Does the word Chanel send shivers down your spine? Do you believe heels and handbags, not diamonds, are a girl's best friend?
Yep. Me too.
I know, I know. I'm the girl in search of a better soul and I'm hardly likely to find it with a feather boa. But we women are not simple creatures.
There are some foolproof tricks to budget fashion shopping – keep up to date with current fashion through online sites and fashion magazines, shop on a Tuesday, charm the staff, scarves are a sure thing and most importantly – give yourself an entire day to get the job done.
With these tips in mind, I present to you my collection of Maroochydore/Mooloolaba vintage stores, designer label stockists and the best op shops around – all with a price tag of better than budget prices.
5. Kidney Support Network Op Shop, Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore.
What makes this list so easy is that three of the op shops - Kidney Support Network, Vinnies and the Hospice Op Shop are located right next door to each other.
I found some great summer dresses and great winter coats, but as a bonus some great vintage board games including the Glenn Ridge 'Sale of the Century' classic.
You just never know what you will find.
4. Sunshine Coast Community Hospice Op Shop, Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore.
Scarves, scarves, scarves - I'm a huge fan. Checks, floral, knits, tassels – they're spilling across my dresser and out of the top shelf of my wardrobe. The brilliance about scarves is they can completely change the tone of an outfit. Several times I've worn a red/black tunic to have the same dear friend ask me where I got my new dress? I picked up this beauty for $3.
This great little store is also a treasure trove of antique furniture, jewellery and glassware and the girls behind the counter are incredibly helpful. I'm still kicking myself about that white $8 trench I didn't pick up on my last visit.
3. Vinnies, Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore. Three words I bet you didn't think you would see together – Vinnies and Louis Vuitton. After close inspection I believe it to be a phony, but it's these little encouraging discoveries that keep you searching for more. (I didn't walk away with it – it may still be there!!)
2. Trendy Wendy's, Sixth Avenue, Maroochy Sands.
Can you believe it? I am the proud owner of Louis Vuitton. Yes of course, I would prefer a handbag, but for $25 I'm not about to argue. Besides thanks to "Wendy" I'm the proud owner of an original Dior and Chanel. Word on the street was that I just missed an authentic bonafide Vuitton handbag. Because the items are second hand, their prices are incredibly cheap. Now if you don't mind the knock-offs I found a bundle in just 10 minutes - Chanel, Louis Vuitton and two Pradas. And let's face it – who's actually going to look in your bag to tell the difference?
The bags are definitely a highlight, but you can find some classic clothes and some dynamite cocktail dresses.
1.Retournez-Vous, Brisbane Road Mooloolaba
Remember Enid Blighton's "The Faraway Tree"? Well this is the Land of Would-be Wardrobes. Hypnotised by the baubles, boots and floor-to ceiling eclectic fashion, which call at you to give them home in your wardrobe.
Every time I enter this little boutique with its incredible infusion of new/preloved and classic/modern clothing, shoes and accessories I know that whatever I buy, my chances of someone turning up in the same dress or accessories are slim to none.
It's a credit to owner Christine Jory's eye for the extraordinary and its growing fame is largely the reason that on every Saturday it the boutique transforms into a semi-Boxing Day Sale state with wall-to-wall customers. Weddings, races, that Mad Men party. All taken care of right here.
Enjoy and if you find any other must-see spots, be sure to return the favour and let me in on the secret!
