With my UK work VISA looming over head, future places of residency have been quite the topic of conversation. Considering I always bat for Queensland and love the (cheaper than Sydney) luxury of inner city parking, making a stylish entrance back to Brisbane is highly likely in the not too distant future.
To ease me back into the Brisvegas way of life, I decided to don a floppy hat, a pair of pretty flats, pack a shopper and sit at my mac for a ‘virtual’ day out in The Great South East. I began with a Blonde Venus style stroll around the edgy, multi label, street wear boutiques in Fortitude Valley. Terribly cool and dare I say funky (such a lame 90’s term but I can’t seem to shake it). I then skipped across to hail the oh so dapper Mr Paul Hunt, originally at the head of the ever growing, James St, leading the way for a number of big Aussie name stand alone stores. He apparently now retails from a larger French inspired New Farm studio - a must see for lovers of couture. The afternoon saw me pop across to Emporium and………… Sweet Mother of God! Who is Jean Brown? Have I been away that long? Am I that out of touch? What? When? Who? How? Que?
It seems Miss Brown has raised the Brisbane bar. I fear that by housing an abundance of super brands such as McQueen, Treacy, McCartney, YSL and our old friend Mr. Blahnik, JB may be adding a whole new level of stress to the credit crunch effect with Brisbane fashionistas alike. I’ve been told there are two Jean Brown stores in Emporium, the original stocks accessories (real Balenciagas of course, not the scary back street Hong Kong kind that can be found in Paddington if you look hard enough – shock, horror!). The second store, which opened more recently, is Jean Brown Robe, stocking pretty Chloe frocks for those who live on Hamilton Hill or just know how to manage their money a little better than I.
With tickets to a few shows and high teas during Brisbane Fashion Festival along with visits to Jean Brown on the cards (of the credit variety) it looks like Virgin Blue will be the ones missing out. No longer will I need trips to Bondi Junction and Chapel Street to satisfy my fashionable needs down under. Will The Emporium be my new Mayfair? Brisbane, I think I’m in love.
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8 people have commented:
You have been away for a while my dear, haven't you heard that Brisbane is more tanned and golden than Sydney these days!
I haven't been to Jean Brown but it's on my to do list next time I'm in Brissie, I think it's wonderful they have a store like that.
LM
x
you simply must come to Sydney and forget any notion of returning to Brisvegas! FORGET IT I TELLZ YA!
oooh, i'm seeing a good Sydney v. Brisbane feud brewing here, bring it!
I find it difficult keeping up with the various Aussie fashion scenes.... I really need to start sorting out my Aussie blogger list by region...
hmm sounds like a nice day out and like youve a lot to catch up on, good luck!
Yes Jean Brown is practically the Brisbane Mecca for all the big labels! I passed it the other day on a trip into the valley but daren't go in yet cause I know it'll literally make me cry knowing that I can't afford any of it!
S.A.A.
ooh, jean brown is amazing! All the staff are lovely and helpful aswell :) Even if you don't move back to Brisbane, it's well worth a visit specially for Jean Brown! haha. (They are a bit overpriced on Balenciaga bags and acessories compared to Cult Status in Perth though).
Oh honey! You are out of the loop. And Paddington is no longer the place for knock-offs. Try Meow Meow and La La Latrobe in quick succession, followed by a quick dash through Petrol (the racks are too crowded, but a great selection of Peep Toe shoes - the cheaper version of every trend), check out Olive homewares because it's adorable and the hunt through Paddington's vintage stores - particularly Miss Posh Poodle - is a must. And yes. Jean Brown is beyond fabulous. Also try Nancy King for some designer labels.
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