Regional Shopping Guide: Online stores to support.
STATE BORDERS MAY BE OPENING AND CLOSING UNEXPECTEDLY, BUT IT’S STILL EASY TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES BASED IN THE BUSH. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE VIRTUAL RETAILERS …
SOUTH AUSTRALIA Bright Threads
Alice Macgillivray is one of those clever people who makes entertaining seem effortless. Sure, she’s spent 20 years in the hospitality and wine industry, but she’s also done her fair share of hosting for pleasure – be it long lunches or elaborate mystery dinner parties. She has a knack for gathering different groups of people, in much the same way as she can pull together a table setting, pairing vibrant prints and glorious colours. “In my 20s,” Alice says, “I would host long lunches at Mum’s. I’d invite old and new friends … even people I’d met the night before. The table settings were as eclectic as the crowds around them, with mismatched crockery and cutlery.” Alice would also raid the family linen cupboard to complete the look. Fast-forward to today and she operates her table linen business, Bright Threads, out of (what used to be) the spare room of their home, on their vineyard in the Barossa Valley. Her napkins, runners and cloths are printed with everything from polka dots to pears, with lemons and wattle among the bestselling motifs. The designs are intended to be layered, mixed and used all together. A visit to the website is a lesson in colour, with the homepage daring us to “be brave” … a reminder to venture from the comfort of neutral tones. For those feeling a little out of their depth, Alice encourages starting small and growing a collection over time. “Pick from the Simplicity Collection [for example, yellow polka dots], then choose more patterned pieces [like lemons, wattle or gum]. I suggest starting with the smaller items [napkins or a runner], and then building your tablescape from there. It can be as refined or crazy as you like,” she says. As for what’s next, Alice tells us there’s a new fig print joining The Orchard Series, and a pansy design that will work well with the hydrangea print. Aprons are also in the works, plus a ‘brunch-ready’ range. brightthreads.com.au
NORTHERN TERRITORY Salvation Jewellery
When Shona Johnson moved to the Northern Territory from New South Wales’ mid-north coast, with her husband and baby in tow, she never dreamt they’d stay for 23 years. “The Territory gets under your skin,” says Shona, “with its beautiful people, laid-back lifestyle and amazing natural environment.” Two decades on, during a break from her role in education support, another shift occurred. Shona began experimenting with polymer clay at the kitchen table, making colourful earrings for herself and friends. The encouragement of her daughter led to a stall at the local markets, and it wasn’t long before the vibrant pieces were a hit around town. Now, with new mediums like resin and laser-cut acrylic in the collection, Salvation Jewellery is a booming online business. “My very supportive husband is the admin and technical department of Salvation Jewellery, while I head up the creative side,” says Shona. She credits her childhood as her inspiration, saying, “Mum was always sewing, crocheting or preserving something … I think it rubbed off.” Designs with Australian natives like gum blossom are among Shona’s bestselling bling, but there’s something for everyone – from Liquorice Allsorts combinations and Tutti Frutti tones, to earthy hues. salvationjewellery.com
NEW SOUTH WALES Linen Social
This luxe label boasts French linen lifestyle products, including tableware, bedding and baby items. Founder Kris Watts, his wife Judi and their two children reside in the beachside town of Casuarina in Northern NSW. The family made the sea change 10 years ago in a move away from fast-paced living. “We love the flexibility of working from home through the power of e-commerce,” says Kris. And it’s clear this calmer existence influences Kris’ creativity – Linen Social products strike the ideal balance between beauty and functionality. Lovers of the fabric will relish the broad range of designs on the website, with everything from beanbags to baby loungers on offer. Colour options are wonderfully earthy – think Olive, Oatmeal, Terracotta and Wild Rose. Of the material sourced, Kris says European flax is >
regarded as the premium fibre for natural linens: “We’ve spent years testing fabrics and building relationships with trusted suppliers to provide the best possible products.” Linen Social’s fabrics are produced without the use of pesticides and are recyclable and biodegradable. It’s a reassuring feature for the site’s bestselling washed linen pyjamas, sheet sets and quilted baby play mats. With pretty packaging and prompt delivery, they’re also perfect to send as gifts. Don’t miss the upcoming launch of new colours: Indigo, Charcoal and Natural, and White Stripe. linensocial.com.au
Nura Australia
Nura’s unique line of baby clothes are not just proudly made in Australia, they’re a tribute to all things lovable about this land. Creator Penny Lean, now based in Orange, calls on her country childhood memories, family traditions, and favourite flora and fauna to inform her work. She collaborates with artists to design fabrics that depict iconic animals, plants and illustrated scenes. The latest collection of bloomers, overalls and more in Penny’s line is an ode to the classic Aussie summer holiday. Like wearable storybooks, the cotton prints invoke memories of camping trips and beach bliss (look closely for a Bubble O’bill!). The nostalgia continues with the pavlova design, passionfruit and all. “I like to ensure that there’s a recognisable Australian feel in all my prints,” says Penny.
It’s this connection to home that customers treasure. “People say they need an item because there’s a backstory to it: one family nicknamed their little boy ‘Turtle’, so they bought every piece in my freshwater turtle print; another grew up with a banksia tree in their garden, so the banksia print brought back memories for them,” explains Penny. Nura’s following extends beyond our borders, too. Now more than ever, Penny ships personally wrapped gifts to people all over the world on behalf of loving Aussie family and friends, with a handwritten card if requested. It’s the next best thing to a hug from Down Under. nuraaustralia.com.au
QUEENSLAND Higher Road Australia
Sally Sattler is primarily a clothing designer, but when travel came to a halt last year, so did production on her line of versatile women’s dresses made from natural fabrics. In keeping with her optimistic outlook, she didn’t let the ensuing lockdown dampen her spirits, and used the time to create Higher Road Australia. The online boutique, Sally tells us, is “for women looking to elevate both their personal and living styles.” She has curated a collection of feel-good products, with a focus on remaining approachable. “We believe life itself is a balance … the difference between how you live and how you want to live lies in taking an elevated path – a higher road,” she explains. Sally operates the store from her home on a cattle stud in Drillham, in Qld’s Western Downs region. Her vision is for the store to act as a platform for both creators and consumers, supporting each other to encourage local business. The site features three categories – personal style, self-care, and home – and offers sundresses, linen shirts, pearl jewellery, candles and essential oils. Of note is the stylish linenware by LJC designs, and Li’tya skincare, made using Aboriginal healing techniques and native botanicals. This year, Sally will also relaunch her fashion line, Jean with Grace. higherroadaustralia.com.au
“We’ve spent years testing fabrics and building relationships with trusted suppliers.”