Miss Elm frontwoman Erin Harrington is also a fashion student and shares her favourite places to op shop.
“I study fashion... and I love dressing up in retro/ vintage clothes on stage. So I am a thrifty shopper!”
Paddington Antique Centre
I bought my formal dress from there back in the day (a beautiful mauve satin one shoulder ‘50s piece, which I had altered). It is like a giant superstore for all things vintage, antique and retro. There are around twenty little shops in the one, and the building has an old world charm with the deep blue ceiling that is slowly falling apart, but standing through time.Lifeline Fortitude Valley
They have recently opened a new 'designer label' shop which is nicely refurbished and focuses on second hand high quality clothing. We recently found a Scanlan and Theadore Neoprene jumper (worth $300+) for $60! Everyone walked out a happy customer — it also supports a good cause, so guilt free shopping.Sunday Social Fortitude Valley
This is a nifty little shop in Wynne Lane, tucked in the back corner. I've found so many amazing 'gig outfits'. Some of these have been a maroon tinsel jacket, a deep purple velvet dress and a beautiful ‘70s lace dress that are pretty much my staples for the stage. They also have really cute earrings, accessories and just quirky stuff that is fun to sort through.Endeavor Stafford
Not many people think of this place as a 'go to' for op shops, but it's HUGE! It also stocks international retro clothing (much of it made in Japan, Canada and France) as well as ex-factory big labels with decent prices. I like going there as it's not overcrowded like some of the city op shops... and there's less people to battle if you find something really good!Tum Vintage, Stafford
This is a newly opened shop that are slowly gathering their stock. They basically have anything retro or vintage, as well as being just interesting people to talk to and share stories with. They have studios for hire for creative projects, and are always changing up their store layout. It's a playground, and also has amazing artwork by Anthony Lister on the outside of the building.{youtube}OK565Vv8MCI{/youtube}
