Shag

Shag sell amazing clothes — predominantly vintage, but also new. They vintage pieces are particularly amazing, and work well with a modern wardrobe. The new clothes are also really interesting and fashion-​forward. Shag also have an impressive selection of glasses and jewellery (mostly quite costumey). They must have some amazing buyers sourcing their stock for them, because you don’t see this kind of stuff at the local op shop.
Having said all of that, the majority of the clothes at Shag are things I wouldn’t be able to pull off myself. When you see the model-​type guys who work there (with their top knots and brooches and see-​through crocheted blouses) you’ll know what I mean. But I can still appreciate the clothes from afar!

This gorgeous little vintage store is one of the best and also one of the priciest, but what you get for your money is some great vintage wear in excellent condition.
It’s all about the sparkle and the shine, so if you can’t handle the glamour factor, this may not be the store for you. If, however, you’re looking for a statement ring or brooch to offset a beautiful vintage dress, this is where you’ll find it. This is where you’ll find the vintage dress too if you haven’t already got that.
You’ll want to take your time in here what with all the goodies to look at. It won’t just be a quick shag.

Shag is the institution of vintage stores. A bastion, if you will. One of the originals.
Walking into the store is like being transported to a fabulous, far more sparkly version of earth. Everything in store is in very good condition and they have a huge array of accessories to please the sparkle-​creature that you’re becoming.
Such a shiny store.
The great thing about shag is you can lose yourself for a good hour before you remember the boring world from which you came from and how you were meant to pick up milk before you do your laundry. You boring thing you.
It’s playful and exciting, presenting you with the finest wares in all things vintage. Shag doesn’t disappoint.
Be it male or female, if you’re coming in for a t-​shirt or a fabulous jacket and dress, Shag is the place to get your mind blown and wardrobe improved.

Probably not what Shag’s founder’s had in mind but whenever I walk past this bijoux little vintage boutique I think of my first London flat with its grotesquely blue shag pile carpets that were ostensibly made for clumsy red wine drinkers. But I digress…
The last thing you want to do around any of Shag’s wares is spill. What with them being so outrageously expensive and all. So why the four star rating? In a nutshell: Shag is awesome.
I’m a shallow shopper. Give me a glitzy window display and a well edited range of stock that doesn’t require hours of rifling and I’m yours. Shag performs on both of these fronts with its Selfridges in miniature window displays and carefully selected range of vintage from a plethora of eras.
Particularly standout? Shag’s incredible range of jewellery and accessories taking in both modern and vintage pieces in some pretty stunning statement designs.
Think giant blooming sixties floral brooches, think Studio 54 era snakeskin clutches, think Laura Biagiotti 80s visor style sunglasses and cocktail rings that double as quite dangerous looking knuckle dusters. If you’re serious about your vintage you’ll love Shag.
If you don’t like your vintage big, glitzy and expensive, walk on. If you do, I predict you’ll have a very satisfying tryst with this little vintage boutique.

Question: Want a Shag?
Lame and way too obvious attempt at humour acknowledged. Unilocal Fail.
Answer: Head to locations on Brunswick St, Collins St and Chapel St!
Jackie D is right on the mark when she says its like Lady Gaga exploded here! Dame Edna must shop here. Its sparkly, loud and quirky. Its a great place to visit for style inspiration or to find a gift that will shock and awe.
If your looking for a great value vintage experience keep on walking. If your looking for bargains and knock your socks of prices, ride on by. This place is full of vintage one off ‘pieces’ and stacks of drama, but it comes at a hefty price.
The famed window displays call you from over the road and stops you in your tracks. The windows really are that good. Filled with conversation starter jewelery and daring outfit choices that entice you to explore further. Retail result.
The stock is unique and beautiful. The staff know it. The price tags know it. Now you know it!

I am torn about what rating to give Shag… On the one hand I want to give them 5 stars for their gorgeous stock and stunning window displays, but on the other hand I want to give them one star for their outrageous prices and poor service.
Shag stocks truly one-​of-​a-​kind vintage, over the top jumpsuits, platform heels that will add inches and costume jewellery galore. It’s like Lady Gaga exploded in here.
They are famous for their impressive window displays. Every time I walk past and see a mannequin in a bright yellow spandex play-​suit I think; «Would that look good on me, or are these guys just really good at what they do?»
One time I decided I would try on something in the display and was more than willing to pay the $ 200+ price tag it held. When I asked the sales staff they said; «We’ll put you on the waiting list to try on the outfit. Come back in a week.»
Yep. There’s a waiting list to try some stuff on. Wow. Needless to say I didn’t want it that much, and didn’t bother coming back in a week.
It’s a gorgeous store (as are it’s sisters in the city and on Chapel Street) so do pop in and check one out if you get the chance, just don’t dare to ask about the window display.