Review as featured in Only Melbourne
I have decided to share my five favourite boutiques in our city’s hidden laneways. They are all in close walking distance, with each one boasting its unique treasures.
Chateau Chic - for the girly girl at heart
Chateau Chic is located in a laneway renowned for its jazz, Manchester Lane. Store owner and buyer Alice welcomes you into her artistic abode which is tastefully decorated with chandeliers, lace, kitsch additions as well as her smile and warm service. Not only do you get a range of imported clothes from Paris, Japan, Hong Kong and Korea, each season’s range boasts a collection of one-off pieces and made from the softest of fabrics. This chateau of chic creations caters to the feminine who adores finishing touches like bows, lace and who opts for beautiful lines and quality stitching.
Lady - pearls and lace for les femmes
As the name clearly states in its window display, ‘The more you act like a lady, the more he’ll act like a gentleman.’ Lady’s motto is out for all to see and for all the girly girls and ladies who appreciate flowing skirts, feminine dresses and garments adorned with embellishments that exude character and charisma for every lady who wears them. This local brand houses its own label as well as Emma Veal, Tryst, Jane and Eleni, Miss T and many more up and coming designers, together with reworked vintage pieces for the petite, colourful feminine and intriguing.
Miss Lau - colourful, unique and ever so sassy
Miss Lau is Lady’s next door neighbour and has resided in Scott Alley for the past six years. Made up of Miss Lau’s very own unique and colourful creations, the boutique stocks local designer fashion that is definitely different in design, somewhat offbeat and definitely a relaxed shopping haven.
Smitten Kitten - brings out the purr in you
Smitten Kitten caters for women with a penchant for feminine lingerie that are after a little bit more than what is housed in our department stores. Step into this lavishly pink boutique and lose yourself in the array of richly made bodices, bra’s, panties and camisoles for underwear and outerwear. Chic and classy!
Marais - tres chic, tres belle, superbe!
In case you haven’t been to the French quarter that this spacious boutique is named after, head up to the first floor of the Royal Arcade where Marais lives. Be blown away by the clean lines and racks of gorgeous designer wear from the likes of Victor & Rolf, Barbara Bui, Vera Wang and H. Chalayan to name just a few names synonymous with high-end fashion. As you cover the floor, it is hard to miss the glass display of accessories by Lara Bohine, Balenciaga and YSL. This distinctly European boutique aspires to the aesthetic and elegance of the Marais District in Paris –ever so stylish for those who value quality over price.
Chateau Chic, 12 Manchester Lane, Melbourne, 9654 8495
Lady, Shop 3, 237 Flinders Lane (off Scott Alley), Melbourne, 9650 6285, http://www.myspace.com/ladyboutique
Miss Lau, Shop 2, 237-239 Flinders Lane (off Scott Alley), Melbourne, 9654 1008, http://www.misslau.com.au
Smitten Kitten, Shop 6, Degraves Street, Melbourne, 9654 2073, http://www.smittenkitten.com.au
Marais, 1st Floor, Royal Arcade, 314 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 9639 0314, http://www.marias.com.au
