Each month, we take a look over our bank statements to remember all the nice things we bought that made us smile.
September was a month of cleanliness and practicality on the purchase front - how fittingly Virgo of us. Important life admin was finally ticked off the list, kitchens were cleaned, showers were transformed into zen steam rooms, we got shit done!
As always, only the items that we genuinely rate and recommend make the cut - so you won't see anything #sponsored in here.
A Scrub Daddy and Scrub Mommy, $6 each
Another in the long list of things that I’ve been influenced to buy from TikTok. It’s a scrubber, in the shape of a manically happy face - but it, apparently, is very good because it doesn’t scratch and resists odors for a long time. It also changes texture in warm (soft and absorbent) and cold (firm, for deep cleaning). Did I need a scrubber in the shape of a face? No. But everytime I see it in my kitchen, it makes me smile. - Zoe Walker Ahwa
Hinoki wooden bathmat, $165
I’m still salty about not having a bath at my flat, I miss my Sunday soaks with my candles, oils and fresh herbs thrown in the tub to replenish my serotonin levels. Recently I discovered a way to make my shower feel more spa-like, which is to collect as many bathroom items made from Japanese cypress that I can find.
This bath mat packs a real aromatic punch once it gets steamy - and I also found these bath bags filled with Hinoki wood chips from Everyday Needs work incredibly well if you tie them underneath your showerhead. My little onsen hot box. - Lara Daly
La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Spray SPF50+, $32
Summer is coming! I’m about to board the plane for the first time in a long time for a very chill family holiday in Tonga. We’re essentially camping, with no WIFI and I am leaving my phone behind. So in preparation I’ve stoked up on sunblock. Not the most exciting purchase in the world, but a practical one. And one that represents a VERY exciting time. - Rebecca Wadey
Caitlin Snell x Baobei hair bow, $159
I love both Caitlin Snell and Baobei, so when I heard that the two young brands were collaborating, I was invested.
Caitlin makes the best hair bows (and bags, next on my list) and Baobei, the coolest necklaces (I bought one back in February), and together they’ve made this adorable and twee AF black silk, heart adorned hair clip of dreams. - ZWA
KAHE 'Tell Me No' jeans, $300 (on sale)
I can’t even remember what I used to wear everyday before I owned these jeans, made in Melbourne by Kiwi designer Kacy Heywood (Ka-He). Kacy had her first weekend pop-up here in Auckland at That Looks shop last month, and after I tried these on I knew my bank account would hate me.
I’m a pants girl - always on the hunt for jeans that are long and semi-baggy in the leg but snatched at the waist. These fit so perfectly and I love the gusset seam detail. I reckon I’ve already justified the cost per wear. - LD
The Palace Papers by Tina Brown, $40
I actually bought this before the Queen died (always ahead of the curve!) but have been too busy to read anything heavier than the Daily Mail lately. So I am very much looking forward to lying on some hot sand, book in hand! - RW
Nike ACG Air Mada shoes, $220
Technically I didn’t buy these with my own money, they were a requested birthday gift from my boyfriend, because I am a brat. One of Nike’s All Conditions Gear ‘90s revivals, this low hiking shoe was designed in 1994 (the year I was born), hence the nostalgic beige/teal/purple colourway.
I took these off-road on a trek last weekend, and can confirm they were super sturdy but surprisingly light to wear through sand and rocky terrain - you can even run in them! - LD
A molecheck, $295
This has been on my list for a long time, but this month I finally booked an appointment and went. It’s expensive life admin, but very important life admin. I have lots of moles, am very pale, and burn in the sun easily, so it felt like time to get my skin checked for anything irregular. The nurse was super friendly as she used a little dermatoscope to check over my moles, and explain the difference between raised and flat and any red flags to look for. It’s important to note that this isn't a molemap (where things are recorded); it’s more a basic check. - ZWA
Karen Walker tuxedo double-breasted blazer, $545
Apart from my usual blow outs on food and Ubers I had a remarkably low spend month, I did however make one large and important fashion purchase, a tuxedo blazer to wear to my brother's wedding next year. I've been overthinking my outfit from the day he told me he was going to propose to his extremely chic girlfriend and it's nice that I now just have the speech to stress about for 14 months. - Tyson Beckett
Twenty-seven Names linen shorts, $290
I may be 46-years-old but I love a designer summer short. I hold a lot of nostalgia for an amazing pair of Zambesi shorts my mother bought from JAG in Hamilton in the 80s, and that I eventually wore the waistband out of in the late 90s. These feel effortlessly chic and cool and full of promise for the months ahead. - RW
