news.com.au checkout: What we’re loving this week
Costing a fraction of the price of other brands, the affordable tote has a hidden detail that makes it the “hardest working bag in my collection”.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
No surprises here but we love online shopping.
With just a click of a button, you can get everything and anything delivered straight to your door. We love the convenience.
But when you shop for a living (yes, sorry we know our jobs are … hard), it takes something truly amazing to wow us. Only the best will do!
So when we find something we love, we want to shout about it. And that’s what we’re doing here.
From the super affordable chic tote bag that will last you forever to the perfect beach read to devour on your summer holidays, here’s what the news.com.au checkout team has been loving lately.
Happy shopping!
Peta and Jain Saint Tote Bag, $89.95 at THE ICONIC
“I bought this vegan leather tote bag to carry my work laptop, lunch, wallet, phone, umbrella, change of shoes, etc, for those days I was in the office. Four years later, it’s the hardest working bag in my collection and has a Mary Poppins ability to fit absolutely everything. The straps are hardy enough to carry a decent amount of weight and the faux leather looks beautiful and despite me never cleaning it, still looks fresh and new. There’s also a little pouch to store your phone for easy access. If you’re looking for the perfect, hard working tote bag that won’t leave a gaping hole in your bank account, I can highly recommend this one.” – Edwina Carr Barraclough, Senior Manager eCommerce Content and Strategy
Good Material by Dolly Alderton, $18 at Amazon
“I am a huge fan of British writer, Dolly Alderton, so when I heard she was bringing out a new novel I was very quick to buy a copy for myself and I was not disappointed. Perhaps unusually, the book follows the story of Andy, a man in his mid 30s as he goes through the multiple stages of a break-up. It made me laugh, it made me cry and I have since recommended it to all of my friends. Do yourself a favour and read this ASAP.” – Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Swimming Frenchie Phone Case, $64.99 (down from $92.99) at Casetify
“As someone who’s dropped their iPhone once (or twice) before, I’ve exclusively used Casetify phone cases for many years now. Thankfully these protective cases really minimise the damage. I was recently gifted this adorable French bulldog cover – that matches perfectly with my Frenchie Louie – and I always get compliments on how adorable it is. Like I mentioned, it’s also super protective and just so happens to be made from 65 per cent recycled and plant based materials.” – Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
Dermalogica Stabilising Repair Cream, $103 at Adore Beauty
“I’ve been using this cream for around a month now to deal with my patchy skin. It feels extra luxe, is a little thick but absorbs quickly, and has a soothing cooling action to help repair the skin. I’ve definitely seen an improvement to my redness over the weeks. Some days I don’t even notice it at all. I’m going to be incorporating this into my daily routine for years to come.” – Stephanie Yip, eCommerce Travel Writer
Dane Ceramic Medium Vase, $59.95 at Country Road
“Every second Saturday, I go to the markets and get some flowers for my apartment and as a result this vase from Country Road is in constant use. I also have the smaller version as I received them together as a gift and whether I pop them side-by-side or in separate places around my home, they always add that little bit something extra. If you’re not sure what to buy someone this Christmas, I would highly recommend.” – Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Luisa Strapless Maxi Dress, $159 at Meshki
“I wore this silky strapless dress to an event last week and received so many compliments! I’d never worn anything from the brand before so was interested to see how it would fit as well as the quality. The material itself may not have been silk but it felt super luxe and had a really nice feel to it. It also fell really well so that no shapewear was needed (hallelujah). If you have a festive party or summer event coming up, this dress will seriously make you feel amazing.” – Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Instax PAL Camera, $149 at Amazon
“This cute little digital camera is so much fun to use! It fits in the palm of your hand and with just a click of a button at the back of the camera, you can easily snap heaps of photos. It syncs up to your phone so you can see the photos immediately and comes out in the trendy film style polaroid. Plus, you can add effects to it and create animations. You can also get the Instax Instant Printer so you can print your photos – I don’t have one but according to reviews, this is so easy to set up and looks great. This will make a fun gift for kids, teenagers or anyone really! They’ll love it because who doesn’t love capturing memories.” – Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor
Women’s UA HOVR Phantom 3 SE Running Shoes, $220 at Under Armour
“Under Armour are widely known for their optimal trainers for walking, running and all the things in between. While I’m not a runner, I do go for long walks with my dog every day and I can’t stop reaching for these shoes. The UA HOVR Phantom 3 SE Running Shoes are super lightweight, with incredible cushioning and layered mesh and foam to keep your feet cool all day long. Besides the walking, they’ve also been perfect to run errands in – the slip-on style means I can chuck them on and run straight out the door. I’ve worn them multiplate days in a row, for the whole day and haven’t had any pain in my feet at all.” – Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, $32 at Myer
“This wonder balm is one of my stranded on an island beauty staples – it literally has so many uses. It works as a lip balm, cuticle oil, brow tamer and to hydrate any dry patches on your body. It also works as an amazing overnight moisturiser if you apply a thin layer on top of your regular night time routine. It’s great value for money and absorbs quickly into your skin meaning you’re not left with any sticky residue once you’ve applied.” – Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
Lovevery The Enthusiast Play Kit, $195 at Lovevery
“Being a toddler mum it’s difficult to know what toys are best to buy for their learning and development, but I love that Lovevery takes the research and confusion out of it. (It also means I don’t have to shop for new toys!) These stage-based play kits run on a subscription basis, with new kits delivered to your home every few months, and include Montessori-inspired toys catered to their developmental stage. We got The Enthusiast Play Kit and were instantly impressed by the quality and the thoughtfulness of the toys. Being open-ended they can be as simple or as complicated as you want. For example, the weigh scale and pails can be played as pails to put items or as a way to teach about counterbalance. I also loved the bright, yet neutral colours, and the lack of single-use plastic in the kit.” – Stephanie Yip, eCommerce Travel Writer
Detective Pikachu Returns – Nintendo Switch, $59 (down to $69.95) at Amazon
“Detective Pikachu Returns is a cute and easygoing game that I have been enjoying these days. It sees you and detective Pikachu going around solving puzzles, helping out fellow townspeople and pokémons, and embarking on quests to find Pikachu’s partner, Harry – who is your dad in the game. The game itself is very straightforward and quite relaxing as there’s not much thinking involved, the puzzles are fairly easy and Pikachu will help you if you’re stuck. You get to meet all kinds of pokémon from different regions and even recruit them to help you with certain tasks thanks to their special abilities which make the game even more fun. It’s the perfect game to pop on when you’re looking to wind down after a long day at work.” – Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm, $22.49 at Amazon
“I’ve always been a big fan of cleansing balms and oils, and this new release from Weleda is such a great find. You know the brand for its iconic Skin Food Moisturiser, and now this cleansing balm takes on a similar formulation to cleanse your skin of makeup, sunscreen, dirt and more. It’s formulated with organic sunflower seed oil, and one of my favourite things about this product is just how nourishing it is. You work the balm into dry skin and it transforms into an oil, then once you add water, it turns into a unique milky consistency that works hard to cleanse your skin. This is a great affordable cleansing balm, and a new must-have in my skincare routine.” – Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
Rosefield The Boxy XS, $189.95 at THE ICONIC
“I haven’t worn a watch in a long time but I’m calling it: watches are back. This gorgeous gold watch with a deep emerald green face is so elegant and timeless. I wear it on its own as a statement accessory and every time I’ve worn it I’ve gotten so many compliments! I love the minimalist square style as I know it will last me a lifetime. This is such a great present for yourself or the gal in your life that appreciates classic luxury without the pricetag.” – Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor
More Coverage
If you love a discount, make sure you stop by news.com.au Coupons. You’ll find impressive deals across categories from homewares to tech, on brands including THE ICONIC and Myer.
Lastly, sign up to the news.com.au checkout shopping newsletter so you never miss another shopping tip, trend or sale.
Aussies go wild for ‘horniest book yet’
Your ultimate reading list is here! Our curated selection of the best books to read, from classics to new releases, and with personal reviews.
How ‘beer with a mate’ made Aussies $18 million
A casual catch up with a friend sparked a runaway success story in just four years.
Danny Clayton’s ‘mind blowing’ concert hack
With festival season almost here, this essential item will be music to your ears.
Costner’s ‘controversial’ Yellowstone move wows
Don’t panic, Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone days are not over – the star now returns in a surprise role.