Melbourne's Shopportunities

Anyone familiar with Chicago, Illinois (the third most populous city in the United States) knows about its iconic Magnificent Mile, full of stores and shops. Xara, H&M, Louis Vuitton, St. John, Nordstrom, Burberry, and Victoria's Secret are a few of the well known names to be seen on the expanse of Michigan Avenue.

In August 2009, I had the opportunity to experience a different sort of Mag Mile; Melbourne, Australia's arcades and laneways chocked full of shops. Bourke and Collins Streets were my shopping playground for a week and I made sure I took in as much as possible of Melbourne's 'shopportunities'.

Of course there were the department store behemoths of David Jones and Myer - I didn't spend much time there in Melbourne but made sure I visited while in Sydney (who can resist a makeup counter?) And there were also global high-end retailers such as Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton.

But the real gold was to be found in the shops that were uniquely Australian - Cotton On Body for ridiculously cheap and sexy undies, Leona Edmiston for gorgeous frocks (pictured below), Totem for sunny Brazilian dresses and jewellery, and Scanlan and Theodore for seriously sophisticated sartorial style.

There was more variety in shops than I see in the States - boutiques and chains shared spaces, although I noticed that our mass produced American style does travel far and wide. Versions of our Forever 21 (Forever New and Sportsgirl) were on many an Australian corner.

My guilty pleasure? Buying shoes at Target. At $40AUD, I couldn't resist stocking up on heels that I'd never see in the US. I bought at least three pairs that are perfect for pleated skirts and minidresses once the weather warms up here in the states.

Melbourne's GPO was a uniquely Melbournian shopping treat. I walked squarely into a fashion show in honour of Melbourne Fashion Week and I perused the racks of the famous Fat, and devoured denim at Sass and Bide.

The GPO served up a diverse dose of fashion all under one glorious roof! Melbourne’s GPO is holding two free "Feast of Fashion Shows" showing AW10 collections by Australian and international designers on Thursday 18 March at 12.30 and 1.30pm, bookings essential at www.melbournesgpo.com. 

Lastly, I spent quite a bit of time at two Crossley Street one-offs; Glitzern (www.glitzern.com.au) pictured below

and the marvelous Madam Virtue and Co. I had a lovely time playing dress up in sassy jewels and dreaming of Parisian nights while handling vintage Hermes scarves at Madam Virtue and Co.

Now, sadly I'm back in the states and only have Melbourne's magnificent memories (plus those wonderful heels) but want you to stay tuned for the tales of high fashion fever to be had at Madam Virtue and Co.

By Chrystal Price, USA
16 February 2010.