Style-ish – Episode Summary

Podcast: Style-ish by Shameless Media
Episode: The one item we’re investing in this winter
Date: April 7, 2026
Hosts: Madison Sullivan Thorpe, Rhiannon Joyce, Joanna Fleming

Episode Overview

This episode brings together hosts Madison Sullivan Thorpe, Rhiannon Joyce, and Joanna Fleming to discuss key topics in Australian fashion, lifestyle, and beauty. The main segments include:

• The surprising movement of Aussie stationery brands into fashion and beauty
• The one winter wardrobe item each host is investing in
• Listener Q&A: How to get a skincare-reluctant boyfriend on board

The episode brims with nostalgia, hot takes, practical style advice, and expert skincare tips, maintaining its chatty, relatable yet informed tone throughout.

Episode Highlights & Key Discussion Points

1. Cozy Banter & Weekly Swaps (00:30–06:13)

- Seasonal Treats & Hot Cross Buns:
A lighthearted debate on hot cross buns and whether they deserve year-round shelf space kicks things off before jumping into style content.

- Weekly Swaps:

• Madison: Announces enthusiasm for Decjuba (referred to as "decuba"), praising CEO Audrey Narnia's transformative leadership and observing the brand’s "sleeping giant" comeback.

  “I feel like the giant has been reawoken and I’m really liking just watching it as an observer in this space.” – Madison (02:05)

• Joanna: Recommends ceramic artist Cosa Ceramica for unique, collectible art pieces – ideal for special gifting.
• Rhiannon: Shares her love for the MAC Cosmetics lip pencil in Cork, especially for a ‘90s ombre lip look.

  “She did this really gorgeous ombre look and then just went over the top with a gloss... I was obsessed with this look.” – Rhiannon (05:24–05:40)

(Annika, a regular contributor, is mentioned as away on parental leave.)

2. Why Are Stationery Brands Entering Fashion & Beauty? (07:15–20:04)

The Smiggle Case Study

• Background: Smiggle, beloved for its bright and sensory stationery for tweens, is now planning to move into beauty products (lip gloss, facial cream, etc.) as a strategy to maintain relevance and growth among its core demographic (ages 6–12).
• Hosts’ Reactions: Initial surprise, then acceptance as they remember childhood obsessions with products like Lip Smackers and Body Shop goodies.

  “I remember being, you know, probably 10 and being obsessed with Lip Smackers and the Body Shop and all of those... So we had our own version of this.” – Joanna (11:04)

• Concerns:
  • Age-appropriateness (no active/harsh skincare ingredients for kids!)
  • The balance between joyful collectibility and unhealthy consumerism
• Smart Strategies:
  • Leveraging the gift market (birthday parties)
  • Emphasizing collectibility and sensory experiences (scents, textures)
  • Potential for experiential retail (the “Smiggle Party”/Build-a-Bear model)

The Kikki K Example

• Brand Evolution: Kikki K, with new creative director Lisa Gorman, moves into fashion and travel with cohesive, Scandi-inspired designs.
• Why It Works: The extension feels authentic due to consistent design language and lifestyle sensibility.

  “If I didn’t know Kiki K before, I would assume that this all was from inception... It feels very, very intentional.” – Joanna (16:08, 16:30)

Takeaways

• Strategic Collabs?
  Madison suggests Smiggle could have benefitted by initially collaborating with beloved kid-friendly beauty brands, though Rhiannon notes:

  “If this is a serious extension...I do think they have to establish it on their own and then they can go into collaborations.” (18:25)

• Licensing & Expansion:
  Discuss the role of licensing (e.g., Smiggle’s Minecraft, Peter Alexander’s Disney collabs) in brand growth and maintaining consumer interest.

3. The One Winter Investment Item (20:43–26:50)

Each host picks the single wardrobe hero they’re investing in for the Australian winter:

• Rhiannon: A funnel-neck jacket (“My love for the funnel neck jacket is at an all-time high—this winter, they’re everywhere and I’m here for it.” – Rhiannon, 21:15)
  • Her luxe pick: Camilla and Marc (sold out)
  • Budget alternative: Uniqlo funnel neck (praised for versatility)
• Madison:
  A short, woollen jacket with a detachable scarf, inspired by the original Totême scarf jacket.

  “There’s something quite European and chic about the scarf thrown over the shoulder and like a beautiful short coat.” – Madison (23:18)

• Joanna:
  Flat, knee-high boots in chocolate suede (riding boots).

  “I have an issue with only having heeled boots and... there are a lot of occasions where it calls for a flat.” – Joanna (23:52)

  • Shout-outs: Tony Bianco’s Haze, COS, Steve Madden “Resonate.”

Bonus Picks

• Rhiannon: Detachable faux fur collars and cuffs (via Etsy) for retro-glam layering ("At the moment, my obsession is detachable faux fur collars and cuffs..." – 26:02)

4. Listener Q&A: Getting Boyfriends into Skincare (26:50–36:07)

Caitlin asks:

“How in the world did you get Adrian into doing a skincare routine or even testing your products?”

Joanna’s Origin Story

• Their entire relationship started with a skincare prompt on Hinge!
• Her most effective technique: Hands-on service

  “He is willing to sit on the edge of the bath each night and I just put his skincare on him.” – Joanna (27:46)

• Challenges: Morning application (especially sunscreen) can slip.
• Motivation: “I have openly said, we will get divorced if he gets sunburned.” (28:21)

Strategies for Reluctant Partners

• Make it easy: Simple routines, two-in-one (moisturizer + sunscreen) products
• Highlight functional and ‘masculine’ elements (packaging, neutral scents)
• Be pragmatic about cost (“There is a big reason, Joe!” – Rhiannon, referencing sharing premium products, 35:33)
• Recognize they’re often reactive, not proactive; skin changes or crises usually trigger interest.

Skincare 101 for Beginners

• Gentle cleanser (e.g., CeraVe, tailored to skin type)
• Lightweight moisturizer (CeraVe or Innisfree)
• No actives without daily sunscreen (“...we are not fucking with actives until we have a sunscreen that is being used daily, it is not happening.” – Joanna, 31:36)

Notable Insights

• Men are just as swayed by packaging/branding as women—neutral/clinical cues resonate
• Initiate the habit during a new relationship phase or post-skin concern
• Sharing basic products is fine if skin types are similar

Memorable Quotes and Fun Moments

• “It was a euphoric feeling. I don’t know if I’ve matched in adulthood.” – Madison, on the joys of shopping at Smiggle as a tween (08:06)
• “No issue whatsoever. The earlier the better. Year-round petition. I’m starting it.” – Madison, on hot cross buns (01:04)
• “If you ask us, style is so much more than your outfit. It’s your accessories, your hair and makeup, and most definitely your scent.” – Joanna (20:04)
• “They’re reactive, not proactive.” – Rhiannon, about men and skincare (33:09)
• “We are all bought in on this trajectory of consumption. It feels like it’s just happening younger and younger.” – Rhiannon (14:36)
• “He does have to do his own in the morning, which is sometimes where the sunscreen slips off.” – Joanna (28:24)
• “If a product looks clinically like it’s going to do something...” – Rhiannon, on packaging influence (33:45)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:30 – Host introductions and hot cross buns debate
• 01:51 – Weekly “swaps” (recommendations)
• 07:15 – Australian stationery brands moving into beauty/fashion: Smiggle & Kikki K
• 20:43 – The one wardrobe item for winter: picks from each host
• 26:50 – Listener Q&A: How to get your boyfriend into skincare
• 36:07 – Episode wrap, shout-outs

Takeaway

This episode is essential listening for style-obsessed listeners curious about retail trends, the intersection of childhood nostalgia and adult consumption, and practical winter wardrobe updates. Its chatty and accessible format is laced with expert advice—especially on skincare—and nostalgia for iconic Aussie brands. If you’re after winter style inspiration or need backup convincing your partner to use SPF, look no further.