beauty

Editor-in-Chief's picks: 9 bits and pieces we're loving (all under $60).

Because everyone loves a totally random bargain…

Welcome back to another week of Editor’s Picks. As the old hands will know, I tend to theme my recommendations each week. You know, to provide some semblance of order in this chaotic modern world.

But I am almost 38 weeks pregnant, my baby brain is in full swing, my house’s uncleanliness levels have reached truly catastrophic proportions, there is nothing in my fridge that isn’t moldy or alcoholic and I haven’t washed my hair in two oh okay, six days.

Order. Huh?

As a result, this week’s shopping tips make utterly no sense as a collective group. They’re simply lovely, useful things I have bought, would like to buy or, (given my waddle makes going into the city rather unpleasant) would like you to buy and enjoy on my behalf.

1. Chalkboard calendar wall sticker from Sticker Republic.

RRP $24.95

Hands up if you live in a rental property and aren’t allowed to nail hooks into the walls? Hands up again if you live in a property that you own (or that you’re um, sharing, with the bank) and can’t be bothered to put hooks in the walls because who except the red-shirted smiley people on the Bunnings advertisements, owns a hammer anyway.

Friends? Welcome to wall decals. They’re a cheap, easy and fun way to decorate your house that are completely removable. I’m particularly partial to a chalk-board decal, that means you can make like Bart Simpson and WRITE ON THE WALLS. This monthly planner for a study is all sorts of awesome.

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2. Maternity wire-free crop from Bonds.

RRP $29.95

Fact: Before this year I only owned underwired bras. Now? I have formed the view that underwires are truly a tool of the devil and they are forevermore banished from my wardrobe. Pregnant or not (there’s a non-maternity option), these BONDS bras are out-of-this-world comfortable and are guaranteed not to make you look like a nana. Win.

3. Divine mix crew knit by Rusty.

RRP $69.95

It’s really very cold and every jumper or cardigan I see in the shops is far too brightly coloured for the dark stormy skies. Who wants to clash with the weather? This one from Rusty is a great cut, long enough to cover your midriff (seriously, what’s with the midriff exposing jumpers around right now?) and you can add multiple layers underneath it, without looking too bulky. I would however advise against wearing it with tiny white shorts (this model is clearly a mad woman who does not realise it’s currently 13 degrees outside).

4. Strut white leather heel from Wittner.

RRP $49.95

Winter should not mean boring shoes. I repeat, winter should not mean boring shoes. This pair from Wittner would look great with cropped jeans, a skirt or a dress and are prefect for a funky day at the office, or a night out.

Yes, your toes will be cold. Suck it up, this is fashion.

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5. Polly Shirt Dress from The Iconic.

RRP $69.95 $52.46

Is it a shirt? Is it a dress? It’s both, which is even more fun. Pair with tights and ankle boots. Then dress it up with long draped fine gold jewellery (the more chains the better) and this will look stunning. It’s also not fitted around the waist, so you can have three courses (two being dessert).

 

6. Grandiose mascara from Lancome.

RRP $54.00

That is a lot of money for a mascara. A lot. Some would even call it absurd, given the only thing visibly different about this mascara is that someone bent the applicator stick out of shape. Honestly, I know a bunch of toddlers and have several uncoordinated girlfriends who can do that for you, for free…. But?

Best. Mascara. Ever.

Not sure if it’s the super sci-fi fancy bend technology or something else but this goes on smoothly, creates a beautiful shape and adds length without clumping. Definitely worth taking for a test run a the beauty counter, at least.

7. Rose-Hip oil from Natural Glow Organic Beauty.

$17.95

Now that’s a beauty price I’m more comfortable with. If you’re not already using it, then rosehip oil is about to be the best thing ever to happen to your skin. Everything good ever (brightening, tightening, moisturising, nourishing, scar reducing, redness removing, etc) that you might want for your skin is achieved by this one little product.

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8. Suitcase storage boxes from Cotton On.

RRP $24.99

My jewellery is increasingly out of control and is all too chunky to have sitting on those delicate holders that are shaped like trees (and also cost the same as a small car). Solution? Not fancy but still funky jewellery boxes. These stack nicely, look fun together and will hide all your crap so it isn’t sitting in a knotted bunch on your chest of draws. If you want dividers inside these, just grab some plastic ones from a fishing tackle shop and slot them inside.

9. One-off flower bouquets from Daily Blooms.

RRP $30

Weird recommendation, I know. Daily Blooms are a Sydney based company (sorry everyone else, there are equivalents if you get your Google on) who deliver flowers but each day, they only source a single style bunch.

It’s unbelievably cheap, for only $30 you get delivery as well (which judging by competitors is less than half the average going rate). They also come really beautifully packaged.

So as long as you’re willing to invest your flower trust in the company rather than your own decision-making, then this is the nicest, most affordable way to send a little something to someone you’re thinking of.

Want more Editor’s Picks? Of course you do.

Editor’s Picks: The skirts and boots you’ll be living in this autumn.

Editor’s Picks: The one where we only recommend things that are on sale.

Editor’s Picks: 8 awesome online buys starting at $14.95.

Editor’s Picks: This week’s best of the chain stores (for under $100).