Knee-Highs for Winter? Absobootly!

I'll be honest, I'm not a big fan of Winter. I hate the cold, I resent being cooped up inside when there's a whole city to explore and I detest feeling like the Michelin Man when I'm layered up in jackets. As far as I can tell, some of the only benefits of Winter are toasted sandwiches, hot cider and, on the more sartorial side of things, knee-high boots. Each year, when the wind picks up and clouds have the nerve to cover my sun, the only thing that keeps me going through the chill is the knowledge that it's time to purchase another pair of trusty knee-highs. And this year was no exception.

I relish the task of finding the perfect pair of boots to see me through the season and have a firm list of criteria to which they must adhere. They must be a) comfortable b) sturdy c) not gape around my thighs (lets be honest, no one likes gape) and d) are a price that means I don't have to sell my liver on the black market...because I'm rather attached to my liver, thank you very much.

Much to my delight I stumbled upon this perfect pair from Lipstick, which just so happen to tick all my boxes. They're super comfy, a little bit roomy (so there's space for geeky thermal socks), the perfect hight and perhaps best of all, they were on sale! I always love me some sale.

So you know what, as long as I have my new knee-high friends, then this Winter might not be so bad after all. Add a cheese toasty and warm cider and it could even be good!

Samson Girl in Sydney: The Grounds of Alexandria

Ok ok, one more post about Melbourne's rival city and then I promise I'll return to my normal Sydney-snubbing self. This Sydney cafe I feel hardly needs any introduction...in fact, I'm more inclined to call it more a Caffe 'Community' or 'Hub' of sorts, because to deem The Grounds of Alexandria a mere cafe hardly seems to do it justice.

I bravely attempted a weekend visit to my favourite Sydney hangout and, despite the huge lines and crowds of people, I was not disappointed. A friendly little farmers market greeted us, with cute stalls selling everything from delectable pastries and jewellery to caramel ice-cream sandwiches (oh yeah, you heard me right) and chocolate covered popcorn. Rather than a table in the cafe section, we wound our way through the outdoor crowds braving the cold to gorge themselves on burgers, chips and grilled meats from cheery stall vendors, and grabbed a table at the newly established Potting Shed. This section of the growing Grounds Community boasts breakfast, lunch and dinner and, though offering a different menu to its cafe-relation, the food can most definitely hold its own. With dishes of wagyu burgers, salt and pepper calamari, fresh and delicate salads and a cocktail menu that could kill, there is most definitely something to be enjoyed by everyone. And once you've eaten and drunk your fill, take a stroll through the ever-expanding space, purchase flowers from the Instagram-worthy florist, take a look at the amazing deli and do not, I repeat, do not simply walk past those ice-cream sandwiches. A trip to The Grounds of Alexandria really is my favourite way to say goodbye to Sydney.

Samson Girl in Sydney: The Rocking Rocks Market

A mere stone's throw away from Sydney's hustling and bustling CBD and nestled amongst cobblestone streets, cute cafes and bespoke craft shops, lies The Rocks Markets. Now Iv'e been to more markets in my life than Iv'e been to designer sales - and that's truly saying something - but there's something so pleasantly charming about these little markets set amid convict-carved sandstone (remind me to thank them later) that I find particularly appealing.

The Rocks Markets are open every Saturday and Sunday from 10-5 all year round, whether in rain or shine...and in my case it was unfortunately in rain. Lots of rain. But I didn't let that dampen my spirits as I wound my way through the one hundred or so eclectic stalls, offering everything from locally produced art, photography, hand-crafted furniture, fashion and accessories by aspiring designers. Despite the large crowds, there was a lovely feeling of community exuding from passionate stallholders, some of whom have been selling their wares at the market for more than 20 years. They're more than happy to offer information about their product's creation and even give you some sneaky samples...I may have taken the term 'sample' loosley when it came to the organic salted caramel chocolate. I also got a wonderful surprise when I discovered one of my favourite musicians, Patrick James, heroically busking in the rain in order to bring a little musical joy to The Rocks. I tried to be cool (something that doesn't come naturally to me), but ended up blushing like a huge loser when I got a photo with him and shook his hand. Needless to say I haven't washed my own since. Kidding...kind of.

 

 

 

If you're around Sydney and looking for a fun way to spend your weekend then I would highly recommend a little saunter through The Rocks Market. You'll find yourself delightfully surprised by the beautiful bits and bobs you stumble upon, might even be lucky enough to be serenaded by a Sydney musician and hopefully leave with a belly full of chocolate. Quite frankly The Rockd Market, well, rocks.

Samson Girl in Sydney: Caramel Milkshakes and Damn Fine Coffee at Reuben Hills

Some call it a gift and others call it a caffeinated curse, but somehow, no matter where I am, I always happen to stumble across the best cafes in a city - not that it's particularly difficult to find yourself a good brew of black stuff when wandering around Sydney's Surrey Hills. In this suburb coffee reins supreme, cafes seem to outnumber residence and the hipster beard is almost a prerequisite uniform. While wandering through this beautifully leafy suburb on my first day in Sydney, I felt my caffeine senses tingling (this usually only happens closer to a full moon) as I approached Reuben Hills, a Sydney cafe that's like the barista equivalent of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. Except on Steroids.

Reuben Hills' long and narrow interior, with a roller door out back and an unassuming shopfront, is full to bursting with extraordinary apparatuses that envelope you in a world of brew ratios, filtration methods and specialty coffee. Sitting proudly atop the long stone counter is the customised three group mistral, behind which dedicated apron-clad baristas work their magic on the specially sourced coffee. Owners Nathan Borg and Russell Beard are committed to making specialty coffee as appealing and accessible as possible, and by providing customers with a wonderfully balanced cup of coffee, they do just that. Make sure you try out the rotating espresso of the day as well as the deliciously drinkable house blend, which has proven to be a keen crowd pleaser. Borg and Beard now roast their beans on site, which are carefully sourced from their travels to countries such as Honduras, Colombia and Panama.

The menu also draws inspiration from their culinary exploits throughout Honduras and El Salvador, resulting in super-chilled food with a mexicano vibe. Think baleada honduran tortilla with egg, queso fresco and black beans, or a Charquican chillean beef stew with soft fried egg, tomato rice and fermented pebre. For something a little more lunchy than brunchy when you've got the munchies, go for 'the NOT reuben sandwich': two thick slices of rye filled with wagyu brisket, manchego, pickled slaw and horseradish cream. If you can handle it, follow up your meal with the salted caramel milkshake. Trust me, you won't regret it.

I know I'm supposed to turn my nose up Sydney coffee, but when it tastes this good how could I possibly resist the urge to congratulate this extremely awesome cafe on being, well, extremely awesome! With its unpretentious coffee-geekery, wonderfully modern space and a menu that induces unconscious drooling, I think Iv'e found the Sydney cafe that would make even the most smug Melbourne coffee lover swoon.

Samson Girl in Sydney: Fashion Blogger Market

As a full-blooded Melburnian I always thought it my sworn duty to belittle Sydney as our less hip and more-try-hard rival city, but after my short vacay in the wannabe capital, I only have positive things to report. I know, what blasphemy! Over the next few days I'll be posting about the Sydney markets, cafes, fashion and food that led me to disregard the weird one-way streets (seriously what's with that?) and over-priced public transport. Sydney, meet your newest fan.

After a flight, some people might want to unpack, look at a map and take a shower, but not me! Why would I waste time on showering WHEN THERE'S SHOPPING TO DO!? Upon arrival I hit the ground running, making my way straight to The Winery Fashion Markets in the oh-so-hip Surry Hills. Nestled in the laneway behind the Winery Bar lies a monthly market that boasts stalls from some of Sydney's most notable fashion bloggers, stylists and designers who have decided to clear their wardrobes of last seasons Sass and Bide. It's basically like having several incredibly stylish friends who have generously allowed you to raid their wardrobes, which just happen to be full of enviable international and Australian labels. 

 Making an appearance last weekend were Elle and Tash from They All Hate Us, Sara Donaldson from Harper and Harley and Carmen Hamilton of Chronicles of Her, who regularly contributes to Vogue and has worked with brands like Ksubi, Bassike and Manning Cartell. There were more fashionistas, bloggers and instagramers here then you could poke a stick at, all rummaging through the racks heaving under street labels like Talulah, ASOS and Witchery, while higher-end wares such as Camilla and Louis Vuitton also made an appearance. 

The Winery Fashion Market allows those of us who dream of becoming a successful fashion blogger to do the next best thing...raid their totally awesome wardrobe offcuts! If dreaming means I get to wear a pair of second-hand louis Vuittons, then that's fine by me!