Retail Therapy: March’s Monthly Wish List
Our world trip is expanding my label horizons – and teaching me a lesson!
Here’s what you can expect from this issue:
Two pairs of sandals I simply cannot choose between
A suit better than Dubai chocolate
A buttery yellow shirt that made me break my own fashion rules
A blazer set with a mini skirt that could finally cure my mini-skirt shyness
A skirt with more than just one button to keep things interesting
And so many more fabulous pieces
Now, I have good news and bad news about this month’s wishlist situation.
The good news? I did break my self-imposed shopping ban. The bad news? Once you start, you apparently cannot stop. And let’s just say ... the airport luggage scale noticed immediately.
Have I Outgrown My Shopping Addiction?
As you know, I’m currently in Australia. And let’s be real – Australia isn’t just the land of deadly creatures (haven’t met any yet, thank god), koalas, and kangaroos (seen them up close and personal – magical!), but also the home of Dissh, St. Agni,
After a few dreamy beach days in Byron Bay, I gave in. My son was peacefully napping in the stroller, my boyfriend was working back at our place, and I had time. So, I slipped on my flip-flops and headed out. Flip into the first store, flop out of the next. And despite my best efforts to resist – I caved. I shopped.
Because for a tiny beach paradise, Byron Bay has some seriously impressive shopping. But more on my finds (and Byron Bay itself) another time.
One of the best things about traveling isn’t just discovering new cultures and rekindling your excitement for the world – it’s also seeing a different approach to style. With new brands, different aesthetics, and fresh shopping opportunities, my fashion perspective has completely expanded. And thanks to predictable import duties, it will stay expanded when I’m back in Berlin.
I’ll admit it – I can be lazy when it comes to fashion. I tend to go for the easiest, most convenient option. And with COS, Arket, & Other Stories practically on my doorstep, it’s easy to fall into the same shopping routine. The result? Everyone ends up wearing the same thing.
Lately, I’ve been craving more individuality, and I’ve found it with Australian brands. And guess what? Most of them make it super easy to check and pay duties and shipping costs upfront. Gotta love globalization!
But enough talk – take a look for yourself. I have a feeling you’re going to love what I found.
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This Brown Set – and My Journey to Self-Love
I already wrote about it in my fashion resolutions for 2025: I refuse to let unrealistic beauty standards or clothing sizes dictate what I wear. Yes, we all have insecurities, and for me, wearing short pieces has never felt easy – thanks to a lot of past experiences. Some phases are better, some are worse. Pregnancy and the time after? Definitely a low point. And honestly? I’m over it. The Australian summer and the incredible women here have reminded me that it’s all about attitude, not the body wearing the outfit.
Enter Dissh, my ultimate new love brand from Australia. I sprinted into both stores I could find and will now be a long-distance regular. The cuts, the fabrics, the colors – everything is just my vibe! This blazer-and-skort set? It’s coming to Berlin with me … as soon as my travel budget recovers. Because, unfortunately, my suitcase just couldn’t take one more thing.
The Buttery Yellow Shirt That Broke My Rules
At the top of my 2025 No-Buy list? Shirts. Because, honestly, I own way too many and barely wear them. But wow… this buttery yellow beauty is seriously testing my self-control. Layered over a tank top? Perfect. Paired with dark blue jeans? Stunning. Thrown over my brown Lululemon leggings on the way to Pilates? A dream.
Good thing I’m currently very far away from COS … Oh, and P.S. Why does it also have a matching yellow bag charm?! That’s just unfair.
Everyone’s in a Thong at the Beach – and I’m in Shorts ...
While I haven’t seen anyone go fully topless at the beach in Australia (which is totally normal in Germany), I have seen a lot of bare cheeks. And while I’m all for wearing whatever makes you feel good, thongs just aren’t my thing.
Quite the opposite, actually. As my best (and brutally honest) friend Hannah would put it, I have a serious weakness for “granny bikini bottoms.” And this floral one from Elce? A true granny masterpiece that I proudly picked up in Byron Bay. Now, if only I could get my hands on the bright blue version … but of course, it’s sold out everywhere. Looks like I’ll have to wait until next season. Until then, long live the Oma-Bikini!
Riding the Waves – Without Getting Wet
Shopping at Zulu & Zephyr was an experience. The flattering cuts, the incredibly sweet sales assistant (Australians really are next-level with their compliments), and the dreamy fitting room lighting made me feel like an absolute goddess.
And then there was the dress. A white knit masterpiece with delicate appliqués, a stunning open back, the perfect length – perfection. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Seriously, why does my son have an entire wardrobe with him, while I’m stuck with a giant coat I haven’t even used?!
From Dreamy Beach Day to Emergency Shopping Mission
It was a perfect Saturday — ferry from Sydney to Manly, stunning beach, flawless weather. And who had to suddenly hop in an Uber to a shopping mall? Me. And honestly? I’d do it again. Because this little detour led me straight to VRG GRL – a brand whose fire Spotify playlists have been part of my life for years.
Did I feel slightly rushed knowing my boyfriend and kid were waiting? Absolutely. Where are you? Can you bring water? How much longer?! The pressure got to me, and I couldn’t decide. Now, I deeply regret not taking home that black dress.
But while scrolling their online shop, I found this white skirt – so many buttons, so much charm. The perfect city piece, ready to match half my wardrobe. Do I need it? Probably. Will I order it? Most likely.
After the Boot Drama Comes the Sandal Chaos Season
Okay, at this point, this isn’t really a wishlist anymore – it’s starting to feel like a list of missed opportunities. And maybe, just maybe, a little shopping trauma processing. But hey, isn’t that what Substack is for?
My biggest regret? Three whole weeks in Australia, and I still didn’t manage to try on a pair of A.Emery sandals. I’ve been obsessing over this brand from Melbourne from afar for years – and when I finally had the chance? Nothing. Not a single store had my dream pair. Once, I was this close… but, of course, they were out of my size.
Now, I’m torn. There’s another sandal I’ve been eyeing for seasons: Emme Parsons from the U.S. And since we’re heading to Los Angeles, should I just wait? Or are the St. Agni sandals actually perfect – but sold out everywhere?As you can tell, shoes are very much my weakness.
Forget Dubai Chocolate – This Pistachio Suit Is Way More Tempting
Especially when paired with the stone belt from my last wishlist. The cut, the color, the texture – I’m absolutely obsessed.
Even on their own, the blazer and pants are perfect for countless outfits. Only problem? My size is completely sold out online.
What’s Happening to Me? I Want to Dress Corporate!?
There aren’t many labels that have made me feel as strong and feminine as my visit to Camilla and Marc in Sydney. I tried on so many looks, and I fell in love with nearly every single one. I now want to be a corporate girlie – and dress more chic, which this brand really made me realize.
Honestly, my wishlist at Camilla and Marc could be a newsletter all on its own ... But let’s start with this delicate lace blouse over black tailored trousers with a belt. The styling in the webshop spoke to me so much, I just had to recreate it. I probably wouldn’t have paired it like this on my own, but now it’s stuck in my head. In the end, I walked out with a different top, but I can’t stop thinking about this one.
While Others Buy Shoes, I Obsess Over Sunglasses
Some people casually pick up shoes (I wish I could do that without overthinking every pair), but for me, it’s all about sunglasses. I love them, and I treat them as stand-alone accessories that complete any outfit. I always pack at least two or three pairs in my suitcase, depending on my mood, the outfit, and the brightness of the day.
This Port Tanger pair caught my eye at the Camilla and Marc store, and yes, they’re totally on trend right now, but somehow, they also feel timeless. Lukas, however, stopped me from buying them, calling them "too much." But honestly, wouldn’t a little exaggeration in daily life – especially for simple outfits – be just the thing? A week later, this magazine cover landed on my desk, and I’m taking it as a sign. Port Tanger, you’re not forgotten!
Now it’s your turn – what’s on your wish list right now? Do you already own any of the items I’m eyeing, or do you have even better alternatives to share? Let me know in the comments!
Here’s a little sneak peek of what’s coming your way in the next issue:
Lesson Learned: No More Fixed Dates! ⏳✈️ As long as I’m traveling without childcare, I’m done promising specific days or topics. But don’t worry, the next edition is coming soon!
The Dissh set!! I also have a sunglasses collection rather than a shoes collection - not my most practical trait!
awwww everything is so tempting and looks amazing on you!! LOVE the sunglasses too. While you are there, you have to buy Russh magazine, my absolute favorite <3