The ultimate wishlist that separates the need from the greed.
There’s no denying how difficult it can be to put our precious pennies away and resist the urge to constantly purchase the dreamy items we see popping up left, right and centre.
Resisting temptation is no small feat, but working at a fashion title makes it all the more difficult. With beautiful garments constantly on rotation, an ever-growing wishlist is often a reality for the FQ Team.
Scroll for our list of picks we’d purchase in a heartbeat, that is if we didn’t have to pay bills:
“I had a version of this baby blue T-shirt when I was an obsessive 12-year-old fan, and wore it with sassy pride. Years later, I can see a few issues with the band’s lightweight version and commercialisation of feminism, but I also know that their proclamations of “girl power” were a gateway for me to explore and engage further with it as I went into my teens. I’ll be buying this updated 2019 merch for the nostalgia value.”
Shop: Spice Girls Girl Power T-shirt, approx $50, from Spice Girls Merch online
“I’m a big fan of what Chloe’s creative director Natacha Ramsay-Levi is doing at the French brand; her accessories are particularly cool. I have my eye on the vintage-inspired C handbag – definitely, a save up for, investment item.”
Shop: C bag, about $2750, from Chloe
“I actually already have this, but it’s definitely on the ‘buy again’ list. I used it on a recent flight to Tokyo and it was both handy and chic – featuring travel sized rinse-free hand wash, hand balm, a hydrating masque, rose petal infused mist, lip cream, mouthwash and toothpaste. Also, who doesn’t love cute mini beauty products?”
Shop: Departure Kit, $75 from Aesop
“Wynn’s groovy yin and yang cable knit sweater is one of the pieces of the season, and I love this online exclusive version in navy. So cosy!”
Shop: Ying yang sweater, $525 from Wynn Hamlyn.
“My skin feels a bit like every inch of moisture has been zapped out of it come mid-winter, so I tend to upgrade to a richer, more hydrating moisturiser during the cooler months to bring back that dewy, radiant glow that happens so easily in summer. I’ve been wanting to jump on the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream bandwagon for ages… so I’ve jumped headfirst. With anti-ageing Japanese superfoods, green tea, rice and an Okinawa algae blend, skin is protected against harsh winter aggressors while adding antioxidants and maintaining optimal moisture retention. I’ve only used it for a week so far, but already my skin is thanking me for it.”
Shop: Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, $117 from MECCA
“Another month, another Kate Sylvester dress I must have. This Bess dress is the perfect transitional dress taking you from autumn into winter through to spring with only some basic layering required. Too easy.”
Shop: Bess dress, $429 from Kate Sylvester
“These square-toed sandals sold out as quickly as you could say “90s dream shoe”. Thankfully, Topshop has just restocked this fashion editor fave and have added an additional three colours to the selection. Strappy kitten heels may not seem the obvious choice going into a southern hemisphere winter, but these will be ready and waiting for me come spring.”
Shop: Topshop Strippy White Heeled Sandals, approx. $75 NZD from Topshop.com
“If there’s one thing worth investing in when you have a great big mop of hair like mine, it’s an effective hairdryer! I’m excited to see ghd’s new ‘Festival Collection’ includes a powerful 2100W professional-strength hairdryer, which promises to smooth frizz and flyaways in half the time… so I can get several hours of my life back each time I wash my hair.”
Shop: ghd air® festival collection hair dryer, $265 from ghdhair.com
“These Birks certainly won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but they’re definitely mine. A slip-on shoe, lined with shearling, that can actually be worn out in public… Yes, yes, yes!”
Shop: Boston Shearling, $300, from Birkenstock
“This has been on my must-read list for a while now, but since finding out it’s being made into a film – coming out this September – it has been catapulted to the top! I adored The Secret History, so I’m hoping The Goldfinch is equally as un-put-downable.”
Shop: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, $28, from Whitcoulls
“I recently viewed a preview of the new E.B.M limited edition collection from Max, and this cream jacket was by far the stand-out piece for me. I love the brown feature buttons and statement pockets – and the cream wool blend is dreamy (just keep away from the red wine and beetroot juice!)”
Shop: Harlow crop jacket, $230, from Max
“This cosy knit makes me want to curl up beside the fire with a glass of red and a good book – the perfect kind of winter comfort. That balloon sleeve is my dream slouchy detail, too.”
Shop: Mimi jumper in navy, $360, from Marle.
“This Maggie Marilyn suit is my ultimate ‘wishlist’ item for the season. I’ve long been a fan of the ethical and sustainable brand, and this two-piece is clearly an instant classic. I love the energising blue colour, soft fabric and boyfriend shape blazer, which can be worn relaxed or cinched in with a belt tie.”
Shop: Just Getting Started blazer, $995, and Go Getter pant, $495, from Maggie Marilyn
“This 100% merino wool sweater from New Zealand brand Wynn Hamlyn is perfectly snug and sophisticated. I can’t wait to get my hands on it.”
Shop: Cable Knit Crew Neck Jumper, $445, from Wynn Hamlyn
“The Corbin Road Restorative Cleansing Balm is unlike any skincare product I’ve used before. It’s rich in New Zealand native kawakawa and other botanical extracts and comes with silk exfoliating cloths. Together they lift off stubborn make-up while deeply cleansing your skin at the same time. It’s surprisingly smooth and non-abrasive – I even use it before putting on skincare and makeup as I find they soak in better after a quick prep. ”
Shop: Restorative Cleansing Balm with silk exfoliating cloths, $160, from Corbin Road
“I don’t enjoy being out in the rain, but at least I have the silver lining of wearing a stylish Rains jacket when I do. This ‘Curve’ jacket is inspired by a timeless trench coat, but is much more practical in its lightweight fabric with snap buttons, adjustable cuffs and an easy tie front. As the Scandinavians says: ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather – only bad dressing’.”
Shop: Curve jacket, $125, from Rains.
“I’ve never been one to shy from animal print and this abstract take from Helen Cherry my ideal winter-ised option, I love the gathered neckline.”
Shop: Cilla Blouse, $398, from Helen Cherry
“Headbands haven’t been this popular since they were Blair Waldorf’s go-to accessory and all credit goes to Prada. Picking up where pearl clips, scrunchies, silk scarves and jewelled word slides left off, I’m getting on board with this velvet one. If I could I’d be buying the OG put on the runway by Miuccia and co but alas, they’re sold out worldwide!”
Shop: Johnny Loves Rosie Velvet headband, $38, from THE ICONIC.
“I need another blazer like a hole in the head, but yet here we are. Who am I to fight it, when this absolute vision (that buckle!) is this good?!”
Shop: Sebastian Blazer, $780, from Paris Georgia
“As a beauty editor, I’m constantly asked if certain pricey brand items are worth it. Often the answer is no, but having recently become better acquainted with luxe French skincare and makeup brand Sisley, I can tell you that this lipstick is worth its $75 price. It’s a weightless gel-texture formula that looks like a densely pigmented crème and wears like a dream, keeping lips lush and hydrated. As such, while I’ve been wearing the classic red #42 shade, this month I’m going to buy a nude shade as well.”
Shop: Le Phyto Rouge Lipstick, $75, from Smith & Caughey’s.
“This popped up on my Instagram discover immediately after I saw the film at Hollywood cinema the other day. It’s fate.”
Shop: Vintage terminator 2 tee, POA, by Round Two Vintage
“I spilt a fish sauce dressing all through my regular tote and it will never smell regular again. A sign I must replace with another NZ made item. I already have 2 KLAY jackets and a cushion and love everything they do!”
Shop: Heavy black canvas roll down bag, $160 from Klay
“This jumper is made in New Zealand and has a unisex vibe, which is a good way to get into my wardrobe.”
Shop: Moonscape jumper (Penny Sage x Imogen Taylor), $650, from Penny Sage.
“I’ve had my eyes on a new phone case for a while; one with a bit more personality than the one I have at the moment. I’d love to get my hands on a The Daily Edited personalised case. They’re fun and bold and they’re also a purchase I know I’ll use every day.”
Shop: Shadow phone case, $90 with personalisation, from The Daily Edited
“Activewear is like a second skin for me and I always find myself scrolling through the latest in fitness in my downtime. These Adidas U-Path run caught my eye and they’re most definitely a staple gym shoe that will fit in well in my workout wardrobe. There’s no denying that I had an *add to cart* moment for these shoes.”
Shop: Adidas U-Run, $150, from THE ICONIC.
“One thing that I most definitely don’t need more of is active wear – but, Aim’n have released their newest dreamy pastels range and safe to say, I’m obsessed. I’m all about soft colours like pinks, whites and purples and this lilac set has my name all over it.”
Shop: Ribbed crop, $80 and ribbed tights, $105, from Aim’n.
“I’ve always struggled with spots popping up on my skin at the best of times, but I haven’t been able to find a reliable and gentle product to tackle acne up until now. I read about this drying lotion online and thought I’d give it a go and I’m so glad that I did! This product is DREAMY and at such a low price point I wish I had purchased it earlier – I want to try more products in this range, so be prepared to see them in my selections! Trust me when I say this is R.E.L.I.A.B.L.E when it comes to getting rid of those pesky spots!”
Shop: Mario Badescu drying lotion, $29, from MECCA.
Photos: Supplied
