What the FJ team is reading, watching and wearing this month
words by fashion journal
Our July favourites.
July is arguably winter at its most intense. Somehow, it feels colder than it’s ever been and any attempt at a nice outfit is hidden by an oversized or puffy coat. Nevertheless, the end of the month officially means we’re more than halfway through winter (a cause for celebration).
Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.
Thankfully, there have been small, ordinary joys helping us push through. We’ve been diving into books by local authors Miranda Darling and Lucianne Tonti, taking advantage of sales at Paris Georgia and Monphell and discussing Olivia Wilde’s new film, The Invite. Find our full round-up of July favourites below.
Lara Daly, Senior Editor
Reading
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When work gets busy, it’s a challenge for me to read even one book a month. I finished Strangers by Belle Burden last month and loved it; now I’ve started reading Firewater by Australian writer Miranda Darling – I used to love reading her essays and this is my first time reading her fiction.
Set against a searing hot Australian summer, it’s continuing my accidental reading theme of the year: suburban women navigating the aftermath of divorce. So far I’m enjoying it.
Wearing
A toasty bomber jacket is an essential in Melbourne winter and I’d been on the lookout for a non-shiny, khaki bomber for months. I was finally #influenced to buy this Paris Georgia one after seeing it on two very cool and stylish women: former Kiwi fashion editor Rosie Herdman and my own sister (sorry Robyn). I also got it on sale – it pays to be patient!
Watching
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I saw The Invite the other week and thought it was cleverly done – a must-watch if you’re an Esther Perel or Diane Keaton fan. I found the constant bickering dialogue slightly too grating at times, but it was redeemed with really funny moments. For me, Penelope Cruz stole the show.
Listening
I always have the NTS Breakfast Show with Flo going in the background on any given workday. It’s the best mix of chill yet groovy music that I never get bored of; a jumble of synth-pop, folk, jazz, occasional hip-hop. I’m always making notes and discovering new favourite artists, like ML Buch and Yussef Dayes.
Daisy Henry, Assistant Editor
Reading
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I spent July making my way through Joan Didion’s iconic collection of essays, Slouching Towards Bethlehem. Her prose is sharp and searing, and she’s brutally observant. The chapters Goodbye to All That and On Self-Respect really stuck with me. I also read Lucianne Tonti’s new release, Good Witch and interviewed her about it here.
Watching
I’m counting myself very lucky that I managed to get in and see The Odyssey at Carlton’s IMAX cinema. And at the risk of bragging, it was even better than expected. I also watched Portrait of a Lady on Fire for the first time and now I’m dreaming about running away to a French château.
Wearing
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I love the silhouette of an oversized top and relaxed pants, so this month I’ve tried to embrace my collection of shirts. I have a few styles from Tekla which are made from a nice, thick organic cotton that manage to feel both structured and slouchy. I also popped into Monphell’s sale and picked up a blue striped blazer – no one does tailoring better.
Listening
Nothing makes my day like a new episode of After Work Drinks. Grace and Izzy are lifting me out of my seasonal depression.
Jillian Arcenas, Content and Production Coordinator
Reading
After our intern Jade mentioned the book Crying in H Mart last month, I remembered I’d had a copy sitting on my shelf for ages, untouched. So this month, I finally picked it up. Equal parts beautiful and heartbreaking, it explores grief and the complicated relationships many people have with their parents, especially in immigrant families. It also shows how food can carry so much more than flavour, holding memories, culture, and a way to stay connected to the people we love.
Watching
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I haven’t watched a lot this month, but I’m excited for the Melbourne International Film Festival in August. I’ve booked tickets to Marc by Sofia and Filipiniana.
Wearing
We’ve been getting a lot of cold mornings lately, so I’ve started adding gloves to my winter rotation. I picked up a black leather pair with silver details from After Hours and they’ve quickly become my favourite winter accessory.
Listening
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I’ve been really enjoying Fashion Neurosis by Bella Freud. She interviews some really interesting guests from the worlds of fashion, music, film, and culture while they lie down on a couch in a therapy-style setting.
For more TV and movie recommendations, head here.
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