Best Picks shares the summer must-haves we’ve been coveting as the weather warms up

It’s almost hard to believe how many incredible beauty and fashion drops have happened in the past few weeks given we are mere moments away from Christmas and putting our feet up.

But brands appear to be working harder than ever to deliver holiday-themed gift sets and summer-inspired fragrances, printed linen fabrics and even phone cases that have us racing to the checkout.

So while you’ll likely read our Best Picks and want to reach for the credit card, keep in mind that Black Friday is only just around the corner and your pretty pennies are worth saving. Maybe.

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If you can’t resist, like us, be our guest and justify it as a late birthday gift that you just have to give your niece. Or nephew.

It doesn’t matter, because it will end up in your Santa sack at the end of the day anyway.

So without further ado, here is a finite list of our favourites and what we’ve been using to adorn our face and body.

1. Arms of Eve Positano Pants in Coconut, $139

So while I just told you to hold your horses until Black Friday rolls around you don’t have to with Arms of Eve.

That’s because it has decided to start the sale early by posting 25 per cent off sitewide from November 10.

I wear plenty of Arms of Eve jewellery daily – the Helena Bracelet Stack is one of my current favourites.

But its most recent clothing collection has certainly hit me for six.

The plush cotton fabrics created in off white and pistachio colourways are a match made in heaven and I can’t wait to curl up in a bikini with a good book and these trousers.

They’re breezy but substantial so you don’t feel like they’re going to fall apart in one wash like other cover-up pants.

And with 25 per cent off at the moment, how can you resist?

– Matilda

2. Summi Summi’s San State Collection

I haven’t been able to get Summi Summi out of my head since the cult Aussie brand launched its latest Resort 24 collection, “San State”, this week.

The pink terry-towel shorts and robe in particular have shot straight to the top of my summer wish list.

I’ve already added them to the cart so I can pop the outfit on for beach mornings, lounging around and WFH days in the next few months.

But this outfit isn’t the only one to love in the ‘San State’ line-up, which features tonnes of wearable dresses, separates and swimwear in ribbed cotton and linen rayon blend.

Other highlights include the Sig Linen Wide-Leg Trousers and Sig White Shirt, which I expect to see on every fashion-forward woman this summer.

There is also a return to swimwear for Summi Summi, via printed one-pieces and flattering bikinis.

Summi Summi has gone from strength to strength in recent times, after it was launched by Yamba-based mum Ashleigh Vallis in 2019 as a children’s clothing label, before expanding into adults’ clothing.

The most recent ‘Send Snacks’ collection was a favourite of the Best Picks team, with 80 per cent of the clothes selling out in weeks.

– Sophie

3. iS Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion, $187

You’d be hard pressed finding anyone interested in the beauty industry who hasn’t heard of retinol in all its various forms.

And while I’ve certainly dabbled with the treatment-in-a-bottle over the years I was finding it difficult to choose one that didn’t dry out my skin or leave it red raw.

You also have to be very careful about being in the sun after using it.

But then I came across iS Clinical’s latest launch and I realised I just hadn’t been trying the right kind of retinol products.

This one enhances full skin and claims to slow down the signs of ageing, which I may not be able to report back on right away but I’ll certainly know in time.

I feel dewy after using it and find that I get fewer breakouts after applying it every third night.

The brand uses a botanical version of retinol in 0.3 per cent strength alongside a range of deeply moisturising ingredients to ensure that, if you introduce it into your routine slowly, you’ll find great success with it.

– Matilda

4. Casetify’s May Gibbs cases, $107.99

Almost every Aussie adult will remember May Gibbs and her iconic tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie – a nighttime reading staple for children.

So when I saw that Casetify had collaborated with the beloved author I was immediately nostalgic.

There are gumnut baby and flower motifs galore on the products made for iPhone, Samsung and Galaxy phone cases as well as AirPod cases.

It will likely be very popular with the average Australian millennial, or make the sweetest Christmas gift.

– Matilda

5. K18 Next Level Trio, $158.50

Nothing says the holiday season like a beautiful box of beauty products.

And there is none better around right now than K18’s Next Level Trio set of goodies.

For $158.50, you can get your hands on the game-changing Molecular Hair Mask, which has truly made my hair healthier than it’s been in years.

Also included is a bottle of the Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo, which I now use religiously once a week to give my strands and scalp a good cleanse.

Finally, in the kit you’ll get the K18 Molecular Repair Hail Oil, which is weightless, non-greasy and the secret to shiny, well-protected locks.

Worth close to $200, this kit is the perfect gift for the woman in your life who wants to look after her hair.

– Sophie

6. Goldfield and Banks Sunset Hour, $239 for 100ml

It was only recently that I heard the story behind wildly successful Franco/Aussie perfume house, Goldfield and Banks’ stellar line-up of scents.

The French-Belgian founder Dimitri Weber, upon travelling to Australia, fell in love with the country’s lush, aromatic and botanical beauty.

And he sought to bottle these uniquely Aussie essences that had been previously unexplored in perfumes.

The result is a stunning line-up of gender-free scents, the highlight of which is Sunset Hour ($239).

With notes of Australian sandalwood, ginger, jasmine and cashmere wood, it’s a light but spicy scent that smells exactly like a summer holiday.

I love that every Goldfield and Banks perfume is meticulously handmade in Australia, where native botanicals are harvested and then processed to make oils and perfumes of the best quality.

– Sophie

7. Alana Maria Jewellery’s Rita Necklace in Gold, $239

Have you ever seen something so beautiful? I fear I might turn right into a mermaid the moment I put this beauty on.

Alana Maria Jewellery is certainly a favourite already but this enchanting design with large freshwater pearls is astonishing.

You can choose what necklace length you’d like to purchase.

And it comes with either a gold or silver clasp to match your usual style and tastes.

The brand will be doing a Black Friday sale so fingers crossed this is included.

I’ll be wearing it all summer long.

– Matilda