Years ago, I went to Retrostar and saw quite a few good quality clothes from the 60s and 70s in their store. The service was alright, not terrific, not terrible, and the prices were... alright too, but not as affordable as some second hand stores. But yesterday, upon visiting the store I discovered that the majority of the clothes on display were from the 80s (which actually isn't that old and frankly was an era I was happy to leave behind) and the quality was subpar and the prices were ridiculous. Sure, this store might be the largest second hand (I am reluctant to say "vintage" because 80s clothing is more retro than "vintage", particularly the repurposed 80s fabrics that were made into clothes FOR the store) store in Melbourne, but it is also the most boring and more outrageously priced. I mean, $15 for a fabric belt that is so faded, the print is barely discernable? $39 for a dress that you might need to get altered anyway... and probably reinforced in some areas because it is so threadbare? I used to shop for second hand or vintage clothing for financial reasons. These days, I guess kids shop for these clothes because it is a lifestyle option -- they couldn't possibly be shopping for the clothes because it is thrifty to do so or because of the nostalgic value because some of those children were not even born until 1990. I suppose if you are young and not working and you have money, you can dress how ever you want. But for me, I'm in my thirties and I'll happily pass on Retrostar to hit the Kooki sale, even if the clothes are $10 more expensive (on sale) and the designs are not always to my liking... at least the clothes fit and will survive a few spins in the washing machine.

Approximate cost: $39