Author: OutInCanberra

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...

Creating great looks for the coming season isn’t rocket science. You’ve seen the styles; we’ve shown you where to buy them, now the fun part- piecing it all together. Colour is an obvious choice for spring, but this season, focus on teaming your brights with kitsch metallics and dirty grey denims on the street. Have fun reviving the best of the late 80’s with fluoro hues. If the thought brings on “Wham” video-clip flash-backs, highlight your look with fluoro accessories instead-like that pink heart ring in itripiskip we know you’ve been eyeing off… There’s a shimmering elegance of metallics now. Molten folds and lustrous leathers add a touch of classical grace or in reflective golds, a retro revival. Subtle bronzes offer a more classic alternative, perfect for an elegant evening look. The 60’s shift dress has made a huge come-back in a traditional a-line or cocoon shapes. Teamed with a matching cropped jacket makes it the perfect classic outfit from corporate to evening. In hem length, mini is the go. Beat the sun to it and attack the self-tan for a bronzed look on those winter-stripped legs. Low-cut necklines for men ring huge on the streets, with the gleam of necklaces hanging down open necked bare chests. Necklaces for men are a must have accessory for spring. Don’t be alarmed, the macho man can enjoy manly guns and skull...

Sharon has 2 children and always tried her very best to dress them well. After moving to Canberra a couple of years ago, she struggled with the sparse fashion options for children on the local retail market. So Sharon solved the problem. Excited, yet nervous, Sharon left a 20 year-long nursing career in the past as she endeavoured to create a little person’s wonderland, the forever sunny and cheerful Chi Koo Kid’s. Thanks to Sharon- Mum’s, Dad’s, uncles and aunts can now enjoy the luxury of dressing their little treasure in Australian designer labels, and now- Sharon’s children are too, impeccably dressed. “I always loved dressing my kids in beautiful things, but they were so hard to find! My customers now tell me how great it is to see a shop specialising in Children’s wear.” Sharon said. Chi Koo Kids has comfortably filled a gigantic hole in the local retail market, which before, consisted only of baby shops. “There are a few baby boutiques in Canberra, but they specialise in baby’s wear and don’t do a wide range up to a large size.” Since opening her adorable boutique in Mawson only 3 months ago, Sharon has been dancing in her element, helping mums, dads and family members find something special for their little prince or princess. “The clothes are quality fabrics, linen and other natural fibres. It’s just, Children’s...