The Outpost

The Outpost is one of those local stalwarts that’s consistently weathered the ever changing retail landscape of Fortitude Valley. It’s always my go-​to when I feel like a casual dose of retail therapy and the owner, Matt, is always friendly and helpful with customers and has a very in-​depth knowledge of all the carefully hand-​picked products and curated displays. Whilst it’s sometimes on the pricier side, it’s never been an issue for me as pretty much everything I’ve purchased from there has stood the test of time, as the products are all high quality. The little cabinet full of assorted knick-​knacks is great for last minute gift ideas as well.

The Outpost is the kind of shop that makes me wish I were a guy. Usually when I’m shopping and see the way most stores are full of girls clothing and have a tiny rack to one side of guys clothes I’m so glad that I’m a girl. The Outpost kind of reverses this. They do have some women’s clothing and accessories, but where they really shine is in the men’s clothing department, and man do they have some rad t-​shirts. They seem to specialise in cool, indie t-​shirts with awesome graphic design and slogans. I enjoy shopping at The Outpost as a girl, but I like it even better when I can drag one of my male friends along and talk them into trying on and buying various t-​shirts. Then when we hang out subsequently and they wear their amazing new shirt I can take all the credit for it, see?
The Outpost is a little bit of a secret, tucked around the corner from Ann St in Winn Lane. And although Winn Lane is becoming a lot more well-​known and new shops are blossoming, The Outpost has been there for years. Maybe the explosion of Winn Lane’s popularity will expand The Outpost’s customer base, but I hope that they never lose their knack for selecting unique and artistic clothing designs, quirky accessories (Foucault’s face on a badge, anyone?), and edgy selection of fashion, zines, and knick-​knacks.

Even though I know stepping into this shop results in either two things: one, my bank balance instantly diminishes; or two, I feel incredibly depressed that my bank balance is already too diminished to purchase anything; I still go in. Why? The staff are always awesome.
On the three occasions I’ve frequented The Outpost, I’ve encountered three different staff working, and had three very different, yet equally thought-​provoking or entertaining conversations with all of them. I think they must get a little lonely as there is never anyone else in there when I go. Which I guess sort of makes sense as the variety of clothing is slim and incredibly over-​priced ($ 250 for a simple black tee… really?). But to be fair, the material and stitching is of a high quality. But still. There’s also an eclectic array of cigarette holders, wallets, tiny articles of jewellery, iPhone covers, zines and writing pads.
Worth checking out if you’re in need of a good conversation!

The Outpost is a quaint little boutique that not only offers avant-​garde clothing, but a fine range of magazine and zines. The place also shows support for local bands and artitst by selling albums by local bands and occasionally hosting exhibitions and live music performances.
The sort of brands sold here are along the lines of Cheap Monday, Karen Walker and a handfull of other brands that I am not hip enough to know about. Yes, some of these are expensive so do not go if you are looking for a bargain. You will find some really cool t-​shirts here, the type you would expect fashionistas featured on fashion blogs to be seen in.
The staff are fairly friendly, so I am surprised to read from fellow reviewers that it is owned by the same people who own Blonde Venus (not very friendly staff in there)!
At certain times, The Outpost will host exhibitions by placing artworks by artists within the store. They will also get bands to perform in the tiny garage space at the back of the store. I find this to be a pretty clever use of the space.
Overall, I am impressed by this little boutique down a lane in the Valley. It shows appreciation for fasionable brands as well as local artistic talents.

Even though The Outpost is a clothing store, there’s so many other reasons to visit. To my delight I found out recently they stock Apartamento, a Spanish design magazine that is impossible to find anywhere else!
Like it’s sister store Blonde Venus, the clothing is on the pricey side, but they do sell jeans and other bits and pieces at relatively reasonable prices. And the service is much warmer at The Outpost! Their jewelry is also worth a look-​see.
The things I love most about The Outpost though is the collection of zines and magazines that are elsewhere difficult to find, as well as they range of men’s hair care by Brisbane based company Uppercut Deluxe.
If you’re a fan of print media, art or fashion, then pop into The Outpost next time you’re in the Valley.

Pushing the unassuming heavy glass door on Winn St
you step into a little store called the Outpost.
Now it’s a little tough for me to define this space.
Do I talk about the collection of Zines and Mag’s I have perused here on many an occasion?
The range of amazing woman’s clothing I have lusted over?
The art events they have hosted?
Or the friendly staff I’ve had good chats with?
it is a bit more than your average retail space.
I’ve been coming here for a while and I love their sourced and curated
collection of eclectic designs from artists around the globe.
Definitely worth a gander if you are valley side!