a lifetime in fashion
If you've recently discovered Mrs. Pete's Shed, I'd love to introduce myself. I'm Shelly, and this year I'll be celebrating my 69th birthday. More importantly, I'm celebrating 46 years in an industry that has given me so much joy.
My career began at Just Jeans when I was 23. It was an incredible place to learn the foundations of retail and what makes women feel good in what they wear. From there, I managed a group of nine stores and led a team of more than 100 people.
Those years taught me that fashion is never just about clothing. It's about people. As my career evolved, I was a state manager, I represented some wonderful fashion brands, became a fashion agent, and travelled to London, the United States and India. Every role brought new experiences, friendships and lessons.
Eventually, I opened my own boutique, Meshea Lifestyle, named after our two daughters. I loved running the business for 10 wonderful years before Peter and I made the move to the beautiful Southern Highlands.
the story behind mrs pete's shed
In 2018, we opened Mrs Pete's Shed in Bowral. What began as a small boutique has grown, and today we welcome customers through our doors while also sending carefully wrapped parcels to women all over Australia.
People often ask if this is my retirement. I smile and tell them it's my "semi-retirement", because I still love coming to work. I love unpacking new arrivals, creating outfits, chatting with customers, and helping women find pieces they feel great in.
my philosophy on style
After all these years, my philosophy is quite simple. Fashion should never feel complicated, and getting dressed should never feel like hard work.
I've never believed that one trend suits everyone, or that every woman needs the same wardrobe. We all have different lifestyles, different bodies and different reasons for getting dressed each day. Some of us are travelling, some are working, some are looking after grandchildren, while others are enjoying retirement or simply catching up with friends over lunch.
Your wardrobe should reflect your life, not someone else's.
That's why I don't believe in telling women they must own certain pieces because they're "on trend". Instead, I believe in helping you find the pieces that work for you, clothes that fit beautifully, feel comfortable and give you confidence every time you put them on.
building a wardrobe that lasts
I love beautiful fabrics that wear well, timeless accessories you'll reach for year after year, and creating outfits through thoughtful layering.
Whether it's a favourite linen shirt you've worn for years, a soft knit that carries you through the cooler months, or a well-made leather bag that goes with everything, these are the pieces that become the foundation of a real wardrobe.
I believe in buying well, choosing pieces you'll love for seasons to come, and building a wardrobe that works for your lifestyle rather than chasing every new trend.
helping women feel confident
For me, styling has always been about making the most of what you have, adding pieces that work effortlessly together, and helping women discover their own sense of style.
Fashion isn't about looking like everyone else - it's about feeling like the very best version of yourself.
Whether you've been shopping with us since we opened our doors, or you've only just found us, it's a privilege to have a part in creating your wardrobe, and I look forward to many more years of helping you style yours.
Warmly,
Shelly