Mural

*

Dress: Anthea Crawford embroidered mesh, satin, tulle

Heels: Jo Mercer leather, elastic

Bag: Nine West vinyl, indigo denim with silver hardware

Bangles: Gift, mixed metal, sparkles

Bangle: Gift, Megan Hess gold, resin, painting

*

Much like my last post, the pictures on the blog today are from a few weeks ago now when you could still get your "retail therapy" in person, rather than from online shopping. I'm standing in front of Imogene Peach's vibrant mural on one of the walls at Indooroopilly Shoppingtown wearing a gorgeous blue & black embroidered floral mesh A-line midi dress with black satin underlay & tulle at the hemline from Aussie designer label Anthea Crawford, edgy black leather heels with elastic ankle straps from Jo Mercer, a boxy black vinyl & indigo denim handbag with silver hardware from Nine West, an armful of sparkly mixed metal bangles that a dear friend gifted me from overseas & a beautiful gold bangle from Megan Hess with blue & black fashion illustrations around it that I was given for Christmas last year.

Speaking of "retail therapy," I have compiled a list of ten places that are still open for online shopping & delivery for those of you who might like to purchase a little something to make self-isolation easier or just want to keep up to date with the latest trends for when this whole coronavirus debacle is over. This is by no means a comprehensive list, just a few places (both near & far) that I like to make purchases from or drool over when I'm "browser" shopping...

1 Anthea Crawford (www.antheacrawford.com.au) 

This is pretty self-explanatory as I'm sure that avid readers of the blog know that the vast majority of dresses I wear come from this Australian "ethical clothing" designer. So many beautiful pieces to add to the wishlist...

2 Review (www.review-australia.com)

Once again, beautiful clothing & accessories for the "girly" girl in all of us. Note to those wishing to purchase online: make sure you read all of the sizing information carefully as in my experience, they tend to run rather small.

3 David Jones (www.davidjones.com.au)

The beloved department store has a plethora of items online including fashion, accessories, food, homewares & gifts. Honestly no better place to purchase brands like Zimmermann, Lee Mathews & Trelise Cooper if you're inspired by Aussie designers.

4 Myer (www.myer.com.au)

It's definitely "My Store" & a wonderful online shopping experience for anything from fashion to homewares... even Easter goods if you're so inclined. I've stocked up to celebrate the season despite social isolation.

5 Bristle (www.bristle.com.au)

A collection of artisan & creative products from all over the world, including owner Melissa's own paintings. Misty's Salted Caramel (in all available flavours) is a firm favourite.

6 Browns General Store (www.brownsgeneralstore.com.au)

A unique retailer, based in Paddington, focused on supporting local creatives, fair trade & ethically made goods - fashion, homewares & gifts.

7 That Shop (www.thatshop.com.au)

An Australian, family-owned small business offering a selection of retro-inspired clothing & accessories from all over the world. Brilliant customer service, fast delivery.

8 Love Daphne (www.lovedaphne.com.au)

A small, retro-inspired boutique from Bathurst, Love Daphne specialises in fashion & accessories from the 1940s & 1950s all at varied price points. Wonderful customer service, super fast delivery.

9 Ravensburger (www.ravensburger.com.au)

Jigsaw puzzles are seriously having a renaissance in this time of social isolation/quarantining at home & at this point, Ravensburger's Aussie website is one of the only ones with 1000 piece puzzles left in stock. Yes, they are more expensive than many other jigsaw brands but in my experience, the quality is vastly better.

10 Etsy (www.etsy.com)

The original & the best website for online shopping from a variety of retailers - mostly handmade or vintage - from all over the world. Honestly, saying that you're "just looking" can lead down a rabbit hole that lasts for hours & hours... You'll find a whole host of things you never knew you couldn't live without!