When I started to think about where I was going to do my Christmas shopping I wondered if I could do it all by shopping with Australian and independent businesses. The thought of trundling off to a huge department store with the masses filled me with dread to be honest.
I started to look, then put the call out and what you see below is a collection of some amazing small businesses, some products made by hand and pretty much all of it coming in under $150. Sort of perfect don’t you think?
And I had my photo taken with Santa at Westfield Doncaster on a recent VIP shopping day. I absolutely couldn’t help myself, but he told me while we had a chat that people of all ages love to have their photo taken, the oldest being 82 year old twins. Who knew?!
Happy Festive Season!
Lillian Marie and Me is a Melbourne based label inspired by the designers grandmother. The garments and accessories are handmade as is this gorgeous ‘Measure’ bangle for $100, made from recycled dress making measuring tapes. You can also have ones made with your own lettering and messages, make sure you check out their website for the Lillian and Me story.
Hopeless Lingerie is another label out of Melbourne that is completely made by hand. Designer Gabrielle Adamidis with the help of her sister Dominique have established a strong following and you can see from the photos why. Inspired by B-grade horror films, architecture and modern art these Thalia knickers are perfect for the strong, modern woman. There is also a rather intriguing blog as well as good old Facebook.
Hook Turn have created a limited edition range of BYO reusable silicon coffee cups in vintage colours like pale pink (pictured), vintage mint and vintage lemon. I was so thrilled to discover these and starting at $13.20 are a perfect stocking filler. You can post photos of your own on the Hook Turn Industries Facebook page as well.
Heel Condoms: what a name right?! I was a little sceptical myself until the samples arrived and I could see why they are quickly gaining popularity. Basically they slip over the heel of your shoe to instantly create a new look, as you can see here with their ‘Mulitcoloured-1.’ You can make your purchases through the Heel Condom website.
Bombshell Bay don’t have a fancy pants famous model or ambassador but they do design quality, affordable and fashion forward swimwear for women of all shapes and sizes. I’m wearing the Miss Marilyn here and the fit is absolutely true to the size chart on the website. Coming in at $129 it’s a fair price for a vintage inspired piece that is so versatile if could be worn as a top as well. You can also check out the Bombshell Bay facebook page and find them on twitter as well.
Miles Mason Trading Company is an actual physical store found on Greville St here in Melbourne. For you overseas readers they also have a rather snappy website and facebook page which is where you can find details for this divine Bon Bon Vase.
This one is filled with Peony’s from Domain Flowers, but it could also be used as a fruit bowl, or simply as something gorgeous for the coffee table.
Borne Naked have featured on Lady Melbourne before and I love to support Amanda George who started the brand herself in 2008. Once I started using her handbag liners it was hard to stop and with prices starting at $19.95 they are perfectly affordable. You can find plenty more info on the Borne Naked Facebook Page as well as Twitter and their blog.
The DIMACCI collection uses the finest Italian nappa leather and is available in a variety of fashion colours, with clasps in pure stainless steel, or gold plated stainless steel. They are designed to be worn as you like- layered up or individually to suit your style. Pictured here is the ‘Burghley’ bracelet that is triple wound around the wrist- once they arrived I’ve barely taken them off!
Melbourne based designer Monique has drawn upon her architectural design background to create a range of stylish handbags and accessories that embody a relaxed and timeless glamour. With beautiful leather wallets starting at $79.95 clutches from $119 these 100% leather accessories are an affordable way to be well and truly fashionable. Make sure you check them out on the Monique Facebook page as well as tweet them with your latest purchase.
MOR Cosmetics is a world wide phenomenon these days but are still very much Melbourne based. These beautiful MOR Gifting Box sets in Luxuria and Sweet Surprise come in at $19.95 and couldn’t be more perfect for a Christmas stocking. There is a thriving MOR Cosmetics Facebook page where you can connect as well as Twitter where they often have spot competitions.
The Open Window is an online gallery stocking a selection of the world’s most original and beautiful artisan jewellery. The website offers shopping guides, inspiration blog posts, gift certificates and made to order services and is where you will find this gorgeous A.D Crystal Necklace. You can also find The Open Window on Facebook and Twitter but make sure you have a good look through their selection as there are some pieces that are one of kind.
Miles Mason Trading Company is where you will find the label Salus. and a range of their beauty products. All of their products are formulated with ingredients that protect the skin and are 100% free from synthetic fragrance and colour, sodium laurel sulfates, parabens and mineral oils. These Organic Rose Buff & Bath Salts are only $12 for a lot of luxury in my opinion. Check out the Salus Body Facebook page for more info.
Since its launch in 2005, Soon Maternity has enjoyed providing women with the stylish, fashionable and well fitting pieces that they were used to wearing before their pregnancy. That goes for accessories as well so they developed a rather stylish range of nappy bags, the ‘Soon Nappy Tote‘ pictured here. For those of you looking for a stylish nappy bag, or just a versatile carry all Soon may just be the answer. They’re nice and active on Twitter as well as the Soon Maternity Facebook page.
What do wear on Christmas day under a blazing Australian sun? Something from St.Frock of course! Their mission is to make everything they sell in the retail store & at the markets available online for purchase. Facebook will also be your porthole into the corners of our retail store & markets so you won’t miss a thing. I’m wearing the Camilla Lace Shirred Maxi Dress that is only $79. Go!
Sweet and Tender create stylish and affordable handmade Soy Candles that are both useful and beautiful. Their soy candle jars and votive candles are of the highest quality and feature unique seasonal fragrances that are sure to bring a sense of luxury into your home. Starting at only $12.95 they are great as a centre piece for your Christmas table or as a stocking filler. Make sure you check out Sweet & Tender on Facebook and Twitter as well.
I absolutely couldn’t go past these ‘Inside Out Hearts’ Espresso and Tea cups . By Yedi House Wear you can pick up a set at Miles Mason Trading Company for only $76 or $86.50 respectively. Perfection!
Tipsy Toes are lightweight flexible fold up emergency ballet flats that will transform you from staggering mess to glamorous gazelle in one tiny purse sized package. Stairs, tram tracks and late night across town hikes are now a breeze thanks to Tipsy Toes . Featured here is the Bright Spark Silver Tipsy Toes for only $19.95- there are no excuses now for a barefoot walk of shame home from the Christmas party! Tell them your stories at the Tipsy Toes Facebook page.
I know that I love accessories and most women(and men!) out there don’t mind finding something gorgeous under the Christmas Tree. Wanderlust + Co is an online jewellery store filled with an eclectic mix of beautiful jewellery where you can shop for women’s fashion accessories & costume jewellery. These beautiful gemstone rings come in at $40 each so really there is no excuse for daggy presents this year! Check them out for more info on Facebook and Twitter.