CASIKA SWIM, online and boutiques
Positive body image is all the rage so why not stand out in a sexy new bikini by Casika Swim. The metallics are hard to resist, the high-waisted briefs very ‘James Bond’, and the feminine florals scream ‘yachting life’. The handmade collection has been designed by Central Coast local Cassandra Gibson, who has drawn inspiration from her favourite beaches as well as her time dancing at the Moulin Rouge, Paris. Through the collection Summer Somewhere, Cassandra hopes to encourage women to feel good in their own skin.
‘I want women to feel empowered and confident when they wear my collection as the luxurious fabrics and designs were created to do just that,’ she says.
The swimwear is available in sizes 6-12 and is sold through casika.com.au. The 2021 range (which will include size 14) will be sold in local boutiques. casika.com.au
TINY FOLK CO., Long Jetty and Erina Heights
Your one-stop-shop for everything cool and cute for little ones is Tiny Folk Co., a boutique that’s proving so popular with on-trend parents that owner Brooke Evrard has defied the Covid downturn to open a second store at Erina Heights. The shops ‘for little babes’ are brimming with whimsical, educational and fun toys for kids, but have made our list thanks to the range of stylish summer threads. There are Olas Supply Co. button-up shirts for boys in tropical, beach designs, and oh-so-cute overalls for girls. There are also Halcyon Nights and Susukoshi onesies in pastel purples and greens, as well as fun Nudie Bumm boardshorts in botanical prints. With this range, your kids will be the coolest cuties on the sand. Shop 4, 340-344 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty and Shop 3, 488 The Entrance Rd, Erina Heights
SLIMES BOARDSTORE, Erina
An institution on the Coast, Slimes is synonymous with surf culture and is your go-to for surfboards. With a whopping range of up to 500 boards at any given time, you’re spoilt for choice. To help you find the right fit, there’s a great demo line so you can try a board for two days before making a decision. The $40 demo price comes off the cost of the board if you decide to buy. Win-win. Slimes also stocks Prone Foil, designed for surfers when the waves are small. And if you need new fins, a board cover, wetsuit or boardshorts, you can grab them here, too. As the saying goes, it’s your one-stop-shop for everything surf. 1/203 The Entrance Rd, Erina
LOULEY, online
Natural materials, relaxed styles and pretty tones make Louley a refreshing find for women keen to add a few new pieces to their summer wardrobe. The independent, family-owned brand is based on the Central Coast and is centred on garments that are created sustainably in small batches. Designed to last, the clothing has been crafted from biodegradable fabrics such as linen and cotton. As for the range, think loose feminine dresses with balloon sleeves, minimal slip dresses and a few short numbers for summer fun, with a palette of white, hazelnut, black and blue. louley.net
COASTAL ROAD, Toukley
It all started with busy mum, Jo Middleton, selling upcycled furniture on Facebook and, after only two years, she has built her idea into a thriving business in the heart of Toukley.
Jo loves natural materials and the qualities they add to soft furnishings and furniture, each individually selected — and especially the unique elmwood pieces. The store offers homewares with a classy coastal aesthetic in everything from local artisan wall-art to white-washed, beachy furniture. Shop the textured wall baskets, cane woven mirrors, and crystal-infused candles to rejuvenate your home with these one-of-a-kind coastal finds. Shop 137 Main Rd, Toukley NSW 2263 and online at coastalroad.online/
WORDS JENNIFER ENNION AND JEMMA DALEY
