With autumn in the air and a slightly crisper feel to the morning’s commute, it can’t be only me who is dreaming about boots, sweaters and cosying up in a nice new doona at home.
Which is why I was delighted to start shopping this March, and buy a few items that are different to swimwear, resort style tees and shorts.
From beauty to fashion, home and travel pieces, below I reveal the 10 things I have snapped up in March and will be taking into the next month and beyond.
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These are all on firm rotation in my wardrobe and life — and should be in yours, too.
1. ECCO’s Metropole Zurich Boots in ‘Potting Soil’
I cannot wait for boot weather and have these cute new ankle boots from ECCO waiting in the wings ready to pair with a flowy skirt, jeans or a dress.
I love that the $349.95 boots marry both style and all-day comfort.
With a lightweight PU midsole and sensible 55mm platform heel with rubber tread, they are an uber comfy take on the iconic Chelsea boot that has been crafted in textured, designer ECCO leather.
I already own a pair of ECCO shoes and can truly attribute to their ultimate comfort.
I see these boots being my everyday commute desk-to-dinner option when the weather cools down.
2. Trinny London Line2Define in Rich Brown
Nothing says autumn like brown eyeliner, and this new product from iconic British beauty entrepreneur Trinny Woodall of Trinny London fame is nothing short of fantastic.
Ultra-creamy on application but smudge-proof once set, the dual-ended design features an in-built sharpener for impeccable precision.
And I’ve found the eyeliner stays put all day which is an added bonus.
In a Trinny London user trial, 96 per cent of people agreed that Line2Define ($42) defines and intensifies eyes, while 90 per cent said Line2Define provided effortless application.
I actually kind of like the idea of building up my Line2Define collection, and have my eye on the Indigo and green shades next for a more statement look.
What other beauty products have I been loving?
3. Carlotta and Gee Duvet Set in Yellow Stripes
I love a patterned duvet and this Yellow Striped option from Carlotta and Gee has apparently been flying off the shelves. I can see why.
From $305 for a single, you’ll get an all-natural European flax-made duvet cover and two pillowcases.
Pre-washed with volcanic stones, the set is supremely soft from the first touch — and it only gets better with time.
I own one other Carlotta and Gee duvet set and it’s honestly my favourite piece of bedding.
Invest in this set and you will not regret it.
What other home products have I been loving?
- The new Koala Luxe Mattress (from $2,000) promises the plushest and most luxurious night’s rest at an affordable price point. With advanced heating and cooling, I’ve got my eye on it for our spare room in a major way.
- I recently got my hands on a SONOS Move 2 Speaker ($799) and to say it’s changed my life would be an understatement. The quality of sound is second to none and I love that we can lift the speaker up and carry it around from within the house to outside.
4. Nike Alphafly 3 Trainers
Autumn/winter means running for me.
And I have been lucky enough to be one of the few people in Australia to have gotten my hands on the new Nike Alphafly 3 trainers when they were released earlier this year.
Loved by Olympic athletes, the speed shoes really do take seconds off your 5km and 10km PBs — and I could not love running in them more.
The shoes work via clever technology that helps to propel you to run faster.
A double dose of Air Zoom units helps launch you into your next step; a full-length carbon fibre plate helps propel you forward with ease; and a heel-to-toe ZoomX foam midsole helps keep you fresh from start to marathon distance.
I’m trying not to over-wear them before winter sets in and race season is here.
What other health and fitness products have I been loving?
- Liquid I.V, the number one powdered hydration brand in the US, has officially launched in Australia with its science-baked Hydration Multiplier ($39.99). A great-tasting electrolyte drink mix, Liquid I.V. is scientifically formulated to deliver faster hydration than water alone.
- Lululemon’s new trainer range is top notch. I already own a pair of the running shoes, but next up have my eye on the Cityverse Women’s Sneakers ($219).
5. The Secret Solar Serum in SPF50
Winter doesn’t mean you don’t need any SPF, and I recently cracked into this Solar Serum SPF50 ($110) by the Aussie brand, The Secret, when another sunscreen ran out.
Instantly, I fell in love.
Not only does it have everything I want from a sunscreen insofar as it’s lightweight, hydrating and gives both UVA and UVB protection, but it also gives a beautiful peach-undertoned luminous finish.
This means it looks fantastic both underneath makeup as a primer or by itself as everyday wear.
I know it’s expensive, but I honestly would re-purchase this time and again.
As always with sunscreen, it’s important to remember to apply 20 minutes before going out into the sun, and re-apply every two hours or after swimming.
6. Givenchy Irresistible Very Floral Perfume
Just because it’s going to get cooler, it doesn’t mean you can’t pair your autumnal outfits with a fresh and light scent.
Enter Givenchy’s new Irresistible Very Floral Perfume ($190), which has swiftly become my new favourite and go-to scent.
The lightly floral scent is not overpowering at all.
Blending the scent of rose, white flowers and coconut water, it’s both sophisticated and feminine.
It helps that the bottle looks pretty on my dressing table too.
7. NOVO Shoes Bravery Mount Slide in Chocolate
The second shoe entry in my list comes in the form of NOVO, and the shoe brand’s latest collaboration with the Aussie author, media personality and pageant winner Maria Thattil.
The capsule collection — which features five different styles — includes something for everyone and every moment, whether you’re after a heel or slide, or something in black, cream or tonal brown.
My pick of the bunch is the Bravery Mount Slide ($129.95) because it’s both relaxed enough to wear at the weekend with jeans, but dressy enough that you could wear it to work.
The slides are also available in white if you fancy something lighter.
8. JetKids by Stokke Bed Box
I’ve wanted one of these suitcases for kids since I saw one in action at the airport before my daughter was even born.
And this month, I finally got my hands on a JetKids Bed Box by Stokke in the colour Pink Lemonade ($279).
With an upcoming (domestic) trip in April, I plan to try out the suitcase with my toddler daughter.
But I’ll really put it through its paces when we travel to the UK to visit my family in July.
The clever suitcase isn’t only a bag, but a ride-on case with an in-built bed for long-haul flights.
It’s essentially a sleep-on suitcase, which children from 2-7 years old can rest comfortably or nap on during both long and short haul flights.
I’ll report back when we’ve tried it, but until then, I urge every parent to invest.
What other travel products have I been loving?
9. Merry People Bobbi Boot in Denim
My final boot in this round-up is the wonderful Aussie brand Merry People’s Bobbi Boots, which are now available in new colourways.
I opted for Denim Blue in the rainproof city or country boots, but there are a series of shades to choose from, as well as a new collection with the esteemed designer Karen Walker.
I already own a pair of Bobbi Boots in rust which I wear whenever it rains, so I was happy to add another pair of the $159.95 options to my wardrobe.
I love how comfortable the boots are, as well as how many compliments they get whenever I wear them.
10. Alana Maria Llaria Earrings in Gold
Finally, just because it’s cooling down, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep La Dolce Vita going a little bit longer.
And Alana Maria’s latest collection will have you feeling like you’re still on holiday all winter long.
Inspired by European escapism, the La Dolce Vita collection comprises pearls, gold and silver in vacation jewellery that easily translates to everyday wear.
I’ve got my eye on the Llaria Earrings in Gold ($119), which feature a gold hinged hoop design, as well as a beauiful drop freshwater pearl.
What other fashion products have I been loving?
- Looking for a man’s watch? Tissot’s PR516 Chronograph Mechanical ($2,925) is the perfect (very luxe) gift for the man in your life. Inspired by the 70s and designed to capture the spirit of driving with a sporty design, it’s chunky in a good way.
- I’m in need of a new pair of everyday sunnies and these After Hours ones by Quay Australia ($95) are just the ticket. Available in black and tortoiseshell, they are large and statement. I love them.