Hi friends,
I’ve had a growing list of things in my phone notes that I’ve been super impressed with/loving lately so thought it was time to share! There’s some great beauty bits (new / or just new to me), some cute clothes and some epic sales, home bits, a new stylish instagram follow; a bit of everything!
Over the long weekend (how good is a long weekend!!!), we visited the Art Gallery of NSW to look at the Archibald, Sulman and Wynne exhibits. If you’re going, don’t miss the Young Archie (The Young Archie competition invites budding artists between the ages of 5 and 18 to submit a portrait)! I stop and read every bio and info on the portrait and cry every time. So moving and so much talent.
On Saturday night, we went to the Sydney Film Festival at the State Theatre to see Kinds of Kindness, the new Yorgos Lanthimos film (Poor Things, The Favourite etc). Given Yorgos’ film track record, I was braced for impact but I wasn’t expecting 3 hrs of extreme disturbing disgustingness! I even saw people leave half way through the film stating, “That’s enough for me.” I don’t blame them.
The rest of the weekend was filled with cleaning, house maintenance, the fire on, Formula 1 viewing (Daniel Ricciardo finally got some points!! IYKYK), I booked my trip to Europe/US (going in August for work and fun with my sister!!) and I finally decided it was time to watch Breaking Bad.
I don’t know about you but lately we’ve started new shows and lost interest pretty quick. There’s a lot of content that’s streamable but the quality has been lacking. I had avoided Breaking Bad because I’m a very sensitive baby when it comes to drug / violent content. My thirst for quality got the better of me and while there’s a lot I have to cover my eyes for, the show is spectacular.
Ok, on to my list:
Lee Mathews sale
An excellent sale from Lee Mathews (up to 60% off) just dropped. I’ve created a full edit of my favourites here (lots of great layering knits, shirts, dresses, skirts so many things!) - it includes the below skirt and shirt I love! You may recall, I wore the skirt to fashion week.
Bassike and Incu are also having a sale right now. Here’s my Bassike sale edit. Here’s my Incu edit. Some fab discounted finds in there. And here’s a link to my updated sale edit including pieces from David Jones, The Iconic, Friends with Frank and Net-A-Porter.
Denise Nørgaard
I recently discovered Denise Nørgaard on Instagram. Denise is the CEO of Birger Christensen Collective (aka the Danish brands Rotate and Remain). She mostly posts mirror selfie outfit carousels and her wardrobe is to die for. Everyday, classic but cool outfit perfection.
Wynn Hamyln knit
I just think this knit is perfect.
Mecca Max Lip Lock Balmy Stain
I knew I’d love these as soon as I saw them. There’s 6 pretty shades (my favourites are Heavy Petal, That’s My Jam, Get Reddy), they go on like a balmy/gloss but the stain lingers. Like the cool little sister to a matte lippie.
Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint
One of the most unique makeup textures (bouncy, cooling and juicy) I’ve ever experienced - it literally looks like a jelly lolly of sorts. This also has a stain like effect so you need to blend quick on the cheeks before it settles.
Clinique Anti-Blemish foundation
If you have blemish prone skin like me, this foundation is a god-send. Matte but still skin like, buildable coverage - it has salicylic acid, postbiotics and a host of soothing ingredients to work for your skin, not against it. Big fan!
Shop-Pêche
I keep seeing these super cute ballet flats pop up all over the internet and I can’t get these buttery beauties off my mind. Really love the shape too.
Kosas Hotliner Hyaluronic Acid Contouring Lip Liner
I saw this Tiktok and I was immediately sold. I went out and bought the exact Kosas lip liner shade Olivia wore plus two others and she was right. It does not budge. We love!!!
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Jardan Hotel Futura
If I could have a house full of this latest furniture capsule from Jardan, I would! So many colours and customisable options. Obsessed.
These are kind of everywhere right now but for good reason. Not only are they easily the chicest, coolest kitchenware out right now, they’re a dream to use. Bonus is they’re quite lightweight compared to anything I’ve used in the past - my wrists simply couldn’t deal lol.
Dyson Wash G1
A month or two ago, I was invited to a secret Dyson event where I got to preview their latest innovation before it was released. In a nutshell, the Wash G1 works on removing wet and dry debris from hard floors, cleaning them hygienically and efficiently. The device basically eliminates everything everyone hates about mopping and makes it so simple, easy and actually fun lol.
Crown Affair
Crown Affair recently launched at Mecca and I’ve been using the Leave In Conditioner ever since and it’s so lovely and nourishing. It also smells fantastic too! Really appreciate the big glass bottle it comes in, I love the weighty-ness of it - however I’ll need to decant this for travel (I’m sure they offer travel alternatives).
Type Bea
Speaking of hair, I’ve been using the new Type Bea range - from the founders of Vida Glow and Rita Ora. The range promotes strength and length - and for a gal with bleached blonde hair on a hair growth journey, this is exactly what I’m in need of. It’s too soon to tell if these products have really impacted my hair growth but I’ll report back after a sufficient amount of time.
Porridge!
As it’s now utterly freezing in Sydney, I’m really on my porridge grind and for the first time ever I poached some pears over the weekend and what a game changing event in my life that has been. It’s super easy and the porridge/poached pear combo is just a gift to my breakfast routine.
I’m off to renew my passport! Feel free to like, comment, share with your friends. I love it so much when I hear from you!!
More Smooth Brain Thoughts soon,
Ali xx
Thank you for the reminder that the Archibald is on! 🥰
Have always wondered about the quality of Shop Peche as their products keep popping up for me and look lovely. If you do buy keep me posted!