QUAINT SHOPFRONTS, GOOD OLD-FASHIONED SERVICE AND QUALITY PRODUCTS ARE WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT THESE REGIONAL STORES.
NSW Hall & Co Homewares
Kristy Hall’s love of beautiful things, along with her inability to buy gifts easily in the Riverina town of West Wyalong, inspired her to open Hall & Co Homewares. Kristy and her husband, Jeff, own the store, with their daughter, Maddison, helping to run the show. In true family-business style, their son, William, assists on weekends in the adjoining cafe, as do nieces and nephews, all adding to the warm and friendly feel. Locals love Kristy’s small-community approach to her shop. “It’s all about being able to hold, feel and even take products home and make sure they suit your décor,” she says. The fun and colourful range is sourced mostly from small-scale Australian makers. “We absolutely love anything from Sage and Clare and our face vases from Jones & Co seem to fly off the shelves.” Other brands include Maisey & Oscar bathmats, hand-painted ceramic coffee cups from Hello Lola, candles by Frankie Gusti and puzzles by Journey of Something. If you’re planning a visit, keep an eye out for on-trend rattan and cane pieces by Poppy’s Little Treasures, arriving soon. 184 Main Street, West Wyalong, (02) 6972 4052
Spaces2538
In recent years, the scenic village of
Milton on the South Coast has become a holiday destination in its own right, thanks to green rolling hills, an ocean breeze from nearby Mollymook Beach and a fabulous food scene. Once you’ve had your morning coffee and picked up fresh sourdough, wander the streets to browse antiques, homewares and art. Spaces2538, in a beautiful old shopfront with 160-year-old exposed brick walls, is a must-visit. Motherdaughter duo Victoria Willis and Gabrielle Good have cleverly created ‘rooms’ throughout, laden with luxurious, comforting textiles, furniture, pendant lights and ceramics, so shoppers can visualise the merchandise in their own homes. In Bed linens and cushions by Coca Mojo and Eadie Lifestyle are popular, as are wall vases by Stix & Flora. There’s even a dreamy bathroom setup, complete with a fireplace, to showcase plush body products by Olieve & Olie and Bowral’s Bare Body Beauty Co., candles by Gerringong’s Willowvale Road, plus earthy linen hand towels. You can also buy online via the website. Shop 1/103 Princes Highway, Milton, (02) 4455 4026, spaces2538.com.au
QUEENSLAND Merv & Me Boutique
It can sometimes be tricky to find the perfect baby shower gift or a unique parcel to pop in the post for a brand new little person. Online business Merv & Me Boutique specialises in bundling together the sweetest products for these lovely occasions. Owner Kristy Hawkins operates from her husband’s family’s cattle property in Taroom, about 400km northwest of Brisbane, where she helps clients send thoughtful presents to stylish parents Australia-wide. Of her care packages, Kristy says, “We always work with our customers until they’re just right and gift wrap with beautiful paper from another small Australian business.” Choose from items like native-bushinspired body suits by Bunny & Doll, swaddles by Snuggle Hunny Kids and lovely Nature Bubz beech teething rings – or let Kristy compile something for you. mervandme.com >
VICTORIA Mint Boutique
Yarrawonga, on the border of Victoria and New South Wales, sits on picturesque Lake Mulwala which flows into the Murray River. Longtime local Paris Bonat is the owner of Mint Boutique in the town’s main street. Around 10 years ago, Paris saw an opening in the market. “I knew our small town needed a clothing store that provided residents with something different,” she says. She started her business in a small location with very little stock and a fit-out by family and friends. Years later, the store is thriving in a fresh, modern space, with timber and cane accents. Nobody Denim, manufactured in Melbourne, is among Paris’ bestselling brands, along with cool Ena Pelly designs,
Friends with Frank jackets, lovely linenwear by LJC Designs, plus a range of handmade earrings and accessories. Visit the well-stocked website if you prefer to shop online. 75 Belmore Street, Yarrawonga, (03) 5743 1720, mintboutique.com.au
Star Road Trader
The pretty town of Bright is usually bustling all year round, loved for its proximity to the ski fields at Mount Buffalo, the changing autumn leaves, picturesque cycling tracks and family-friendly camping. Along with great places to eat, there’s some excellent shopping to be done. Star Road Trader and its neighbouring spin-off store, About My Sister, are two of the village’s fashion boutiques, created by Janine Chalwell and Riyani Martorejo. Both born in
Bright, the mother-daughter team feel a strong connection to their roots here. “We love the feeling that we’re creating a shopping destination in Bright. We know a great retail experience is essential for the locals, and can make a country getaway feel super special,” says Janine. Natural fibres, textures and high-quality labels are the name of the game here, with an interesting, affordable and chic range on offer. Janine and Riyani’s personal styling advice ensures a loyal following instore and on social media, and, if you can’t make it to Victoria’s lovely high country anytime soon, you can shop online. 4C Barnard Street, Bright, (03) 5755 2165, starroadtrader.com
SOUTH AUSTRALIA Shop of Gentle Goods
Just over an hour’s drive from Adelaide is the idyllic seaside town of Port Elliot. Described by locals as having a relaxed feel and slow pace, the area is muse to Ben Hewett’s store, Shop of Gentle Goods, the flagship for his surf and lifestyle label, Yeo Haus. Walk through the doors of the white-washed 150-year-old building and you’ll be greeted by Winnie, the shop’s dog. Peruse Ben’s t-shirt, beanie, hat and hoodie designs, as well as sister label Paradise Plant Club and Cheer Wetsuits. There’s a general focus on plastic-free, plantbased, hemp and organic materials and we love the promise that there’s a tree planted with every Paradise Plant Club item sold. While you’re here, perch at the Yeo Haus Coffee Hole, bathed in sun, and enjoy De Groot Coffee Co.’s tasty blends, roasted just down the road. There’s also a new deli extension in the works with cool eatery Gang Gang, as well as fun pizza nights planned for summer. 49 The Strand, Port Elliot, 0422 327 123, yeohaus.com
NORTHERN TERRITORY Longrass Style
Fashion label Longrass Style was originally created by sisters Belinda Rasheed and Sophie Rayner, in >
Shop of Gentle Goods is the flagship for surf and lifestyle label, Yeo Haus.
response to their own unique clothing needs. Belinda and her family were running remote Legune Station at the time, a 10-hour-drive from Darwin, and Sophie’s career in the art world had landed her in Katherine. The stylish pair were on a quest to create low-fuss, hardworking pieces, wearable for their duties in the Top End and for travel to Brisbane and beyond. Belinda, who now heads up the online store from her property outside Katherine, explains their designs as “wardrobe essentials that work for many occasions. There’s no dry cleaning necessary, they don’t go out of fashion in five minutes, and each look can be dressed up or down.” The brand, which takes its name from the floodplain paddocks surrounding Belinda’s former home on the station, uses natural fibres to suit the northern climate. “The linen and silk designs are so flattering to the female figure. Buttons, zippers and particularly waistbands are only used if needed,” she explains. Each season introduces new spins on signature styles, like the bestselling Palazzo
Pant which has just landed in on-trend tan linen. Visit the website to shop the summer collection. longrassstyle.com.au
TASMANIA Hope & Me
Stroll through sunny Quadrant Mall in Launceston to find this gift and homewares gem, run by Lindi Mcmahon and her daughter, Chelsea. The fresh, modern space is awash with colour and it’s clear from the get-go these two have an eye for style. “Our brands are very carefully selected – we love colour and great packaging,” says Lindi. “Even after 11 years, it’s still like Christmas for us when new stock arrives.” With mostly Australian brands in their stable, Hope & Me is the place to browse some of the best homewares and kids’ fashion labels of the moment – think Citta, Society of Wanderers, Sage & Clare, Grace and James (candles), Jamie Kay, Two Darlings, Status Anxiety, Marmoset Found, Ashley & Co, Journey of Something and Nana Huchy. You can also shop the full collection online. 18 Quadrant Mall, Launceston, (03) 6331 0166, hopeandme.com.au
WA Child
It was Jessica Lane’s love of fashion, along with a background in graphic design and photography, that inspired her to create e-boutique, Child. Based in the seaside town of Dunsborough, the online store brings together a careful collection of children’s wear, with a focus on ethical production and natural fibres. “The majority of labels I carry are created by mothers and are usually small boutique brands that you won’t find mass-produced in department stores. That’s what makes the garments so special – they’re limited and highly coveted,” says Jessica. Of these unique pieces, sprinkle knits – cotton sets woven in neutral tones with tiny coloured flecks – are in hot demand, as are Jessica’s range of kids’ straw hats. There’s a lovely selection by New Zealand designer Jamie Kay and a great Preloved and Vintage tab on the website. childboutique.com.au
With mostly Australian brands in their stable, Hope & Me is the place to browse some of the best homewares...