The great bargain hunt
Join the Chic in The City shopping tour and discover there's more to Sydney's shopping than clothes. Millie Stein did
It was Bo Derek who famously stated: "Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping." Siobhan Young must have been taking notes. Since its inception, Chic in the City, which shepherds fashion followers around Sydney's shopping hot spots, has introduced fashion fanatics, both local and visiting, to Young's pick of lesser-known Australian designers.
Locals may dismiss Young's services as having little to offer to the more seasoned Sydney shopper. However, it is a guarantee that horizons will be broadened and regional fact bases expanded. For example, who knew Paddington used to be the site of a major gin distillery, hmm? A veritable wealth of knowledge on each destination, whether it be Woollahra or Manly, Young sashays the streets dishing out anecdotes with reassuring expertise and efficiency.
Young has a warm rapport with shop staff (even swapping engagement ring manufacturers with the manager of one Woollahra boutique) and one can't help but appreciate the personal introductions and occasional exclusive discounts. Plus, oft-visited destinations proffer chocolates and champagne for what Young calls "shopping respite" and visits to local galleries are available if all the hemlines start to look the same.
As far as the actual fashion goes, Young focuses on "ethical design" with attention to the bespoke and unique. The client's size, age and tastes are all taken into consideration, advice is given on suitable colours and shapes, with tales of celebrity patronage and other insider knowledge offered to reel in the more reluctant shopper. The shops visited must qualify as ‘off the beaten track' for Young to even consider a stop-in.
"One of the key things we like to do is promote designers that are not easily found on the high street or in department stores, and that are Australian made and manufactured," she explains.
Chic in the City has attracted local celebrities keen to meet the Sydney faces behind their favourite labels - and also get to know some new ones.
"Catriona Rowntree came on the tour and I introduced her to Adam Dixon, and he's subsequently done her wedding dress...she's a big fashionista, she's done a lot of shopping, and it was great to introduce her to someone who she never knew existed, and as well, for him, what we like to do is introduce people to up-and-coming designers, give them a bit of a leg up," Young says.
The tours aren't cheap, but Young's cheery manner and clear dedication to finding something for everyone are reminiscent of a helpful friend who just happens to take an interest in retail. Prices range from $99 per person for a group Walking Tour to $385 for a Chauffeured Shopping Experience, and for the lesser option you get Young's guidance for three hours, covering boutiques, galleries and miscellaneous sites around the Paddington area, and finishing with a very civilised recap over tea.
Should you choose to listen to Beyoncé and upgrade to the Shopping Experience, you can determine not only the suburb, but the style trajectory of your four-hour tour. Whether you're ‘Elegant Classics' or ‘Hip and Cutting Edge,' Young will have you sorted. Plus, a chauffeur means your well-heeled toe need never graze the ground. Personally, we'd rather save the dosh, be shown the shops, and burn some calories while we're at it, as two hours of browsing proved to be sufficient.
Young says she aims to "lift the lid on stylish Sydney" but it is worth noting that shopping with a stylist means that strong personal preferences may need to be left at the door. While she avoids the commercial and widely available, Young's criteria may work best for those wanting to stick within the range of low international profile to relatively unknown designers. With an eye for quality shapes and materials, she manages to deliver the goods and with client satisfaction.
"It's about happy endings really. Some clients are a little bit disillusioned about going shopping because they feel like there's nothing out there to suit them. Then they go on the tour and it makes them realise ways to have a new look, and that there are fabulous designers out there."
Book a Chic in the City tour: 0416 644 337