Bull & China, Erina Heights
Relaxed, coastal, with a hint of fun … if this describes your style then be sure to stop by Bull & China, a women’s fashion boutique located in the set of shops on The Entrance Road at Erina Heights (across from IGA). Christie Short opened this gorgeous store in August 2019 and stocks quality pieces from labels such as Elm Lifestyle, Betty Basics, Refuge Denim and Little Lies. There’s also footwear from uber-cool Rollie Nation Shoes and Australian owned Human Premium Shoes — including some fabulous winter boots — and a selection of gorgeous accessories to peruse while you’re there. Shop 4/372 The Entrance Rd, Erina Heights
lnteriorwise, East Gosford
Tucked away in a side street of East Gosford, lnteriorwise is a delightful cavern of French, vintage and coastal style furniture and homewares. The store was opened in 2014 by husband-and wife team, Daniel and Sandra Burckhardt, after they spent a year living in France restoring and painting furniture in a 15th-century watermill. They were inspired to bring the trend of restoring and up-cycling furniture to the Central Coast, and so created this eclectic store where old meets new. The stock is always changing with unique one-off pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. They also offer a custom painting service for customers who want to give their timber furniture a new lease on life. 61 B Webb Street, East Gosford www.interiorwise.com.au
Blackbird, Bateau Bay
Opening this gorgeous lifestyle store in Bateau Bay five years ago was an easy decision for owner Michelle Botham, who describes this beachside suburb as a hidden gem, but we think her store is an even lovelier surprise. Located at Bateau Bay Road shops, Blackbird is the place to shop for all things premium and chic for you and your home. Stocking a wide range of Australian and local products, you will find everything from leather clutches to classic Levi jeans, from toxin-free sunscreen to organic loose-leaf tea, from natural rattan light pendants to lush indoor plants … you can even purchase local Bateau Bay honey, straight from the hive! 101A Bateau Bay Rd, Bateau Bay
Flowers in Bloom, Wamberal
Brighten up your home on grey winter days with a gorgeous bunch of flowers from the Flowerseekers in Bloom located at the set of shops across from Wamberal Beach. Opened earlier in 2020, this is the bricks and mortar store to quarterly magazine The Flowerseekers, created for florists, growers and everyday people who simply love beautiful blooms. Owner Sonya Gardiner wanted a space to physically showcase the concept behind the magazine and not only to sell flowers, plants and botanic gifts (vases, books, candles, soaps, local honey) but also to host workshops such as floral arrangement, embroidery, photography, styling and business. Watch throughout the year as the store’s facade changes colour and look depending on the season. Shop 3/82 Ocean View Drive, Wamberal www.theflowerseekers.com
Byvonne, Wyong
Housed in the old manager’s cottage of the historic Wyong Milk Factory, Byvonne is a sweet little shop owned by Yvonne and Ross Welsh. Here you can pick up unique gifts, handmade jewellery, outdoor decorative items, as well as antiques and collectibles. Each of the five rooms of the quaint cottage is styled differently with relaxing music playing overhead and the scent of Yvonne’s handmade candles creating a serene environment for shoppers. Some of the more eclectic pieces include traditional Terramundi Money Pots that are hand-thrown in Italy and hand-painted in London, and handmade wooden ducks from Indonesia. Be sure to pick up one of Yvonne’s handmade candles, which she will refill at half the price when you’ve used it. Gallery 10. 141 Alison Rd . Wyong www.byvonne.com.au
Antigua Collective, Terrigal
Cool, classic and chic — that’s what you can expect from Antigua Collective at Terrigal, a premium women’s fashion store that opened earlier this year on The Esplanade. Owner Ruth Macfayden had worked in fashion in Terrigal for 10 years before opening this beautiful boho-luxe store where she offers her customers a personalised but relaxed shopping experience. Here you’ll find pieces of a mostly neutral palette, with easy-wear cuts and great quality fabrics from labels such as Apero, Eb & lve, Le Spees and Bird & Kite, as well as Antigua Collective, Antigua Jewellery and Antigua Home. 96 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal www.antiguacollective.com.au
WORDS MEGAN ARKINSTALL
