Here at Ensemble we are (maybe a little prematurely) getting ready for warmer weather, cocktail hours and holidays abroad. Admittedly we got swept up in the sight of summer collections, but we chose wisely; with hard-working denim shorts, shirts that can be thrown over anything and sandals that will go the distance.

This month we also made some purchase decisions we feel damn good about - from supporting local independent zines to buying T-shirts that give back to a great cause. 

Kowtow shorts, $229

Mentally I’ve moved on to summer, and it was with that attitude that I finally bought these denim shorts. I have a pair of cotton Kowtow shorts that I absolutely thrashed last summer, and I bet I’ll do the same with this more structured pair. I’ve had my eye on this style for a while: they remind me of slightly dorky safari shorts, in a good way, obvs. - Zoe Walker Ahwa

Copies of Rat World magazine, $20 - $25 each

Young creative independents doing cool things: I love to see it. I saw Rat World pop up on my Instagram feed and its name, lo-fi aesthetic and community spirit filled me with so much joy – it describes itself as “a magazine for the underground”, and hosts events like collage zine workshops and late night art gatherings. I quickly went to their website to buy physical copies to see and read it in real life. It’s so important for a city to have a youth, creative culture that fosters new projects like this, that sit outside of the establishment – and for those of us who are part of that establishment (like me, yuck but true) to support and learn from them. - ZWA

Mina shirt, $415

I’m a sucker for a striped top and own far far too many, but most fall into the camp of being horizontally striped or made in a winter weight so when I saw this lovely light vertically lined number in Mina’s summer collection It didn't take much for me to justify one more entering my wardrobe. I love that this green one is the easy wearing type that can be chucked over anything.  If you see me between now and April chances are I'm going to be wearing this shirt. - Tyson Beckett

Teva sandals, $110

I impulse bought a pair of Ganni khaki rubber sandals last month, and although I like a chunky style, it feels like I have army tankers strapped to my feet by the end of the day. So I have been desperately looking for a lightweight pair that I can thrash on my upcoming trip to Mexico. When I spotted theses Mocha colourway Tevas I was immediately sold, picturing the orange/red pedicure I would wear with them. Catch me pounding the pavement in Oaxaca in these sporty bad boys. - Lara Daly

Fuck Cancer T-shirt, $149

My dear friend Claire McLintock and her husband, the artist John Reynolds, designed these T-shirts with proceeds going to the wonderful charity Sweet Louise, that supports those living with advanced breast cancer. I almost bought the other style, ‘Don’t Delay Fun’, as I thought it might be more palatable to wear in public. But then I decided if anyone is offended by Fuck Cancer, I don’t mind offending them. Besides, it’s more synonymous with Claire’s spirit. I remember she did a Fuck Cancer needlepoint sometime circa 2003 when we were both diagnosed that I adored. I will wear this T-shirt with pride. - Rebecca Wadey

Hastings Distillery barrel aged negroni, $95

We got sent a press release about this and I’d clicked on the site, added it to cart and possibly had it shipped all before I’d gotten to the bottom of the page. It’s no secret I am a big gin fan, and Hastings Distillery’s Albertine is one of my favourites. I also love a Negroni, hence my tremendous excitement at this new product. It’s every bit as delicious as I’d hoped. It’s also delicious with grapefruit tonic and an orange twist on those days when drinking it straight seems a bit wild (my husband strongly disagrees with that statement). - RW

Gucci sheer lipstick in Agatha Orange, $75

This is what being in the mall for over two hours does to you - wears you down until you feel justified in spending $75 on a single lippie. Surprisingly, I haven’t felt hoodwinked or bamboozled from this purchase. As someone who owns literally hundreds of lip products it takes a lot to impress me, but I can’t rate Gucci lipsticks enough. The colours are so unique - I was tempted by their metallics (throughout the Y2K revival I have yet to see the return of a frosted lip, now I’m sold on it coming back in a big way). In the end I chose a sheer, balmy orange red that fools me into thinking it's summer every time I swipe it on. - LD