As the year winds down, we’re embracing the festive season with a mix of intention and indulgence. From wardrobe staples to summer essentials, here’s what the RUSSH editors are shopping this December. Scroll on to see our what we're buying this month.

Cassandra Dimitroff

Features and Production Editor

There’s always a need for a few extra fun outfits during festive season, with plenty of work Christmas parties and Friendsmas dinners to dress up for. I’m currently eyeing off the AJE Pandorea Layered Mini Dress in Pastel Pink as a sweet, summery and feminine option, as well as the HARRIS TAPPER Eliza Top in Pink (which I’ve been eyeing for quite some time now). As for other summer essentials, I’m obsessed with these adidas x Song For The Mute Country OG "Bronze" sneakers and this DAMSON MADDER Shrimp Roll With Chips Boyfriend Tee.

Phoebe holden

Designer 

I get through a good chunk of reading over the holidays and my TBR list is rather long. I’d love to tick off The Position of Spoons by Deborah Levy, Didion & Babitz by Lili Anolik (recommended by Cass so you know this will be good) The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Murakami and The Story of Art without Men by Katy Hessel. I am always on the lookout for beautiful cookbooks, currently I am eyeing up Brutto by Russell Norman, Cookbook #8 by Apartamento, Easy Wins by Anna Jones and Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman.

I take Christmas very seriously and really lean into “treat yourself” as a daily mantra. This Meadowlark piece has been on my mind for a while and I’d love to add a few charms—particularly the croissant, lobster and a cursive ‘C’ for my partner. I try to spend as much of December in the ocean as I can. This little set from MISE has been in my cart alongside a top-up of Maryse’s Ultra-Marine mask which has already been working magic on my desperately dehydrated skin. I also need a new dress; this Harris Tapper piece was my first choice but I waited too long to secure my size—the laced hunt continues… 

Alys Hale

Music Editor and Creative Producer

Having completed my mission of having the essential black tailoring, it’s time to find the perfect ivory suit for the festive season. Obviously, I would adore this McQueen double breasted number, and of course it would need the black tie. Seeing as neither myself or my partner own one, I might have to break the RUSSH full look policy and invest in this Prada Satin tie. My obsession with black boots is becoming a slight hinderance for the party season so I would like something sparkly but with a tough edge, a chainmail shoe from Jil Sander ought to do the trick. It’s also time for an Emma Lewisham Face Elixir top up, nothing compares. 

Emily Algar

Beauty Editor

I haven’t bought much lately; I actually just culled about 40% of my wardrobe and I’m feeling refreshed. I don’t want to fill the void with random stuff, instead I try to buy pieces I’ll wear again and again. I have been eyeing this Solaqua Paloma dress — you could wear it out with heels, or to lunch with leather thongs. I’m a big fan of Faithfull the Label for holiday wares (cheap, cheerful, chic). I RARELY do pink but the blush shade of this mini dress is perfect, so soft it’s essentially neutral. The shirting is good, too. Reminds me of The Row pink I lusted after a few seasons back… After visiting Bottega’s new Sydney flagship, I’ve decided I have to buy more sunglasses. I’m trying to work out if I’m cool enough for these aviators (snap Elyssa!), or if a minimalist square frame is more me?

As for beauty, I need a restock of my beloved Biba de Sousa face mask. I finished my Merit complexion stick too so might buy a darker shade for the summer holidays. I don’t wear a lot of makeup over that hazy Christmas period but this is just enough to even out my skin tone.  

Samantha Corry

Assistant to Editor In Chief

This might be summer, but I am always looking for a new coat. I’m loving this Camilla and Marc Ortega coat, I love the snatched waist silhouette. I have also really been loving Christopher Esber at the moment, specifically their Photon Crochet skirt. And as the new year is approaching, I am in need of a new journal! I always grab one from Leuchtturm. Might need a bright colour as I had a navy blue this year, but I love the forest green. This is another winter want, but I have been really into crochet bonnets since seeing Taylor Russell in them. I love this one from Amomento.

Elyssa Kostopoulos

Content Director

I’ve been very behind this year on building my summer wardrobe, which means I’m now racing to the finish line to fill the missing pieces. Though, it hasn’t been very hard, because my wishlist this month has truly been endless. First port of call was obviously a new bikini. I am a triangle girl till I die, and love a no-fuss string bottom, so this piece from Lido is right up my alley. I’m obsessed with the print too. Naturally, I had to hunt down a new pair of sunglasses. I tend to dress quite neutral even in the summer, so a statement sunglass can really sell an outfit. The moment I saw these Bottega Veneta Aviators I knew they were it. I love the two-tone metal on the arms of the sunglasses, and the slightly green-toned lens adds an extra element of fun. Continuing on with accessories, I need to replace my beach hat and have been eyeing off this cowboy style from Lack of Colour. It’s so fun and will be great on my European holiday next July too; especially when paired with the tote of all totes, from Dragon Diffusion. I love the vintage feel of this bag the most.

In the clothing department, I love nothing more than a relaxed boxer short to wear over swimmers or with an oversized linen shirt for dinner. This chambray pair from Calvin Klein are actually a light denim which is great if you want a bit more structure. I’m also starting to look for my New Year’s Eve outfit, and haven’t been able to stop thinking about this cascading skirt – or mullet skirt – and shimmery brown top from With Harper Lu. I have the outfit, now I just need to find the party!

Stacey Gaskin

Consumer Revenue Manager

I’m only buying a couple of things this month after buying gifts for Christmas last month. I’ve had my eye on an Argent Silversmith birthstone signet ring so this can be a gift to myself for everything that 2024 is and was.

Some new towels are needed, and I’d love the tabac & noir ESSENTIAL BATHROOM towel set from BAINA. The last two things I need are beauty - I need some brown mascara and am open to trying something new, so seeing as Glossier’s lash slick in brown is out of stock, I’m going to try YSL’s Lash Clash in Brown. And finally I’m probably the last human being on earth to try MERIT blush, but seeing as the day is nearly here, I think Christmas will be a day for fresh skincare with a kiss of blush! If I order now, hopefully I’ll receive in time - so I’m going to grab the The Mini Flush Balm Trio.

Olivia Repaci

Creative Studio and Campaigns Manager

This year I got all my Christmas shopping done in November so December is all about me! I’ve been converted from normal bras to wireless, padding free crops, because who needs hooks and straps that fall down anymore. I don’t have time! On my list is this Boody Seamfree crop, I just can’t decide which colour to get first. And I know I’ve been talking about it all year but I’m still hunting for the right loafers. Current obsession are these Stuart Weitzman turtleshell ones?

As summer comes up, I like to give my main stable of cameras a rest (they’re entitled to annual leave like the rest of us) and use a smaller camera that is great on the go and a solid all rounder. My pick is the new Nikon Z50II mirrorless camera, which I was lucky enough to trial recently. Easy to use and perfect for capturing memories with both image and video capabilities, it’s on my list to add to my collection of camera gear. And lastly, because Gigi Hadid loves it, I love it, and so I’m adding these mirrored lens sunglasses from Miu Miu to my shopping list. Sporty chic.

Mia Steiber

Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher

I recently discovered my favourite Henne black leggings have a big run down the butt. Not cute. So they’ve been replaced by these Liberty Leggings from Lorna Jane. I’m obsessed, they’re so comfortable. I wish it was socially acceptable to never take them off. I’m also totally in love with this pant set from Roame. I think I’m going to wear it to the Australian Open next year. It’s so chic and summery. This khaki maxi from Faithfull is still waiting for me at the post office. I can’t wait to wear it over the summer break.

Lastly, my favourite white button down has gone awol and I need another, so I’m using this space to call out for recommendations. Maybe something like this one from Matteau? Gonna need the team to help me find the right one.

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