There comes a time in every woman’s life when she must
accept that she is too old to shop at SUPRÉ. In fact, with maturation, there comes a
dawning of realisation that SUPRÉ was never a good place to shop.

Who knew cheap clothes made of synthetic fabrics weren’t
investment pieces?

So if you’re not
going to buy a cheap, badly cut bodycon dress to squeeze into for the next
spring wedding, where exactly are you going to buy a frock?

Of course, there are a thousand high street fashion outlets
that are making lovely, affordable pieces. But the older I get, the more my
heart seems to call out, “Alannah!
Collette! Sass! And also Bide!”

I own a Collette Dinnigan dress. Just the one. I got it on
mega sale. But mostly, I can’t afford to quiet the designer yearning of my heart. I
couldn’t before kids and I definitely can’t post-kids. Especially given the fact
that special occasion frocks only enjoy a night out of the wardrobe a couple of
times at most, who can afford to drop hundreds of bucks on one? And then
accessorise them?

That is where the genius of Red Finch Boutique comes in.

Some months ago, I was invited to a blogging event at Red
Finch in Eltham. It had to do with a designer fashion parade and something called
consignment but really, I agreed to go because it was in a suburb that was in
my ‘hood and also, there was talk of canapés. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned
this before but I love canapés. Big fan. Huge.
 And there was to be wine. Invitation
ACCEPTED!

So off I went this cold and rainy Friday night, a bit of
slap on my face, a slight heel on my boot and looking forward to eating my bodyweight
in delicious bite-sized morsels. What I got was so much more.

I was immediately seduced by the warm cocoon of the boutique, and
browsed through the racks and racks of floaty evening confections as I sipped
on a glass of cheeky sav blanc. I paused occasionally to throw back a canapé.
In fact, I paused rather frequently for this purpose but that’s neither here
nor there.

Red Finch is a treasure-trove of gently loved or never worn
top label fashion. This is no stinky op-shop but you can secure yourself a bargain. The racks are stocked with beautiful
clothing on consignment. But what does that even mean? It means you have a
beautiful designer piece sitting in your wardrobe that you don’t expect to wear
again but are loathe to sell on eBay for $7.50 so you take it down to Red Finch
who places it in their gorgeous store and if it sells, you split the profits.

It also means that if you're searching for a new frock for the races/a wedding/ just because dammit, then you can potentially save HEAPS on a practically if not actually brand new outfit.   

It’s a nifty idea on so many levels. Designer duds deserve
more than to be left at the mercy of a fickle eBay auction. And it’s nice to
try a frock on before buying it which is why the little boutique in Eltham is
so lovely. But for those who live interstate or just too far over the other
side of the Yarra, the online store also offers a selection of the best pieces –
if you know your size in a particular label, you might just snap up a bargain
to be whizzed to you in the post.

After my gorgeous night out all those months ago, I popped
back into the store last week to see what was currently in stock. I walked out
with a new pair of jeans and a pretty little blouse. There were many, many
frocks I loved but alas, I fear I would only be wearing them as far as the
mailbox and back. I suppose I could wear Dinnigan to school pick-ups but I want the other
parents to, you know, like me.

Here are some of my favourite pieces instore right now:

Hmmm, I was obviously vibing blues that day. Be assured Red Finch stock garments of other colour palettes, too! Also, in real life, these clothes are in focus. Geez.

They also carry brand new, non-consignment  pieces, too, including these Spencer and
Rutherford Glamour Totes (RRP $109). And I have four to give away!

To Enter:

1. ‘Like’ the Red Finch Boutique Facebook page
   here.
2. Leave a comment below (on the blog) telling me
   about your most treasured piece of clothing. Why do you love it?

 

• Entries will close midnight AEDST Tuesday 5th November 2013.
• Winners announced on Wednesday 6^th November
  2013.
• The four (4) winners will be chosen by The Little Mumma and
  staff at Red Finch.
• This is a game of skill. The judges will choose
  their favourite responses.
• Entries open to Australian residents only.
• Winners must make contact via email within three
  (3) days or a new winner will be chosen.
• Each bag is unique which means a specific style can not be requested. The fabric/colour will be selected randomly for each winner.  
• Good luck!

 

It is true Red Finch Boutique plied me with food and alcohol and gave me a tote bag full of goodies at their event but my opinions are my own. No other payment was received  but I am open to offers of shoes. I do love shoes….