What the FJ team read, watched and wore in April
image via @hollyvillagra/INSTAGRAM
words by fashion journal
Lena Dunham’s Famesick, strapless bras and tartan skirts.
Between books, movies and fashion releases, our plates have been full this past month. We managed to get our hands on Lena Dunham’s new memoir, Famesick and made progress on our reading lists, popped into the Sister Studio’s warehouse sale, caught an early screening of The Devil Wears Prada 2, all while staying up to date on the latest in news and pop culture (thanks to Big Small Talk).
Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.
Safe to say, April’s harvest has been plentiful. Find our monthly favourites, from books to movies, Instagram accounts, skincare products, pyjamas and more, below.
Lily McVeigh, intern
Reading
Loved One by Aisha Muharrar was all over my feed in the second half of last year, and in an effort to pull myself out of a reading slump, I finally downloaded it to my Kindle. It is the author’s debut novel, but considering she was a writer on Parks and Rec, I had high expectations. It is a funny, emotional, and interesting take on loss, grief, friendship and love.
Wearing
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After picking them up from their recent warehouse sale, I’ve been wearing my new Sister Studios Ruffle shorts non-stop. They’ve been perfect for Melbourne’s in-between weather and feel like a fun yet wearable addition to my wardrobe.
Watching
I started following What Zara Loves this month after repeatedly seeing, and enjoying, her ‘Taboo on the bus” series on my ForYou Page. She is well-read, articulate and uses her platform to deep-dive into really interesting conversations across various topics. Also late to the train, but I finally watched White Lotus this month. Considering April isn’t over yet and I’m already well and truly into season three, I’d say it’s going down well.
Daisy Henry, Assistant Editor
Wearing
I was lucky enough to recently receive a pair of Levi’s new Loose Boot jeans. I went up two sizes for a relaxed fit and love wearing them with a slouchy shirt or my Merino T-shirt from Pave. I’ve also been dousing myself in Aesop’s new Resolute Facial Concentrate every night. It’s a retinoid-enriched oil-serum and has noticeably improved my skin’s texture (plus, it smells divine).
Reading
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I’ve read some really good books lately – like really good. I loved Belle Burden’s memoir, Strangers, which details the shocking breakdown of her marriage and adored My Year in Paris with Gertrude Stein — it’s Deborah Levy at her absolute best. I’ve also managed to get my hands on Meg Mason’s upcoming fiction, Sophie, Standing There, so I’ll report back next month.
Watching
I was lucky enough to attend a preview screening of The Devil Wears Prada 2 this week! I can’t give anything away, but I can’t wait to discuss it with anyone and everyone over the next couple of weeks. Also, how good was The Drama?!
Holly Villagra, Branded and Content Coordinator
Wearing
I’ve been feeling a little meh about straight-up-and-down silhouettes, so I’ve been searching for pieces that give my curves more of a moment. I’m currently obsessed with Homie’s Kristy Tartan skirt, the adjustable ruching and thick waistband create a gorgeous cinched waist, while the substantial fabric makes it perfect for the colder months.
Listening
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I recently confessed that I haven’t been across enough news lately, something I don’t love admitting. I mentioned this to a friend, who suggested I listen to Big Small Talk. Hosted by Hannah Ferguson and Sarah-Jane Adams, it’s a bite-sized podcast for girls who want to stay across what’s happening politically, while still keeping up with the latest in pop culture. It updates me on anything from Australia’s immigration policy to Justin Bieber’s Coachella set.
Watching
I’ve become almost devout in watching every video posted by the social account, Errands. It feels like a quiet pushback against the idea that everything on Instagram is performative. The account regularly posts a video series following everyday Americans as they do their errands, from fixing curtains to clearing out a storage container.
Ruby Fox, intern
Reading
I wish I could be fake and tell you I was reading something unique and under-appreciated but I’m not. I’m reading the first Fourth Wing novel. And, just like everyone else, I’m obsessed with it. And I swear it’s not just because I’m obsessed with Xaden… though it probably is. Give me any fantasy novel with a tall, dark and handsome love interest, and I’m hooked.
Wearing
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After seeing it all over my Instagram for months, I finally pulled the trigger and bought the viral strapless bra from First Thing. After looking into it myself, I found they use predominantly recycled nylon and environmentally friendly fabrics, sustainably sourced from beechwood trees. Something I often notice with strapless bras is gaping at the front, but the material of this bra sucks you in really tight, leaving you feeling super supported.
Lara Daly, Senior Editor
Wearing
While I love turning into a homebody when the cold season kicks in, sometimes I end up wearing my boyfriend’s stained sweater and trackpants for too long, which, although cosy, isn’t great for my mental health. To combat this, I’ve invested in some mulberry silk pyjamas from Papinelle – full-length, dark slate grey. Suddenly, I’m gliding around like a glamorous housewife.
Reading
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I was lucky enough to get my hands on Lena Dunham’s memoir, Famesick, before its Australian release and I devoured it in three days. I’ve been a Lena Dunham stan since day dot, watching Girls with my best friends after high school each week an episode came out. It was a defining cultural moment back then, but only after reading this memoir do I realise why it resonated with so many of us – Lena was a 23-year-old given an opportunity of a lifetime, and made a show about her immediate life experiences, before she’d even had time to process them.
The memoir feels like a very necessary reflection on that time in her life, and while she covers a lot of ground in the book, that’s what I enjoyed reading the most – revisiting my favourite formative show, with all the behind-the-scenes context of her rising fame, power dynamics and many mistakes. She lifts the curtain fully up, and for that I’m truly grateful.
For a roundup of upcoming 2026 films, head here.
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