Buy Curious: Your August Shopping Guide
Words: Katy Cutbirth & Grace Ellington
Meteorologically, summer may be wrapping up this month, but astronomically we've still got until September. And with this relentless heatwave, it doesn't look like it's going anywhere just yet.
August is when many of us jet off or if you’re smart you’re going in September for the quieter beaches, better prices and slightly cooler days OR better yet doing a staycation because who needs to get away when you’ve got the heat wave? Either way, now is the perfect time to snap up those warm-weather essentials while they're still in stock.
As for me, I'm in full packing mode. My suitcase is calling for swimsuits, breezy dresses and all the barely-there pieces that only get an outing at this time of year. Alongside the holiday wardrobe refresh, I'm always on the lookout for hardworking basics too, the perfect pair of jeans and bras you'll reach for every day.
Grace has the hook-up on statement swimwear this month, along with the hairbrush that's about to rescue our sun-fried locks, a ring to rule the summer and a beauty buy I already know I'll be adding to basket the moment I finish writing this.
Lido: Sedici One Piece, £200
I’ve been on the search for a swimsuit that can also double as a bodysuit, and this Lido’s Sedici one piece is exactly that. I’m trying to pack as lightly as possible for my beach holiday so I can do some shopping when I arrive and versatile pieces like this make such a difference. Wear it swimming, dress it up or down and no one would even think it’s a swimsuit. The best part is that it comes in every colour under the rainbow - I currently have my eye on the black and hot pink.
Katt Fore: Dyan Pump, £317
I recently came across Katt Fore’s pumps and haven’t stopped thinking about them. I’m always drawn to a kitten heel and I love the look of the soft leather and the way the shoes appear to mould around the foot. They have that rare combination of feeling elegant while still being practical enough for everyday wear. - Katy
Made by Mitchell: Colour Case Cosmetic Paint Palette, £20
Honestly this really is a knock out product, a super pigmented cream that dries down. I do find I need to set it with a light brush of a colourless powder to prevent any creasing on the lid, but it’s really just a minimal swipe and then it doesn't move. These muted cool colours are also so amazing and wearable.
Olga Basha: Jeans, £370
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean I’ve stopped my quest to find the perfect jeans. My next contender is from the unisex denim brand Olga Basha. I love a unisex jean, something about the boyish cut falls so well on a female body, it feels effortlessly cool, especially when you size up a bit. The female model here is wearing their Sal jean in low-rise and the male model is wearing the Espen in mid-rise.
May Liok: Ceramics
Amsterdam-based artist May Liok is creating some of the most beautiful ceramic pieces I’ve seen recently. Everything is 1 of 1 so you know you’re getting something completely unique. I’m particularly obsessed with the patchwork cylinders, they feel playful, sculptural, and somehow still completely at home in a real space. All of May's work has this balance of abstraction and functionality which I love. I’m also desperate to get my hands on these wall sconces, which look almost like pieces of armour! - Katy
Wild Nutrition: Collagen Powder, £35
They all say they don't taste of fish, but this collagen powder is the only one I’ve tried that truly does not taste of fish. I personally see a real difference in my skin, hair and nails when taking this regularly.
Juem: Bra, £63
I recently started wearing the bras from this gorgeous Aussie brand, Juem, and I’ve been so impressed with how comfortable they are. I think being an Australian brand helps too, they feel really breathable and have been perfect during the summer heat. I’ve also been wearing this super light-weight skirt from them, paired with a vintage tee and some flip flops and it’s become my uniform over the past few weeks.
My Mum Made It: Dress, £114
If you’re anything like us at Polyester, you’re probably loving the new Olivia Rodrigo album and her new babydoll dress era. This white dress feels very Olivia, I love the Peter Pan collar and can already imagine it paired with a Repetto kitten heel. The skirt is also such a beautiful piece and feels like something you’d get so much wear out of.
Jiwinaia: Jewellery
I do not own this yet and my main purpose for including it is as a strong but subtle suggestion for anyone who might be considering buying me a present. - Grace
La Bonne Brosse: Hairbrush, £146
An investment hairbrush for sure, I did um and ah a lot before buying it as someone who previously has not considered any sort of expensive brush, but I love it! It does make a huge difference to my hair. The boar bristles work by moving natural oils away from the scalp and through the hair shaft for cleaner and more conditioned hair. Definitely better for people who wear their hair straight or wavy and prefer the fluffy blow dried look as it will break apart wave or curl clumps, but I personally love that on myself.
Attega: Bikini, £56
I’m heading to Marseille next week and this bikini and mini-dress combination might just be all I need to pack. The triangle bikini is forever my favourite swimwear shape and these lightweight dresses are exactly what I want for a beach holiday. They’ll dry quickly after a dip in the sea and can easily take you from swimming to drinks afterwards.
This Belongs To: Bikini, £72
Since the weather has been nice nice for a while now it makes sense that I’ve been keeping an eye out for the elusive perfect bikini. A wardrobe category that is currently getting a lot more action than normal. Yes for scary and dystopian reasons, but look at the surf print and super flattering cut - so cute!
