James Street - Brisbane's Shopping Mecca

Grab the girls for a day on James Street

“Shall we do EP first or S&B?” I asked my girlfriend as we pulled up in the car.

“Oooh...tough one. Let’s start at Sass & Bide, grab a coffee and then make our way up to Easton Pearson,” she replied. Deal! 

My faithful shopping companion and I had arrived for a day of retail therapy on James Street, Brisbane’s stylish oasis for Fashionistas, Fashion Die-Hards and us, the Fashion Wannabes. 

Located in Fortitude Valley on the north side of the CBD, James Street is the Queensland capital’s equivalent to Sydney’s Oxford Street and Chapel Street in Melbourne, and today it was our playground. Yippee!

As we entered the double-glass doors of Sass & Bide (Cnr James & Doggett St) we realised we might need more than a coffee to keep us going, because our arms were full of goodies and we’d only just started.

After deciding on a bright orange statement necklace (her) and a stunning ruby red Tee (me) we picked up two espressos to go from Jamie’s (Cnr James & Robertson St) and headed straight to James Lane (65 James Street), an enclave of boutiques alongside the main street. 

Made up of FrockShop (the online store’s first Australian retail space), Jules & Roc, Vanguard Design Boutique, Nat-Sui Shoes and many others, James Lane is a style hub in its own right.  It’s also home to Paul Hunt, a Brisbane couture label gaining international attention for its bridal gowns.

Taking full advantage of the buzz of caffeine, we crossed the road to try-on jeans in French Connection (50 James Street), embellished skirts at Easton Pearson (60 James Street) and amazing dresses in Kisses (50 James Street) - a much-loved boutique dedicated to offering a range of gorgeous women’s fashion including Collette Dinnigan, Paige and Josh Goot.

Remembering I had to pick up a birthday present for my Mum, I turned back towards Libertine Parfumerie (181 Robertson Street), a Parisian inspired boutique for world-class fragrances, while my fashion-savvy friend continued her way up James Street to drool over the shoes in Gary Castles Sydney (73 James Street) and admire one-off samples in Leona Edmiston Vintage (60 James Street entry via Arthur Street). 

Apart from the international designers and leading Australian labels (think Witchery, Mimco, Scanlon and Theodore, ksubi, Alexis Dawn etc...) that make up the fashion landscape of James Street, the area originally found success in the 90s as a place for well-to-do locals to purchase luxury home wares and see independent films at the cinema.

Today, the shopping hub offers visitors a skilful mix of food providores, independent art galleries, spa retreats, award-winning restaurants, and of course, fabulous fashion. But it was a satisfying glass of Sauvignon-Blanc at Cru Bar & Cellar (22 James Street) that provided well deserved respite for two shopping-tragics at the end of a very fashionable day.

“So, same time next week for the other half of the street?” I asked. “Absolutely, I’ll drink to that!”  

Image provided by Tourism Queensland

Hey Big Spender!

The EU isn't the only one battening down the hatches in an attempt to save its economy from going belly-up.

Teach and I are tightening our purse strings in preparation for Christmas and our upcoming sojourn to New Zealand.  

We're making the obvious cutbacks such as no meals out; drinking instant coffee at home instead of ordering two delicious take aways from the nearby deli; renting DVDs on $1 Tuesdays - and taking them back before they are overdue and spending another $12 in late fees; eating ALL the food we've got instead of buying more or dumping left overs because it's 'gone bad' (read: it looks icky because we didn't cover it before it went in the fridge); turning off lights when we leave the room; flicking off powerpoints after using the appliance; and we've stopped buying unnecessary extras during our fortnightly grocery shop.

Oh, those delicious extras. They are the hardest to say no to. You know the ones. The packet of Tim Tams or three you buy to have in the cupboard when girlfriends come over when in fact they magically disappear as you pass through the kitchen on your way to the bathroom / laundry / living room / any other room in the house!

I've also stopped myself from stocking up on products that are supposedly on sale. I tend to get sucked in to buying items with price tags declaring "Buy any 2 for only $5." How could I possibly pass that by? I'll save a bundle! As soon as I know I can get more for less I MUST have it even if I had no intention of buying it.

Teach caught on to my interesting shopping habits during one grocery expedition not long ago. "Why are we buying two 1 litre bottles of white vinegar? We've still got half a bottle in the cupboard which we've had for 12 months."

"But they're on sale, it's an awesome deal," I proudly declare. "I'm saving money!"

"We'll just spend more. Besides we don't need it." He was right. Of course. I put the two bottles of white vinegar back and walked away making every effort not to look behind me. I felt like I was abandoning a cute little puppy that needed a good loving home.

Another trap I'm slowly trying to change is paying up front for a group of classes before I've tried them.

Three months ago I enrolled and paid for E to attend a semester (yes a FULL semester) of Baby Sensory classes. I had every intention of going each week for an hour long class of singing, dancing, games and baby sign language for E to grow and learn.

In seven weeks, we've been to two classes! I really loved those two classes, we did have a great time - not to mention it got us out of the house. But I know in the deep recesses of my mind we're not going back.Why? Pure laziness. Sometimes I even try to fool my brain into thinking we're going and say, "I'm making an effort today." Then all of a sudden I look at the clock, we're 5 minutes late and I think, "Bugger. We can't go now we're already late."


What a brilliant way to save money Sian - good on you! What else can you waste hard earned cash on?

Give me half a chance and I can make money disappear faster than you can say 'Brittney Spears' underpants'.

Unfortunately my Buy-Now-Waste-Later lifestyle isn't foreign to me.

Four years ago I enrolled in French Language at the University of Queensland. I was so excited to have taken the steps to learn the language I'd dreamed of speaking since I was a kid, plus I was off to Paris in six months and wanted to know the basics.

The numbers were limited so I was very lucky to be accepted. Guess how many classes I managed to attend? Go on...

Un.

I made every excuse under the sun about why I couldn't go. Work was extremely busy so I could never make the 6.30pm start time. Traffic along Coronation Drive to St Lucia was horrific so my 10 minute drive always took closer to 45 minutes. And on and on and on....


Maybe I need to put a post-it note in my wallet that reads 'Hey Big Spender' as a reminder of the bigger picture. Unfortunately when I see it I'll be standing at the cash register waiting to pay for something else, I don't need and I won't use.

C'est la vie.

My Summer Essentials

The balmy weather I enjoyed in Townsville last week has me counting down to summer in Brisbane; the long hot days, time at the beach with my beautiful boys, jugs of cold Sangria and picnics in the park. Pure bliss!

In an attempt to hurry my favourite season along, here is a quick wrap up of the things I'm looking forward to this summer. It never hurts to daydream...

A new summer outfit

A treat for my feet!

No matter how I'm feeling, jewelled sandals are a great pick me up and perfect for all occassions. These are from Witchery. I think they'll look gorgeous with this Beach Dress. So adorable! Golf clap for Country Road's new summer collection.

Drinks with a view

Brisbane Powerhouse - one of my favourite spots in Brissie.

With my new outfit on, I'll head down to Brisbane Powerhouse for a few vinos with friends. I go for the views of the river and Teach goes for the free live music on Sunday afternoons. We always have a great time because everyone is happy and relaxed, it's a cool atmosphere and the tunes are groovy baby!


Good coffee and fresh food

I heart the big Fig Trees providing shade at the markets.

Nothing beats a saturday morning at the West End Markets located at Davies Park on Montague Street (it's official title is 'Davies Park Market' but locals refer to it as the West End Markets). We take E down there nice and early, enjoy a great coffee, pick up fresh groceries for the week then have a play before its time to head home and put the little man down for his nap.  If you're after a few quirky Chrissie presents too, I highly recommend these markets for vintage finds and one-off pieces. These markets are on all year round, but who wants to leave the house when it's cold out? Not me!!

Picnic in a park

The Jacarandas are in full bloom at New Farm Park - here comes summer!!

The other summer essential I lust-after during winter is a picnic in the park. E is now getting to the age where he can enjoy time outdoors too, so I'm sure we'll be spending lots of time at New Farm Park or Kangaroo Point. Both have spots to grab a coffee and shady trees to allow you to while away the day in peace and quiet. Mmmmm heaven!


What are some of your favourite things to do during summer?

Two Lives

I am a walking contradiction. I came to the realisation on Saturday afternoon as Teach and I sat in front of the television, chowed down on McDonalds and played with E. I heard myself say, 'Now E this is rubbish food, you don't want any of this.' His little eyes watched us closely as we demolished lunch in desperation, not hunger, but desperation to get rid of the evidence that we proactively bought and consumed fast food. It tasted so good, I was disgusted with myself!

Shopping aint what she use to be!

Shopping has always been enjoyable for me. Ever since I earnt my first pay packet, the first thing I do is decide which clothes I have to have then race out and get 'em. It seems money burns a massive hole in my pocket and if I don't spend it immediately it'll vanish. Because of this, clothing became my drug. The more I had, the more I wanted. It was mine, mine, ALL MINE (insert evil laugh here)!