Eat, live and play local at Brisbane’s Portside Wharf, Brisbane

Sponsored by Portside Wharf 

There is a buzz in the air the morning we arrive at Brisbane’s Portside Wharf. A cruise ship is docked and passengers are taking advantage of last-minute travel wardrobe shopping or chatting over coffee before boarding. 

On my next visit, Portside Wharf is still buzzing but no cruise ships are in port. Regardless, locals in the know know that heading to Portside for lunch, dinner, the movies or a spot of shopping makes you feel like you’re on holidays.

My assignment is to uncover the mix of fashion, beauty and lifestyle offerings at Portside Wharf ahead of hosting two events for Portside’s Summer Fashion Soiree.

I know, TOUGH GIG.

First stop: coffee. And when coffee combines with fashion and lifestyle gifts, I say yes please and thank-you. That’s what you’ll find at Co Design, which shares this fabulous space with Deer Sir.

The coffee is good. VERY good. And you can easily spend a good hour browsing the racks of accessories, decor pieces and bohemian clothes from the labels such as Rubyyaya, Lulasoul and Shanty.

Rubyyaya dress | Cadelle Leather bag | Co Design, Portside Wharf Brisbane

Lulasoul jacket | Shanty top | Shanty pants | Isabella Boho bag | Co Design, Portside Wharf Brisbane

Next stop, Lieve Boutique. Lieve specialises in high-end labels from Australia and around the world. You’ll find your complete travel wardrobe plus inspired ideas for events and occasions.

Labels include: Mela Purdie, Imagine, Frank Lyman and Philosophy. You’ll also find a range of accessories and jewellery to complement your chosen pieces.

Mela Purdie top, skirt and jacket | Adorne bag | Lieve Boutique, Portside Wharf, Brisbane

Imagine top, jacket and pant | Lieve Boutique, Portside Wharf Brisbane

All this shopping quickly works up an appetite. And, quite frankly the delicious smells coming from the kitchen of Gusto Da Gianni are just impossible to pass up.

I mean, look at this pasta … huge chunks of the freshest of fresh seafood linguini in white wine sauce with garlic, chilli, olive oil and parsley. YUM.

Re-fuelled and ready for more fashion shopping, it is on to Costa Moda. Costa Moda (meaning fashion by the sea) is a Queensland brand, which began its story in 1984 in Noosa. Its pieces are Australian-made and are wash-and-wear perfect for the everyday and travel.

Costa Moda top, pant, bag and hat | Costa Moda, Portside Wharf, Brisbane

Costa Moda top, skirt and scarf | Costa Moda, Portside Wharf, Brisbane

I tell you, trying on clothes is extremely thirsty work. Time to stop and soak in the riverside vibe at Byblos, I think. Doesn’t everyone order a drink to match their outfit?

Byblos, Portside Wharf, Brisbane

I’ve only scratched the surface of what’s on offer at Portside Wharf. It really is worth making a half-day or day of it, especially if you combine catching a movie at Dendy Cinemas.

On the fashion front, check out Brisbane-designed Urbbanna. I picked up a great casual shirt for Mr SY last week. Shoe lovers will love family-owned shoe boutique, Cassardi Shoe Studio, which offers luxe European brands for comfort wear and high-fashion occasions.

Beauty-wise, book into Tigerlamb (see below for my fabulous ‘do for the Summer Fashion Soiree). Need your nails sorted? KC Nails has you covered.

Other dining options include Sono Japanese restaurant, Pineapple Express and many more. 

There is plenty of parking on site but my favourite way to get to Portside Wharf to really make it feel like an escape from the every day is via the CityCat, which stops at Bretts Wharf, just 500m away.

For a full look at everything that’s on offer at Portside Wharf, head HERE. 

So, tell me, Brisbane Stylers, have you visited Portside Wharf of late.

Photography: The Photo Pitch; Hair and Makeup: Dale Dorning/Arc Creative

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Portside Wharf Summer Fashion Soiree

The rain didn’t fail to stop fashion lovers coming out in force for the 2018 Portside Wharf Summer Fashion Soiree parades. I was honoured to MC the shows … here’s a little look at what I wore. My hair was by the fabulous team at Tigerlamb and makeup by Issada.

Rubyyaya dress | Co Design, Portside Wharf,  Brisbane

Mela Purdie at Lieve Boutique, Portside Wharf, Brisbane