Oct 07, 2014 04:20
by Bella Clinton
Oh, haven’t you heard? Parramatta is a fashion and food hotspot! We set out to explore and had a ball discovering fabulous Indian, bridal sari’s, Indian beauty salons, the best baklava and great boutiques in Westfield Parramatta. We were also lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the stunning Giuliana Rancic and her husband Bill and listen as they gave fashion tips. What a day! Start this shopping guide in Westfield Parramatta, then wander down Station Street East to Harris Park and discover stunning sari houses. Then satisfy your stomach at one of the many fabulous Greek, Italian and Indian restaurants. You wont go home hungry…or empty handed!
Keep an eye out for The Saree Shop when walking along Station Street East. With trains rumbling by and the glare in your eyes, it is easy to miss the terrace house and it’s simple signage. But ring the bell and you will be greeted with piles of luxurious fabrics and the lovely Lana, who is more than happy to serve you a banquet of sarees. Ranging from $40 to $3000 there are sarees and ghagras, jewellery and salwar kameez for every occasion. Perhaps you want a simple saree for a Bollywood themed 21st party, or maybe you are looking for wedding fabric – customers can choose to be dripping in Swarovski crystals, pearls and sequins. You have 5 ½ metres of hand-woven fabric to play with!
42 Station Street East, Harris Park
Wandering Wigram Street, it is easy to become side-tracked by restaurants and Indian sweet shops, but keep up the pace until you come to De Chic Designer. This is the spot for unique and customised bridal wear. This bedazzling boutique specialises in Indian and Pakistani bridal wear and formal attire. Head designer and owner Naima has been in the business for 30 years and will fulfil your every bridal desire. Catering for men, women and children, you are in safe hands at De Chic. Naima and her team can create one-off designs tailored to meet your style and budget.
Shop B/104-106 Wigram St, Harris Park
Australia’s first Indian beauty salon offers eyebrow threading for $7…what a bargain! Now I’ve heard many praise the ancient hair removal technique that is eyebrow threading, so I thought I’d give it a try. Although the process was quick (over in 5 minutes) it was a little painful. My beautician was skilled, she used cotton thread to remove facial hair and shape beautiful brows. The verdict – great, if you have thick eyebrows and get them waxed often, as threading is natural, precise and there is little irritation to the skin.
85 Wigram St, Harris Park
Need a dress for Saturday night? Sunday lunch? Whatever the occasion, Dollhouse Design has you covered. This boutique stocks all the latest styles and trends at fabulously affordable prices. The place is pumping on a Tuesday – girls grab at trends in every colour, the line for the change rooms snakes through the store and I spy a For Love and Lemons Antigua Mini Dress. A splitting image of the $300-sold-out-everywhere-dress, my heart skips a beat when I see the price tag - $80?! No wonder the Dollhouse is packed.
Level 2, Shop 2125, Westfield Parramatta
Catering for even the fussiest of dolls, this boutique is all about the latest trends at killer prices. The Boho trend – think lace, crochet and floral, floaty dresses – is well represented here. Crops, two-pieces, playsuits and form-fitting skirts add to the mix. Walk in and out with a new Spring/Summer outfit for under $100.
Level 2, Shop 2108, Westfield Parramatta
Sheike is all about celebrating the woman. Catering for the fashion-forward woman, there is a wide range of outfits suitable for formals, work, or Friday night drinks. Very sexy, very Sheike. Ps. Mid-season sale is on now!
Shop 350, Westfield Parramatta
Beautiful lingerie maketh the woman. Head here for a huge range of stunning lingerie for everyday or special occasions – Weddings or when you need a naughty nurse costume. From French lingerie Simone Pèrèle and Passionata, to Pleasure State Couture, The Blonde, Elle Macpherson and Kim Kardashian Intimates, the lovely assistant Montura will properly fit you. You can also pick up a new bikini from Seafolly, Jets by Jessika Allen, Baku and Isola by Megan Gale.
Level 3, Shop 3032, Westfield Parramatta
Whether it is heels, wedges, boots, flats or sandals, Sheriton Shoes is home to all the popular shoe brands. All the trends from Siren, Verali, Diavolina and Windsor Smith are here and won’t break the bank. Nude patent and nude leather are best sellers, and there is a deal on at the moment – buy one pair and receive 50% off the second.
Shop 2121, Westfield Parramatta
Australian brand Windsor Smith is the number one leading fashion men’s and ladies branded footwear company. Slides, espadrilles, platforms, double stakks, footbed frenzy and the IT sneaker are a few of the trendy styles lining the walls.
159-175 Church Street, Westfield Parramatta
Georgini offers a little piece of luxury at fabulously affordable prices. Georgini is a combination of modern elegance and fashion-forward design resulting in jewellery that is suitable for every occasion. Bold or intricate, whatever takes your fancy, these jewels are accessible to all women.
Level 4, Shop 4026, Westfield Parramatta
Embrace your inner femme fatale this September at Mecca Maxima. Be queen of the jungle with cat eyes! The Mecca girls will create the style in-store for you and teach you how to do it at home.
Shop 4023, Level 4, opposite David Jones, Westfield Parramatta
This kiosk smells and looks good enough to eat! Products are fair trade, ethically sourced, vegetarian, 80% are vegan and all are handmade locally. Sydney Lush Cosmetics are lovingly created in Rosebery and every lotion and potion has a sticker on it identifying exactly who made it. I pick out a Body Butter made by Kate! Stock up on feel good, smell good products, knowing that your purchase has harmed no little creatures.
Kiosk K302, Westfield Parramatta
This French brand has been around since 1976 and is still nailing it. Hit up the Top 10 Range – a shelf comprising the Top 10, most popular products Internationally. Number one is the Crème Divine, an anti-aging face cream and my pick is anything made from Shea butter. Also known as “women’s gold”, Shea butter nuts are hand churned by the women of Burkina Faso, Africa.
159-175 Church Street, Westfield Parramatta