The Shopping List: FEBRUARY
Each month we share the 10 things we can't stop thinking about and the reasons why.
Why was January 365 days long? Speaking as parents of kids who weren’t even on school holidays (honestly, if that was your situation we take our floppy hats off to you), it still felt like an endless month to navigate, between work commitments, the insufferable heat here in Melbourne and the very real challenges of raising an 8 month old (Soph) and a 10 month old (Annie).
It’s safe to say the days of simply sitting down to tickle the part of our brain that itches for a dose of style/interiors, food/travel inspiration feel like they belong to another realm — one where “busy” meant a weekend of social commitments, not a perpetual state of adrenaline.
There are so few moments to mentally escape at the moment, but our monthly Shopping List is one of them: a chance to sit down and review all the fashion-related ephemera that has been floating around in the jumble of our brains over the last four weeks.
This is the second month we’ve partnered with Carted to bring you our Shopping Lists in saveable/shoppable form (scroll to the end of this newsletter to access each of them), and it’s only brought home how valuable this app is for our wardrobes, our budgets and — perhaps most pressingly — our brains. Because when life gets this full, and your brain space is tapped out, it’s easy to forget just about every item that plops into your mind, or make dumb decisions because you’re searching for a quick fix/answer/serotonin boost.
To avoid these traps, we’ve both been using the app to save all the things we come across that we like. We then get to go through it all each month when building these edits out. It’s like a honey trap for style, saving our brain space and bank accounts one link at a time. We actually can’t believe it’s free.
Thanks for being here with us, we hope you love this month’s picks.
Sophie & Annie
xoxo
Sophie
VENROY / Cotton Crochet Jacket — $200
My desire and thought process here is:
A layer that isn’t an oversized long sleeve shirt, because judging by our #heyhomeroom Q&A’s recently, we’re all sick of being told to wear them (specifically, but not limited to, as a mum uniform – we hear you)
A modesty layer that doesn’t make me feel like said mum
A way to make a summer outfit more interesting that isn’t going to melt me in the process
I purchased a black Viktoria & Woods collared crochet cardigan type thing a couple of years back and never wore it but have recently lived in it, which says a lot about the current state of my self esteem but that’s not the only reason i’m wearing it more: it’s because it makes my throw on summer looks more exciting. If you subscribe to the viral 8 point styling system (I wrote briefly about this here) which is basically a simple way of making your looks more interesting, summer makes this rule painful to follow.. Because you know what’s not cool in summer (pun intended)? Layers. So if you gotta layer, it gotta be light.
This Venroy crochet number is calling me. It’s not only addressing all of the above, it’s also delivering on my current obsession with all-things-that-look-homemade-but-are-not (I think there’s an edit in this, hit me up if you want one). In an attempt to create variance and interest in my looks, i’ve been desperately seeking items that serve ‘my unemployed vegan sister-in-law made this while travelling through Peru’. In a world where fashion seems to be filled with sameness (Zara Wong wrote about this here), this micro trend is such a breath of fresh air. But apparently it’s expensive to make things that look handmade that are actually made by a machine, like even more so than them actually being handmade. Go figure. Alas, this cardigan caters to my desire to eat, sleep, play, die in Bode, but also most likely my lifelong inability to afford it.
This week I went down a bit of a rabbit hole when looking for an interesting light layer that isn’t an oversized shift – I’ll speak more on the subject of this next week but another option I landed on is a broderie / embroidered shirt, again to appease the above ‘handmade’ need. Yes it’s still a shirt but it’s at least a little different. Anyway, I was spoiled (spoilt? Annie is the word wizard, not I) for choice! I already own this one, which falls into more of a delicate top category (edit of these in here). This Country Road one is probably my favourite because it feels a little more structured / jacket-esque and I like the collar. It’s also boxy and cropped which works so well for a lot of my looks, it’ll create interesting proportions in all the right ways, especially if you size up me thinks. This is similar but 100 bucks cheaper. I adore the detailing in this Aje piece but am so very over the ‘gold accent button’, easy to replace the button but for $295 I don’t really want to be replacing anything. Love this collarless option and if you love a femme moment this is adorable. Some of these also come in black but my fave noir options are this and this!!! So freakin cute, go Witchery you good thing. If colour is what you’re seeking, Venroy also has you covered here and here, and if you’re cashed up this is absolutely stunning.
I’ve added all of these to my Carted so they’re easy for you to shop or even add to your own. Add multiple options so you can play them off against each other in a mini sartorial broderie anglaise war: may the best top win.
Oh, this Elka Collective crochet top was dropped recently too! Cute.
Annie
DISSH / Dalton Bitter Choc Suede Bomber — $429.99
A few years ago, I’d have confidently described my style as minimalist. But, in more recent times, that label has felt reductive…almost cowardly - like I’m hiding behind it because, on the face of it, it seems like it requires less from me. I don’t know for certain where this internal criticism towards “minimalism” as a style concept has sprung from, but I think it’s got something to do with the internet (social media often makes me feel like I need to do more with my style, not less) There’s a lot of pressure to ‘perform’ your style in online spaces, which often has very little to do with the reality of day-to-day life (something we’re actively trying to resist here at homeroom).
When I saw Veronica Leoni’s debut collection for Calvin Klein this week, I remembered why I love the principles of minimalist design: all that simplicity and functionality soothes me on a deeper level. But Veronica showed us that minimalism doesn’t have to be simplistic or boring. In fact, I’d argue that clothes like these are the opposite of boring. They’re maybe even intellectual — a careful study in proportion, negative space, lines etc.
Anyway, all this is to say that I am unapologetically re-embracing minimalism this month. Because when life is so chaotic (and so filled with baby-related things), what I want from my wardrobe is a dose of grown-up-ness. I want to feel like a thinking, intelligent adult, basically.
I’ve been thinking about what my go-to outer layer is going to be when the weather cools. Pre-baby, it was always a tailored wool blazer (E Nolan made-to-measure is an investment in your wardrobe like no other, and I also really like this from Christopher Esber, currently on sale) but post-baby, a blazer feels totally inappropriate (not to mention impractical) - like I am cosplaying as someone I used to be. On the other end of the spectrum, the denim jackets I own feel too casual for said grown-up-ness (though I do love this oversized Camilla and Marc number, but maybe only worn in contrast to more un-baby-friendly evening wear like a silk skirt and heels). A trench is classic, but more on that another time. What I really need is a jacket that can move with me through my day while still feeling elevated. It’s why I think I am drawn to this suede bomber by Dissh. I’ll take it extra oversized and wear it with a silk slip for the perfect (minimalist) autumn uniform.
Sophie
CAMILLA AND MARC / Hedione Skirt — $550
This is definitely the most frivolous and unrealistic piece in my Carted at the moment, but who is to say I don’t have a core need for this delicious mocha brown sequin skirt!!! There are very few occasions in my diary that would warrant this purchase but perhaps that’s why I do need it, in order manifest more of these moments.
Back in my youth, when I was hungover I would often dress extravagantly for the sake of it (probably because I was still under the influence) and I really miss those moments. Wearing something epic from your wardrobe and doing it unapologetically - the best way. More of that in 2025 please, sans the hangover.
Annie
JUEM / Sophia Soft Tri Bralette — $79.00
I’m almost ready to say goodbye to my maternity bras (for those who are in need, you cannot go past Mumma Milla for sheer comfort and practicality). I had a few maternity bras from Juem that I didn’t really use in the heyday of my breastfeeding journey (I seriously miscalculated just how big your boobs get, I was NOT prepared), but which I am now able to wear. I love them so much, but need to update them to the right size for my (almost) post-breastfeeding bust.
I’m all for a simple black triangle bralette (NALA makes great ones, as do Boody), but I cannot get the prettiness of this Juem bralette out of my head. The little flower print, the tiny scalloped edge detail, the ribbed stretch organic cotton fabrication: it’s all just so perfect and sweet and pretty. And when you’re wrangling a 12kg wrecking ball in human form all day long, there isn’t a lot of space to wear pretty things during the day. I’ll sneak them in anywhere and anyway I can.
Sophie
GEM TOTEM / Multigreens Necklace — $185
I found this local jewellery label through the wonderful fellow Substacker Jade Fox and immediately fell in love and want multiple pieces. There are beaded jewellery options a plenty on the interwebs at the moment but Gem Totem’s pieces have very swiftly moved to the top of my wishlist. I love the graduating sized stones on the Multigreens Necklace as well as the mix of greens they’ve used, because it still feels relatively neutral in tone despite being such an array of colours. Also they’re a very small business ♥️♥️
Both beaded necklaces and cord necklaces (I just bought this and this) have been present in so many of my shopping lists because of their ability to quickly transform a boring look. This necklace with a t-shirt and midi skirt and i’m done. That’s my go-to look right now: t-shirt / midi skirt / statement necklace / thongs (or flip flops, I feel like we’re all calling them flip flops now. Very American of us. I even think of underwear whenever I call them thongs weirdly).
This Pigna piece is also very chic and perhaps a good / better option for evening, but i’d wear it 24/7. This cord necklace is affordable and still on my list. This is adorable and again, small business and affordable. Less bold but equally chic is this little lavender piece, a cute everyday-er. And if I had endless funds I’d get this fun bracelet. Ohhhhh and this favourite has had a glow up.
Annie
CAMILLA AND MARC / Adrian Denim Jean — $400
Speaking of not being able to wear ‘pretty’ things during the day, I am in a situation where I basically have to peel my clothes off at the end of the day, such is the grubbiness of looking after a 10 month old who adores food, the dog, the dog’s water bowl, the dog’s bed, the dog’s toys…the dog’s very essence. Try as I might, I am in a perpetual state of blocking, picking up, swiping, wiping, mopping. It’s messy work. So I end up dressed in the most utilitarian things I own… which is fine on the days I only have said baby and dog for company (if not particularly exciting), but on the days I might also want to be more social, I need something I can wear that feels cool but will also withstand a thousand squats and a thousand swipes of avocado-filled fists.
I have lived in a pair of black Venroy cotton poplin pants for most of the summer (similar here), but these oversized jeans by Camilla and Marc are where it’s at, especially as the weather cools down. I’ll be getting them hemmed so I can wear them with slides (I am lusting after these) and then flats as we move into autumn (still have my eye on these), then pairing with a baby tee (I have this style in three colours, though I have heard the ones from Uniqlo are also excellent as a less expensive option), and laying over a sweater when it gets chilly. Wish me luck!!
Sophie
ALBUS LUMEN / Baby Rose Singlet — $90
Because it’s bloody adorable as well as bloody hot in most of Australia at the moment, so a cute tank is basically a daily essential need. I feel like there is also a sense of nostalgia to this piece, did I actually already own this very top when I was an itty bitty baby? I think I did. In the 90’s my mum used to buy Bonds chesties and embroider tiny little roses on them to give to her new mums (she’s a midwife) and I think that’s what it reminds me of. Come to think of it I need to get her back on the embroidery tools.
There are a couple of items which are gracing most of my shopping lists every month without fail: a statement necklace and a graphic tee (or tank). As I’ve noted above, they’re a part of my daily uniform so i’m forever hunting the perfect pieces. The graphic (or embroidered rose in this instance) is what makes the outfit interesting for everyday but the formula can still get a bit repetitive, so a light layer is an important accomplice in shaking up the routine. I’m pairing this cutie with last month’s Olga Joan skirt, bare feet and said light layer.
Yes this newsletter is supposed to be our top 10, but while we’re on the topic of cute tops: this terry towelling cropped polo doesn’t have a graphic but the colour speaks for itself. Living for a polo right now, anything to shake up the t-shirt addiction. This is also cute for the minimalist gal. Ohh, I’ve been looking for a good rugby top too, is this it?
Annie
LUCY FOLK / Watermelon Pip Necklace — $700
An impulse purchase, this is not. In fact none of the items on my Shopping List this month are budget-conscious, but they are all items I would like to buy (if I had the budget to extend) because they’re all pieces I see myself wearing every single day over the coming season (and, in the case of this necklace, well beyond).
My husband bought me the bracelet version of this necklace last summer. I was six months pregnant at the time, and everything felt so ripe with anticipation. Now, in the excitement of planning our son’s first birthday party, I’ve also occasionally been thinking about a way to commemorate one year of motherhood for me. It has felt like nothing short of a total metaphysical transformation (if anyone wants to read more about this process, I cannot recommend Lucy Jones’ Matrescence enough). Change on this cellular, almost atomic level I think warrants some sort of tribute. It doesn’t necessarily need to be an object, but jewellery really is such a lovely way of storing and passing on memories and milestones.
Sophie
SOLAQUA / Carmelia Dress — $365
We did our edit of summer throw-on-dresses late last year, but if I’m really honest I didn’t find ‘the one’ for myself at this point. I loved so many of them, but none were quite right to warrant spending my precious minimal maternity leave dollars on.. but if I had the cash, that is what I would be buying or recommending to friends. That was and still is the whole purpose of homeroom: we’re here sharing what we’ve done the research on so that you don’t have to. We obviously aren’t buying everything we’re recommending (you may have already noticed a slightly resentful tone when it comes to talking about our current budgets), but we’re sharing in the case that you might need or want them also and in turn make more considered choices about what you’re purchasing.
I came one step closer to my summer throw-on-dress holy grail with January’s Shopping List, i’m still very into this Elce dress but for now it remains in my Carted and not in my wardrobe because my purchasing priorities continue to favour the tiny human. It’s all very boring. Cute, but boring.
Anyway, I found another one that i’ve begun a long distance love affair with (most of my fashion love affairs are long distance right now). I love love love this piece and know I would live in for many summers to come. This Solaqua dress ticks so many boxes. Light, airy, loose, full length, short sleeve, vintage vibe but chic enough that it doesn’t scream boho babe. And because I don’t do feminine very well.. i’d most likely make it look a little more ‘cool’, I see it unbuttoned with a triangle swim top poking out underneath.
Annie
RYLAN / 30.55 Brown Suede Mila Medium Tote — $549
20% of my list this month consists of brown suede — not a fabric known for its resilience to stains and marks. Do I have a problem? Or am I just a glutton for punishment?
Hear me out. Bags can completely transform an outfit. Not enough attention is paid to this fact, in my opinion. For a long time there, I was carrying this Poppy Lissiman tote around — I loved it because it added a layer of playfulness to a more pared-back look. I still love it, but it no longer feels right for me. I’ve carried Rylan’s vegan leather small tote for 18 months now — it’s such a beautiful bag, and so versatile too. It adds a layer of polish to a simple jeans-and-tee fit. I don’t want to retire it, but I would like a non-black alternative to throw into the mix.
I’m really into the crumpled, squishy silhouette of Rylan’s Mila style. To me, it’s adorable but still refined enough that I am confident I’ll use it for years (Assembly Label’s excellent brown suede tote is an excellent, cheaper and roomier alternative). I love the practical uses of this too — carried by handles or via an adjustable shoulder strap. We need options! It’s currently sitting in my Carted competing for my attention and dollars with the Christopher Esber bag I included in last month’s edit. Both are sitting more on the dream wishlist than the likely-to-buy wishlist, but tell me which one you like more and I may just clear out enough of my wardrobe with Goodbyes in order to commit to one of them.