In a shopper’s world where chain stores reign supremacy and everywhere you turn the bright lights of Supre seem to follow you, it’s hard not to fall into the traps and buy in on the mass-produced looks.
With so many chain stores manufacturing the same fad looks season after season it’s become common to find the person next to you wearing your latest ‘chain store’ find.
But don’t be glum shopper-girl. Canberra may not be the dazzling lights of Sydney, but there are still great little boutiques stocking anything from quirky one-offs to limited designer pieces- that won’t break your piggy bank.
The leafy streets of Manuka is a great place to begin your quest. Not just the place of choice to have dinner and a cocktail, its increasingly becoming the destination for that one-off frock or unique handbag find.
Begin your search at Momento Dezigns on Bougainville Street. This gem stocks everything from little Ted Baker shoes to Alice McCall dresses, Miss Sixty threads and Jenny Bannister gowns. The team’s attention to detail and knowledge of trends is one to be noted. The options are extensive but stock limited, so you can trust in them to not send you out looking like a carbon copy girl.
Suss out Momento’s range of accessories for a real treat. With beautifully handcrafted tid-bits from street to vintage inspired, you’re sure to find something to finish off that unique goddess look.
If you haven’t already blown your entire budget, go for a stroll down Palmerston Lane and you’ll spy ‘The Style Arcade’ and local boutique Things of Desire (TOD), known best for its edgy day-wear finds.
Owners and founders Angela and Alan come from a strong fashion background and their passion and respect for unique designs translates to their beautiful stock. Angela has a degree in Fashion Design from Emily Mc Pherson College and Alan is an established fashion photographer and stylist.
Further down Style Arcade, you’ll find TOD’s sister store Wings of Desire. This boutique is a little beauty. Specialising in formal and evening attire, the walls are lined with layers of silk, floaty treats and luxurious embroidery.
Angela and Alan search far and wide, bringing the latest chic labels from around the world, straight back to Canberra. In both stores you’ll find such labels as Cop Copine, Vixen, Adam pour Eve, Save the Queen, Fred Sun, Nougat, Hoshika, Anatopik, Etincelle and Moss+Spy.
Now that we have helped to diminish your bank balance and eradicate the ‘she’s wearing what I’m wearing’ issue, never say that Canberra doesn’t have great little shops, because behind the clutter of the mass-produced, it’s bursting with quirky finds just waiting to be discovered.
