In what was once a home to the Lifeline bookstore, there’s now a bright, inviting space in the Australia Arcade which houses a double act of fashion and beauty that should be on every Toowoomba woman’s radar.
Helmed by mother daughter team Donna and Alex, Florence and Marabel, which opened in October, brings together a retail space of elegant clothing, accessories and a beauty salon. So you can get your shopping on, and then go for a pampering experience, all in the same space.
Featuring a bunch of gorgeous Australian labels like Jac + Jack, Brigid McLaughlin and Acler (and with plans to import some international threads next year) Florence and Marabel Collections impresses with an aesthetic that combines casual and elegant, luxurious, yet affordable.
Florence and Marabel Beauty offers a range of treatments including facials, waxing, eye brow and lash tints and wax, manicures, pedicures, make up and tanning.
Toowoomba Living spoke to owner Donna about the business so far, her own style and what we can look forward to.
Why did you decide to open Florence and Marabel?
I have always loved fashion since I was a young girl and opening a boutique of my own has been the ultimate dream for me to showcase beautiful quality clothing. I have a background in hairdressing and have owned and operated salons for the past 20 years so I knew I wanted to continue working for myself just in a different industry.
My husband and I moved to Toowoomba from Goondiwindi in June to be closer to family. For a short stint before moving, I worked in a small boutique in Goondiwindi. I enjoyed making women feel confident and beautiful with an outfit, shoe or accessory. Alex is a beauty therapist so we decided we would do it together. We thought it was a good concept to have them both together.
Where do you get all of your stock from?
Brisbane, Sydney, Western Australia and the Sunshine Coast.
What is it about these labels that drew you to them?
That they are great for the Australian lifestyle. Mainly focusing on timeless pieces that you can wear for years to come.
Can you tell me about the name?
Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and is ranked one of the top fashion destinations of the world. My daughter and I spent some time there for Christmas in 2012 and we fell in love with it. We thought it had great meaning for us to have as a part of our business name. As for Marabel, it has no meaning to us at all we just thought the two went well together.
How would you describe your personal style?
My style often changes. But mostly I would say classic, feminine and modern. I like statement pieces that you can wear again. Being a hairdresser previously I used to wear a lot of black, however as I am getting older I tend to enjoy wearing colour and patterns.
Favourite international style destination?
Florence of course! I also loved the fashion in Paris, a French woman has effortless style.
What do you hope to do with the store?
We are hoping to create a space for women to have a shopping experience with the added benefit of beauty treatments. Fashion and beauty complement each other and it’s also very convenient for our clients.
We will be launching our website next year with the facility to shop online. We are so excited!
Toowoomba Tip
Our interviewees give us an insight into their favourite things to do and places to go in Toowoomba.
We love visiting Sally and Jodi at The Bungalow & Basket on Ruthven Street. They have a great variety of homewares, cake and coffee!
Florence and Marabel Beauty (call 4564 8385) is open Tuesday to Saturday, Florence and Marabel Collections is open Monday to Saturday. Follow Florence and Marabel on Facebook and Instagram.
Congratulations Donna. You always did have a fantastic sense of style. What a great thing also to be in business with your daughter. You both have a great bond.