Where To Shop Sustainably This Melbourne Fashion Festival, According To Sandy McIntyre

It’s finally that time of year—the frocks are out, the runways are waiting and the buzz of Melbourne Fashion Festival is back in the air. When it comes to MFF, people often ask, "What on earth do I wear? And where does one acquire such a look?" Well, friends, I'm here to help you find that look in a way that will have you feeling fab, without costing the planet.

Having worked in fashion as both a model and journalist, I know this time of year can feel overwhelming. Am I overdressed? Am I underdressed? Finding the balance can be difficult, and doing it with sustainability in mind can feel impossible. So before you hit the shops, I want you to forget these questions and instead ask “Do I feel good? Am I comfortable?” If the answer is yes, then trust and believe, you will look fabulous. 

Naarm is arguably the fashion capital of Australia, and that means we are spoilt for choice when it comes to consignment and thrift stores. These are my top picks for finding beautiful, unique pieces. 

Opera

Opera is fairly new on my radar, but I’m so glad it's made it into my rotation. This store screams cool girl. If your vibe is New York art student/fashion darling, this is your place. It’s arty, effortlessly cool and always has fab pieces. I suggest you pop in, try on something a bit different and see how it feels. Once you've secured the goods, make an essential pitstop for pastry and coffee across the road at Florian. 

Goodbyes

Image credit: Sandy McIntyre | Supplied

With stores in Brunswick, Collingwood and Prahran, you've got choices when it comes to visiting Goodbyes, and my goodness, they are plentiful. Prior to moving to Naarm, Goodbyes was the first place I’d visit when in town. The stores are expertly curated with a beautiful fit out, helpful staff and everything from designer clothes to everyday wear at fair price points.

Swop

The Collingwood Swop store is another personal favourite. I could spend hours sifting through the racks with my favourite pop divas in my headphones, just in awe of all the beautiful clothing. You have absolutely everything you could want to build a head-to-toe outfit that'll have you feeling like the best-dressed guest at any event. 

Bruce

Dare I say the most sophisticated of the group, Bruce is the spot for anyone prepared to (and lucky enough to be able to) put down a little more cash. It's expertly and carefully curated with your more high end designers and one off pieces that, while a little more spenny than the other spots in this list, still works with fair prices on pieces that would cost you an arm and a leg elsewhere. Their Clifton Hill store is beautiful and inviting, and the staff are extremely knowledgeable. 

Savers

A trusty fave for all, Savers will forever be in my heart. This place has saved me multiple times when I’ve needed a fun new piece to refresh my wardrobe but didn’t want to put down a week's rent to do it. If you’re after a cute dress, a good blazer, fun heels or jewellery, they’ve got it at Savers. I personally love a houndstooth or charcoal blazer—both add an elevated to touch to almost any look.

Hot tip: Mark your cal for Tuesday, 24 February: Savers will be having a 50% off sale across womens, mens and kidswear. Just in time for last-minute Fashion Festival fits! My personal favourite locations are Brunswick and Footscray. 

Good luck shopping fashion-lovers; remember, whatever you buy and whatever you do, buy and do it for yourself—you'll feel better for it. Here’s to a successful MFF season!

Main image credit: Sandy McIntyre | Supplied