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A round-up of the best retail stores to visit before Christmas

The Daily Edited

The Daily Edited

Autonomy

Autonomy

Before March

Before March

Nice Martin

Nice Martin

Smart Alec Hatters

Smart Alec Hatters

Scally & Trombone

Scally & Trombone

Madeit Lab

Madeit Lab

Lily & Mitchell

Lily & Mitchell

Obus

Obus

Images by Maddie Roux and Shelly Chen

Christmas gifting sorted.

Christmas is officially three weeks away, this is not a drill. It’s time to deck the halls and spend your money.

But fear not, we’ve put together a hitlist of all the stores you should be shopping before Santa arrives at your doorstep.

Autonomy

Defined by its minimal aesthetic, Autonomy is a Melbourne brand founded in 2003. Since then, it’s offering has grown from the humble T-shirt to complete collections encompassing a full range of casual essentials. Every consideration is taken into account when designing Autonomy pieces, from cut and colour to fabrication and fit. Think Organic basic tees, shirts, casual jackets, knits, casual pants and a range of accessories, ideal for basics, wardrobe staples and gifts.

242 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC
autonomyonline.com.au

Before March

Three fabric-obsessed friends are behind this Northcote store. Before March produces locally-made pieces, elevated with the use of luxe fabrics. Think high-quality feminine designs which are wallet-friendly and produced in limited runs. Before March also stocks a curated selection of fair trade raffia accessories, home and body fragrances and statement jewellery pieces. Ideal for those who are ethically conscious and have an appreciation for great textiles and beautifully-made clothing.

277 High Street, Northcote VIC
store@beforemarch.com

Nice Martin

Nice Martin is an Australian label designed with style and comfort in mind. The majority of the Nice Martin range is made from natural fibres and the Sydney boutique is the only place where you can get your hands on the entire range. It’s also one of the few Australian stockists offering Overose candles and Loq footwear. You’ll find something for you, something for your home and something for your little one, with the Mini Martin line coming soon.

Shop 5/168 Oxford Street, Paddington NSW
nicemartin.com

Smart Alec Hatters

Maker and purveyor of men’s headwear, Smart Alec provides the discerning gentlemen of Melbourne with new, vintage and bespoke hats. In store, you’ll find brands including Brixton, Scala and Borsalino, plus have the chance to get your much-loved pieces repaired, re-blocked and re-trimmed as required. You’ll find Boaters, bowlers, panamas, fedoras, berets, beanies and every other style you can think of. Accessories including cufflinks, scarves and gloves are also on offer.

235 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy VIC
smartalechatters.com.au

Scally & Trombone

Scally & Trombone’s workshop produces a range of millinery, hats, jewellery and accessories, all of which are made in small runs or are one-off pieces. Visit the store to shop the in-house lines, local makers and curated designs from international labels, including vintage-style swimwear from Esther Williams. Ideal for dress hats, sun hats, swimwear and unique jewellery and accessories. Think presents, tourists wanting a unique Australian item and anyone wanting a hat for any occasion.

233 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy VIC
scallyandtrombone.com.au

MadeIt Lab

Run by a group of creatives, MadeIt Lab is dedicated to showcasing locally handmade works. In store you’ll find a curated selection from over 50 designers, artists and makers. It’s about making sure Melburnians have access to high-quality, locally handmade products and supporting very small businesses. MadeIt Lab is open seven days a week and also runs creative classes. Everything in the store is available to purchase, including the display furniture. Expect a wide array of jewellery, candles, fashion, accessories, home decor, skincare and (much) more. These goodies are ideal for Treating yourself, decorating your space and grabbing a gift on the go. MadeIt Lab also offers a gift-wrapping service and gift vouchers.

73 Bridge Road, Richmond VIC
@madeit_lab

Lily & Mitchell

A favourite with locals, Lily & Mitchell houses a curated jewellery range from By Charlotte, Natalie Marie Jewellery, Temple of the Sun, Linda Tahija and more. Lily & Mitchell works only with brands who share its ethical beliefs and the team is committed to helping its customers find the perfect pieces. It houses both contemporary designs and classic styles in sterling silver, gold and rose gold. The store focuses on fine pieces, like thread earrings and delicate necklaces, but also stocks a selection of statement pieces. It is perfect for gifting or treating yourself.

643 Military Road, Mosman NSW
lilyandmitchell.com.au

Obus

Over the past 18 years, Obus has become a mainstay on the Melbourne scene. Led by creative director Kylie Zerbst, the brand delivers thoughtfully-designed collections with a focus on practical and vibrant staple pieces. Each new range is inspired by Kylie’s personal wanderings, and her stories of travel are woven throughout the designs.The store stocks womenswear and accessories, the majority of which are made in Melbourne and is ideal for women who want boutique clothing which is practical enough to live up to the demands of everyday life.

226 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy VIC
obus.com.au

The Daily Edited

The Daily Edited has built a cult following for its personalised monogrammed accessories. Its new Sydney boutique is a first of-its-kind concept, designed to be a shoppable master suite. Each space, consisting of a sitting room, bedroom, study and ensuite, houses a selection of TDE’s accessories, as well as furniture and decor from local designers. Think luxe leather accessories finished with TDE’s signature custom monogramming perfect for work, travel and everyday accessories.

Level 4, Westfield Sydney, Pitt Street and Market Street, Sydney NSW
thedailyedited.com

This article was originally published in Fashion Journal 174. You can read it here.

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