June favourites: Designer fashion for less, hair growth serums and Samba ‘dupes’

As is always the case when the winter months draw near I look to mix up my routine, my wardrobe (added layers are essential) and even my kitchen equipment (this time it was Our Place in the spotlight).

My skin, while usually oily, is prone to dryness at present so I’ve been leaning into extra nourishment over active ingredients with the help of some new-to-me Naturium products.

Ditto my newly dyed brunette hair, so thankfully Act+Acre, which just launched into Mecca, has been my saving grace and providing some serious scalp renewal as I better care for my darker locks.

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In the style stakes I have been amoured by the Dolce & Gabbana collaboration with Havaianas, which at $220 a pair is obviously more than my usual square toe thong favourites but who doesn’t want a piece of luxury at (somewhat) affordable prices?

And on the topic of footwear, I have been non-stop stepping out in my Rollie Nation Pace sneakers, which look like the popular Adidas Sambas but are about 4,000 times more comfortable.

Want to know what else June had in store? This is a concise list of my favourite drops and products of the month.

1. Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro, $330

Once you invest in really good cookwear it’s difficult to go back.

The Our Place brand is well known for its quality but the fairly new Titanium Always Pan Pro is almost in a league of its own.

It looks like it wouldn’t be non-stick but it is with the help of the brand’s NoCo Non-Stick Technology.

Inspired by the lotus effect, the pattern pressed into the titanium makes the surface naturally hydrophobic, which in turn creates a non-stick effect.

NoCo is an entirely new way to conceive of non-stick technology, relying not on coating-based non-stick surfaces like Teflon, many of which contain PFAS, otherwise known as forever chemicals.

It’s dishwasher safe (unlike most non-stick pans), can be used with metal utensils and scours and is heat safe up to 300C.

I’ve cooked everything from salmon to steak and even stir fries in my pan and it seamlessly cleans off everytime.

2. Dolce&Gabbana x Havaianas limited edition collection, $220

I understand it’s winter but it’s also Australia so I’m going to find a reason to wear an open-toed shoe as often as I can.

These limited edition shoes are crafted with the Dolce&Gabbana signature Italian-inspired prints, with a spot of mosaic sitting alongside a zebra theme.

Each product features a printed velvet finish on the straps, a metallic havaianas logo and an exclusive pearly pin from Dolce&Gabbana.

Now they’re a little bit pricier than your average flip-flop but they are designer after all, and you’re likely to be wearing these most days in summer as we look forward to balmier climes.

Unfortunately these shoes won’t be around forever so snap them up ASAP so you don’t miss out.

On the topic of shoes I have to make mention of my beloved Rollie Nation Pace sneakers, which have been a mainstay on my foot this winter.

To read more about my overall thoughts on the sneaker, click through to our story here.

3. Act+Acre’s Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum, $143

I was lucky enough to meet celebrity hair stylist and trichologist Helen Reavey earlier this month when her brand Act+Acre finally launched into Mecca stores in Australia and boy did I learn some important hair tips.

Not only did she inform me that most people are not washing the very back of their heads properly (myself included!), but she also introduced me to this wonder serum that I’ve been using after every hair wash to help grow the very front portion of my hairline.

And so far, it’s baby hairs galore in there.

It’s actually crafted using apple stem cells and aloe vera to help hydrate the scalp while providing the optimal environment to support hair follicle health.

As a serial blonde-hair-dyer I need all the help I can get in this department, so I’ll be using this serum religiously. You only need a tiny amount each time so it’ll last a good while.

On the topic of hair, Mecca has also introduced French brand La Bonne Brosse to its stores this month.

Not only does the brush itself look aethetically pleasing, the combination of boar bristle and soft nylon bristles in it work to very gently detangle even the driest of locks and smooth them out.

I find myself losing far less hair than usual when this is in my hand so it has become an absolute failsafe overnight.

Don’t let the price tag of $254 put you off for the No. 3 Essential Soft Brush put you off — it’s well worth it.

4. Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3%, $34.95

I actually first encountered Naturium products on TikTok where a range of dermal clinicians were spruiking the affordable skincare products for their gentleness.

The Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3% in particular was afforded rave reviews as it gently dissolves makeup, oil and any surface debris to help improve the appearance of your skin underneath.

If you’re looking for something slightly more targeted the Vitamin C Complex Cleanser ($37.95) is also hugely popular for its light exfoliating properties.

I’ve been switching between these two cleansers at night depending on my needs and finishing my routine with the $49.95 Plant Ceramide Rich Moisture Cream, and so far, my skin isn’t complaining.

I like that they’re inexpensive but active enough to make a significant difference to your complexion.

5. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Sublime Flush, $76

While cream products have truly been having their moment in the sun recently in the makeup space, I could never turn my back on powders.

And no one does barely there powders like Hourglass does.

I’ve been drawn into a bit of a love affair with the brand of late (an expensive love affair I might add) that started when it launched the $81 Veil Hydrating Skin Tint.

This really light base is perfect for days where I’m not looking for a whole lot of coverage but it does go a long way in reducing redness.

To bring colour back to my face I then follow with the Ambient Lighting Blush in Sublime Flush ($76) on my cheeks — the ultimate bridal makeup colour — followed by the Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Nude Light ($96) around the perimeter.

I’m obsessed with using the Veil Powder Brush ($108) to apply all of the Hourglass powders because it’s so light — you’ll never run the risk of overapplying.

6. Nagi Maehashi’s latest cookbook Tonight, $29

Nagi Maehashi, the beloved author behind the best-loved Aussie website RecipeTin Eats, has just launched a new cookbook and you better believe I’m signed up to that pre-order.

Packed with over 150 fresh recipes designed to be both easy and bursting with flavour, Tonight aims to eliminate weeknight dinner woes.

Each recipe comes with variations, bringing the total number of potential meals to a whopping 3,000.

I use Nagi’s first cookbook Dinner at least once a week so it makes sense to tune into her next one. Don’t get left behind on this one.

6. Alana Maria Jewellery Solid Gold Otta Ring, currently $332

As a 2025 bride, I’m starting to think about wedding bands and what might match my engagement ring.

I’ve been taking a look at Alana Maria’s solid gold collection and trying on rings at its Bondi Junction store to get an idea of what might look best and the Otta Ring is a frontrunner.

The brand is currently having an EOFY sale so not only are the usual gold filled pieces discounted but so are the solid gold varieties.

So the Otta Ring, which normally retails for $369 is down to $332, for a limited time only.

I’m looking to customise my ring slightly using Alana Maria’s bespoke service — a godsend really — but I can’t urge you enough to take a look if you’re in the market for a new forever piece.