Young fashion boutique owner Vicki Fitzgerald saw a point of difference on the North Shore of Sydney and then dedicated her time and money to creating a concept that could be shared by girls just like her. Check out this piece of fashion excess inspiration as Kate gets the lowdown on starting a chic boutique plus fashion tips straight from the lips of a style guru!

What motivated you to start your own boutique?
I think ever since I finished school I knew it was something I wanted to do. I love Wahroonga because it's where I grew up and there aren't any young fashion boutiques here. I think Boutique shopping in general is something that is really lacking on the North Shore, that whole concept was something I was really interested in. I always thought opening my own boutique would be a long term goal, but when a great location came along I knew it was the right time to take that opportunity.

You were 21 when you opened Meillon & Bright. A lot of girls reading this would think that it is a massive responsibility and financial gamble at such a young age. What pushed you to take this chance?
To be honest, that's what I always thought as well. When it would come to mind I would think; it's impossible because I have no savings or assets and it really daunted me. After a while, however, it was those reasons that gave me the incentive to go for it. I just thought that because I am so young it kind of seems like the more logical time to take a gamble. I don't have children to support; I'm not tied down to a mortgage or rent, as I still live at home. So, I suppose what was initially negative has really began to work in my favour. I know now that I can put everything into my business without the responsibilities that I hope to have in the future.

Do you think being so young has given you a fresh perspective on the fashion industry?
Definitely. It is so much easier with your target market being yourself and your friends. When I go to buy stock for the store, I love knowing that I can not only buy what I like but what I know girls my age will like too. I'm not looking at fashion through someone else's perspective for perceptions of people my age.

What are some of the biggest lessons that you have learned since you started Meillon & Bright?
Personally, I think I have learned a lot of lessons in terms of money and budgeting. Before I opened the store I had no idea how wasteful I was when it came to money. I have just become a lot smarter in terms of budgeting and sticking to a budget and being more realistic in what I need to spend money on and what I don't. Professionally, I have learned over time, more about the customer and what they want. When I first opened Mellion & Bright I just picked up any label that looked great. Now, I know that people do have budgets and are looking to buy something affordable, versatile and something that can take them into a few seasons. I definitely feel a lot more comfortable with knowing that now.

All girls struggle with self esteem and body image issues, do you find it difficult to cater for all styles, sizes and shapes?
I think the most important thing when understanding girls is to offer variety as every girl is comfortable in something different. Also, all girls of all sizes are fashion conscious so what stock we have shouldn't be narrowed down to people who look perfect in every outfit. I think what I have started to concentrate on more is having something for everybody because if you do that then you know your customer will find something no matter their style, size or shape.

Going through the brands that you have, tell us why have you chosen them?
Well Mink Pink is definitely my absolute fav brand in the store. It has a great price point and you can always find something to suit you. Mink Pink also have bought out a new label called Staple, which I am really excited about and which will compliment the other more fashion forward pieces they have.

Another Brand we carry is Hussy. Hussy is like the go to brand if you need something special to wear. Especially around formal time, girls come in and find something that is different and unusual. Amar is lovely too, it is similar to Hussy. It uses blends of silk and has some unique and gorgeous pieces. It is a brand people turn to when they want to invest in something special.

As an avid boutique shopper what was your inspiration behind your store Meillon & Bright? Why do you think it is better than or different to chain store shopping?
I used to work in a Westfield and I just felt that they had the same stock in every single store. As the customer, I knew I always wanted to find pieces and labels that had something new to offer me. Something different that people wouldn't recognise or not what is seen everywhere. I think that if you go into a chain store and buy something, chances are that there are going to be a few girls out wearing the same thing as you next time you wear it. Not only that, people will know exactly where you got it from and how much you paid for it. The great thing about Meillon & Bright is that we never stock two of the same size so you can be rest assured you are an individual and people will have to go further to get the same outfit as you.

How do you describe your style?
The store I think is edgy yet wearable. We aim to stock things that go from season to season which works well for those on a budget in these trying times. My personal style is very similar. I love sticking to trends and being edgy. At the end of the day I dress the way I feel comfortable and the way I feel the most like me.

What are the fashion staples for 2009?
At the moment I think everybody needs a leotard. The leotard is the one piece you can put under your high waisted skirts or shorts. The way I like to think about fashion is that you have your affordable pieces and your investment pieces. So if you can invest in a great pair of jeans that can take you into a couple of seasons you will be doing yourself a favour. Obviously the right fit and the right cut is important so try on as many things as you can. Thirdly, would be the leather jacket. Leather is going to be really big again this winter and it can be worn over the top of almost anything.

What's next for you?
I have actually volunteered to work at New York fashion week in 2010 which I am so excited about. But in terms of the store I hope that we eventually open three. I am also looking to introduce guy's clothes and that will happen later on this year.

On an international scale, do you think Australia has something major to offer?
I think Australia has a really unique style that is totally different from any other country in the world. I find people visiting here often say that too. Australia has a really big point of difference that a lot of designers are looking to for inspiration.