Winter shopping with the girls
While I loved being at home over Covid, the re-opening of stores has allowed me to do one of my favourite past times – shopping with my friends. Thanks to Albany Mega Centre, and their fabulous collection of ladies winter fashions, last Sunday was one of the best days I’ve had for a while.
Kylie rang on Friday and said, “let’s go clothes shopping on Sunday.” I certainly could do with some new season fashions but I’m still a bit nervous about going to the stores. Saying no to Kylie is never easy, and when I found out Stacy had already said yes, I just had to say, “let’s go!” After all, it had been nearly a year since we last went out on a girls' shopping spree.
We met at 10am at the Easy Life cafe. Cheese scones and coffee to kick-off the day. They really hit the spot, especially after a late night. After a good natter and catch-up, we set off to Cotton On, our first destination store. This is one of my favourites. I’m a girl who always chooses comfort and quality over the latest fashions. What I love most about Cotton On is its range of hardwearing t-shirts and sweatshirts. I’m here often and many of the things I bought three or four years ago are still my everyday 'go-to' outfits. Cotton On didn’t disappoint and all three of us walked away with cargo pants, a long sleeved t-shirt and a hoodie. My selection was khaki and green. Kylie led with purple and Stacy with black.
After a quick stop in Rebel Sport for workout gear, we continued up to EziBuy. I still think this store is one of those best-kept secrets. My older sister told me about it and I’ve been back again and again since then. I love that everything looks so good but doesn’t cost the earth. I found the most amazing long merino cardigan in a deep green which will be good for both work and hanging out with friends. I also bought a long woollen coat that will be excellent for work and for nights out. Kylie went a bit crazy and walked away with five items - my favourite being the lambswool cape. I think I’ll be borrowing that very soon! Stacy was unusually restrained, managing to restrict her buying to a bright orange woollen jersey.
Further up the Albany Mega Centre, we ended up at North Beach. This is Stacy’s favourite store and she quickly disappeared to seek out new things. The next time I saw her she had a pile of clothes in her hands and was off to try them on. Kylie was in the shoe department trying on sneakers and boots. My focus was on finding a nice dress for a friend’s party I have coming up in a few weeks’ time.
After a bit of indecision and trying on a few different things, I narrowed it down to two dresses. One is a classic Federation dress, dark, woollen, long and elegant. The other is a short, bright, floral dress by Minkpink. How do you choose between the two when they are so different? And how do I know today what I’ll feel like on the night of the party? I decided to go with the floral dress, convincing myself that I could also wear my new long cardigan to make the outfit more classy.
At about 1.30pm we’re done and all three of us walk, exhausted, to Burger King for a much needed boost of energy. For the next hour of show and tell, we share our purchases and the stories that go with each of them. I get home late in the afternoon, my mouth sore from all the talking and laughing but elated by the amazing afternoon it’s been. Thanks Albany Mega Centre. I got some great winter clothes but also had a great time clothes shopping with my girlfriends. What more could I ask for?