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: 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!

Beach, Bikinis and Bondi Market

Ahhh Bondi, filled with budgie smugglers, bikini-clad babes and, what felt like, billions of people. Though the beach is the main draw card for many, my interests lay in something a little more sartorially focused-the Bondi Market. That's right folks, even on holidays I'm still determined to conquer every market that gets thrown my way. So today we hopped on a bus (it should say somewhere in Sydney's brochures that Bondi Beach is not, I repeat NOT, close to the city center) and headed beachside for some market investigation. 

Open every Sunday the Bondi Market was established in 1993 and is located on the bustling beach front grounds of Bondi Beach Public School. Thankfully we saw no old dudes walking around in the afore mentioned 'smugglers de la budgie', but instead found a fantastic array of original designer clothing, hand-crafted jewellery, accessories, arts, crafts and vintage clothes. There were many stalls selling beautiful beachy maxi dresses, colourful rompers and lacy high waisted shorts. The jewellery (as usual) was one of my favourite aspects of the market, with many fine sterling silver rings, large copper necklaces and delicately woven pieces which incorporated semi-precious stones. Though I was sweating more than a beached Humpback under the hot NSW sun, the vibe of the market was fun and energetic, welcoming new designers into the mix along with veteran stall holders.

After the markets we could hardly withstand the call of the beach and fought our way through the throngs of people to dive into one of Sydney's greatest landmarks. I'm preeeeety sure we were there with at least half of Sydney, battling it out for a prime spot on the sand. After admiring local designers at the market and soaking up the sun and exotic atmosphere of Bondi, I gotta say (and as a Melburnian I find this exceptionally difficult to admit), Sydney's growing on me. But if you tell anyone I said that I'll deny it!