Manly, the iconic seaside town of the Northern Beaches is renowned for it’s fish & chips and languishing pines, however there is a stylish sophistication of Manly hiding in it’s lanes and side streets.

If you are exhausted by the repetitiveness of the High Street stores, Manly has a smorgasbord of individual designer boutiques to suit every style and budget. As a personal stylist in Sydney I find the variety and choice as refreshing as Manly’s surrounding ocean.

Personal Stylist Top Picks 

Mr & Mrs Smith: is an eclectic mixture of home-wear & children’s clothing along with men & woman’s wear. Withan outstanding selection of designers including famous names like Kate Sylvester. The décor has a French country farmhouse feel and the budget is high end. Perfect for something a little different if you are tired of the continued cloning of the High Street stores. Shop 5, 11-27 Wentworth st, Manly

McLean & Page: Has a fresh modern outlook. This funky newly refurbished store could hold its own on any NY Boulevard. Established designers like Lovers and Sass & Bide adorn the racks. The jewelry and candle collections are so exquisitely displayed you may be led into the temptation of ‘BUYING’ Shop 3C Rialto Square Manly

Caribou: A well hidden little secret, Caribou is the fairly new kid on the block, stocking labels like Luciette it’s affordable and trendy. The ultimate cheery sales assistant adds another dimension to the shopping experience. 12 Central Ave  Manly

Think: One of my favourite Manly Boutiques (they also have a store in Chatswood Chase and Rhodes Shopping Centre). Their designs are very wearable and extremely affordable, and their Sales are mega! The range of jewelry is undeniably the most extensive collection on the Northern Beaches and their sizes range from an 8 to a generous 16. 29 Sydney Rd, Manly

Mint: Stocks classic designers, like White Suede and Bec & Bridge to name a few, including the infamous Nudie Jeans. As a unisex boutique, complete outfits can be bought from shoes to hats and everything in-between. If designer is your thing Kate Spade and House of Harlow sunglasses are available to complete the entire trend this season! Shop 8 /9-15 Central Ave  Manly

Refuel In Style

After a huge day of retail therapy, you need to take the opportunity to indulge in some serious R & R. Manly is well known for it’s bars and night life. There is a barrage of restaurant spruikers in the Corso, reminiscent of a busy European Piazza, however my favourite places are a little more cultured and stylish.

Hemingways: Quirky and fun with a tuck shop menu and Doctor Zeus books. Its vintage ambiance is accentuated by the ‘singer’ sowing machine in the ladies toilets. The coffee is extremely easy to drink and the selection of nibbles is enough to feed a small hungry army. Anywhere that serves water in a vintage gin bottle has my vote of excellence!

Sable Bar Manly Pacific Novotel: This hidden gem is sophisticated and stylish, with a cosmopolitan feel. Perfect for an apres shopping apéritif, it offers a wide range of wines and beverages. The decor is addictive and once seated in the giant sofas anyone can find them self hard pressed to leave.

So Manly certainly ticks all the boxes from a personal stylist point of view, these are just a tasting plate of boutique stores you can discover. I have to give ‘shout outs’ to Lulu Loves Paris, Sammy & Sid and Home & Wardrobe, but I guess I must let you discover some for yourself! So whether Manly is on your door step or a touch more of a traveling commitment, I can guarantee that you wont be disappointed, and it reveals it’s style, with STYLE!