What the FJ team has been reading, watching and wearing this month
image via @jillarcenz/INSTAGRAM
words by fashion journal
Keep the winter blues at bay.
While more and more people are busy packing their bags in search of warmer climates, we’ve been busy looking for ways to romanticise winter. Thankfully, hasn’t been too difficult. Between trivia nights, secondhand markets and fashion pop-ups, our social calendars have been nice and full.
Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.
For the days when it’s simply too cold to justify leaving the house, we’ve turned to comfort shows and books for a much-needed dopamine hit. From Belle Burden’s Strangers and Abbott Elementary to winter shoes and fur-lined jackets, here’s what we’ve been loving this month.
Lara Daly, Senior Editor
Wearing
View this post on Instagram
A zip-up hoodie is an absolute essential for winter, and when I saw this fur-lined style from Melbourne label Pearls, I knew I had to have it. It’s giving angsty Avril Lavigne in her ‘I’m With You’ video. Also, love supporting a female-owned skate brand.
Reading
View this post on Instagram
I’ve just started reading Strangers by Belle Burden, after hearing so many friends rave about it. It’s a chilling memoir of the author’s 20-year marriage to a man who decides one day, seemingly out of nowhere, that he’s done. He leaves her, their three kids, their house, the whole life they’ve built together, with basically no explanation.
I’m only two chapters in, but I’m completely gripped. It’s also a window into the everyday lives of Old Money New York socialites – Burden’s grandmother was the iconic Vogue editor Babe Paley, and her father was a Vanderbilt heir. I’ve yet to get to the prenup stuff, but it’s supposed to get very messy.
Watching
View this post on Instagram
Apparently, the theme of the month for me has been “Upper East Side woman suddenly left by husband forges life of her own.” I recently re-watched An Unmarried Woman, an incredible film starring Jill Clayburgh and a young, cunty Kelly Bishop (Emily in Gilmore Girls). Set in New York City, it follows the main character, Erica, as she discovers her newfound freedom after her ‘dependable’ husband suddenly up and leaves her. If you’re looking for a nostalgic rom-com with dreamy ’70s interiors, this is a must-watch.
Jillian Arcenas, Content and Production Coordinator
Wearing
My Margiela Tabi boots have been on constant rotation this month. They’re one of those pairs that work with everything, while still giving every outfit interest. After years of wear, they’re incredibly comfortable, and they’ve been surprisingly practical too, keeping me warm throughout the season. I can’t see myself putting them away anytime soon.
Listening
View this post on Instagram
I’ve been making an effort to get back into podcasts recently and was reminded of how much I love The Cutting Room Floor. Hosted by fashion designer Recho Omondi, it’s a series of insightful conversations with influential voices across the fashion and creative industries, like Law Roach and Peter Do. Each episode offers a thoughtful perspective on the industry that’s both engaging and genuinely informative. It’s since moved to a subscription model, which feels completely deserved given the quality of the content, so I’ve been revisiting the older episodes before investing in a membership.
Watching
I love using TV time to unwind, so lately I’ve been gravitating towards sitcoms that are easy to watch but still entertaining. I’ve just started Abbott Elementary, created by Quinta Brunson, and it’s such a comfort watch. Shot in a mockumentary style, it follows the lives of teachers at an underfunded public school. The writing is sharp, the humour lands perfectly, and it’s one of those shows that’s both funny and heartwarming.
Daisy Henry, Assistant Editor
Reading
View this post on Instagram
I recently finished books one and two of On the Calculation of Volume by Danish author Solvej Balle. It’s a really interesting, literary take on ‘Groundhog Day’ where Tara Selter wakes one morning to find she’s stuck in the 18th of November. It’s rich and quite philosophical, full of fascinating commentary on loneliness, connection, repetition and existentialism. I also inhaled Katie Kitamura’s Audition – it has one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a long time.
Wearing
I’ve been in dire need of a pair of winter-proof shoes, and Rollie Nation’s black Hudson moccasins have answered my prayers. They’re sturdier than a ballet flat but not as rigid as a classic loafer. And as part of my obligatory all-black winter uniform, I’ve been living in this Baserange cotton long-sleeve.
Watching
Somehow, I’d made it to 27 years old, never having watched Before Sunrise. Given it’s so cold out, my friends and I decided to pull out the projector last weekend and had a screening by the fire. I’m happy to report it well and truly lived up to the hype.
Jade Nacionales, intern
Wearing
View this post on Instagram
I recently got my hands on a white blouse from London-based brand Peachy Den and it’s the collared shirt of my dreams! A unique take on a white blouse with a structured shape and hook closures instead of buttons all the way down, this shirt will definitely be seeing the light of day for many days to come.
Reading
Crying in H Mart has been on my agenda for a while now. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it and can’t wait to give a proper review.
Watching
I’ve also been loving the Emmy Award-winning show The Pitt. I had high expectations purely based on online discourse surrounding the show and I was floored. It’s such a raw display of human imperfection and emotion – it’s definitely a must-watch.
For more movie recommendations, head here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
