Having one of Australia’s most acclaimed and sought-after artists in town was a rare opportunity for the community of art lovers, artists, students, teachers and professionals to come out in support of the fundraiser by the Friends of Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery.

The Sydney artist was welcomed to Gumbaynggirr country by elder Tina Powell, before the Friends’ Heather McKinnon and Lorraine Gordon from Southern Cross University highlighted the role art plays in the wellbeing of regional communities.

It was a nod to Wendy Sharpe’s recent work in the ABC TV series Space 22, proving the benefits of art on mental health which she says ‘really does make a difference.’

“Art is really for everyone, it’s not just for so-called professional artists,” Wendy said.

“People who play sport on the weekend, you’re not doing it thinking you’re going to represent Australia, you’re doing it because you love to do it. That’s the same with art.

You’re doing it because you love it, it’s fun, you’re with community, mixing with other people, it’s a wonderful thing to do.”

Wendy Sharpe took the audience on a journey revisiting some of the sights and stories behind her successful career of 40 years. Wendy explained how winning awards like the

Archibald Prize in 1996 has led to major commissions and work in East Timor as an official war artist. Her art has also taken her on many international residencies including Antarctica and Mexico.

What is evident from Wendy’s impressive body of work is her unwavering work ethic.

“I live entirely from selling paintings,” explains Wendy, whose exhibition Transience has been on show in Brisbane with works for sale at Philip Bacon Galleries.

“One of the exciting things for an artist about having an exhibition in a regional gallery is you’re not thinking about the commercial things, you’re just thinking of creating an interesting experience.”

Wendy also has a heartfelt willingness to use her art to support those less fortunate. In one of her fundraising exhibitions, Her Shoes, Wendy’s drawings represent victims of domestic violence.

“I’m pleased to say for Lou’s Place Women’s Refuge, the Asylum Seekers Centre and the Catherine Hamlin Foundation, we raised close to $100,000 for each. It just shows you the power of art.”

Wendy returns to her second home of Paris soon and the Friends have invited her back to see the new Yarrila Arts + Museum once it has finished construction.

“It is fabulous you are able to get this new gallery and everyone should come see it. How incredible it will be right in the middle of town and puts Coffs Harbour even more on the map.”

The night’s fundraiser will be a timely boost for the new gallery’s collection which Wendy Sharpe also donated to with a gouache painting of herself, ‘Rialto Bridge, Venice 2008’. Another donation which raised funds as the raffle prize was Wendy’s etching San Marco At Night.

The post Spotlight on the arts with Wendy Sharpe appeared first on Coastbeat.

Flatforms

You’re going to see nineties inspired flatforms everywhere this summer – and with good reason. They’re big, bold and versatile, to boot. There’s a style to suit every outfit and occasion. Choose from statement sandals or sneakers in a range of styles. 

Chunky Two-Strap Sandals

A nod to decades past, you’ll want a pair of chunky two strap sandals on your feet, stat. Fusing style with comfort, you can match yours with breezy dresses and resort style pieces. Simple style in seconds!

Elevated Flip Flops

hose platforms from the 2000s are back. Think flip flops with an elevated platform and chunky straps. These shoes are comfortable, stylish and airy.  They are perfect for a casual day catching up with friends over a picnic.

Toe Loop Design

The Toe Loop trend features various criss-cross patterns and other strappy details that separate the big toe from the rest. Choose from heels or flats that don’t compromise on style and elevate your look with ease. They’re perfect to throw on when you’re heading out with friends but want to prioritise comfort.

Shop the latest footwear styles at Port Central today. Complete your outfit with the season’s best fashion.

The post Summer Shoes: Put Your Best Foot Forward appeared first on Coastbeat.

We can all remember that one mythical summer when everything was perfect. Can you picture it? The days were long and the air was sweet. There was fun to be had and worries were few. Let’s forget about the year that was and focus on a brighter future. Summer awaits and it’s all yours!

Visit Coffs Central and Port Central to shop for your new summer look today!

The post One Perfect Summer appeared first on Coastbeat.

Statement Pants 

Statement Pants are the fashion trend taking spring by storm! We’re talking flares and wide legs as well as loud, patterned pants for those willing to dive into the deep end. If you pick patterned, make sure you pair them with a neutral top and simple accessories so the pants really are the statement. We suggest The Printed Flare Pants from Cotton On, The Printed Culotte Pants from Sportsgirl, The Flare Jeans from Jay Jays or The Crinkled Culotte Pants from Target.  

Puffy Sleeves

Puffy Sleeves are an elegant and feminine trend this spring. Find them on dresses, crop tops, and blouses in a variety of styles.You’ll find structured fits as well as more flowing and loose designs. We suggest the Organic Wrap Cotton Top from Dotti, The Madison Cotton Tiered Mini Dress from Sportsgirl, The Mini Check Top from Sussans and The Preview Mini Tiered Dress from Target.    

Graphic Tees 

The Graphic Tee is the ideal lazy outfit. Pair the tee with denim shorts or bike shorts and you have an effortless look. Port Central has loads of retailers stocking graphic tees such as The Relaxed Boyfriend Graphic Tee from Cotton On, The La Lune Burnout T-Shirt from Sportsgirl or The Desert Valley Serpent Tee from Jay Jays.  

Boyfriend Shirts 

A button up white shirt is a classic wardrobe staple. But this spring we will see more oversized boyfriend shirts. Think patterns, colours and stripes. Opt for a large fit that can be worn with pants or a skirt. If you’re feeling brave, throw on a belt and wear your shirt as a dress! We suggest the Dad Shirt from Cotton on, The Linen Boyfriend Shirt from Sportsgirl or the Isabel Linen Boyfriend Shirt from Just Jeans. 

Chunky Jewellery

Thought be left Chunky Jewellery in the early-2000s? Nope, it’s back! From rings to necklaces and bracelets the more you can fit on the better. Bonus points if it’s large, beaded or stoned. Lovisa has a huge selection of pieces ready for this trend. Check out the Real Gold Plated Statement Chain Bracelet, the Gold Celestial Diamante Ring, Fabric Statement Beaded Drop Earrings or the Burnished Gold Boho Bead Drop Necklace. 

Check out the latest collection from Grow Baby Co. at Coffs Central

The post On Trend: Spring Fashion Right Now appeared first on Coastbeat.

90s Flipped Out Ends 

With a nod to the 90s, this trend is making a comeback. Flipped out ends is a super easy and quick style to achieve and is also great for camouflaging dead ends. Simply use an oil to prep the hair to add shine to the ends and avoid them from separating when a heating tool is applied. We recommend the De Lorenzo Defence Thermal Argan Oil from The Hair Hub or the L’Oréal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Coco from Chemist Warehouse. The flipped-out ends can be achieved by simply using a hair dryer or flat iron to create an outwards facing curve at your ends.

Bangs 

If you are wanting to experiment with your hair without losing any length, a fringe is the way to go. This is also a great option for those who are also wanting to wear an up-do with their hair while also still having some shape or frame to their face. Ask your stylist to soften the bangs so they grow out more naturally. 

Curtain Bangs 

Curtain Bangs are a nice style without committing to the full blunt cut. They softly frame the face and can easily be tucked behind your ears without clipping them back. Curtain Bangs will also elevate the messy bun look and take any up-do to the next level. They’re especially suited to round faces as they create a lengthening effect. 

Voluminous Roots 

There is something about adding oomph to your hair that can make any style, cut or colour stand out. Voluminous roots can be easily achieved by blow drying your hair from the root up or using a volumizing product such as the De Lorenzo Elements Amplify Volumising Spray from The Hair Hub or John Frieda Luxurious Volume Core Restore Volumiser from Chemist Warehouse. 

To update your spring hair style, cut or colour simply book into the stylists at The Hair Hub. Phone 6583 7791.

While we’re on the topic of spring, check out the season’s freshest recipes here.

The post Spring Styles: Love Your Locks appeared first on Coastbeat.

With the beautiful warm weather in mind, our new range was designed to be worn no matter what spring brings. Each piece was created with layering in mind. Perfect for those cooler spring mornings as well as the summer-like days. At Grow Baby Co, one of the most important things to us is wearability. We want you to get the most wear out of every single item, not just for a season. 

Our latest fabric prints were created to slot into any wardrobe, with many hours spent curating the ideal colour palette to compliment each and every print whether past or present. We do this not only with clothing, but with every piece in the store. You can shop with confidence, knowing that the item you purchase today, will be able to be handed down through the family and fit in beautifully for seasons to come. 

Visit Grow Baby Co in Coffs Central and follow on Instagram.

The post Spring at Grow Baby Co appeared first on Coastbeat.

Facial masks are here for the foreseeable future but what can you do if your skin isn’t a fan? Owner of endota spa at Coffs Central, Holly Jackson says skin congestion, irritation and dehydration are common complaints. Here Holly explains what you can do to help your skin recover and recommends products to reduce inflation and create a protective barrier on the face.

Visit endota spa for a complimentary skin consultation today! 

The post Mask Skin Recovery appeared first on Coastbeat.

Port Central retailers held a rooftop winter soiree wearing the latest fashions. Coastbeat went along to document the evening’s fun and frivolity! This week, the spotlight is on Noni B + Sussan.

Please tell us about your outfit?

Noni B: Black jean style Ponte pants, Liz Jordan Knit Gathered Top, Liz Jordan fur trimmed pocho.

Sussan: Sam – Jersey jacket and Animal Textured balloon sleeve top. Lyn – Side Split Bobble Pullover.

What are your personal winter staples? 

Noni B: My Noni B Ponte pants. They have both style and comfort and can be worn with flats, heals or boots. I team them with a Noni B mock neck jumper in a variety of colours. This soft, comfy classic shows off my new season statement pieces – jewellery, scarves or a jacket. 

Sussan: We are loving our new Bobble Pullover which comes in a range of colours and can be worn under your favourite denim jacket.

What do you love about winter dressing?

Noni B: Layering, layering and layering! Not only a classic, stylish look but practical too. Layering is a great way to regulate fluctuating temperatures as we move from indoors to outdoors throughout the day. 

Sussan: It’s a great opportunity to layer-up with warm, textured fabrics along with our comfortable, natural 100% Australian cotton pieces.   

Which pieces or styles are you especially excited about this year? 

Noni B: Anything with faux fur! It’s a cuddly statement on our Noni B puffer vests and jackets that adds classic movie star glamour. I’m a fan of the Liz Jordan fur trimmed poncho in red or black or the Liz Jordan fur collar mid length coat in black. Continuing the faux fur theme, the short coat in either cabernet red, black or taupe is a favourite. It’s equally at home with jeans and tights as it is over your evening wear on a special occasion.  

Sussan: We’re excited about our denim collection that consists of denim jackets that could be worn with your favourite dress or tee. We also have a wide range of knitwear in all colours to fit in with every woman’s wardrobe. 

Check out the Coffs Central winter soiree here!

The post Winter Fashion Favourites: Noni B + Sussan appeared first on Coastbeat.

Tell us about your outfit?

Indy – Coopers Surf: In the shoot I wore check white and beige pants by Rhythm, a charcoal Billabong sweater, a blue and mustard check Riders cropped teddy jacket, white Pumas and accessorised with a Brixton wide brim hat. 

Grace – Coopers Surf: I wore a pair of A brand white cord pants, a Thrills cream singlet, black Roc boots and an oversized RVCA red tartan coat. I love pairing whites with a statement coat, it’s timeless and simple!

Angela – Uptown Local: Hansen & Gretel ‘Clarrie’ Velvet Jacket in Black, Ena Pelly ‘Wilderness’ Tee in Washed Black, ‘Straight Sally’ Nudie Jeans in Everblack and Skin Boots – Zurich Black Croc. 

Micah – Uptown Local: Blanca ‘George’ Shirt in Pink, Viktoria & Woods ‘Ringo’ Jeans in Dark Acid Wash and Veja ‘Venturi’ Suede Khaki sable in Oxford Grey.  

Cam – Uptown Local: Mr Simple Cord Sherpa Jacket in Tobacco, Mr Simple ‘Reginald’ Organic Tee in Black, Nudie Jeans Steady Eddie II Dry 16 dips and Veja ‘Nova’ Canvas in Black.

What are your personal winter staples? 

Indy – Coopers Surf: You can’t go wrong with a black knit, a favourite pair of blue denim jeans, black cowboy boots and a statement jacket. I love this simple outfit because it’s so versatile. Dress it down with a hat and strappy sandals for brunch or dress it up with heeled boots, gold jewellery and a clutch for a night out. 

Grace – Coopers Surf: Chunky black boots, they go perfectly with nearly any ensemble. 

Angela – Uptown Local: My winter uniform consists of black jeans, black jacket and black boots. Classic edge all the way. 

Micah – Uptown Local: Pink! Colour is my vibe for winter. Vibrant and fun. I love winter staples, but am by no means defined by them. 

Cam – Uptown Local: A denim jacket and a pair of Nudie Jeans are my go-to staples. 

What do you love about winter dressing?

Indy – Coopers Surf: I love layers! Having done a snow season in Canada I quickly became very familiar with layers. I loved creating outfits with lots of different styles of jean matched with patterned long sleeve skivvies. Multiple thick, cosy knits, teddy jackets and chunky statement jackets were always a win! I quickly learnt you don’t go outside without bulk accessories, long chunky scarves, cute beanies, gloves and a pair of trusty old Doc Martens!

Grace – Coopers Surf: Layering! It gives any outfit a lot of depth and excitement. I not only love layering clothes, but I also love adding accessories to my outfits. On a daily basis I wear two Kirstin Ash necklaces and I think these really complete any outfit! You can find these necklaces in our Urban Life stores. 

Uptown Local: We love the layers. Adding a jacket to any outfit instantly elevates how you look and feel. Denim is a big passion of ours. Especially when it comes to ethical and sustainable fashion. Nudie Jeans and Nobody Denim are two of our ‘ethical super star’ brands.

Which pieces or styles are you especially excited about this year? 

Indy – Coopers Surf: So far, everything Billabong! Loving all the teddy jackets and the Adventure Division range. Lots of graphic logo sweaters and chunky knitwear! Quicksilver has brought back all patterns retro – lots of cute, loud sweaters coming through from them. Ripcurl for all your puffers and cosy knits and matching tracksuits! Rhythm has some great coloured jeans and beautiful matching linen sets perfect for sunny mornings at the beach and paired with a chunky jacket for the cool afternoons. 

Grace – Coopers Surf: All of the pants! Thrills and Afends always come out with great staple trousers. This winter I have been wearing a pair of the Thrills Artist Pants almost every day and am in love with them.

Uptown Local: We’re excited to be adding a well-known Australian denim brand to our premium collection. Launching in store soon… KSUBI!

The post Winter Fashion: Coopers Surf + Uptown Local appeared first on Coastbeat.

Tell us about your outfit?

Lorna Jane: A 90s oversized sweat and No Ride Booty Pocket Leggings. This sweat is perfect to throw on before or after a workout or to wear casually with jeans for a warm and effortless style. The leggings are amazing! They have double layered fabric in the booty to ensure zero transparency. The no-ride front panel provides comfort when working out and the pockets are big enough for your phone. The full length is a great winter option. 

W.Lane: A Print Placket Blouse with Dark Wash Signature Jeans with a Suede Jacket in Blush and a Plum Scarf. 

What are your personal winter staples? 

Lorna Jane: An oversized jumper with leggings or jeans and sneakers. Oh and thermal tights underneath, can’t forget those!  

W.Lane: W.Lane Signature Jeans, scarves, suede jacket and jeggings.

What do you love about winter dressing?

Lorna Jane: Layering! It’s so much easier to keep warm than to try and cool down. 

W.Lane: Layering with jeggings, jackets and scarves.

Which pieces or styles are you especially excited about this year? 

Lorna Jane: Our new puffer jacket – it’s so, so lush and cosy. The Oversized Sweaters are so comfy for day-to-day wear or before/after a workout. 

W.Lane: Our Suede Jackets are beautifully soft and luxurious to wear. Our Signature Jeans are amazingly comfortable and look great on. 

Check out the Coffs Central winter fashion soiree here!

The post Winter Fashion Favourites: Lorna Jane + W.Lane appeared first on Coastbeat.