Mid-week Quickie #6
Martha's new brand LEM (try on haul), a few holiday gift ideas to get us started, Erewhon origin story + what I've worn this week
I literally don’t know how it’s November. Are we thinking about Christmas and the inevitable gift buying that’s upon us? Are you organised or a procrastinator? I’m somewhere in the middle. Between now and December 25th I’ll pepper in a few gift ideas in each Quickie. Rather than one bulk gift guide. Is that helpful? Or do you want a few dedicated guides (ie gifts under $50, $100, $200 etc)? Let me know.
Are you with Optus? I am. So most of today was interesting. I was at the hairdresser for 6 hours (my cut and colour always takes ages) and 4 hrs of that was without internet (my hairdresser is also with Optus so I couldn’t jump on their wifi). My work revolves around social media and being online (I’d say we all fall into this basket though) – so to be honest the break was nice (and peaceful) but I was a bit panicked initially at the thought of having no connection to the internet or phone service for hours on end. How would I pay for my hair appointment (I brought my physical card), how would I listen to music and podcasts (I’ve pre-downloaded every Taylor Swift song), emails, phone calls, texts etc – it can all wait or be worked out. I was oblivious to what I was missing out on and I kinda like it (and I’m very aware there were hospitals and other very important businesses/people that are actually struggling due to the outage). Optus outage or not, it was a great reminder to put my phone away and disconnect more.
To pass the time, I obviously chewed the ear off my hairdresser but I also ploughed through my new book, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. IT’S SO GOOD. But I’m sure most of you know that. When I shared on Instagram that I’m currently reading it I was inundated with the ravest of rave reviews. And you were all correct. It’s making me so excited to watch the TV series (on Apple), which I’ve also heard is great.
I also read this article from The Cut all about the origins of wellness grocery juggernaut, Erewhon and how they came to be purveyors of the $20+USD Hailey Bieber smoothie. When I’m in LA, I would happily eat at Erewhon for breakfast, lunch and dinner if it was up to me. I really am that bitch. If people think it’s cult-like now, they need to read how it started…
I love new hair day. I haven’t had a cut or colour since June. My regrowth was screaming at me which makes the final result even more rewarding. Here’s the before and after:
I’ve been blonde for about 18 months now. I love it and I’m never looking back! I’m also growing out my hair with no specific length in mind. I’m just seeing where it goes. I can do a dedicated Substack about how I look after my hair if you’d like?
Another really fun thing that happened this week – I’m in a book! My Bed Threads home tour was featured in the new The Makers book which was released last week.
I knew this was in the works but having the physical book arrive last week was surreal and so exciting. If you love home/interiors – what a great gift idea!
Here’s what’s to come below: This week, I’ve got a few gift ideas (as mentioned at the start), a clothing brand launch from Martha Kalifatidis (I bought some pieces so I’ve got a try-on haul for you), other outfits of the week, a cute jacket I might buy and a few other bits and bobs.
Some gift ideas to get you started:
I’m a sucker for a scented candle. Like, if I was to have a product launch of my own – it would be a scented candle. Here are my top picks for the festive season:
I got this Maison Francis Kurkdjian candle - the Sapin scent. Comes in at $163 for the 280g size and it’s Christmas tree perfection. Same with D.S and Durga’s Portable Xmas Tree (fragrance notes: Dwarf pine, douglas fir, spruce, spices, Austrian pine and amber) for $112. SO GOOD.
Diptyque’s whimsical carousel attachments ($206 but comes with a candle as well!) are a beautiful touch to your festive space. And this Flamingo Estate gift set is worth it just for the beautiful packaging (couldn’t find it on Mecca’s website but I know it’s coming). They also make one of my favourite candles - their Heirloom Tomato scent - a great all year round gift idea.
A forever Christmas favourite - Glasshouse Candles make some classics. My favourites are The Night Before Christmas and Gingerbread House (both $59.95 for 380g).
One makeup rec - this Hourglass limited edition duo of their best-selling lip balm/gloss. This is such a fantastic product and these colours are so good. Flagging this one now as it’ll likely sell out. There’s two in the set - it’s available for $88 (they’re usually $56 individually). See the shade Haze in action below.
Fashion: what I’ve bought, what’s sitting in my cart, what I wore IRL
LEM: So Martha K, a fave of mine, has quietly been working away on a brand of her own, with friends Maya Entwisle and Janna Barone. It’s called LEM - have you seen it/did you grab anything from the first drop? I’d noticed her tagging the account and quickly signed up for early access. I bought three things and I’m really happy with them! Three versatile pieces that will slot in well to my wardrobe. See try on below.
Other fashion bits I’m into: this Oroton jacket!
Pair it with this Prada-like skirt! And Oroton always do the best party/summer wear. Like this dress. And this one too.
I’ve never bought anything from Orseund Iris (do you know how many times I’ve stared at this brand name and I still think I’m spelling it wrong) before but this sheer red cardigan looks lovely!
What I’ve been wearing this week:
Thanks for reading (and liking and commenting <3)! I hope you’re all drinking lots of water and getting at LEAST 8 hrs of sleep a night. And if you’re not, that rest and relaxation isn’t far away.
More Smooth Brain Thoughts soon,
Ali xx
Would love to see a haircare post, Ali!
Martha K slay