Hanmer’s Fashion Haven: Lifestyles

Lifestyles in Hanmer lures repeat customers from as far as the Gold Coast, with its expansive range of swimwear. Many make a weekend of it, as they can pop across to the pools and show them off!

Bond-Eye’s Sea-level range (formerly Nip-Tuck) suits many different figures, as do Seafolly and Moontide, in sizes up to a G cup. “Ruching across front and sides, or styles that wrap around the body, give a lovely shape to show off all those beautiful figures out there,” owner Alice Stielow says. There’s Piha, Sunseeker, Jantzen, unique-styled JETS and Togs – from a Kiwi designer. “Tankini and pants are also perfect for those long in body, or for mixing and matching. The staff are really knowledgeable with body-types and know straight away what styles are best to try on.”

Forget budgie smugglers, the latest men’s speedo’s come in cool elastic-waisted trunks and there’s also styles for serious swimmers – all chlorine-resistant. Lifestyles’ urban wear includes Billabong, Ketz-ke, White Chalk, Stussy, Tigerlily, RVCA, Element, All About Eve, Levis, VonZipper, and a cool range of shoes. Alice owns two stores, Lifestyles and Fashionworks, and after three decades here, she treats everyone who visits like a local, with competitive pricing and friendly service.

Her second boutique store, Fashionworks, is a designer-label paradise for womenswear, footwear and jewellery. Ranges include the new Molly Bracken, Wish, NoaNoa, Ivy Blu, CooperStreet, Seduce, Zafina, Augustine, Charlo and Stella Royal – and gorgeous shoes to match.

Visit Fashionworks at The Courtyard, Conical Hill Road, phone 03 315 7120 and Lifestyles, Alpine Pacific Centre, Conical Hill Road 03 315 7126, or Facebook.