flip flops have had me in a bit of a chokehold lately. There is just something so exciting about seeing that slice of red peeking out from underneath a baggy pant hem, especially when styled with neutral tones and minimal pieces. Like a subversive, undone take on the classic Louboutin red sole. Monikh styles them so well. But they are both sold out on the Row’s website and exorbitantly expensive, so I've put the dream of owning them to bed.
St. Agni’s current season red thongs are now heavily circulating at the top of my Carted list. Not cheap, but eminently more affordable and just as chic with their rounded toe and ultra-thin straps. BRB, going to try them on this week and shall report back.
Sophie
FRIENDS WITH FRANK / The Liberty Skirt — $289
I have a cheap oyster coloured skirt I bought on a whim because the e-comm images fooled me about it’s quality. And while I love the colour and style of the skirt, the cut is not good and it doesn’t fit me well but I keep reaching for it. It’s a lesson in avoiding that cheap impulse purchase and waiting for the real deal: enter the Friends With Frank liberty skirt. I’m guessing it’s already on back order for a reason. I’m loving the 90s knee length and the scalloped hem waist, it’ll fit right in with my regulars.
Annie
MATIN / Fine cotton knit turtleneck — $340.00 (more sizes available from The Frankie Shop)
I’ve been thinking about white turtlenecks since Michael Rider’s debut for Celine earlier this year (I shared Annie Brown’s sentiment at the time). I love how crisp they look layered under shirts, trenches, blazers and tees; a very easy way to add a bit more depth and interest if you tend towards classic pieces.
Melbourne’s slow crawl into spring weather is pretty bumpy, and there are still some cool-ish days ahead. Enter Matin’s take on a white turtleneck: super thin, cotton, skimming the body. Layered under an oversized white cotton poplin man’s style shirt worn open over the top and I have myself the ideal spring-in-Melbourne formula. Clear liquid rule applies.
Sophie
CHANTELLE / Soft Stretch Full Brief — $39.95
If you’re anywhere within my actual or social vicinity you will have heard me talk about this underwear. You heard me, I do the research! I tried to replace them with a cheaper alternative 15 months ago when I was deep in the postpartum trenches and new mortgage stress, which was completely necessary at the time, but they did not last anywhere near as long as my favourite Chantelle numbers and I am now avoiding them like the plague. They don’t ride, the one size fits most actually works somehow and they are THE most comfortable knickers i’ve ever owned. They are 100% worth the cost.
There’s something about a drawer full of fresh new undies that gives me the energy of new activewear. The world feels somewhat alright when I have these undies on. They evoke that feeling of when you’ve chosen the perfect table to sit at in the restaurant. I’m about to put an order in, call it a healthy dose of spring cleaning. You can get them slightly cheaper on Amazon in multi-packs. They also do a perfect g-string. You’re welcome.
Annie
HARRIS TAPPER / Lucille Top — $679.00
Another Kiwi label that absolutely nails it. I’d have one of everything from Harris Tapper if I could afford to. The dress version of this top is going to be everywhere this summer, but the top is a more wearable, versatile option to pair with a relaxed trouser and black leather thongs or little heeled sandal as the social calendar ramps up. Finally, a polka dot I can get behind!
