A CHIC SYDNEY ESCAPE

Paddington Shops

If there is anyone in Sydney who knows style, it’s fashionista Lizzie Renkert. As co-founder and director of bohemian-luxe fashion label We Are Kindred, Renkert's signature look is inspired by the natural beauty Harbour City.

“As a born and bred Sydney girl, my home city is by far my favourite place. Although I’ve travelled to some of the most beautiful places in the world throughout my career in the fashion industry, I still feel a wave of pridePaddington Shops and excitement when I fly home over the coastline and Sydney Harbour. And to this day, every morning when I drive over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to go to work at our Paddington studio, I feel so much gratitude that I get to call this magnificent city my home. It literally takes my breath away,” Renkert said.

Here, Lizzie shares her pick of Sydney’s shopping spots, places to eat, to grab a drink and stay.

Where to shop in Sydney
“I’ve always loved Sydney’s street-fashion, with its alluring mix of character, sophistication, combined with a casually-cool air that reflects our outdoor lifestyle. It’s well-deserved to see our local fashion labels and designers being celebrated on the world fashion stage. Shoppers from around the world gravitate to Australian designers for our trans-seasonal, relaxed approach to dressing,” said Renkert.

“For the Sydney look, it usually involves pairing designer offerings back with high street finds for that luxe meets casual Sydney-way to dress,” continued Renkert.

While there is a plethora of international designer stores in Sydney’s CBD and Bondi Junction, Lizzie has always been drawn to the more unique, independent Australian designers that give Sydney that special something.

Immerse in Sydney’s fashion scene with Lizzie’s top shopping locales: 

• Paddington is home to a healthy crop of local labels. The Intersection between Glenmore Road and Oxford Street is a who’s who of Sydney fashion success stories including Zimmermann, Camilla, Rachel Gilbert, Dion Lee and Baby Anything for accessories. For a mid-retail lunch stop, Jackie’s Café and The Daily Greens serve a fabulous, healthy menu to re-fuel.
• Further down the road on Oxford Street, across the road from Berkelouw Books and Palace Verona art-house cinema, you will find a sweet collection of stores, such as yours truly - We Are Kindred - along with In Bed for all linen homeware supplies and Naomi Watts’ Onda Beauty concept store.
• In the CBD, you can’t go past the gorgeous Strand Arcade home to local Sydney designers Alex Perry, Bassike, Camilla and Marc, Aje and Akira Isogawa.
• Double Bay in the Eastern suburbs is home to many a designer store within a village atmosphere for a leisurely shopping experience. Not to be missed is Bianca Spender’s brand new retail space on Knox Street.
• Mosman village on Sydney’s lower north shore has an array of fashion, interiors and lifestyle stores, as well as many great cafes and leafy parks to stroll. Fox and Dove and Mode Sportif both offer a bountiful collection of Australian designers.
• Bondi and Manly beaches share a coastal collection of eclectic stores, as well as markets each weekend. In Manly, make sure to venture down the side-streets off The Corso, and in Bondi, take a stroll down Hall and Gould Steet’s for cutting-edge designer streetwear.

Stylish eats

Shell House

“Sydney dining is up there with the best in the world. There is always an impressive hot-spot to meet friends whether it’s a cosy corner for an elegant meal, a beach-side location for a casually-cool lunch taking in the salty air and views, or a buzzy bar-side bite mid-week after a day at work – our city serves it all.”

Lizzie’s pick of stylish eats: 

• Shell House is the hottest new location right in the heart of the CBD at Wynyard, whether it’s for an elegant meal in the dining room, lunch on the sunny terrace or bar-side for a night-cap at their glamorous Skybar with city views.
• Chiswick is a pretty location for a long lunch amidst beautiful gardens in the leafy east-side suburb of Woollahra. Delicious food by Matt Moran, great for a lunch or dinner with family or friends – a dining spot for all occasions.
• After a day’s retail therapy, you can’t beat the dessert menu at Neil Perry’s Margaret restaurant in Double Bay. Think pineapple and coconut mille-feuille and custard filled donuts with strawberry jam!
• Outside of the CBD, Bert’s Bar & Brasserie in the Northern Beaches suburb of Newport or Mimi’s in the southern suburb of Coogee both offer memorable dining experiences by the water, with delicious menus that are a culinary and visual feast.
• You can’t top The Bather’s Pavilion, a Sydney institution on harbourside Balmoral beach - no prettier lunch spot on the water.

Chic drinks
“Sydney has always had its share of incredible bars, though the last few years we’ve come a long way with the rush of sophisticated small bars popping up all across the city. We’re spoilt for choice, whether you’re looking for a darkly-lit bar meets distillery or a pretty-themed space for a couple of cheeky cocktails with the girls.”

Lizzie’s small bar favourites:
• Employee’s Only originated in New York and now we have our very own version in Sydney. Not only do they serve incredible food and cocktails, you can also get a tarot reading in the heritage-listed basement off Barrack Street in the CBD. A sense of fun over a drink with a kick!
• Enjoy French champagne served by the magnum and cocktails inspired by early 20th century Paris at Merivale’s Little Felix in Ash Street in the city. Or Reign at the QVB is another great champagne house for a post-retail glass of bubbles.
• Maybe Sammy in The Rocks is listed as one of the World’s 50 Best Bars, with good reason. The Martini Trolley ensures this classic is served exactly the way you like it by savvy bartenders who mix your selection tableside.
• Close to Carriageworks, be sure to stop by Re at Eveleigh for a drink. Also in the neighbourhood is Kylie Kwong’s Lucky Kwong for an incredible touch of spice with their menu of plump noodles and fragrant Asian-dishes.

Book a room
“Although I live in Sydney, there is nothing more luxuriant than a staycation. A favourite hotel for a getaway at home is the Intercontinental Double Bay booking a room with a Juliette balcony for its pretty view over Double Bay village and out to the water. Plus their rooftop pool and bar is amazing to take in those views over a cocktail. For a bite to eat, Sake restaurant next door to the hotel serves some of the best Japanese you’ll ever eat.”

Other stylish Sydney stays Lizzie suggests: 

• Skye Suites with their spectacular rooms with ample space to stretch out, including plentiful hanging space for an outfit change (or two!) with locations in the CBD, Green Square and Parramatta. Each property has a spectacular swimming pool, worthy of any Insta feed.
• The Old Clare Boutique Hotel as a fabulous place to stay if you’re going to be at Carriageworks during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week attracting a glamorous crowd and only a stone’s throw away from all the fashion action.
• The Albert is a luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of Mosman and a lovely option to enjoy the leafy suburb’s village-feel close to boutiques, the Orpheum Picture Palace and Balmoral Beach.

One perfect Sydney day

Balmoral Beach

“There is so much to do and explore in and around Sydney. A particular favourite is Balmoral Beach which has always been a special place for me - it’s where I spent much of my childhood, and I now love to bring my own kids there for a relaxed day by the beach.”

Lizzie’s tips for the perfect day in Sydney: Roam Sydney’s art and cultural institutions is such as the The Museum of Contemporary Art in The Rocks and The Art Gallery of NSW in The Domain.
Following this, a stroll through The Royal Botanic Garden or a swim at the Andrew Boy Charlton Pool on the shore of Woolloomooloo to top off a great day, feeling rejuvenated and restored in Sydney.

“Sydney is a gem of a city and has everything you could ever want or need. She’s one of the great loves of my life!”

For more information for a chic Sydney escape, head to sydney.com

Share your Feel New Sydney moments on social media with @sydney #FeelNewSydney.

We Are Kindred present their latest collection at Australia’s premier fashion event - Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 from 9-13 May at Carriageworks in Eveleigh.