Take a fashion-forward outing to Gorgeous Soles at McLaren Vale
Adelaide’s regions have long been highly visited locales, perfect for day trips and staycations. From the valley to the coast, foodie-approved eateries and handpicked boutiques make the trip well worth it. Gorgeous Soles in McLaren Vale is a store in the latter category, with a curated range of fashion-forward clothing and footwear.
For owner Elle Brown, Gorgeous Soles was born from a love of the shopping expedition, and the desire to access one a little closer to home. “Living in McLaren Vale, I felt that every time I wanted to buy something new, the choices for retail therapy, locally, were limited,” she says, “and that I was probably not alone in thinking this.” She definitely wasn’t: in the nine years their inception, Gorgeous Soles’ popularity has buoyed them through the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing cost-of-living challenges.
Originally, the brand began as a footwear-focused business. Since then, they have evolved into a boutique selling some of Australia’s most-loved clothing and shoe labels, as well as accessories and gifts. Championing local designers is a big focus. On their shelves are favourites such as POL Clothing, zoe kratzmann, OnceWas, Rubyyaya, Talamaya, Morrison and Lounge the Label. When it comes to footwear, Elle’s first love, the brands are varied, but a selection from EOS’ current range remains a fixture.
For anyone looking to stock up on pieces that can withstand the colder months, Gorgeous Soles has you covered from head to toe. “The store is full of winter goodies,” Elle says, “with lots of warm knits, denim and footwear to coordinate.” For a new leather satchel or tote, the boutique carries a selection of pieces from Henk Berg and Dusky Robin, both based in Tasmania.
Many of these new pieces are flying off the rack, which reflects Gorgeous Soles’ typical shopper. “Our customer is fashion confident and loves to be the first to wear the new season’s fashions,” Elle says. “She loves retail therapy, especially if it involves a glass of bubbles, and she likes things that are quirky but not over-the-top.” There are plenty of pieces in store that can suit a range of ages and styles.
Their customer base is steadfast, even if they don’t live locally. Plenty make annual trips to the south coast from within the state and beyond it, and Gorgeous Soles is one of the first places they visit. “We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but McLaren Vale,” Elle says. “We love our main street, our vineyard landscape, our amazing community and local support.” Indeed, the area is renowned for its wineries, restaurants and beaches… but it’s the people there, Elle says, that make it so special.
For anyone coming on a day trip (or a several-day trip), where else does Elle suggest they pop into? “When walking the main street,” she says, “we love to shop and browse in the McLaren Vale Garden Centre and Fleurieu Arthouse.” For great coffee, she recommends Manna, Kicco and Bracegirdle’s. To extend the retail therapy session beyond Gorgeous Soles, other fashion finds include Country Life Fashions and Humbld. boutique. The shopping expedition is well and truly back: first stop, McLaren Vale.
Gorgeous Soles
1/165 Main Road, McLaren Vale
0482 640 691
South Australian Style Magazine 