She’s Got That Vibe at La Extravaganza
Shaz Bates has a vibe – she is an evolving woman who is not afraid to try anything new, a first-time business owner of La Extravaganza and the quirky empress of a colourful world of fashion, spirituality and fun. Carlie Wacker gets to know this self-described motorcycle riding five-star hippy from Coolum.
For 25 years Shaz was flying high in the money market and stock market in Sydney until the ocean (and maybe a lover) called her for a sea change and she found herself in Port Macquarie.
Love was in the air, as was her work in an aviation admin and maintenance gig.
It seems poetic to me that Shaz has always been drawn to roles that relate to the sky, I feel she is a kindred spirit that looks to the sun to draw in her desires – a believer that if you think it, you can achieve it.
It was the sun that drew her to Coolangatta, then north to Coolum.
“I always wanted to be a Queenslander,” Shaz says.
“When I moved away from the hustle of city life I knew I was never going back and was ready to bathe in the sun. Plus I have an affinity to beach and bush and the Sunshine Coast gives me the best of both worlds.
“Movement and health and fitness are an important part of my life and this is such a great place to be active.”
There is such a fun and authentic energy about Shaz – you never know what you’re going to get and I admire how she has been able to weave that unmistakable Shaz vibe into her shop.
La Extravaganza is a unique boutique and more.
“La Extravaganza was named before the shop was even born,” Shaz says.
“I wanted a store full of beautiful things and at the time I wasn’t sure what that would look like. But I believed in it and in July 2022 it came to life.”
Shaz took over the boutique on Mooloolaba Esplanade (opposite and just down from the Mooloolaba Surf Club).
It is a cornucopia of fashion, candles, homewares, jewellery and crystals.
Fashion has always been a passion for Shaz but it’s a curation of unique preloved designer fashion and sustainable local labels that fill the racks.
“We are a throw away society so I am anti fast fashion – a large percentage of our store is preloved,” Shaz shares.
“I love fashion and fabrics but they must be good quality and unusual or eclectic. Clothing should be viewed as an investment – well-made, well-cut clothing makes you feel good and will last for years.”
Shaz and I talked a lot about the power of dressing each day – it’s a reflection of your mood and yourself.
You should ‘feel’ the fashion you are wearing; clothing has the ability to increase our confidence and self-esteem.
Along with a treasure chest of nostalgic preloved designer delights, La Extravaganza stocks Australian label Ladli Collections which are made to order and the boutique is the only Sunshine Coast Stockist of Circa Collective from the Gold Coast.
Shaz has also sourced a range of sleek rain and wind weather coats by Danish label, Regn.
This boutique is one you will want to allow extra time to stay and play. The racks of unique clothing will reveal little surprises and talking points as you scour through them finding hidden gems.
Garments and fabrics will trigger childhood memories; crystals and candles offer an additional sensory gratification; the jewellery, décor and art make beautiful gifts for self and others; and the epic, always changing but familiar, soundtracks in store will have you busting a few moves while you browse.
My advice is to take some time to look around, raid the racks and immerse yourself in a nostalgic fashion moment. You can even do it with your doggo as the store is pet friendly.
La Extravaganza is a unique boutique and more… it is evolving and it’s not afraid to try anything new – just like its founder Shaz Bates.
We should all take a leaf out of Shaz’s beautiful book.
