Is anyone else wishing the summer weather would tone itself down just slightly so we can start adorning our outfits with blazers and boots comfortably?
Don’t get me wrong, the sun is welcome but the humidity has been through the roof for months now and it makes coming to work five times a week slightly uncomfortable.
It’s difficult to look put together when your makeup is dewy (accidentally) by 9am.
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So my usual wishlist of Levis shorts and bikinis has been replaced with a range of chic and tailored mini dresses, emblazoned hoodies, mesh bodysuits and Sex and the City-style heels.
So if you’re as addicted to shopping as I am, let’s go on this journey together. Here’s my Best Picks.
1. Camilla and Marc’s Petra Mini Dress, $550
Our first sighting of this dress came late last year when Leighton Meester was spotted in the Australian label on the red carpet.
But now the Petra Mini Dress, which is available in a pistachio and black colourway, is a fortified best-seller among the mainstream fashion felines and I can’t stop seeing it on my social media feed.
I saw Ava Francis in the black tone Petra at a recent YSL dinner and 35mm Co founder Madi Stefanis owns both shades, switching them often for meetings and work events.
While there are still some sizes available on the Camilla and Marc website itself, the $550 staple can also be found on Girls with Gems and David Jones.
I think I might need to visit the C&M flagship stores to try this one on.
2. Viktoria & Woods’ Succession Dress, $490
This trend of purchasing a mini dress and wearing sleek trousers underneath it is right up my alley and Viktoria & Woods are doing it with aplomb.
The Succession Dress, presumably named as such after the hit TV show, is thickly tailored and perfect for pulling off the look.
It hasn’t yet gone “viral” online to the point where you won’t be able to find it in your size so I suggest snapping it up before that does happen.
The brand is celebrating its 20th year this year, much like Camilla and Marc, so there are a range of logo-adorned cardigans, T-shirts and business shirts to invest in if you’re looking to purchase an heirloom piece.
3. Anine Bing Kate Shoulder Bag, $995
Look aside from absolutely needing an Anine Bing standard hoodie in my life, this Kate bag is speaking to me too.
The leather-bound shoulder bag is large enough to fit a laptop in it so you can bring it to work and beyond with ease.
It comes in two colours, black and taupe, so you can take your pick on which one will match your wardrobe more. I think it’s the statement black for me.
You can also zip it up at the top to avoid losing any of your valuables too. I’d argue it makes for the perfect carry on bag if you’re travelling light.
4. Everlane The Day Mary Jane, $264
Last year was bookmarked by a sudden love for ballet flats but 2024 is shaping up to feature the shoes just as prominently.
The classic Mary Janes from Everlane look buttery soft and feature a little strap over the front, bringing a ballerina-meets-workwear edge to it.
They come in four shades — two tonal browns, a pale cream and black — so you can mix and match them with your favourite standout corporate looks.
The Napa leather will also mould to your toes over the course of the day for maximum comfort.
5. Meshki’s Carver Suiting Coat, $289
I’ve never felt more luxurious and like I belong on the set of Gossip Girl than I did popping this coat on the other day.
As soon as the cooler weather finally hits, you’ll find me in the ivory shade all winter long.
It’s thick and boasts a V neckline and pointed collar and lapel, creating a sleek and timeless silhouette.
Meticulously designed with shoulder pads, this coat offers a structured and polished look. It’s a total statement.
Drop your blazer off at the dry cleaners and take out this epic suit-style coat instead.
6. St Agni Woven Mini Tote in Chocolate, $349
I first spied this bag on social media and couldn’t believe how deliciously rich it looked for the sum total of $349.
It’s such a popular make that St Agni has currently listed it for pre-order, with stock shipping in March.
The Woven Mini Tote is crafted from 100 per cent vegetable dyed leather and boasts a thick woven body and single shoulder strap.
It has clearly been designed to carry your daily essentials, so it’s the perfect accompaniment to casual and occasion wear alike.
7. Kate Spade Dakota Handbag, from $349
Kate Spade has just launched its spring campaign globally with a few new pieces in the Dakota Handbag collection.
“The brand’s recently launched handbag pillar features bold and clean geometric lines and modern iconography with a signature hardware design, capturing a sense of colourful exuberance that nods to the brand’s core DNA,” the brand explained.
The pops of pink and tweed will still suit an Australian audience in autumn because we’re in for a few more weeks of heat.
They’ll be perfectly paired with black and beige basics.
