FASHION GAMEStrong

The Wharf Mooloolaba is a uniquely Sunshine Coast experience which shares the same buzz as a stroll through the famous Santa Monica Pier in California.

It’s a hub for all things that bring joy and the marina precinct also holds a lot of history and memories for many generations on the coast.

From the Wharf’s humble beginnings as a shack on the water to a bustling fishing district in the 50s, it had a revival in the late 80s and became the hotspot for party people on the coast.

Today, The Wharf is a vibrant playground for foodies, fun lovers, adventure seekers and fashion aficionados.

You see, the savvy fashion entrepreneur knows shopping is a sport and to truly get competitive in the art of fashion retail you must provide a full experience.

It’s no wonder that emerging and existing brands are choosing to set up shop in the heart of one of the Sunshine Coast’s complete experiential venues – The Wharf Mooloolaba.

Let’s just dig a little deeper into the art (aka sport) of shopping. The modern customer takes time to explore the offerings and research the findings.

There is a growing demand for quality over quantity and longevity over instant gratification. The art of shopping is now led by people that want an experience and they share an appreciation for the craftsmanship and story behind a label and a business.

For this reason, the Wharf has quickly become the coveted setting for style retailers to set up shop and join a scene that is a shining star on the Sunny Coast.

The game begins with easy parking for the sharp shopper – an early morning stroll through dappled sunlight on the deck of the wharf and a cheeky caffeine hit at La Finca or The Booking Box to settle into the day ahead.

Once warmed up the shopping is serious with a growing body of emerging and existing fashion and home styling boutiques calling The Wharf home.

Meraki Thread Co has recently relocated into a stunning new store that sings of their ethos to provide sustainable and ethically made fashion. Not only do they stock seriously gorgeous Australian labels for women, men and children, but owner Jess Bos has sourced vintage and hand sewn garments from all over the world. Her passion and understanding of the fashion industry and business acumen has been pivotal in her being nominated as a Young Businesswoman of The Year in the 2021 Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network Awards.

Gingers is a Sunny Coast fashion institution – the go-to for international and Australian labels with a real focus on tactility and quality. Here you’ll find luxe silks, cottons and labels like Elk, Ridley and Blanc Deluxe.

Next door is a gem of a shop called Treasure Store bursting with a collection of limited edition, rare, vintage and one-of-a kind finds plus brand new pieces. It is a gold mine of gorgeous garments, jewellery and personal giftware. Passionate about encouraging women to bring out the hidden gem inside, they also provide makeup services - talk about a one-stop styling shop.

The lads are well taken care of at The Wharf too with super stylish menswear boutique Get Kitted. This is the fashionforward, smart dressing, very impressing man-style shop that brings international brands to the men of the Sunshine Coast. From smart casual to event style – this is where you go to get your kit on fellas!

Baby it’s a beaut shopping experience at the Wharf! Moo Baba make it a complete family fashion destination with a range of beautiful kids clothing. Products in this cute little shop of loveliness are predominantly sourced in Australia with ethical and sustainable labour and resources top of mind. I think you’ll go gaga over Moo Baba.

And if the family fashion is not enough, you can fit out the home too with an amazing homewares and gift shop named Coastal Luxe Homewares. It is as it proclaims – a coastal luxe mecca with décor, wall art, soft furnishings and more to bring the love of living on the Sunshine Coast right into your home. Hungry? Thirsty? Don’t forget to fuel up with delicious options including Riceboi, Spero Greek Street, The Dock

Mooloolaba, See Restaurant, Il Vento and more! Grab a sweet treat from Fior Di Latte Gelateria or Fudgees; or end the day with drinks at Boston Shaker or the Savvy Squire

You can totally make a day of it so what are you waiting for?

On your marks, get set and let’s go shopping at The Wharf Mooloolaba!

They say a woman’s lingerie says a lot about her, so I did a quick underwear edit and realised I am saying “it is activewear time, anytime.”

My underwear draw held a minimal collection of sports bras and briefs in varying states of ruin, so I made a beeline for the region’s first and most loved lingerie boutique; Lady Bird Noosa.

Owner Glenda and daughter Kathy have long served the community in catering to all underwear needs. In fact, the Lady Bird story started in 1984 and has been going from strength to strength ever since.

Locals know it as a go-to for lingerie, shapewear and sleepwear but also as stockists for an extensive range of hosiery and accessories from their store at Noosa Junction Plaza.

On arrival at the shop I knew that good old-fashioned customer service was the reason this boutique has experienced its longevity. Glenda said the hang it-sell it technique just doesn’t last in this industry.

“Every single bra has specific features, pattern, and performance,” she said. “There is a distinct difference between sizes and the same fit cannot be found in every bra of the same size.”

Many women think they are a certain bra size and get a real shock when the actual size reveals numbers and letters they were not expecting.