The Localist

Achtung Sydney - the Concordia Club gets its groove on

2011-08-16T21:17:00.016+10:00

So you've seen the Opera House, climbed the Harbour Bridge, frolicked around at Bondi. Now of course you're wondering - where in Sydney can I go to do the chicken dance? To devour a mammoth pork knuckle while drinking German beers and watching croquet?

In the 3 and a half years since I came to Sydney and started venturing into its quirky neighbourhoods, I had, until last weekend, been oblivious to the Concordia Club. Shame on me...this place has been around since 1883! First in Stanmore, now in Tempe (train station's right across the road -easy), I think the Concordia Club, its hearty German fair, its dancing patrons, its croquet comp buzz, gave me a little gift which I could call Sunday afternoon 'contentment'. It's the sort of place you can go to and forget about all those insecurities that can plague you in a city obsessed with the body beautiful and being seen at the latest 'it' small bar.

It's all about Germany here, so order your beverages, line up for your sausages or pork knuckle, take a seat outside and just relax. Best to save some room for dessert though - there are some tasty looking cakes in a little cake shop too...and German groceries...and a guy selling German deli foods. They've got it covered.

And don't forget to buy a raffle ticket. If you're lucky like me, you might just win some of those German deli treats....

My haul!

Deli-cious Dulwich Hill - The Larder and Gino and Mary's

2011-08-09T21:38:00.025+10:00

Looking for carefully selected European or Australian cheeses and hard to find produce? Or perhaps you're after imported goods from Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal or South America? Or Australian prosciutto crudo on the bone? Look no further than the humble Dulwich Hill town centre on Marrickville Road, where you'll find well-established Gino and Mary's and newcomer The Larder. Now really, is a suburb complete without a well-stocked delicatessen?

The Larder (Epicerie Fine) opened in April 2011 and is full of charm and potential. French owner Dominique (pictured below) was inspired to open a good food store that specialised in great quality local and imported cheeses and other interesting/hard to find produce. His idea was to help his customers learn to appreciate different cheeses by changing his selection on a regular basis.

As well as the fabulous cheese selection (it is one of only two stockists in Sydney of the Bruny Island raw milk cheese C2), drop by the Larder for duck stock, duck confit, grasse d'oie, grasse de canard, Gokoko chocolate from the Blue Mountains, quinoa, both black and white varieties of chia seeds, Brasserie breads and even organic baby foods. Plans for the near future include in store tastings and expansion into charcuterie.

The Larder, 489 Marrickville Road, Dulwich Hill 2203.

A little closer to New Canterbury Road and on the other side of Marrickville Road is the well-established Gino and Mary's. I've always loved this place - particularly the Sicilian olives and freshly made taramasalata. I also love it because I can find things here that just aren't easy to find in the big supermarket chains, like black beans, good anchovies in olive oil and tapenades.

Gino and Mary took over the deli in 2000, however it has been a Dulwich Hill institution for over 50 years. According to Gino (pictured below), it's all about delivering freshness and quality and caters or everyone in the local multicultural community. There are specialty cheeses from Greece as well as a range of Brazilian foods. Specialties include homemade salami, Australian prosciutto crudo and home-marinated olives on the bone. Small goods are mainly imported from Italy, Spain and Portugal. Specialty homemade Swiss and Italian breads and Italian biscuits are also popular. While you're there, why not pick up a coffee machine as well...or even some vegetable seeds?!

Gino and Mary's Continental Delicatessen, 560 Marrickville Road, Dulwich Hill 2003

Life in Sydney...beyond Westfield, Merivale and Pie Face

2011-08-02T11:51:00.008+10:00

It's been nearly 2 years! My blog is still here, it didn't just fall off the face of the earth...I can't believe it! It's a beautiful day in Sydney today - mid winter, the sun is shining, last time I checked my phone it was heading towards 22 degrees celsius - if you're in Sydney and you've survived the recent rain and winds you will understand how good I am feeling right now.

So much has happened...I started working more, I learned a lot more about photography, I decided to go back to uni and do my Master of Development studies - full time, so I was busy. It's hard to believe that I am already done, that I've turned the last page of another chapter of my life and am just getting a feel for the next one.

I've been thinking a lot recently about the Localist, why I lost my stride and what's inspiring me now. I still love fashion and individual style and am constantly inspired by the people around me every day. One thing that I have particularly loved since moving to Sydney in early 2008 is exploring this amazing city - I'm not talking about its obvious attractions like the harbour, the beaches in the eastern suburbs and the lower north shore, although I'm in no way denying how amazing these places are. I'm talking about the cultural diversity of the city, particularly as you trek further out west, all the little shops, cafes, restaurants, markets and street fairs that still thrive despite the forward march of the chains and the multinationals. I love tracking things down because I am convinced that, if it exists, I can find it here in Sydney, or I'll be able to soon as the city expands each day and more people from all over the world make this city home.

My new idea for the Localist is this: in addition to street style (I'll still be on the lookout!), this blog is going to be an alternative, off the beaten track guide to Sydney for the wandering local or the adventurous tourist, either real or virtual, who recognises that it's well worth venturing beyond Circular Quay (note to local council/state government - might be worth improving the infrastructure beyond the city circle as well?? Last week I witnessed a whole bunch of bewildered tourists trying to figure out where they were on a train with no station announcements and a station with no visible name - this was Newtown under renovation!!). Public transport grievances aside, it's not all bad, and sometimes the best way to get around this place is by jumping on a train or bus.

So while Pie Faces seem to be popping up everywhere, Justin Hemmes expands the Merivale empire and Westfield takes over the CBD, I'll be focusing on the small and local, the people, fashion, shops, restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, businesses, events, the natural beauty - all the things that make Sydney unique and definitely worth exploring!

Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to check in on the Localist every now and then over the last couple of years. Hopefully this change in direction won't scare you off and maybe you'll even drop by again, whether you're in the neighbourhood or on the other side of the world, to explore Sydney with me.

Awakening from a winter in hibernation....back in the game

2009-09-07T22:51:00.008+10:00

Spring feels like it began in the middle of winter this year...a lot of things in my life changed and I decided to take the winter months off to sort them out. A 27 degree day in the middle of winter not long ago though completely thawed me out and the Localist has been reborn.

On Saturday I had about an hour to do some quick shopping at my favourite markets in Sydney - the monthly Surry Hills markets. Anything that's within 100 metres from my house always ends up being a favourite one way or another...

Oh, and thanks heaps to all those visitors who've returned every now and then to see the same old images for the last few months!

Back on the Sydney Streets

2009-05-12T21:36:00.004+10:00

After sacrificing many many hours of my life, I managed to solve my computer issues....myself! The professionals told me I was going to have to reformat and lose everything, but I stubbornly persisted and somehow managed to get the laptop working again. pheeew!!!

So back out on the Sydney streets then...the other day I was walking through Paddington, on my way to an appointment. Amidst a sea of too cool harem pants it was actually refreshing to see classic pieces worn well.

How dependent I've become....

2009-05-06T14:05:00.003+10:00

Bad news for me....my 14 month old sony vaio laptop has died....even the IT guy at my work has no idea - its an unidentifiable Windows Vista issue!

Of course I haven't backed up for a while either. That's a whole other issue...

Hence the lack of posts. I'm still shooting though so fingers crossed my laptop recovers from this mysterious illness and I can share what I've been up to.

Outside the OPT - Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW) - Day 2

2009-04-28T13:28:00.013+10:00

Dion Lee to show at Australian Fashion Week tomorrow

2009-04-27T22:07:00.011+10:00

I can't wait to see the fruits of Dion Lee's labour when he shows at Australian Fashion Week tomorrow. In the meantime I will just have to settle with a few favourites from his A/W 09 collection.

Photos courtesy of www.dionlee.com

Sydney street style - Surry Hills Festival

2009-04-25T14:17:00.007+10:00

Rewind to last Saturday and the Surry Hills Festival - I was only there briefly so didn't get a chance to photograph as many people as I wanted. Can't complain though - I had a great afternoon/night out with my mates!

Sydney street style - friends indeed

2009-04-20T10:29:00.004+10:00

Sydney street style - gold, black and bandages

2009-04-19T21:53:00.004+10:00

Back in Sydney - Kirribilli Markets

2009-04-14T17:19:00.004+10:00

Another day at work - High St Armadale

2009-04-12T21:19:00.003+10:00

Shopping (and working) at Secondo on Toorak Road

2009-04-08T19:29:00.006+10:00

I turned into a shopper stalker at Secondo on Toorak Rd in South Yarra...and met my most patient 'model' ever - you should know who you are!

The Localist travels to Melbourne's Chapel St

2009-04-07T09:26:00.009+10:00

I've been busy with family and friends lately so things have been a little quiet on the blog. Over the weekend I headed to Melbourne for my very good friend's birthday (love ya chang) and loved every minute of it. Get me back there!!

Street style out west - Cabramatta

2009-03-25T19:53:00.004+11:00

Circling Circular Quay

2009-03-23T10:54:00.012+11:00

Saturday afternoon street style down by the Harbour.

I love gloves..and Alexandre Herchcovitch

2009-03-21T21:56:00.009+11:00

Winter seems like it is still a very long way away in Sydney at the moment...not that I'm complaining, but when the time comes to layer up and keep away the cold this winter, I've got my gloves ready. Be inspired by Brazil's Alexandre Herchcovitch's Winter 2009 collection, shown at Sao Paulo Fashion Week earlier this year.

Pics from UOL Estilo

Bondi - more than just a beach

2009-03-16T12:26:00.016+11:00

There's also a fantastic market right near the beach every Sunday.

Off the Glebe to accessorize and glamourize

2009-03-16T08:53:00.008+11:00

'lc the mad hatter' has set up shop at Glebe Markets where she sells designer hats and accessories. Her label, El Cee's Designs, is influenced by the feather-filled glamour of the 1920s and classic design of the 20th century. Definitely worth checking out! Read more about her on myspace.

I couldn't resist making a purchase last time I visited her at the Glebe markets....

Black lace - love you long time

2009-03-15T11:04:00.005+11:00

I once read that black lace is classic first date material...well I've never put that one to the test and don't really plan to (stellar advice i'm sure.....) but I've got a lot of love for my own little black lace short-sleeve jacket. I know, I know, black lace is all over the place at the moment....but sometimes you've got to pay a little respect to those items in your wardrobe that have given you years of service. I picked this up at a second-hand* store about 8 years ago.

*Yes that's right, 'second-hand'...A friend and I came to the conclusion last night that we were so over the word 'vintage' - just even saying it seems to add $50 to an item's worth - so I'm bringing back the no frills word, second-hand. Hey, we've all got to do our bit for the global financial crisis!

Who's in Newtown on a Tuesday afternoon?

2009-03-11T22:20:00.000+11:00

sit in office vs wander round taking photos of people all day...mmmmmm....

The Wild West (End) of Brisbane

2009-03-09T20:47:00.000+11:00

I live in Sydney now but I am Brisbane born and bred..and I can't help but love Brisbane style and people in general. Last weekend I stopped for a coffee in West End with my friend Kristy and met a few interesting people.

Keep on walking...from Sydney to Brisbane

2009-03-09T16:32:00.000+11:00

A Saturday trip to the markets

2009-03-03T14:41:00.001+11:00

Sydney's Glebe markets on a Saturday = being hit by the overwhelming aroma of sweet roasted peanuts as you pass the entrance gates, lots of vintage gear and wardrobe purging, young designer gear and one-off pieces, jewellery....and some very tangy lemonade.

Summer = dress + boots

2009-03-02T21:30:00.001+11:00

Hello Willow

2009-02-23T13:23:00.001+11:00

Sydney-based designer Kit Willow launched her label, Willow, in 2003. The line has evolved from lingerie into free-spirited luxurious day and evening wear that continues to reference corsetry and lingerie. Here are a few of my favourite pieces from the Sacred Trace Collection.

The Localist's choice of tunes for Willow's Sacred Trace collection:
The only thing I know by Gotye
Memories & dust by Josh Pyke

Kicking around at Bronte Beach

2009-02-12T19:52:00.000+11:00

Keeping cool in the city

2009-02-07T18:40:00.001+11:00

Summer in Sydney - the kids are lovin Big Messy Hair

I made it myself

2009-02-07T17:50:00.000+11:00

http://www.madeit.com.au/ is an online marketplace where independent Australian designers sell goods online. Support independence and head to the market!

Lauren Curnow from Ballarat in Victoria has created some standout Beach Treasure rings, $20 a pop, cast from Cuttle Fish, made from pewter and set with mother of pearl or shell. Go straight to her stuff here.

Do Estilista at Sao Paulo Fashion Week Winter 09

2009-02-03T16:30:00.000+11:00

Winter in Sao Paulo will be set against brilliant blue days and midnight blue nights.
The Dutch will pay a visit and bring windmills and clogs.
And don't forget your best vintage china...

The Localist's mixtape for Do Estilista:
Tudo que voce podia se by Simone
Cade voce by Sabrina Malheiros
Conversacao de Paz by Sergio Ricardo

Pics from UOL Estilo

A Surry Hills Summer Sunday....

2009-02-01T20:09:00.001+11:00

Hitting the streets - Surry Hills, Sydney

I always wanted to be a dancer

2009-01-27T17:32:00.001+11:00

Finally - this is my chance to relive my childhood Flashdance / Fame obsession.

Australian designer and former ballet dancer Dainy Sawatzky has created dancewear that makes me want to dance all through my life.

View the entire collection here.

Joburg Fashion Week

2009-01-27T15:01:00.000+11:00

I spend a lot of time trawling through collections and just as much time avoiding reading other's opinions, just so I can make up my own mind...so here are my favourites from the Audi Joburg Fashion Week held on 21 - 24 January 09.

1. David Tlale

2. Thembisili Mazibuko

3. Stephan Martin

4. Taibo

5. Lesego Peega

6. Suzaan Heyns

From African Fashion International

Before the summer's over..revisiting Maurie & Eve

2009-01-21T20:45:00.001+11:00

The Localist's mixtape for Summer with Maurie & Eve
Wrote you off by Screamfeeder
The King is dead by The Herd
You will die and I will take over by British India

Australia's
Maurie & Eve

The End of the Line collection highlights - Summer 08/09's edge

The evolution of an idea

2009-01-21T20:35:00.000+11:00

It started about 8 years ago...unlike many ideas that come and go and are barely remembered, this one has resurfaced again and again.

Welcome to the Localist.

The Localist is a celebration of the unique style of the Southern Hemisphere, from the cafes of Melbourne to the beaches of Rio.

Enjoy, share ideas and join the celebration!