The first time I came into contact with Australian designer fashion brand Spell I was a just-turned 21-year-old staying in a hostel just off Byron Bay’s most famous drag, Jonson Street.
For anyone who has seen it in the flesh before, the Spell store is actually a little bit further away from the main road of fashion-forward stores and situated in its own all-white house, with a gorgeous timber interior and rows of colourful wares.
I knew the moment I walked in there, starry-eyed and eager to try on just about everything in my size, that I’d be back — to Byron Bay and this humble store. Nine years later and I can safely say I kept my promise.
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I’ve worn Spell pieces to weddings, work events — work in general for that matter — birthdays, to the beach and everywhere in between. There isn’t an occassion I haven’t had the perfect Spell number for.
And while it’s easier than ever now to shop the looks online, I was delighted to hear that the team have opened a gorgeous pop up shop — or “residency” as it has been dubbed — a stone’s throw from Sydney’s Manly Beach.
I visited the store to see how it compared to the original Byron Bay concept and as you step inside you’d be forgiven for thinking you were moments away from Wategoes Beach and the iconic lighthouse walk.
Firstly, it’s enormous, so all of the current season pieces are in store waiting for their new home.
At the moment there is also a great number of Christmas gift ideas placed delicately in shell-shaped bowls and next to giant pot plants full of lush foliage. Everything has been styled to perfection.
The walls are aligned with seaside-related art and a peachy pink paint has been used to bring life into the walls.
There is a large mirror right near the ample-sized changerooms and plenty of couches for your plus one to wait on while you’re trying on a new dress or swimsuit.
The staff are extremely friendly but not in a way where you feel pressured to buy a certain product — they’re just happy to help you style a look or have a chinwag about your favourite piece.
A number of women walked in while I was sauntering around the space and expressed their shock at finding “their favourite bohemian threads” in Sydney.
“Shopping online is great but I love to try on the pieces before I make a purchase, so this is excellent,” one commented to the manager.
The brand have always been really good about hosting pop ups across Australia and even in the US, getting to know their customers outside of northern NSW.
But I’m just grateful I can get my fix a little closer to home now.
The Manly store will be open until late next year so there is still plenty of time to check it out.
To shop online, visit Spell here.