Vintage luxury destination: Melbourne

Melbourne has always been Australia’s shopping capital, with great international as well as home grown fashion influences. My mum and I used to shop in Melbourne what feels like decades ago – when you stayed at the Como and Chapel street was full of quality independent boutiques. Hang on, that was decades ago. In later years, I flirted with the Fitzroy vintage shopping scene. Anyway, my preloved boutique back catalogue was well due for an update.

Here it is.

Eurotrash

217, Chapel St, South Yarra

Until this trip, I had only accessed Eurotrash’s inventory via the interwebs. It was great to finally see it in real life. This store has a sleek modern fit out and all the top-end international luxury designers get a mention. It carries a range of clothes, shoes, accessories and handbags. Everything is in excellent condition and most of it looks like it has never been used.

Prices are a titch to the high side on some items, but given the quality and condition of the items, you are still getting decent value for money compared to buying new from the boutique. Service is friendly and staff are knowledgeable.

This is definitely the place to visit if you are looking for a luxury item which is a little out of the ordinary. Something a bit special.

The Daily Luxe pick: Dolce & Gabbana majolica design saffiano mini bag. Ah, majolica, the artwork of my people. Love.

Shag

130 Chapel St, Windsor

Shag is an old favourite. I love the stuff in here. It is like a 70’s disco, on acid, at 3am. This store is huge and carries a massive range of vintage clothes, shoes, footwear, eyewear and headwear. It also caters extensively for men. The racks are jammed packed with patterns, sequins, tassels, prints and cut outs. Most items are pretty unusual yet still in excellent condition.

You have to search for the luxury pieces but they are there. And they are excellent. Non-genuine luxury items are referred to as ‘faux’ – this made me giggle.

Prices are reasonable. Staff are helpful but generally just leave you to it.

Definitely check this place out if you are into statement style, dress up parties, or are on your way to mardi gras.

The Daily Luxe pick: vintage Moschino LBD with gold tassels. If I could fit my booty in it, I would’ve bought it home.

Recycle Boutique

2 Johnson Road, Fitzroy

I accidently stumbled on this place, and I am so glad I did.

This store is simple and no frills, but the racks have plenty of mid to high end bargains. I did not see a single item I considered over-priced. At the higher end of things, the designers range from Scanlan & Theodore and Vince to Christian Louboutin and Christian Dior. Most items are in pretty good condition, just check them over to make sure there are no missing buttons or pulls.

This store is excellent for a rummage. The racks are neat and easy to work. Staff are super helpful. Shout out to Kate, thank you for being so great.

Definitely visit this store if you are looking for a luxe bargain. They are there and they are plentiful.

The Daily Luxe pick: A pair of Christian Louboutin black patent pumps, with dust bag. They are now part of the collection.

Secondo

286 Toorak Rd, South Yarra

I have followed Secondo on Insta for a while, but had yet to have an opportunity to visit.

Secondo is a beautiful store of well laid out racks featuring a great range of mid to high end Australian and international designers. It carries a wide range of clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories. The stock is in great condition and is very reasonably priced.

Eslpeth is divine and very helpful.

The Daily Luxe pick: I don’t get to buy pants often, because, booty. But I managed to find myself a stunning pair of Erdem printed cotton pants. The quality of the fabric and the cut are divine. I’m loving myself sick in them.

Mio Tesoro

568 Chapel st, South Yarra.

This is the big mamma of preloved luxury stores in Melbourne. The items are so delicious it hurts. The high-rolling fashion houses are on show here – it is full of Hermes, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton. You name it. And the pieces are all in exceptional condition.

Elaine is very experienced with luxury goods, and authenticates everything herself. She is also a wonderful host.

Definitely visit this store if you are looking for the cherry on the top. The limited edition. The ‘new in box’ luxury items. Prices are reasonable considering the quality and condition of the goods.

The Daily Luxe pick: As you know, I am mad for red on black. These Louis Vuitton medallion sandals are elegant and super sexy. They are mine now.