The displays were - well everywhere. Every corner of this shop has been thought about .... carefully. It's as though the owners and people that work here actually walk around their space and look at it from all angles.End result - as a customer - everywhere you look there is something exciting for the eye to explore.
With giant bursts of colour at different height placements the space is vibrant without being totally retro. It's done against a backdrop of muted vintage charm, but please, the "vintage charm" is by no means twee and does hold wit and the whimsy of fun.
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| Nice bum! |
Also - what vintage? 'Red Parasol' seems to blend and crossover quite a few vintages with very little clunky, clumsy culture clashes. You can buy new, something from last season through to something your very groovy grandmother wore on her first date. Most of the decades in between will have a showing also.
The dressing rooms are an adventure in themselves. As I said earlier - the entire space is fitted out with things to look at.
The other amazing thing it doesn't "smell" like a second hand shop AT ALL. Maybe it's the delicious soy scented candles they sell?
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| Enter the dressing rooms and try not to forget why you're there with so much to look at |
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| Handwritten dressing room etiquette. They must know how good they are. They even supply sweets so you have enough energy to keep going. Could easily miss a meal you spent so much time here!  |
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| Bits and buttons |
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| Beautiful old lace in front of great retro wallpaper |
This ribbon is SO beautiful. If you are expecting a little parcel form me any time soon it just may have a bit of this wrapped around it. This heavy woven ribbon alone has made me a friend for life. They sell it by the metre and there may be none left by the time you read this (depending on my schedule tomorrow).
They also sell wrapping paper by the metre.Beautiful heavy weight printed wrapping paper by the metre - just makes you want to buy someone a gift. This is a personal favourite piece of the shop for me. The idea of being able to buy quality paper and incredible ribbon in lengths I want is pure retail decadence.
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| Original old woven ribbon ...LOVE! |
Whether it's a fabulous one off dress, an earing or a simple but brightly coloured scarf you are sure to be able to find something pretty special here. It's well worth the drive. If this shop was in Melbourne city area the prices would be double and the stock would be running out the door. Lucky for us it's based in Croydon so the while it's busy - it's still a bit hidden from the hordes of quirky fashion lovers.
This shop has been one of the biggest retail surprises I've had in while and I can't wait to get back. Nice work!
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| Bag for the races ladies? 'The Red Parasol' New - Recycled - Designer - Retro Quality clothing and extras 163 Main St, Croydon VIC 3136 03 9724 9744 |
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| Or any number of hats. |
Yes it really is an awesome shop
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