July’s chill has turned the city into a scene of oversized coats, but the FJ team has found ways to stay entertained and stylish while the temperature drops.
Books that kept the team turning pages
Team member Jillian Arcenas finally opened the long‑sitting copy of Crying in H Mart, a memoir that blends grief with culinary memory. She described it as “equal parts beautiful and heartbreaking,” noting its focus on immigrant families and the role of food in preserving culture.
Another reader finished Belle Burden’s Strangers and moved on to Firewater by Australian author Miranda Darling. The novel, set against a scorching summer, follows suburban women dealing with divorce, a theme that has unexpectedly woven through the group’s reading list this year.
These selections illustrate a mix of classic essays, contemporary fiction, and memoir, offering a range of perspectives for winter evenings.
Films and shows that sparked conversation
The film watchlist featured Olivia Wilde’s new thriller The Invite. One member called it “cleverly done” and recommended it for fans of Esther Perel or Diane Keaton, though the constant bickering dialogue was noted as occasionally grating. Penelope Cruz’s performance was singled out as a highlight.
In a surprise cinema outing, a staffer attended an IMAX screening of The Odyssey at Carlton, describing the experience as better than expected. That viewer also watched Portrait of a Lady on Fire for the first time, remarking that it inspired dreams of fleeing to a French château.
Tickets are already booked for the Melbourne International Film Festival in August, including Marc by Sofia and the Filipino‑themed feature Filipiniana.
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The new episode of After Work Drinks provides a lift against seasonal blues, according to the host.
Style picks for the winter months
When work intensifies, finding time for fashion can be a challenge, yet a member recently added a non‑shiny khaki bomber from Paris Georgia after seeing it on former Kiwi fashion editor Rosie Herdman and a sibling. The piece was bought on sale, highlighting the value of patience in seasonal shopping.
Another contributor praised the silhouette of oversized tops paired with relaxed pants, noting a collection of thick organic‑cotton shirts from Tekla that feel both structured and slouchy. A blue striped blazer from Monphell’s sale was also highlighted for its tailoring.
Beyond clothing, the audio backdrop includes the NTS Breakfast Show with Flo, a blend of synth‑pop, folk, jazz, and occasional hip‑hop. New artists such as ML Buch and Yussef Dayes have been discovered through this mix.
These varied choices show how the group manages the long, cold days, balancing cultural consumption with practical attire.
While the selections are personal, they collectively illustrate how creative work can thrive even when the weather feels harsher than ever.