The Best in Stylish-Casual from De Nimes…

With so many women working from home these days, stylish casual clothes are becoming more and more popular. I mean, who wants to work from home in a business suit?

De Nimes at 877 Burke Road, Camberwell

De Nimes at 877 Burke Road, Camberwell

A great find for the best collection of ‘stylish casual’ in Melbourne is De Nimes boutique in fashionable Burke Road, Camberwell. Owned by Julie Gaudion and Rebecca Smith, the duo have developed a store that stocks an eclectic mix of both high-end and modestly priced ranges to suit all budgets.

 

 

Julie Gaudion and Rebecca Smith of De Nimes

Julie Gaudion and Rebecca Smith of De Nimes

Julie, who also works as a model, jumped at the chance to go into business with Bec. ‘The opportunity came up about a year and a half ago, so I said “yes” straight away. It’s going really well. We’ve got the stock right now. We used to be more expensive but now have a lot more stock that is more affordable.’

Their target market is women aged between 30 and 50 – a lot of young mums and women working from home. ‘They like a more casual wardrobe with jeans, boots, tops, scarves and jackets. Things they can wear from school drop-off to work.’

 

De Nimes interior

De Nimes interior

 

The boutique’s interior is modern and minimalist, with a few retro touches that I fell in love with – including the giant Farrah Fawcett poster on the walls of the dressing room…

 

 

Farrah Fawcett poster

Farrah Fawcett poster

Luckily my beautiful Blogging model and buddy Rochelle was free to come along when I visited so she road tested a sample of their wares. Here’s some of what De Nimes has in store for the coming season:

Viktoria and Woods Infinity jacket $399, Viktoria and Woods sleeveless black top $199, Angie Mac necklace $49

Viktoria and Woods Infinity jacket $399, Viktoria and Woods sleeveless black top $199, Angie Mac necklace $49

Sundry heart top $119

Sundry heart top $119

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ilse Jacobsen white shirt $129 and Tiger Tree scarf, $49

Ilse Jacobsen white shirt $129 and Tiger Tree scarf, $49

Sophie Moran long sleeve top $179

Sophie Moran long sleeve top $179

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ilse Jacobsen royal blue top $99 with Sadie basic tank $19

Ilse Jacobsen royal blue top $99 with Sadie basic tank $19

Fate Popsicle knit $89 with Fate Khaki pants $99

Fate Popsicle knit $89 with Fate Khaki pants $99

Viktoria and Woods white Caspian shirt $259, Fate black:white pants $99.95 and Angie Mac necklace $49

Viktoria and Woods white Caspian shirt $259, Fate black/white pants $99.95 and Angie Mac necklace $49

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denim is a big part of De Nimes offering and it’s a testament to their dedication that Julie and Rebecca have even used the French definition of the store name as part of the boutique’s decor.

The meaning behind the name of the store...

The meaning behind the name of the store…

De Nimes specialises in a wide range of denim

De Nimes specialises in a wide range of denim

So what are the most popular denim labels with customers? ‘Hudson jeans and Mavi are really big sellers and people also love LTB which has a bit of detailing that customers want. Out most popular high-end fashion brand though would definitely be Viktoria and Woods,’ said Julie.

The brands stocked by De Nimes

The brands stocked by De Nimes

 

Here’s a look at all the brands stocked in De Nimes – an easy way for passers-by to see how many labels one boutique has the capacity to stock.

Perhaps that’s one reason De Nimes isn’t feeling the bite from Internet shopping. Rebecca thinks it’s also because of the personal service they offer. ‘We still have a very loyal customer who loves to come in for the experience. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere and we can help with styling. We like to help coordinate with other pieces in the store.’

 

Yep, that’s one thing the Internet can’t compete with – good old-fashioned hands-on service from REAL PEOPLE with a sense of style.

If you’d like to visit De Nimes, head to 877 Burke Road Camberwell. For enquiries, phone (03) 9882 9335.

 

 

A la Mode at Bahamonde

By now, you might be familiar with my lovely friend Rochelle, who has kindly modelled for the Fashion section of this Blog on several occasions. But I have to confess, while she looks the part, Rochelle isn’t actually a model. She’s a highly regarded television production whiz who is currently in-between jobs. Knowing she’s likely to start another one soon, I thought I should grab her while I could when I was heading down to Elwood today to check out Bahamonde. Set in the heart of funky Ormond Road, Bahamonde stands out from the rest with a more upmarket selection of smaller Australian designers, as well as a few fab imports.

Bahamonde in Ormond Road, Elwood

Bahamonde in Ormond Road, Elwood

Owner Kelly Savage used to work in the boutique before taking over from the previous occupants about ten months ago. Since then, she’s introduced a few new labels to the store, including one from Copenhagen called Rabens Saloner – plus a greater range of footwear. She says she likes to choose stock that she would wear herself. As well, she takes in to account the fact that a lot of mothers shop with their daughters, so she showcases labels that appeal to both age groups.

 

Maya McQueen Watermelon loafers $169

Maya McQueen Watermelon loafers $169

I was quite drawn to these soft suede orange loafers. (Although Kelly described them as ‘watermelon’…) It’s quite tricky to find comfortable shoes to wear with jeans and I’m just NOT a ‘ballet flats’ kinda gal. Sadly, she didn’t have my size, but they are getting more in. (from Brazil)

 

Viktoria and Woods Hawke Patch Crew top $209

Viktoria and Woods Hawke Patch Crew top $209

 

 

Rochelle (like myself) is a huge ‘rose gold’ fan, so putting on this top by the talented Viktoira and Woods was a dead cert to put a smile on her face.

 

 

Indigo dress $179

Indigo dress $179 and Lilya Mariana wedges $249

 

The sun wasn’t shining, but the pink and orange floral pattern of this Indigo dress is bound to make you feel like Spring is actually here… the perfect number for lunches, a romantic  picnic or a country race meeting. The tan wedges are also a versatile option, sitting well with just about any outfit.

 

 

 

'Violet and I' Downtown lover dress $369

Rabens Saloner lilac dress $270

 

 

 

This lilac dress just about jumped off the racks when I walked into the shop. It’s one of the imports from Copenhagen that Kelly was telling me about. I can just picture Princess Mary in this, can’t you? It’s a beautiful flowy number that almost harks back to yesteryear but with a modern twist – a romantic maxi dress that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.

 

 

Alexia Wood three-panel dress $89

Alexia Wood three-panel dress $89 with Jam Squared Style sandals $175

 

 

For a more casual look, I chose this three-panel colour tunic dress from Alexia Wood. It’s a relatively new Australian label that’s well-priced. Plus the sandals – another attractive flat option – were, by fluke, a perfect match!

 

 

 

 

Viktoria and Woods August keyhole shirt $277 with Red singlet Milk at Thistle $139

Viktoria and Woods August keyhole shirt $277 with Red singlet Milk at Thistle $139

 

Last but not least, another piece from the Viktoria and Woods collection – a striking silk shirt – light as a feather and a gorgeous fuschia colour to make your skin glow. Kelly said Bahamonde used to showcase mostly dresses but now incorporates a greater range of separates.

 

 

When our work was done, Rochy and I popped across the road to Zartowa for a much needed coffee. Gotta pay these models somehow…

 

Bahamonde is located at 119 Ormond Road, Elwood.

Ph: (03) 9531 2936