City Guide: A fashion writer’s favourite things to do in Melbourne in winter
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SILVER SERVICE
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
The best places to eat, drink and shop when it’s chilly.
Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in Australian cities that only the locals know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and the bars people will always want to go back to.
This week, we’re hearing about fashion writer and content creator Deana Stepanian’s favourite ways to spend a winter in Melbourne. After moving to Melbourne from Sydney in 2021, Deana found herself drawn to the city’s sense of community and the talented people she met here.
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“I’ve personally found myself more driven to find my creative voice here, and people seem to step outside their comfort zone a little more,” she explains. “It seems like the city for that, especially for many young people and emerging artists. While truthfully find Sydney more physically beautiful, Melbourne feels a little more lively and opportunistic (energetically speaking).” Here, Deana shares some of her favourite places to visit in Melbourne.
Drink
The Moon Wine Bar & Shop, 28 Stanley Street, Collingwood
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This is a little bar located on a quiet street in my neighbourhood that feels intimate and cosy. It’s a great place for a date night. I recommend their chilled red, it’s probably my favourite/most ordered drink (even during winter). They also serve snack plates, but I’ll often call a Silver Service taxi to take me to another dinner spot around the city for a bigger feed afterwards!
Eat
Soi 38, 38 Mcilwraith Place, Melbourne
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This is the place to share dozens of plates of yummy Thai street food! It’s located on the lower level of a concrete parking garage, making it a cool but casual dining experience to share with a group of friends.
Abla’s, 109 Elgin Street, Carlton
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Abla’s is a small spot that feels warm and homely, serving authentic Lebanese food. I took my Dad here the first time he came to Melbourne to visit me! We stayed for a few hours and finished dinner off with many cups of tea. So, it’s winter-approved, for sure.
Shop
Bruce, 157 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
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Bruce curates such a stunning selection of luxury/archival secondhand pieces from designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garçons. I tend to not shop for months on hand, and then spoil myself with something special every now and then – this is the spot for that.
Opera, 308-310 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North
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I’ve found a few beautiful, timeless pieces from Opera. They stock vintage designer pieces and the actual space is also interesting because it’s a refitted house, I believe.
Who Boutique, 1216 High Street, Armadale
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They stock a gorgeous range of designer brands, including Paloma Wool (one of my favourites). Their new store/space is stunning, making it an extra lovely browsing/shopping experience.
Indulge
Mag Nation, Shop LG04/287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
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I visit this shop every other month to gift myself a new magazine, like System, 032c, or Purple. I love collecting publications, and this store is great for finding specialised ones that are slightly harder to physically get your hands on in Australia.
Lulu’s, 905 High St Thornbury Victoria Australia 3071
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Lulu’s stocks media from modern, underground publishers. They have a sick selection of books and magazines! I’ve probably spent more on print than anything else lately. Also, scanning and indulging in new publications is a preferred pastime during winter.
The ideal day
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An ideal day would start with yoga, or a visit to the spa, followed by a big, long lunch with friends. It’s inevitably harder to get yourself out and about during winter, but Silver Service taxis definitely make that easier and more doable when it feels too cold to travel around. I’d of course finish the day shopping for vintage clothing and new magazines! I’m a simple gal, so nothing that extravagant.
Celebrate
Sezar, 6 Melbourne Place, Melbourne
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A truly divine spot serving Middle-Eastern food, with modern Armenian influences. I’ve come here for both birthdays and graduations. The hummus is insane, as are the cocktails.
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