Petina shares about her Melbourne shop ‘I Like You’ with FK.
Tell us a bit about ‘I Like You’ and what we can expect to find in your store?
I Like You is a little world where you can find some of our favourite things: Vintage Melissa and Camper shoes, clothes that are designed locally, crafty mags and animal themed accessories!
When did you open the doors and what was the motivation?
We opened our shop a bit over a year ago, with a vision to collate a collection of outfits, homewares and art that we thought were unique and fun. Above all, we wanted the clothes to be flattering and comfortable for everyone who tried them on.
What labels & product do you stock and what are you always searching for?
We are big fans of Melbourne fashion designers Manque, Queen, Berserk, Yolk and Ella. We also have a soft spot for the young and talented Me & Oli label from Sydney. We are adamant about stocking a wide range of sizes (size 8-18) so there is something for everyone in our store!
We have an extensive range of one off wooden ‘i like…’ brooches by Neil Thomas, cute jewellery by Made By White, some lovely vintage locket necklaces and most recently, the beautiful bird and owl brooches of Melbourne designer Pirdy. We are also one of the only Australian stockists of World Sweet World Magazine. Full of crafty, eco-friendly goodness, it’s definitely worth a read!
What is your favourite part about running your own store?
Doing what we love. Discovering people who love the same kind of things that we love! Oh, and taking polaroids, we love taking pictures of our customers! Tea time at 4pm is always fun too.
What is the hardest part about running a business?
Because several of our designers handmake their garments themselves, both us and customers have to be patient for the designer to make up another item if it is out of stock. It’s always worth the wait though!
When you are not in your shop, what are you usually doing in Melbourne?
Reading Frankie and Real Living Mag, drinking cloudy Ginger Beer, taking photos with our polaroid, art exhibitions at Gorker Gallery, baking cakes for friends, writing our blog, listening to tunes by Sarah Blasko, Magnation, films at Nova, vintage suitcase shopping at Camberwell Markets and finally, coffee at Baba Budan.
How did you come about naming the store ‘I Like You’?
We wanted to create a store that was friendly and approachable, and what better than to say…I Like You!
What is your background and what lead you to starting your own store?
Previously I owned another store called Curious Eidolon that specialized in stocking super quirky clothes and designer toys. After a few years, I wanted to create a world where anyone could find something very special for themselves, whether it be a handmade dress, an owl necklace or a quirky wooden badge. That is how I Like You came to fruition.
What new stock can we expect to discover coming into the store?
Recently we have started stocking vintage Melissa and Camper shoes, which is very exciting. We are constantly receiving new shoes in the mail everyday, so keep a look out! We also have weekly giveaways on our blog which are definitely worth checking out. Not many people have entered them so far so you have a real good chance of winning.
All the specific details:
You can shop online and find us on our blog at http://www.ilikeyouworld.blogspot.com
Or visit us at our Melbourne store:
80 Johnston Street, Fitzroy, VIC
Opening hours:
Mondays – Thursdays 11am – 6pm
Fridays 11am – 7pm
Saturdays 11am – 6pm
Sundays 11am – 5pm
Ph: 03 9347 0399
Twitter username: ilikeyouworld
We love hearing from new designers. Wholesale enquiries please email: ilikeyou@y7mail.com
