Regional Shopping Guide
FROM GOONDIWINDI TO ALBANY, SHOW YOUR SUPPORT TO REGIONAL COMMUNITIES DURING THIS TOUGH TIME BY SPENDING AT THEIR BUSINESSES IN PERSON OR ONLINE.
NSW Mink and Me
When Sydney-born Lucy Moss moved north-west to Coonamble five years ago, marrying local sheep and grain farmer Will, she wasted little time in opening Mink and Me — a shop that lives up to its ‘fun and fabulous’ tagline. The gift store shares a space with other local businesses, making it the go-to destination in town, not just for a retail and caffeine fix, but for massage, hair, beauty and yoga, too. Lucy says her shop is colourful and has something for everyone.
A wall of custom-made earrings, locally-sourced ceramics and eclectic textiles from as far away as Morocco prove ever-popular, plus Lucy hints at cosy things to come once the weather cools: “Winter fashion evokes memories of rugby matches, country race days and paddock parties around a campfire, so we can’t wait to show you what warm, fun pieces Binny and Alessandra are releasing for their winter collection,” she says. Follow @minkandme on Instagram for updates. 2 Namoi Street, Coonamble, 0417 478 785, minkandme.com.au
NORTHERN TERRITORY My Glow
Darwin is home to My Glow owner Jamie Collins now, but she says that part of her is still in the country. “I’m a proud Eastern Arrernte woman. The beautiful desert hills in Alice Springs will always be home to my soul.” It’s insight from her years in Alice Springs, Melbourne and now the NT capital that lead Jamie to open her own business. The one-stop studio gives locals the option to hire dresses by designers (including Zimmermann, Bec and Bridge, Aje and Dion Lee) that
weren’t always so readily available. “While Darwin is overflowing with adventurous activities, we are limited in our access to higher-end fashion,” explains Jamie.
The shop’s rooms also offer spray tans and professional make-up, tailored to suit the area’s climate. There’s a dedicated kids’ corner and Jamie is passionate about delivering warm, honest service. “I wanted to create a space where women of all races, ages, sizes and experience with beauty services felt welcome,” she says. Pieces for hire can be viewed online and picked up in-studio or mailed to customers. 91 Lee Point Road, Wagaman, myglowdarwin.com.au
QUEENSLAND Harry and Kit
The latest addition to Goondiwindi’s retail scene is right in town, but a little off the beaten track. Walk down a laneway to an old tin shed — once you find it, you’ll be glad you did. The shop, opened by Lillie Holcombe and her husband Henry, features a selection of timber, bamboo and rattan pieces that hit the sweet spot between country and coastal. The range is complemented by Walter G textiles in earthy tones and well-priced linenwear by LJC Designs. Lillie tells us her unique driftwood bull’s heads have attracted a wave of attention on Instagram (follow @harryandkit), and we can see why. Visit Lillie and baby Eustie in store on Fridays and Saturdays between 9am and 1pm (and by appointment) or shop online. Bowen Lane, Goondiwindi, 0422 051 059, harryandkit.com.au
SOUTH AUSTRALIA Field Trip
Creative collaborators and good friends Linda Marek and Mim Clarkson met as students. Fast forward 15 years, the jeweller and clothing designer now co-own Field Trip in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. “We’d always adored this cute little shopfront, and when it came up for lease we decided it was now or never!” says Linda. “The store has a focus on small-batch, artisan-made products with a selection of vintage treasures for good measure.” Other popular pieces include ceramics by local makers Cate Oaten and Mrs Fisher’s Pottery, and botanical jewellery by Anja Jagsch. Follow @fieldtripbalhannah on Instagram, and keep an eye out in store for influxes of second-hand gems from Vintage Carousel. 81 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Balhannah, 0423 767 382, fieldtripbalhannah.com.au
TASMANIA Kika & Co.
While Kika & Co.’s range of clothing, artwork, homewares, textiles and skincare is certainly on trend, it’s curated with the utmost care and an eye for the unusual. Owner Paula Nielsen concedes her taste is eclectic. “I love the idea of something handmade from Greece, Zambia or Turkey sitting on a shelf next to another uniquely handmade piece from my home town,” she says. Her current in-store favourites include Mojo Candle Co.’s repurposed wine and beer bottle candles, luxurious Australian botanical skincare line Ena and artisanal leather totes by Tasmanian Studio Koak. Follow @kika_co_ on Instagram for gift ideas and updates on the shop’s imminent online launch. 101 George Street, Launceston, 0438 667 008.
VICTORIA Hens Teeth Trading
This hidden gem in the town of Cobram has an industrial feel, with plenty of character. The charming shed smells of freshly oiled furniture and earthy fragrant candles, and the concrete floors are laden with renovated metal and timber pieces. These treasures are collected by owners Gretchen Thorburn and Rebecca Loughridge. The creative pair know how to spot vintage one-offs with interesting textures, materials or history. “We love, and therefore tend to collect, items that have a real story to them,” says Rebecca. “We also seek out beautiful handmade wares, often in the form of jewellery and ceramics.” They also run workshops as well as a styling and prop hire business. You can follow this impressive duo’s work on Instagram @hensteethtrading and buy their smaller pieces online. 60 Broadway Street, Cobram, 0427 742 373, hensteethtrading.com
WESTERN AUSTRALIA Bell & Luca
Originally from the small country town of Kojonup, Cara Giuntoli was 24 when she and travelled down the highway to open her own clothing shop in Albany. Bell & Luca has expanded rapidly during its four years in the coastal hotspot, with a move to a larger space, an online launch and a sister store opening in nearby Denmark. The Albany shop is in a heritage-listed building with ocean views. Racks of colourful clothing line the whitewashed space, with pieces from brands like Nobody Denim, Viktoria & Woods and PE Nation. Cara tells us she’s secured Spell and the Gypsy Collective and a boutique range of R.M. Williams boots to join the line-up this year. If you’re not near enough for a visit, shop Cara’s full range online. 14 Peels Place, Albany, (08) 9843 0801, and 23 South Coast Highway, Denmark, 0488 025 337, bellandluca.com.au