Top Canberra Boutiques

words by annie brown

There are two kinds of people in this world: those of us who love shopping (me!) and those of us who don’t.

I can whittle away hours on end, trawling through endless racks, getting lost in my thoughts. Bar the Boxing Day sales, I actually find shopping very calming, therapeutic even. And hey, as Carrie Bradshaw once said: ‘Shopping is my cardio”. Preach!

For my partner, not so much. It’s in and out, no dilly-dallying. And it’s not just men who resist a good (long) shop; I have female friends and family members who would rather eat their hat than wander around a mall for half a day.

While we’re on it, give me a glass of wine, a couch and a laptop and the internet become my personal shopping heaven. What do they say about drinking and shopping online? Whatever. That’s not the focus of this story.

For those who are like me, however, a bonafide shopper, the following little black book of Canberra boutiques is for you.

Peachy Keen 
A new kid on the Lonsdale St block, Peachy is a shoe-lovers haven with accessories and jewels from fashion-forward labels.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNvS95EgQ_6/?taken-by=peachykeen_au

Designer Op-shop 
Stocking a carefully curated selection of pre-loved vintage and designer clothing and accessories for men and women as well as beautiful vintage home wares.

I trip, I skip 
A well-loved boutique that was ahead of the Braddon curve, stocking quirky clothing and accessories.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHdxrcMhpbU/?taken-by=itripiskipshop

Rebel Muse 
Peachy Keen’s sister store and just a couple of doors down, Rebel Muse is a go-to for on-trend Australian labels. Your perfect choice for party dresses, cool basics and everything in between.

Miss Winks 
An online Canberra boutique of exquisite and feminine lingerie from upcoming and independent Australian designers. There is also a carefully curated and quirky selection of jewellery and gifts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPpIRegAj1Q/?taken-by=misswinks

Mussen 
Your one-stop shop for affordable and on-trend party pieces, weekend-wear and accessories.

Pink Ink 
This visually stunning boutique is the place to go for that special piece. A Mecca of high-end International and Australian Designers. Hot tip: their sales are epic.

Introducing Chelsea De Luca. In store Friday…. #chelseadeluca #excited #pinkisthenewblack #statementjewellery #blingblingbling

A post shared by @pinkinkboutiquecanberra on Aug 3, 2016 at 11:53pm PDT

Meet Gather Collect 
A collaboration of beautiful Australian designer wares, classes and workshops, and bespoke furniture pieces.

Baby Pink 
I’m jumping the gun a bit here but rumour has it that Pink Ink’s sister store is opening in Deakin next month…and it will stock McQueen!

No go forth and conquer!