Recs: 100% silk skirt for $100, why one is more than enough, Anine Bing's essentials, and the reminder that got me through this week.

A list of good things to read, listen to, wear and try because you just might like it too.

I’m sharing some unsolicited recommendations – the things I’ve read or bought, tried, enjoyed and think you would too. Disclaimer: I take my recommendations seriously, and I may make a small commission from links, and some items may be gifted, but if they are shit, they won’t make the list.

LISTEN – 

Life With Marianna, Anine Bing’s essential pieces for looking chic + effortless and building a fashion brand.

Anine Bing

I’m always fascinated with how others build a business, especially building a business when in the trenches of new motherhood, and Anine Bing along with her husband, did just that. She did of course have a successful blog and Instagram prior which I think allows you to hit the ground running, none-the-less, she has done an incredible job building a successful global brand. This episode takes you through her career journey along with some style tips from the impeccably dressed Scandinavian.

READ –
‘Lonely onlys’? No longer: How single-child families are busting myths.

For someone like me who is constantly deliberating about having a second child (we would love to if we can), and someone who has put this off for probably longer than most due to mental, physical and practical reasons, I’d be lying if I said that I don’t feel the pressure, and get asked every week “will you go for number two?” This article is in-depth and very well researched. Sharing insights into the multitude of reasons as to why 15.1% of Australian couples stop at one child, and the grief, and also the acceptance that comes with it. “Having an only child is not always a choice, and there are emotional repercussions that come with that. Kristy Holden of Berwick, in Melbourne’s outer east, came from a big family, and wanted five kids of her own. Now 45, she remembers the moment she ­realised – after a final, failed round of IVF – that she would have only one child: “I was mopping the floor. I stopped, and was crying. Next minute my daughter, who was only four at the time, came out and said, ‘What’s wrong?’ ” Holden realised she’d forever carry both the love of her daughter, Bella, now 14, and the grief of not giving her siblings.”

WORDS OF NOTE –

Reminders from my notes app.

I wrote this over 18 months ago and it’s still relevant, especially this week when Freddie became unwell at 1am Monday morning followed by a case of croup Tuesday night which meant day care was cancelled. All this on a week that work was busy, three meetings and an appointment scheduled as well as a husband with a sinus and throat infection – when it rains it pores! When kids are sick, they just want mum (even more-so!). I found these words again when I needed them and thought I’d share them with you in case you needed a gentle reminder too.

ADD TO CART –

The Wrap Skirt, SOLAQUA.

I have no business buying a summer item in winter BUT in defence of good quality Australian fashion (that is on sale!), this 100% silk black skirt is a timeless piece that has been on my wish list for quite some time, and the cherry is that it’s wildly reduced. Also we’re planning a small family holiday and I just couldn’t help myself. I can see this pairing with a macrame top like this one by Faithfull x Monikh, a black triangle bikini, with my Toteme tank or the matching silk shirt which I’m now wondering why I didn’t purchase too.

TRY –
The pyjama pant - a trend I want to lean into.

Blurry screen grab of a reel from The Frankie Shop.

This trend is not really new, but with the warmer days in Sydney, it got me thinking of my SS wardrobe and what pieces I’m missing. Cue the pj pant by The Frankie Shop – high waisted (which is a non-negotiable for me) and a classic blue and white stripe which works well with most pieces in my wardrobe. I’d probably style these something similar to the image above but also like the idea of a tee and a blazer.

Leandra Medine Cohen

wrote a great piece on how to style pyjama pants too if you’re wanting to dip your toe into this trend but not sure where to start. Plus – great for anyone who needs some stretch for pregnancy or PP or just likes to be comfy!

STILL THINKING ABOUT –

How she does it: Ava Chandler-Matthews, Co-founder of Ultra Violette.

Ava Chandler-Matthews by Studio Day Dot.

Ava Chandler-Matthew’s q&a and how anti-martyr her responses are in the best, most refreshing way. Particularly love this quote: “I don’t like to do things the hard way when I can avoid it so I am all about making my life easier.” Historically mothers have played the selfless, self-sacrificial role and that is a hard ideology to move away from but stories from women like Ava are so important to remove any stigma around mothers finding joy in other things aside from their children, and removing any guilt around that.

Got any recommendations? Or need help sourcing something? Leave a comment or email me: hello@deardilate.com