Sunday 31 August 2008

Why We Love Newtown - Part 1

Newtown - There's a lot to like about this part of Sydney. Depending on who you talk to, I'm sure you will hear both positives and negatives, but hey, you could say that about anywhere.

If you aren't from the area (welcome to my international and interstate readers), and you plan on visiting Sydney, I highly recommend paying a visit to Newtown. It's about 4km from the City and easy to get to by bus or train (driving is an option but Newtown is also known for traffic jams).

You will need a whole day (or two) to see everything - you don't want to rush. Oh, you will also need some good walking shoes, an open mind, and a love of shopping and food.

King Street is Newtown's main street and features a melting pot of cultures, where almost anything goes. You'll find lots of specialty stores, and when I say specialty, I mean 'specialty'. A lot of the stores focus on getting in things that are a little different (I think that is part of the allure of Newtown).

There's a mix of the old and new (and funnily enough that describes the architecture of Newtown), with retro furniture stores, gift stores, fashion (vintage and cutting edge) as well as the mink schmink boutique of course. Shopaholics be warned, Newtown is shopping heaven.

And if you're hungry and thirsty, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars to satisfy - you won't be short on choice. For intstance in the South end of King St you can pick between Thai, Vietnamese, Turkish, Korean, Lebanese and even go for Teppanyaki (and that's only a fraction of what you choose from). Foodies, you can delight your tastebuds all day in Newtown - seriously.

Ok, so I've only mentioned a little of what Newtown has to offer. There is plenty to come - I will try and get some photos for you all in the next installment.

Tatty Devine 'Best Of... Collection' Now In Store

These have to be seen to be believed - the photos just don't do them justice. My shipment from the designer jewellery label Tatty Devine is here and I have to say, that the ladies at Tatty Devine are brilliant. Not only are their designs original, they have put a lot of time and effort into their label and it shows. Even the necklaces have the signature 'Tatty Devine' plectrum on the chain.

Who says that jewellery has to be formal all the time? I think that a lot of people are opening up to the use of different materials in jewellery. And with so many of us wanting to change our looks and have fun with jewellery, cost is also a factor.

A trend that has been growing steadily in the past few years is the use of crystal glass, acrylic and resin, mixed in with precious metals like sterling silver and gold. While the materials aren't as costly, designers can be more creative while making a design with great quality. The rules are changing (thankfully) and I think we'll see a lot more of this for a while yet.

Here are my favourites from the Tatty Devine collection:



'Pegasus' earrings in black or mirror finish


Triple 'Crisps' Necklace (cast from real chippies) - Notice the 'Tatty Devine' imprinted on the Crisp? How's that for attention to detail?!

Sunday 10 August 2008

Gold, Silver and Bronze

While the world competes for medals, why not wear your own gold, silver and bronze? Whether you're a golden girl, a silver shopper or a bronze babe, these cuffs and necklet should inspire you to release your inner warrior - after all, hunting (er, I mean shopping) can be hard work. You might as well look good while you're at it right? And for under $30 I think that makes it a good buy. In store now.


Gold Warrior Princess Cuffs
(also available in silver)



Beaten Silver Cuff
Bronze Shield Necklet
(also available in blue and raspberry)



Sunday 3 August 2008

Mink Schmink - Mermaid Love Collection

Handmade with love... This range is inspired by mermaids and the sea. Wearing pearls and natural materials always adds a touch of class to an outfit. To wear this look, pair them up with classic tops or dresses in plain solid colours. Don't forget to put pearls on last!

Limited edition range. In store now.

Mermaid Love Collection

Cranberry Freshwater Pearl Bracelet with 3 White Pearls



Lava Stone Bracelet


White Coral Bracelet

Tassel Earrings
(Onyx, Jade, Swarovski Crystal, Freshwater Pearls)


Sea Flower Earrings
(Czech Glass)

Sneak Peek - Tatty Devine 'Best of... Collection'

I have some great news for all the die hard fashionistas out there. Mink Schmink is proud to be stocking UK jewellery label Tatty Devine. Some of you may have already heard of Tatty Devine. For those of you who haven't, let me introduce you.

Already famous in the UK for their original designs, Tatty Devine jewellery feature laser-cut Acrylic designs that elevate jewellery into art. Featured in the past in Vogue Magazine, Paris Fashion Week and also sold at department store Harvey Nichols, Tatty Devine continues to create pieces adored worldwide.

Their latest collection 'Best of...' showcases some of their most popular pieces, spanning across twelve seasonal collections. Here's a sneak peek at some of the pieces coming to our Newtown boutique.

(p.s. I'll update you all when the stock arrives - if you would like to reserve any items, please email me)



Glasses Necklace


Mouse Necklace (with Jet Swarovski Crystal eyes and Leather ears and tail)



Artist's Moustache Necklace

Lucy Lui & the Fashion Olympics





The Beijing Olympics start in less than a week and the eyes of the world will be focused on China. It just wouldn't be right unless the fashion world took part, so here's a taste of what Harper's Bazaar came up with; a tongue in-cheek fashion spread with Lucy Lui in the Fashion Olympics. Go Lucy!


Photos by Peter Lindbergh



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