The Rise of Newcastle E-Boutiques: Snaffle Some Sweet Deals Online

by Sophie Nixon on June 22, 2011

Online shopping is taking the world by storm! For shoppers, the online world offers convenience, competitive pricing and more variety, and gives designers a chance to reach a whole new market and enrich their retail experience (like Australian brand Lucette).

According to Vogue editor Kirstie Clements we (Australia) are a natural market for online shopping because we are geographically remote & our dollar is so strong. She also described true fashionistas as women who know what they want and want it now!

This week we have sought out three Newcastle fashion labels that are offering an online shopping service:

First on the list is Guanabana. Guanabana has a shop front on Darby St and is an Australian fashion label created by Linda Bergskas. The online boutique features the brand’s entire collection including shoes, handbags and accessories. My personal faves are the Print Leggings with cute little moose that will keep you company on a cold day and to complete the outfit is the Snowflake jumper that comes in black, white and fuschia. The e-boutique site is a breeze to use, ensuring your treasures will be secured and posted quickly. For more info on Guanabana, check out our interview Linda.

Second on the list is High Tea With Mrs Woo, another boutique located on Darby St in Cooks Hill.  High Tea With Mrs Woo is a collaboration of three very talented sisters who focus on using colour, texture and pattern to tell their stories of travel and cinema their main inspiration. The ‘wonderful webshoppe‘ is beautifully designed, highly interactive and features interesting drawings. On entering the site a quote from Mrs Woo herself states that ‘each and every visitor is entitled to shopping every nuance’. The wonderful open book design presents you with clothing and accessory options as well as advice on sizing, policies, shipping and returns. My favourite item is the Pie In The Sky waistcoat featuring ‘burnt crimson rabbits’ with 29% off at $220. Perfect to brighten up an outfit.

Third and finally is Honeybee, who make gorgeous stainless steel jewellery and timber wall clocks here. The jewellery is made by Kyle Roddenby and Wyan McAlliste, inspired by a love of vintage books and prints. Honeybee boasts that the company uses ethical, sustainable and fair trade practices in all aspects of their business. The website offers a $5 coupon if you sign up to their mailing list and the website also keeps you up to date on sale items. On my wish list in the jewellery department is the Love Bunny Pendant with matching earrings both $49, and I can’t go past the charming Horse Wall Clock $69.95 for my loungeroom.

It would be great to see more Newcastle-based fashion designers getting in on this trend, following the lead of local & big fashion retailers such as General Pants Co and Witchery, whose online shopping stores deserve a mention.

General Pants Co. located at Westfield Kotara. The best element of the website is the ‘look book’ section that helps shoppers browse ideas for certain looks and styles such as Tomboy or Denim and allows you to purchase the entire outfit. This is a great shopping tool for those of you who have not yet checked out the 2011 Autumn & Winter fashion trends! General Pants Co. has also recently created a mentorship initiative called The Bubble. The other is Witchery, a women’s and men’s fashion label that has a store in Charlestown Square. The brand boasts simple, sophisticated styles and is currently launching the White Shirt Campaign that aims to raise vital funds for and awareness for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.  Be sure to check it out as 100% of the gross proceeds go towards the foundation. What better excuse could there be to shop!