How have we already crossed over into the second half of the year?
With 2024 speeding along, July has been a month of staving off the chilly weather, buying a house and preparing for a European late-summer trip I’ve had booked for almost a year now.
So there has been plenty of events to look forward to — and equally as many exciting launches from my favourite brands to keep me well and truly busy trying and testing them out for you.
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Whether its been turning on the Dyson Hot+Cool Formaldehyde to stay warm after dark or using the O Cosmedics O-Biome Hydrating & Setting Spray to set my makeup down for the day (a game-changer), there has been a myriad of products and devices that made July a treat.
So here’s what I would recommend. The best of the bunch, if you will.
![Adidas Gazelle.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/8513d221e7588a32adafaf666626842f67600712-4x3-x0y180w480h360.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
![Adidas Gazelle.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/8513d221e7588a32adafaf666626842f67600712-4x3-x0y180w480h360.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
1. Adidas Gazelle in Pre-Loved Inc at Stylerunner, $170
I’ve been withholding from the Adidas Samba sneaker craze for some time now but on a recent visit to Stylerunner’s brand spanking new Westfield Bondi Junction store, I couldn’t resist ogling the shoes.
The lovely shop assistant working that day remarked that she had plenty of Sambas but it was actually the Gazelle range she found to be the most comfortable and long-wearing.
I was immediately drawn to the navy shade — just because of how blue my wardrobe tends to lean — and noticed immediately how much arch support there was in the sneaker. Bliss.
I could hardly take them off before walking up to the counter.
![Argent Silversmith Celestial Dome Ring (above my engagement ring).](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/c0e2bce48d326a66da73f45a425472338f36237f-161x229-x51y0w1434h2040.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
![Argent Silversmith Celestial Dome Ring (above my engagement ring).](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/c0e2bce48d326a66da73f45a425472338f36237f-161x229-x51y0w1434h2040.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
2. Argent Silversmith Celestial Dome Ring, $950
If you’re looking to add to your jewellery collection anytime soon and what you’re after is something totally unique, look no further than Argent Silversmith.
The founder of the boutique Australian label, Elizabeth, works with her team to make everything completely custom so you can choose exactly what size, metal and stones you’d like your special piece to have.
I recently had the pleasure of seeing the brand’s celestial collection in the flesh and in particular was taken by the Celestial Dome Ring, which features four diamonds (or moissanites) in a speckled starry-night layout.
The icing on the cake? You can get an engraving inside the ring to pay homage to a loved one or special date.
Other jewellery favourites this month:
![Smashbox Halo Sculpt + Glow Face Palette.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/6dbdfa11f0f315f5178b48c568dc586c5c77f25f-161x229-x15y0w450h640.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
![Smashbox Halo Sculpt + Glow Face Palette.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/6dbdfa11f0f315f5178b48c568dc586c5c77f25f-161x229-x15y0w450h640.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
3. Smashbox Halo Sculpt + Glow Face Palette, $75
Anything that trims down the amount of time I’m spending in the mirror before work each day is a win in my book.
Makeup aficionados have been scooping up Smashbox’s new face palettes — of which there are four separate shade options — by the dozen, namely because it pretty much ticks off all of the powders you’ll need to set down your makeup.
Each palette comes with a highlighter, contour and two blush options so you can swipe and forget, and it’s already shaved at least five minutes off my routine in the morning.
Back to Cali is my favourite shade grouping for fair skin but the deeper tones in Berry Saturation are truly delicious.
Need to set the powders with a final spray? O Cosmedics O-Biome Hydrating & Setting Spray is my top choice.
Other beauty favourites this month:
![Anker Soundcore Sleep Earbuds.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/bd900f7e81629d3136d9f704036c7e6f7f8a2778-4x3-x42y0w669h502.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
![Anker Soundcore Sleep Earbuds.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/bd900f7e81629d3136d9f704036c7e6f7f8a2778-4x3-x42y0w669h502.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
4. Anker Soundcore Sleep Earbuds, $179.99 on Kogan
Got a snorer in your midst? Or simply struggling to fall asleep with construction or partying noise outside?
The minute I tested out Anker’s new Sleep Earbuds I knew it was going to be hard to fall asleep without them again.
They’re super comfortable in the ear even if you’re a side sleeper like me and even have a personal alarm clock ability so you don’t miss your wake up call.
I like that it has the ability to play music, softly, in your ear to further help drown out any unsuspecting noise and the battery lasts all evening.
Other tech favourites this month:
![The Calypso Jumpsuit in Radiance.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/7680a68f66ce95377c2b5a5662569e437bb522ad-161x229-x40y0w1125h1600.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
![The Calypso Jumpsuit in Radiance.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/7680a68f66ce95377c2b5a5662569e437bb522ad-161x229-x40y0w1125h1600.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
![Empire Dress in Mystic Lagoon.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/372861005e8f4e72f9d0af04202f609ef9b91644-161x229-x51y0w1434h2040.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
![Empire Dress in Mystic Lagoon.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/372861005e8f4e72f9d0af04202f609ef9b91644-161x229-x51y0w1434h2040.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
5. Nine Lives Bazaar Spring/Fall Collection
Seeking out some transeasonal outfit pieces? One of my favourite Australian designers, Nine Lives Bazaar, has done the hard work for us and developed a range of colourful clothing items that can be worn across winter, spring and summer.
Whether you’re looking for a longer dress with bell sleeves (who isn’t?) or even a halterneck jumpsuit (The Calypso Jumpsuit in Radiance is my pick of the bunch), the latest collection is inspiring Aussies to dress up and stay cosy at the same time.
What I like best about Nine Lives Bazaar is that the brand stands for more than just injecting a bit of colour in your wardrobe — the prices are always fair for the quality of the product and it caters for size six through to 20.
The Empire Dress in Mystic Lagoon became my go-to work outfit throughout July because it was easy to combine with a larger jacket, boots and even flat sandals.
The Piper Velvet Dress has already become a best-seller in a matter of weeks with all sizes currently out of stock.
Have an upcoming birthday, holiday or set to become a wedding guest? You’ll find something that fits just right in this NLB launch.
Other fashion favourites this month:
- Amazon’s denim range: I trialled some of the denim pieces, including Lee overalls, from Amazon’s new denim online store. The pieces were stretchy and the perfect shade of just-washed blue. Watch this store expand.
- Summi Summi Trench in Country Denim, $359: Everyone is looking for the perfect trench coat in winter but I hadn’t even thought of opting for a one of the denim variety until I saw this absolute gem. It’s selling in record speed so don’t miss out.
- UNIQLO’s Souffle Yarn Cable Crew Neck Sweater, $59.90: All of my basic layers come from UNIQLO — the T-shirts, socks and cardigans are my favourites — but this unisex sweater was unmatched for winter. It’s extremely warm but at the same time doesn’t pill, which can be difficult to find in this price range.
- Lululemon Breezethrough Tights, $129: Imagine the softest and lightest pair of leggings you can think of and then multiply that by at least five. I’ve already worn these for long walks, Pilates and even just lazing around the house. There is nothing they aren’t suitable for.
![Oroton has collaborated with July.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/c588aac953167e648fc1326e476ab4eef9939a4c-161x229-x51y0w1434h2040.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
![Oroton has collaborated with July.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/c588aac953167e648fc1326e476ab4eef9939a4c-161x229-x51y0w1434h2040.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
6. Oroton Mica Texture Small Bowler, $649
Our good friends at Oroton have released a collection in collaboration with July luggage and the results are nothing short of incredible.
The colouring is mostly navy and beige — perfectly reminiscent of summers spent on the French Riviera — and there is a range of travel wallets, passport sleeves and of course, a check-in bag.
But its the bowler bag that has me mesmorised with its rattan-chic fabric and fairly small size. I think it might be an investment piece for upcoming Euro summer adventures.
Other travel favourites this month:
- BabyBoo nappies at IGA: There has been much discussion online about IGA’s recent drop of a nappy range, called Babyboo. By switching to BabyBoo from Huggies, families can save an average of 50 per cent per nappy. So next time you’re heading on a weekend away, pack the cheaper alternative.
![Sunshine Bandit Gown.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/5a5378c0a99437ee25854dd6c96cb8cf1acdcf3f-161x229-x0y0w1125h1600.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
![Sunshine Bandit Gown.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/5a5378c0a99437ee25854dd6c96cb8cf1acdcf3f-161x229-x0y0w1125h1600.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
![Spell’s Sunshine Bandit collection.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/23b409c75aad90c1d1daf54c83d2e55c1e41b530-161x229-x38y0w1125h1600.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
![Spell’s Sunshine Bandit collection.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-15483409/23b409c75aad90c1d1daf54c83d2e55c1e41b530-161x229-x38y0w1125h1600.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
7. Sunshine Bandit Gown from Spell, $349
It’s never too early to start whipping out your favourite spring-time gowns, even in the depths of winter.
And I’ve certainly been getting plenty of mileage out of the few pieces I received from Spell from the latest Sunshine Bandit collection.
The Sunshine Bandit Gown in particular, with its V-neckline and elasticated sleeves is truly a winner and perfectly suited to match my colour palette (warm autumn for those following at home).
The Sunshine Bandit Wrap Skirt ($249) and matching Sunshine Bandit Cami ($149) are equally work and weekend appropriate, so you won’t be stuck finding an excuse to wear them together.
There are some exciting collections to come from Spell for the remainder of the year so keep watching this space.