Blue Spinach is a consignment store that’s developed a loyal following in-and-around Sydney for the past 20 years. You’ll find gems from the back catalogues of international designers, like a cream Chanel blouse for $500 or a Baroque-inspired Givenchy jacket for $1,540. It’s not strictly vintage, as everything in store is 10-15 years old maximum, but the blue painted corner store is a go-to destination for preloved clothing of an exceptional standard.
Owner Mark Thompson says, “All the pieces that we take are done so on merit. We’ve given beautiful Chanel jackets back because they haven’t been looked after. The label doesn’t hold weight if the garment isn’t presented beautifully. So it’s really about style first.”
Mark’s wife and business partner Jane is a qualified valuer, and they offer a money-back guarantee that everything is authentic. It’s not a cheap store by any stretch of the imagination, but if you’ve got your eye on an item owner Mark Thompson is happy to put it on lay-by for you. If you’re a valued customer, then Mark and Jane will often call you first if an item comes in that they think will suit you and your style.
It’s not all women’s clothing either, half the stock is menswear and Mark says he’s often kitting out gentlemen in whole outfits for special occasions. On our visit there were ample ties, shoes, jackets and belts in a number of sizes from labels like Hermes and Versace. Personalised service is one of Thompson’s passions. “People will come up to us and say ‘You sold a jacket to me a couple of years ago. Everybody wants to know where I bought it from’. That’s the reward: people’s excitement and the compliments they get from their peers.”