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 Guest blog By Amy Chandler

 When you think of shopping in the country, you might assume it’s all check shirts and RM Williams, but that’s where you are mistaken.

Lucky for us country folk, SA’s towns are dotted with fashionable hidden treasures that are well attuned to #style. Trust me when I say that these shops are so good that they’ll have you bypassing the city and heading for the hills to do your shopping.

To help you on your way, I am going to give you the secrets of where to shop in country SA.

Why am I giving away my secrets?

First, country people are a creative bunch who are creating some beautiful stuff. But, for the most part, I’m telling you this because most shops in country towns only survive because of the patronage of local residents and people passing through.

So girls, warm up your credit cards and head off on a road trip to one of these shops this weekend.

PONY in Charleston

Under an hour from Adelaide, Charleston is a quaint country town in the Adelaide Hills home to about a thousand people. It’s a one pub and a post office kind of town. But it has THE most beautiful clothing and homewares store which would give any shop in Adelaide a run for its moolah. Pony has been a favourite for many women in the Adelaide Hills for sometime so do yourself a favour this weekend. Did I mention the wineries nearby?

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StyleHouse at Aldgate

While you’re in the Adelaide Hills, stop by StyleHouse in Aldgate and take in the ambience. This has to be one of the most delightful shopping experiences in the Adelaide Hills. Far from the mainstream, StyleHouse stocks a beautifully eclectic range of homewares, sourced from around the world – from quirky gifts, gorgeous clothing, wall art, beautiful throws, and exquisite vases.

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High Street Trading in Strathalbyn

Known unofficially as the ‘antique capital of Australia’, Strathalbyn is a very pretty town about an hour from Adelaide, but there’s so much more to Strath than antiques. High Street Trading is a contemporary furniture and interior design business which is brimming with style, a calming interior and friendly staff. And the scents! In the interior design world, candles might as well be a currency and High Street Trading has the best. Whether you have your own place, or are still shacked up with your parents, trust me, this place will ignite the inner interior designer in all of us.

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Coast By Design at Port Elliot

Now that summer has finally arrived, every man and his dog will be flocking to Port Elliot (and for good reason). Coast is a large coastal lifestyle store in a converted old mill in Port Elliot. Think exposed beams, rustic, coastal and eclectic furniture, and a beachy atmosphere. The space represents Port Elliot well and will make you want to move to the holiday destination permanently. The owners also have lifestyle stores in the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley.

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Pearle Boutique in Mount Barker

I’m confident when I say that you won’t leave Mount Barker’s Pearle Boutique empty handed. The boutique stocks a fabulous range of fashion labels for women, men and children, bringing fashion and flair to the Adelaide Hills. The business is expanding and recently opened another shop in Strathalbyn. Go you good things!

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Yoshiki in Murray Bridge

Next stop Murray Bridge… Located in the Murray Bridge Market Place, Yoshiki stocks some of Australia’s leading fashion labels right in the heart of Murray Bridge.

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5five7seven at Minlaton

No trip to the Yorke Peninsula is complete without a visit to 5five7seven at Minlaton. This quirky little homewares shop sources fabulous and unusual pieces, including jewellery, furniture, art, clothing and gifts from around the globe. The startup owner Annabel is a qualified interior designer with a love of collecting unique objects which make this shop a favourite for women of all ages on the Yorke Peninsula.

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Bella Yorke at Ardrossan

While you’re on the Yorke Peninsula, drop into Bella Yorke at Ardrossan for on-trend women’s and children’s clothing, jewellery, bags and accessories. Think lots of handcrafted jewellery and accessories – let’s call it wearable art – sourced from all around SA. Be careful, you could very easily deep dive into their Instagram and lose two hours if you’re not careful.

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Bullrush in Burra and Moonta

This contemporary country label is synonymous with the outback and has been selling laid-back fashion and children’s clothing for over twenty years. Lucky for you they have an online shop, so you can shop their beautiful clothing and homewares from the comfort of your bed.

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Holiday at Robe 

This brand needs no introduction. If you’ve ever visited a beachside town and noticed women wearing kaftans, they were probably purchased at Holiday. Think colour, pattern and floaty fabrics. Designed in Australia, each piece features Holiday’s signature beautiful prints and fabric detail while embodying Holiday’s free-spirited style.

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So, next time you’re on your way back from Yorkes, or visiting your family down the South East, make sure you stop at one of these cute shops and spend a few bucks. Without shoppers like you, these beautiful shops which add so much to the charm of the town will just be another small business that vanishes.

While you’re passing through, stop by the farmers’ market, take the opportunity to taste the best locally grown produce and fall in love with the inviting pubs and boutique cellar doors.  You’ll have the best day and you’ll meet the nicest people.

The best news? You’ll probably get a park right out front.

 

Amy Chandler is the PR Manager for Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Zoo. She’s also the founder of Comms Hub, a communications start-up which provides communications support to small businesses and start-ups at a fraction of the cost of the traditional PR industry.

Hayley Pearson

Hayley Pearson

Co-Creator and Writer for Adelady, she still gets goosebumps that she’s combined her creative passion with sharing the best of her stunning home state.

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