Melbourne; ponderings and wanderings- and fairly incredible shopping!

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Now, I'm well aware we are all about less is more, timeless style, and quality over quantity here—but oh my! It has been quite some time since I have spent some time in a city with fabulous architecture, food, coffee, and high-end stores literally on the doorstep!

The public transport, and especially the trams here is fantastic, but I do so enjoy walking to get my bearings and really experience a city or town. And despite its impressive size and population, Melbourne is remarkably easy to navigate and traverse. 

Having completed my no-buy- year in 2024 (No entirely without hiccoughs) I felt a frisson of excitement here when I walked into the expansive retail area closest to our apartment. Not only were there the iconic Australian Department stores of Myers and David Jones, but also countless boutique-style stores or shops only available in Australia. Add to that a TK MAX (don't knock it till you've tried it) which for those who don't know is a huge consignment chain where if you have the patience to trawl through the many racks, you can find really wonderful deals on high quality pieces- a 100% cashmere tank for example marked down to AUD$60. I didn't go crazy, but I thoroughly enjoyed a good investigative browse! 

The items I have purchased have nearly all been from a rough list I compiled at home to help keep me on track and reduce impulse buying- and they are all pieces I required to fill gaps or replace worn-out pieces in my current wardrobe. And absolutely everything I have purchased has- happily- been heavily discounted - sometimes by over a $100!

My husband is NOT a shopper (Our girls have better stamina) so the brief stints of shopping have been interspersed among lots of walking, sightseeing, cycling, The Grand Prix excitement, and exploring as a family. 

Below is a list of the items I have purchased  (so far...wink wink)

A leather, leopard print Belt- to replace a favorite that has certainly seen better days (Less than $40 on sale)

Barel Leg Jeans- for the changing seasons- a step away from my old faithful skinny jeans and a shape reminiscent of the old Twisted Levis of the 90's- remember those?  ($35 on sale reduced from over $200)

100% fine Merino wool sleeveless turtle neck in camel for cooler months and under blazers. ($49, down from $225)

Ralph Lauren Leather shoulder bag with gold hardware. (Could not believe this deal- under $100, down from over $800!!!!)

2 novels from a large bookstore- down to $9.99 each

2 pairs of sandals, one Tommy Hilfiger, one DUNE London. one pair to replace some well and truly thrashed faithful Sam Edelman GiGi T staps in almond patent - my third pair of these incredibly versatile and comfy summer sandals. And the other, as I have a black pair similar and have been searching for a neutral equivalent. One pair was $80 something, and the other was $60, both reduced from their original prices of over $200. 

Pair of Tommy Bahamahs cigarette-style pants in black ($29 from almost $200) 

I also bought a pair of taupe casual 3/4 pants from a brand I'm not familiar with. They were only $25, and I thought they'd be good for travel, weekends, and maybe even golf. 

We have one more giant mall to explore next week and the only items I'll keep an eye out for are a trench coat- I've been searching for a replacement one of high quality for some time and I'm prepared to wait for the right one at the right price....plus there's only so much a girl can fit in a suitcase!

And lastly, a pair of camel and black two-toned pointed ballet flats to replace my rather worn ones back home. I'm wondering about Vivaia. Has anyone had any experience with the brand? I like that they are washable and sure to be comfy for my commute. 

So, moving on from the (Fabulous) shopping, It has been wonderful to experience being in the thick of a thriving, bustling city once more. The diversity of its residents, along with the scope of activities, cultures and architecture, makes it a unique and vibrant city. We are fortunate enough to have a large balcony at our rented apartment, which has been a treat for sunrise yoga, morning coffee, and generally watching the city busy below us at all hours of the day and night. So, even when we are back at the apartment for a little pause as I am now- with the air conditioning on inside as it's a very warm 32 degrees- we still feel like we are absorbing the atmosphere and part of the city. 

My walk this morning took me on a 7km loop up to some of the grand old buildings near Parliament - steeped in relatively recent history, and at the early hour I was out on a Saturday morning, I had the place practically to myself. I am saddened by our home city's past disregard for many of its historical architecture and buildings- even the once grand and imposing in Auckland are vastly overshadowed by their modern neighbours or in heartbreaking disrepair. Here, they seem to marry ultramodern and architecturally staggering feats while still respecting and glorifying the old bluestone colonial buildings and the terraces with Victorian filigree balconies and decorative elements. The Flinders Street station, with its magnificent dome and ornate ballroom, are an absolute testament to this. The Cathedral, which was peeling out the bells last evening, is a stone's throw from our accommodation and is one of the oldest buildings here, built in 1839. Just across the park from St. James is Cook's cottage- in theory slightly older and transported brick by brick from England!

I am reading a historical fiction currently set in Tasmania and have read several based around Sydney and Melbourne previously. It's pretty thought-provoking to pause and consider who laid these bricks and who crafted these cities, and who was here before them, and whose ancestral lands they were. 

As arresting and captivating as it is, and despite all this richness, I yearn for the peace and tranquility of our home, going to bed to no other sounds than the moreporks (NZ Owl-like nocturnal birds) and cicadas, or the rain hitting the roof, or the breeze in the trees. I've come to realise that while the buzz and chaos of a city is exciting and vibrant, I can only enjoy it in short bursts. 

I am so grateful to be fortunate to experience these places and travel, but even more deeply grateful for the calmness, quietude, and surrounding nature of our home. Something I will savor even more deeply when I return. How truly sublime to be so utterly content with our home and our everyday lives that while it's a treat to experience new things and different places, it's just as lovely to return home again to our sanctuary. 

Yep. That's me on a tandem wth my husband!