Officially opened last Thursday (June 1), Spendless Shoes‘ former James Place store has moved to Rundle Mall’s western side (directly across from Uniqlo).
A facelift from the former CBD store, the Rundle Mall location is bigger with a more spacious fit-out, which is expected to bring new shoppers to the space.
Now employing more than 1000 staff across 210 stores nationwide, Spendless Shoes is investing in a number of new shopfronts.
Spendless Shoes Chief Operating Officer Jaimee Charlton says they’re excited about the new look and feel shopfront for its Adelaide CBD store.
“We’ve had our eye on this location for a while, and we’ve invested to ensure our customers get the best in-store experience,” she says.
Spendless Shoes began with just one store in Glenelg in 1988. The Adelaide CBD store is one of the oldest Spendless Shoes outlets.
Two Hyde Park fashion stores have joined forces to create the ultimate shopfront for sustainable and affordable clothing in an area previously untapped for pre-loved fashion and dress hire.
+One and Better Together Pre-Loved Fashion now trade side-by-side on King William Road, with the latter selling high-end, second-hand clothes and +One offering outfits-for-hire in a range of sizes, particularly for pregnant women.
Better Together owner Eden Hansen says their beautiful boutique space makes for “a new way of shopping pre-loved and focuses on marketing to a higher-end market”.
“We want customers to feel they’re shopping at a boutique; we provide a feel very different to the average op shop,” Eden says.
“One of the main reasons I began Better Together Pre-Loved Fashion was because fast fashion is run by big companies producing garments in bulk for low prices, with no care for the people making the items, or the environmental impact both whilst making the products.”
+One owner Eli Doyle (left) with Better Together Pre-Loved Fashion owner Eden Hansen.
Both businesses began their journey in 2021, with the King William Road location providing a second home for Better Together Pre-Loved Fashion after their Payneham store in March this year.
+One owner Eli Doyle created her business from the spare bedroom of her house when she was five months pregnant after seeing a gap in the market for pregnancy-friendly dress hire.
“It’s a time when women’s bodies are changing so quickly you shouldn’t have to feel the need to commit to buying,” Eli says.
“I had pregnant friends borrowing my clothes frequently, and one day thought, there is room for a great service for women going through pregnancy and into postpartum.”
Better Together Pre-Loved Fashion (Open seven days a week) +One (By appointment only) 74–76 King William Road, Hyde Park
South Australian fashion HOUSE Sunset Lover has teamed up with not-for-profit organisation KickStart for Kids to raise awareness for young women living without access to feminine hygiene products.
The local fashion brand, which uses compostable fabrics in its designs, will run a fashion parade showcasing its new collection at KickStart for Kids’ inaugural period poverty fundraiser at the Belgian Beer Café (27–29 Ebenezer Place, Adelaide) on Friday, May 26, from 12.30pm.
Featuring prints from South Australian botanical illustrator Gilbet Dashorst, Sunset Lover’s luxury pieces donning the runway are part of its latest mythological gardens collection.
Sunset Lover creative director and founder, Melanie Flintoft, said: “We love KickStart for Kids and all they do for our state, so I didn’t think twice when considering partnering up for this incredibly important fundraiser.”
The fundraiser will include a silent auction, live music from DJ Ashie, and inspiring speeches from KickStart for Kids founder Ian Steel and KickStart for Kids ambassador and SAFM breakfast host Rebecca Morse.
Period poverty has been highlighted as a real issue in Australia after a 2020 report by the Commissioner for Children & Young People revealed more than half (51%) of school students reported not having access to feminine hygiene products. In fact, 26% had missed school because their families couldn’t afford sanitary items.
All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to KickStart for Kids’ period poverty cause. Guests are also encouraged to donate sanitary items.
Looking for a last-minute gift for Mum? Head to Bowerbird for inspo this weekend (May 5–7).
For the Mums who like trinkets
If Mum needs a new vase for the bunch of flowers you’ve bought, South Australian artist Alicia Butt has you covered. Specialising in ceramics, Alicia’s small business Ali Potter Ceramics is a one-woman operation where she handcrafts ceramics to create stunning creations, everything from beakers and mugs to vases and trinket dishes.
Creator of mitchell.maker, Carolyn Mitchell, describes her handmade, recycled sterling silver jewellery as ‘simple, strong and timeless’ – just like Mum. Carolyn uses the ancient lost wax method of casting metal to create her tactile pieces. Browse Carolyn’s Bowerbird stall for a pair of silver earrings, pendants or rings.
It wouldn’t be Mother’s Day without a new candle for Mum’s collection. Find one or a sweet-scented diffuser at the Mojo Candle Co. stall. The vessels are hand-cut from reclaimed wine and beer bottles, filled with natural soy wax infused with modern, sophisticated fragrances and topped with sustainable cork stoppers.
It’s officially winter! Keep Mum cosy and stylish with a scarf or shrug designed and knitted by boutique knitwear label sheep-ish. Using 100 per cent Australian merino wool, the sheep-ish range includes merino shrugs, ponchos, scarves, wrist warmers, headbands, baby blankets and cushions.
Inspired by our diverse and colourful birdlife, Songbird is an art and stationery label that showcases iconic birds, all while raising awareness of some of the most vulnerable and critically endangered varieties. In 2011, Songbird founder, Alexandra Sommer, travelled to a small village in Thailand and was overwhelmed by the immense talent of local women. Today, Songbird provides employment to their team of artisans in Thailand who help create pieces that’ll make Mum’s heart sing this Mother’s Day.
Sit down with Mum to enjoy a cup of tea brewed by The Dandy Tea Co., founded by Renmark-born Mandy de Rose. Collaborating with local growers, Mandy creates the freshest, seasonal fruit and herbal blends to hand-blend her extensive range of teas. Yum!
Find Mum a new, pretty print for her lounge room at South Australia’s My Little Print Studio, which uses real flora and fauna to create cyanotypes (also known as a blueprint). This simple photographic printing process creates a bold and beautiful blue and white print that immediately connects its audience to nature. My Little Print Studio’s artworks have also been merged into gift cards, coasters, earrings, heat bags and tea towels, so you’re bound to find something unique for Mum. You can even pick up Mum her very own DYI cyanotype printing kit.
BOWERBIRD IS BACK THIS MAY! HERE are JUST A FEW OF THE INCREDIBLE LOCAL AND INTERSTATE ARTISANS POPPING UP AT ADELAIDE’S PREMIER DESIGN MARKET.
1. CHERIE EM
South Australian-based Cherie Em boasts a bespoke range inspired by the centuries-old techniques used in French perfumeries. The delicate blends of rose and chamomile, mint and myrtle, and Chantilly are handcrafted from natural materials and essences. Our pick? We love the subtle scents of the Mint & Myrtle Hand & Body Wash and Tangerine Lip Balm. cherie-em.com @cherieembotanical
2. CARDIGANG
Founded by Morgan Collins and Cat Bloxsom, Cardigang is the Victorian-based brand that’s revolutionising how people learn to knit and crochet with their easy-to-follow DIY kits made for beginners, by beginners. Make your own colourful, chunky-knit jumper, crop top or cardigan and flaunt your ‘made by me’ tag with style. cardigang.com.au @cardigang_knits
3. BASK AROMATHERAPY
Since 2014, Bask Aromatherapy’s non-toxic, plant-based and locally-made lotions, body washes and hand creams have made people’s skin feel luxurious, soft and repaired. The boutique brand gently blends essential oils with the best botanicals, with products using balancing and relaxing scents like lemon myrtle, geranium and lavender. baskaromatherapy.com.au @baskaromatherapy
4. CLAIRE ISHINO
Inspired by the colour, pattern and the beauty of Australia’s native flora and fauna, local artist Claire Ishino crafts colourful prints that brighten any room. The Adelaide-based artisan, whose illustrations are featured on Jurlique, Twenty Third Street Distillery and Jim Barry packaging, is also a fan of collaboration, working with local makers like Kitty Came Home to create small collections of accessories. claireishino.com @claireishino
5. CHOMO STUDIO
Melbourne-based Chomo Studio ceramics have a distinctive style and story, with the hand-painted whimsical designs, characters and coloured patterns bringing joy to any room. At the May markets, find handmade cremains and original illustration prints at the Chomo Studio stall, alongside sweet clay figurines featuring hand-picked, dried flowers from the designer’s own backyard. chomostudio.com @chomo.studio
6. CLAY BY KHOA
Adelaide’s Khoa Edgecombe handcrafts ceramics that celebrate form and function, drawing inspiration from South Australia’s natural landscapes, intertwining her love of the state’s earthy tones and textures into her range. The line of thickly-rimmed dishes, mugs and mini bowls are made from locally-sourced clay. claybykhoa.com.au @clay_by_khoa
7. FRANK N AL CHAI
Frank n Al Chai was born out of a need for a coffee alternative. Founder Kristen Carroll was searching for caffeine substitutes when she discovered the benefits of chai. She’s now developed her own range of certified organic chai that is gluten, dairy and sugar-free, and vegan-friendly. Hand-blended, Frank n Al Chai’s spiced tones give the perfect morning buzz. Even better, the packaging is compostable and includes a meditation guide! franknal.com.au @franknal_chai
8. METANOIA
Born from wanting to give vintage leather a new lease of life, Metanoia is the South Australian slow fashion label handcrafting timeless bags from old jackets to minimise textile waste. Each design is one-of-a-kind, with the edgy bags effortlessly elevating any look with a statement style. metanoialeather.com @metanoia.leather
9. THURSTON AND LOVEY
Since 2009, Thurston and Lovey have been crafting jewellery pieces perfect for every occasion. The Adelaide-born brand’s sustainable range of sterling silver, pearl-beaded and gold vermeil necklaces, earrings and rings are timeless in design and elegant in appearance, making them the perfect gift for a loved one or yourself! thurstonandlovey.com.au @thurston_lovey
10. PALI BASKETS
Handwoven basket brand, Pāli, was born from a desire to economically empower remote communities, ethically working with villagers to find ways to showcase their craft globally while ensuring they’re correctly compensated. Founders Maggie and Cass work closely with artisans in remote areas, designing stand-out bags that are then handcrafted in Myanmar from new and recycled palette strapping. palibaskets.com @pali_baskets
11. NUTMEG CREATIVE
Nutmeg Creative is on a mission to make you smile with their quirky range of tote bags, greeting cards, hand-painted doormats and more. From doormats reading ‘I hope you brought wine’ and tote bags with ‘emotional baggage’ on the front, each design is decorated with cheeky slogans. Nutmeg Creative is also committed to sustainable practice, with the Adelaide-made label using clean products, recycling and reusing where possible. nutmegcreative.com.au @nutmeg_creative
12. PRYSHAN CLAY STONES
Discover the benefits of naturally exfoliating with Pryshan’s Clay Stones. Using natural French clay, the boutique beauty brand craft the buffing stones across two weeks before placing them in a kiln to ensure the product is future-proof. The stone is a great tool for deep exfoliation, gently removing dead skin cells to leave you looking brighter, smoother and refreshed. pryshan.com.au @pryshanbeauty
Ever dreamt of raiding the wardrobes of celebrities? Now you can at Adelaide’s boutique Maison Market, from May 5–6.
Hosted by Blancspace in Adelaide CBD, the highly curated and beautifully presented showcase of branded, pre-loved clothing and accessories features the wardrobes of some of Adelaide’s favourite personalities, plus an interstate identity.
Browse and score a stylish piece from the wardrobes of:
Lauren Dilena (Adelaide Stylist)
Bec Morse (Radio Presenter and former Newsreader)
Kate Freebairn (TV Presenter)
Brooke Bickmore and Alyce Tran (In The Roundhouse Co-founders)
Jamie Rielly (Stylist and Model)
Emma Riemersma (Adelaide Stylist and Fashion Editor)
Marie Kargiotis (Interior Designer)
Marina Kremer (Fashion Influencer)
Erin Fraser (Blancspace Founder)
Tell Me More
Here’s what some of Maison Market’s wardrobe hosts say you can expect from their collections:
“I’ve decided it’s time to part with some of my favourite newsreader jackets, including some of Camilla & Marc’s famous blazers. I’ll also be selling pieces from Alemais, Oroton and Acler.” – Bec Morse
“It’s time for a bag clean out for me! I’ll be selling a couple of special buys, including a Fendi raffia croissant bag, a Loewe fluoro cube bag and a Bottega Veneta green woven bag – all ready to be loved by someone new. Other brands include Venroy, Victoria Beckham, Blanca Studio and Aje.” – Brooke Bickmore
“The time has come to say goodbye to some of my most cherished and beloved pieces from Australian and international brands in sizes 8 to 12, including Scanlan & Theodore, Once Was, Aje, Morrison, Kitx, Sandro, Maje and much more.” – Lauren Dilena
“A curated collection of high to low, from basics to trend pieces, my sale wardrobe offering will have you covered. Some brands include Acne, Isabel Marant, Raef The Label, Ena Pelly, and more. All priced to go!” – Jamie Reilly
“I can’t wait to give my pieces a second life. I have gone deep into the archives and have two special dresses – a Fleur Wood silk maxi and a sequinned Wayne Cooper mini dress. I will also be selling a recent Viktoria & Wood set and many pieces never worn, still with tags.” – Erin Fraser
EVENT DETAILS
What: Maison Market
When: May 5–6, from 9am to 5pm
Where: Blancspace Maison (79 Angas Street, Adelaide)
Highlights: Meet and greet wardrobe hosts on Friday, May 5 at 4pm and sip on a glass of complimentary bubbles while you shop. Adelaide stylist Lauren Dilena will be offering free on-the-spot styling. On Saturday morning (May 6), fuel your energy for shopping up a storm with a free coffee. Plus, the first 100 shoppers will receive a free coffee cup from Australian homewares brand In The Roundhouse.
Don’t forget to tag @blancspacemaison and the original wardrobe owner when you wear and style your new pre-loved piece post event!
Loafers are taking a huge step ahead of the humble heel, ballet flat and boot as the footwear of choice this season.
From classic preppy Penny loafers to designs with tassels, buckles and all the bits and bobs, this shoe staple has evolved over the years. So, quit loafing around and find a style that fits.
1. The Chunky One
The chunky loafer gets bonus points for comfort and coolness. Not only does the thick, padded sole protect the balls of your feet, the chunky exterior means you’ve got a bit of extra height to elevate your look. They’re also lightweight, so they won’t slow your stride.
Loafers We Love: We’re loving this chunky, platform loafer from Adelaide’s Cherri Bellini – it puts the cherry on the top (or bottom) of our autumn wardrobes. The ultra-lightweight sole makes this pair the perfect pick for every day, while the vibrant patent wine colour dresses up an outfit.
Forget jewellery; loafers with embellishments easily add a statement to any outfit. Whether pairing it with a casual tee and jeans or adding a bit of understated elegance to a work blazer and tailored pants, the embellished loafer gives oomph to a paired down look.
Loafers We Love: This loafer wins double points for chunkiness and shininess – the fringe detailing, and classic gold hardware complete the look.
Back in the early 1800s, gentlemen apparently wore smoking slippers if they wanted to excuse themselves for a smoke. While we don’t think you should go out and buy a packet of cigarettes any time soon, we do think every shoe collection needs a pair of these loafers. Not only are they considered one of the most comfortable loafers, they’re also the most versatile.
Loafers We Love: Cherri Bellini’s most popular smoking slippers brings us a lot of joy. Aptly named ‘Joy’, this sophisticated loafer is a woven, soft suede leather with a piping finish. It’s the perfect fit when you need to get your steps up in style, and they literally go with anything – pants, dresses, skirts, you name it.
Brown and black will always be traditional loafer colours, but we’re all about adding some colour to our winter wardrobe.
Loafers We Love: This lovely, lilac loafer is a subtle shade that’ll make any outfit pop, plus the square-toe finish is a nice point-of-difference from other loafer shapes.
As Fashion Month comes to a close, here are some of the biggest A/W trends taken from the international stage.
CLASSIC MINIMALISM
Fashion capitals like Milan, Paris and New York saw timeless staples take centre stage in recent Fashion Weeks. Trench coats, tailored shirts and knitwear featured prominently, as did classic basics. Proenza Schouler, who celebrated their 20th anniversary at New York Fashion Week, presented pieces that formed a ‘complete wardrobe’ for the real woman – expertly crafted, elegant and versatile clothes that can be stripped back and styled again and again.
At Paris Fashion Week, Saint Laurent returned to its signature style. Their A/W ’23 collection featured pencil skirts and oversized blazers with exaggerated shoulders. In Los Angeles, Donatella Versace drew inspiration from her classic ‘90s Versace collections with strong hourglass silhouette dresses and sharp tailoring.
COLOUR
Despite Pantone’s colour of the year being Viva Magenta, muted shades reigned strong this fashion month. Keeping with the sartorial shift to classic minimalism, both the Tory Burch and Jason Wu showcases at New York Fashion Week saw navy wool pea-coats, brown slacks, tan-brown trenches and black structured blazers. Following suit, the Chloé catwalk at Paris Fashion Week saw creative Gabriela Hearst monochromatically style her Baroque-inspired ready-to-wear collection.
But not all catwalks featured dialled-down hues. Milan Fashion Week saw vibrant red shades splashed across the Bottega Veneta, Prada and Ferragamo collections. And at London Fashion Week, designers like Nensi Dojaka took the trending colour even further, casting the entire showcase in ruby red light. Further, the street style snapped in Copenhagen, Paris and New York saw pedestrian fashion head-to-toe in primary hues – think azure blue, canary yellow and tomato red.
Boutique Tailoring House Racondier designs modern suits that nod to traditionalism and crafts high-quality, custom pieces that perfectly complement your style. Owner Chris Callisto talks to South Australian Style about menswear fashion, suit trends and Racondier’s timeless designs.
You have 15 years of experience in the fashion industry. Why did you decide to launch your label, Racondier?
I’ve worked for several brands in the premium and luxury menswear space. These are the places I learnt my craft, cut my teeth and was exposed to quality products. But I’ve always been a creatively-minded person who wants to manifest my ideas in the world. The only way to do that was to go out on my own.
Tell us more about Racondier.
We’re a boutique tailoring house. We offer a refreshing and modern perspective on custom menswear. We want to create our own world to invite people into. We’re quirky – it’s soulful, it’s exciting, it’s nostalgic, it’s modern, it’s classic. Even our suits and shirts have a style unique to the house. It’s subtle, but it’s there.
You say Racondier’s made-to-measure pieces are a ‘modern twist on a time-honoured practice’. How are you achieving this fresh perspective?
We really respect traditionalism and high-quality craftsmanship. But it’s still important to be progressive in what we do and bring our ideas to the table. Our garments are super clean, minimal and elegant. We’ve tried to strip it back. [Racondier] is an interesting mix of classic design– which is what we’re inspired by – with our own contemporary spin.
Your custom suits are perfect for wedding days. In your opinion, why should grooms consider a custom-designed outfit?
A special day requires a special suit. I think it has to mean something to the person wearing it. A tailor-made suit will take a little longer than choosing something off the rack, but the patience in the process – the fabric selection, the fittings – adds to the theatre of the wedding day. It makes the suit represent the significance of the day. Plus, you can influence the feel of the fabric and the fit throughout the process.
Walk us through the process of having a custom suit designed.
It’s a three-step process, that takes between four to six weeks. Firstly, we’ll have a casual chat in our salon, and if you’re interested, we’ll look at fabrics and record your body measurements. Then, after four weeks, you’ll come and try on the suit, and we can make small adjustments. Lastly, you’ll come to pick up the product! However, during the process we often see the groom, their partner or their friends more. We want the salon to feel like a second home – you can have a martini, enjoy a cigar and listen to vinyl. Our garments are built on body measurements. We recommend people start the made to measure process two to three months before the wedding so that they’re comfortable for time.
What are the next big trends for groom fashion?
We’re seeing a real casualisation of weddings, but I think the wheel will spin back the other way. There’ll always be space for the classic black tuxedo. It’s timeless. And I think soon we’ll see something more extravagant, like more velvet, silks and dinner jackets. Something a little more glamorous.
How can grooms incorporate their personal style into their wedding fashion?
With the made-to-measure process it’s easier to weave in your style. Fabric selection is a big one, as is the lining selection – a subtle detail only you know about. Wedding fashion also doesn’t have to be about your personal style, it can also be something you’ve never done before, and will never wear again, so it’s special and unique to your wedding day! It can swing two ways: understated or overstated. It depends on the vibe you want to give off.
You also have a range of ready-to-wear clothes. Where do you draw design inspiration?
I’m influenced by different creative art forms, like cinema and music. Some pieces are inspired by places I’ve visited recently, like Lake Como. Not necessarily fashion I’ve seen there, but pieces I thought would be cool to wear in that atmosphere. Even emotions, like nostalgia, are a big one for me – just trying to capture that emotion in a garment. I don’t gravitate towards one particular inspiration, I find it everywhere.
Local stylist and Morphettville’s Croser Fashions on the Field MC, Lauren Dilena, talks us through the latest trends for the 2023 TAB Adelaide Cup.
South Australia’s most fashionable race day is right around the corner, with the TAB Adelaide Cup taking place at Morphettville Racecourse this Monday March 13. It’s a must-attend event on SA’s racing calendar, with thousands of people flocking to the racecourse for the thrilling cup-day action, entertainment, hospitality and, of course, trackside fashion! Find your Cup Day style with these tips on the latest trends from the Croser Fashions on the Field MC and stylist, Lauren Dilena.
What are some of the biggest outfit trends for 2023 race day fashion?
Tailoring is in this season, accessorised with a wide-brim hat or jewelled headpiece. Other emerging trends I think we’ll see trackside include maxi hemlines, rhinestones and sheer, soft fabrics like mesh and tulle.
How can we take a modern spin on race day fascinators?
It’s always a good idea to visit your local milliner but, if you’re feeling savvy, go to your local Spotlight store and have a go at creating your own bespoke fascinator. They have all sorts of little knick-knacks, sequins, pearls and tulle. Be creative!
What’s in your clutch on Adelaide Cup Day?
My Cup Day essentials include heel stoppers, lipstick, perfume, and Hollywood tape (I wouldn’t be a stylist if I didn’t!).
What are three make-up must-haves for a long-lasting look?
MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Fix setting spray, a lip and face primer and the Hourglass Veil Translucent setting powder. These three are a powerful combination – you’ll be set for the whole day!
What makes an outfit stand out when judging Fashions on the Field?
The top things judges look for include deportment, if the person is appropriately styled for the season, and how the outfit silhouette looks from head to toe. Of course, accessories are always the cherry on top!
Hosted at Morphettville’s new boutique outdoor entertainment area, Flourish, this year’s Croser Fashions on the Field will be judged by local industry professionals, Markus Hamence, Michelle Beltrame and Damian Porcaro. Registrations open at 10am inside the Tramway Gate.
The 2 winners, Best Dressed Female and Best Dressed Male, will each receive a $500 gift card from Croser, $200 Westfield voucher, Sublime coffee vouchers and a lovely Croser Sparkling gift box. Runner ups will also receive a Croser Sparkling gift box, Westfield voucher and Sublime coffee vouchers. Be sure to register on Cup Day at the marquee inside the Tramway Gate to win!
Celebrate the 2023 TAB Adelaide Cup in style and explore Morphettville’s trackside hospitality packages and event ticketing here.
