Dress like the real you.

About

Welcome to The Reckless Abandon Boutique

The Reckless Abandon shop has moved to "The Reckless Wardrobe", a private space in West End, Brisbane, where I look forward to welcoming you to visit and try things on.

Here you'll find a carefully curated selection of womenswear and everyday garments, ranging from sizes 10 to 24.

FREE PARKING AVAILABLE
Please call ahead if you have accessibility requirements.

Labels:

  • Trelise Cooper (NZ): COOP, COOPER, CURATE, Trelise Cooper COUTURE

  • Megan Salmon (Fremantle)

  • Maud Dainty (Melbourne)

  • JOHNNY WAS (California)

  • ORIENTIQUE (Brisbane)

  • Adrift (Brisbane)

I am Cate. I completed a Diploma of Fashion Design & Garment Technology while working in department stores, MYER and David Jones. I also worked for iconic Australian fashion label, Metalicus after two terms as a sales stylist and plus size specialist for womenswear powerhouse, Taking Shape.

When developing the boutique, I wanted to create a place where I'd find clothing I've always wanted to see, that would actually fit me. This is not just business. It's personal. The clothes we wear are enmeshed in the fabric of our everyday lives - it has a job to do - and I aim to curate garments that earn their place in it.

Fashion Philosophy

For 20 years, I’ve been listening to you, and your feedback directly shapes the garments I choose. It’s the highest compliment when you say I select beautiful pieces - it’s truly your handiwork reflected in the shop!

I champion slow fashion and have been environmentally conscious throughout my adult life. My pet peeves include superfluous waste, single-use plastics, and planned obsolescence in design and manufacture. The ocean is the mother of all life on Earth and, strong as she seems, needs protecting. Every little bit we do counts.

Personal Story

Fashion runs in my family. My Oma was a gifted sewer who couldn’t walk past a fabric shop without getting tactile with the textiles. My father’s design journals and architectural digests nurtured my curiosity. In the 90s, I studied graphic design and interiors, but I ignored them and studied Human Resource Management instead.

It took years - countless jobs - thousands of litres of water under the bridge - and several people to convince me that this is what I should be doing. And that well-designed clothing has never held a more important space in modern life, with so much poorly designed, poorly made clothing around us.

After almost 20 years in the industry, I’ve developed a refined appreciation for intelligent design, quality materials, and thoughtful aesthetics.

 

Testimonials

“Absolutely bursting with designer things that fit me! Lots of passion has gone into this shop. An absolute must!”
— JW

“Absolutely fantastic to deal with, would highly recommend.”
— Tammy Russ

“Cate’s intrinsic knowledge of fashion and its elements are extensive, which shows in the overall aesthetic when browsing through her shop.”
— C. Montgomery

“Cate is friendly and chatty and knowledgeable, and she knows the city well. She gave us great recommendations for places to visit and restaurants. I get complimented by strangers every time I wear the dress.”
— M & J Bell