There’s nothing like a bit of warmth to convince you that spring is on its way.
And whether this week’s good weather on the east coast is just a flash in the pan or a sign of better temperatures to come, one thing’s certain:
It’s got me in the mood for shopping.
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Below, I reveal the fashion, beauty, fitness, homewares and kids’ buys I’ve been snapping up this month.
With new launches from Dyson, New Balance and Sheet Society, there is something for every shopper.
1. Dyson’s Chitosan Post-Style Serum, $89, Dyson
First up is this incredible launch from Dyson.
Not content with dominating the hair tech market with its iconic AirWrap and SuperSonic hairdryer, Dyson has made a new foray into hair products.
And having had my little hands on this Post-Style Serum for a week now ahead of launch, let me assure you that it delivers.
Designed to hold, hydrate, and define, this $89 serum offers soft, flexible, all-day hold with a natural shine.
Supercharged with Dyson’s latest hero ingredient, chitosan — which is somewhat incredibly derived from oyster mushrooms — the serum gives my dry winter strands some much-needed silkiness.
But even better, it helps to hold my style in place — whether I’m looking for a sleek and straight look or trying to amp up my curls.
There are many great features to love about the Chitosan Post-Style Serum, but some of my favourites include the fact the bottle is re-fillable so you can re-use your container each time you need a top-up.
I also love that my locks feel conditioned when I have this product in — which is no mean feat when your strands are as dry as mine.
Top marks, Dyson. You’ve done it again.
What other beauty buys am I loving this month?
- April Brodie’s Buccal Fusion Facials: I had the pleasure of experiencing this incredible facial this month in Sydney, when acclaimed facialist April Brodie came to town for a series of appointments. And oh my God, did it deliver. Over an indulgent 90-minutes, this deeply relaxing facial balances holistic facial therapy with an uplifting sculpting facial massage to leave the skin visibly firm and lifted. I think I need one monthly.
- Zoeva Velvet Love Eyeliner, $31: It’s the eyeliner that sells every 30 seconds at Sephora, and I have been absolutely loving wearing it to the office this month. I love the shade cocoa for a natural, barely-there look, but really all the colours are a great investment. I’m backed up by reviews too. This currently has a 4.7 star rating on the Sephora website.
2. Sheet Society Leo Washed Cotton Gingham Sheets, from $130
There’s nothing that says spring more than a bedding upgrade.
And this adorable gingham quilt cover, flat sheet set and pillowcases just screams warmer days ahead.
Made from 100 per cent cotton and stonewashed for that relaxed, lived-in look, the sheet set feels smooth and cool to the touch.
It also has a handy invisible zipper for quick and easy changes.
I’ve opted for white, mint and sage for a fresh feel in my bedroom, but there is an array of colours and prints to choose from.
No one makes sheets like Sheet Society, so if you’re looking to upgrade, the new spring collection is worth a major browse.
What other homewares buys am I loving this month?
- Vittoria Coffee Fashion Series Cappuccino Cups, $89: Australian family-owned Vittoria Coffee is celebrating a 10-year fashion collaboration with a new range of coffee cups working with some of the country’s leading designers. This year’s collectable series offers stunning keepsakes for your home from the likes of Blanca, Erik Yvon, Verner, Macgraw, Red Ridge, Emma Elizabeth and Leo Lin.
- Sheridan Aven Australian Cotton Dad Robe in White, $179.99: With Father’s Day around the corner, many will be thinking about what they can buy the father (or husband) in their life. Look no further than this plush and roomy robe emblazoned with the word Dad. The robe combines patented Hygro technology with zero twist, for a sumptuous, cosy finish that feels like you’ve wrapped yourself in a cloud. Dads will love the over-exaggerated finish, with a thick shawl collar, wide sleeves and cuff, and big patch pockets.
3. New Balance FuelCell Trainers, $330
Anyone who knows me will know I am obsessed with trainers.
Particularly the running variety.
So when this pair of everyday training shoes designed for marathons and half marathons landed on my desk, I couldn’t wait to put them through their paces.
Sadly, because I’m pregnant, the tester in this case had to be my (very willing and able-running) husband.
With a number of races coming up and marathons to train for, he seemed the perfect guinea pig to see how these shoes fared.
Obscenely lightweight, airy and bouncy when you put them on, these trainers are the perfect accompaniment to any tempo or speed-related training run.
He has so far tested them over a number of different workouts, ranging from 5km to 12km, and every time they have delivered the goods.
Even better, as someone who occasionally struggles with plantar fasciitis in running, he said these shoes offer great support even though they’re light.
I would highly recommend the FuelCell Supercomp Trainers to any runner gearing up for a long-distance race.
Now we just need the soon-to-be-released FuelCell Supercomp Pacer ($330) for race day itself.
What other fitness buys have I been loving this month?
- Lululemon Restfeel Slide, $99: Where do I start on these comfy-as-a-cloud slides from Lululemon? Designed to be the perfect post-workout shoe, I’ve been slipping them on and off before and after reformer Pilates classes, and wearing them at the weekends too. Fully obsessed.
- ON Cloudmonster 2, $279.99: To say I’m desperate to try these new shoes, available at Rebel Sport, would be an understatement. The hype around them is massive from runners in the know, who say they almost propel you forwards to hit your next PB. Add these to the shopping list, STAT, if you like running. They will definitely sell out.
4. Saint Valentine Sandrine Three Strand Pearl Necklace in Gold, $228
There’s something about pearls that screams chic.
So when I saw this Saint Valentine Three Strand Pearl Necklace, I knew I had to try it.
Coming from a collection that is billed for brides, the necklace is as suitable for a black tie dinner as it is a wedding.
With fine proportions and timeless wearability, the Sandrine Three Strand Pearl Necklace adds a feminine and modern update to the classic pearl necklace for any special occasion, and beyond.
What other fashion buys am I loving this month?
- Uniqlo Double-Breasted Jacket and Shorts, $99.90 and $49.90: Having attended the Uniqlo press showings earlier this month, I was super impressed with the array of clothes the store has available for all sorts of this occasions. This double-breasted jacket and short set particularly caught my eye, as I turn my mind to dressing for warmer climes and summer suits. Retailing in a number of colours, my pick of the bunch is gray for a relaxed, corporate look into September and beyond.
- Vestirsi Zoe Cross-Body Bag, $299: Vestirsi is my tried-and-true brand when looking for stylish Italian handbags at affordable price points. And this new Zoe Cross-Body style in ivory is no exception. Crafted with Vestirsi’s signature pebbled Italian leather, the Zoe Crossbody is the ultimate everyday bag. Dress her up or down, Zoe is subtle enough to make a chic impact.
- Step One Boxer Brief Pack, $155: I can’t go past Step One when it comes to boxers for my other half. Beloved by athletes and regular Aussies alike, the Aussie brand, available on Amazon Australia, is unrivalled for comfort, style and fit. Buy a pair or buy a pack. You’ll end up replacing his entire drawer.
5. Lovevery The New Sibling Book Collection, $90
Got a new baby on the way and already have one?
I do. Which is why this delivery from cult parenting brand Lovevery was perfectly timed, with my next little one due in September.
Retailing as a set of four books for $90, The New Sibling Book Collection aims to help parents set the stage for a healthy sibling relationship, with examples of how to emotionally prepare older children to meet their new sibling and adjust to sharing attention.
Research shows siblings can provide each other with long-lasting security and encourage the development of social skills, flexibility, and empathy.
While sibling relationships can be wonderful, introducing a new member to your family can also bring up contradictory feelings.
My daughter has been loving reading (and looking at the pictures) of babies in the books.
“Baby sister!” she says proudly, pointing.
These are the perfect gift for any parent who is about to transition to life with two.
What other kids’ buys have I been loving this month?
- Fisher-Price Link Squad, $31.99: The Link Squad line of toys, available at Amazon Australia, is composed of five unique characters that link to light up together, sing together, interact together and learn together to create an unforgettable experience for babies and toddlers. Each member of the squad offers different learning and play experiences. We’ve been road-testing the Jam & Count Panda Toy, which has 10 learning buttons, music-playing roller ball, and amusing sound effects. My daughter loves it.