Okay, so here in Perth, we are no Melbourne. You don't often hear of people scrambling to Perth for the shopping.
But in my honest opinion, they should be. If you take a good look, Perth is a treasure trove of unique and stylish stores. And better still you don't have to pay $500 to look great.
'How?' I hear you ask. 'Where?' I hear you plead.
Well read on old friends, because I have all the answers right here. After this article, I think we will see an upward trend in airfares from Melbourne,
to Perth.
I'm going to have to start with my personal favourite. Beaufort Street, Inglewood.
There is a flurry of second hand and vintage stores here where you are always certain to find a bargain. And the best part about these bargains is that you won't be caught dead in your tracks at that
awesome party with your high school crush because you pass a girl wearing the exact same dress as you. Awkward.
So let's get started. On a Saturday morning, grab the girls and have a coffee at a trendy cafe in Mount Lawley, in which there is an abundance. You are going to need the fuel.
Then get in the car, park on Eighth Avenue in Inglewood and wander down to 850 Beaufort Street. Here you will find
Winifred and Bance. Sadly, they will be closing their doors soon, but if you get in quick, you can still grab a bargain.
Think your grandmas house, or your mum and dad in the 70's.
Winifred and Bance is vintage heaven. All one off's, you are sure to pick up some oldies but goodies, and you'd be surprised how much of it is actually back in fashion. Many of the items are imported from America, Asia and Europe, or picked up by the owner from op shops and markets, and all items are clean and totally wearable.
It's a time warp people, I tell you, and it's so much fun. So if you don't walk out with an outfit, you'll at least have had a rocking time browsing.
Then, head over the road to
Mo-Mo's Boutique at number 849 where you'll find vintage retro designer labels to die for.
Another time warp, the owner Mo brings in original clothing from all era's, from over the world on consignment.
And it's not just fabulous frocks and super slacks you'll find. Accessories are the finishing touch to any outfit, and
I promise you'll find only the most unique at Mo-Mo's.
Hat's, shoes, jewellery, dress up's or a night on the town, you're really going to be glad you ditched your local shopping centre for Mo-Mo's. Nothing beats the satisfaction of being asked where you got something from, and telling them it's a one off, and how little you got it for.
Now just a little further down the road, you'll want to stop in to
Memory Lane Clothing. Along with fabulous period clothing and theatrical costumes for hire, you can also purchase some wonderful vintage pieces.
Memory Lane is one of Perth's longest established Vintage Clothing stores. As well as clothing, you'll find original shoes,hats, bags, ties, scarves, and jewellery - giving you a good (fun) hour in the change rooms.
And while you're up that end of Beaufort Street, you won't be short on some great antique and secondhand furniture
places. The bargains I have found at some of these places has shocked many a house guest.
And, if Inglewood hasn't been enough for you, you'll want to hit
Retro Vinnies. The St Vincent de Paul Society is made up of volunteers around Australia, and Internationally. Their stores stock everything from clothing to homewares, and all profits provide resources and support to people in need. But what some people may not know, is that Vinnies also has a couple of Retro stores in which they stock very reasonably priced unique retro and vintage clothing, jewellery and bric-a-brac. You'll find these stores on High Street Fremantle, and William Street Northbridge.
Other places worth a browse:
The Clothesline Recycable Clothing - 341A Canning Highway, Palmyra.
The Pink Room - 31 Ardross Street, Applecross.
And please, never rule out
Good Sammy's and the
Salvation Army. If you hunt around, you can pick up a staple winter piece - the trench coat for $3, of which you may have paid over $100 brand new. And all profits for these stores go those in need.
You really don't have to wait for the sales, and battle through crowded stores to find a bargain. Make a day of it and head to some of the best second-hand places in Perth, they'll be your new favourite haunt.
