The name already tells you exactly what they sell. And sometimes, we all need names like this…read more Short, sweet and totally obvious! I walked into this store looking for a suitcase and ended up buying a little clutch style bag with birds on it. From the outside, the store looks cluttered, messy but packed with goodies. And it's exactly the same inside. It'll take you a while to manoeuvre the small but fully-stocked store but you never know you might find something great, like I did! (And forget why you even went inside to begin with) I did eventually get a suitcase and have been very happy with both my purchases since.

I first came across this lovely store years ago when I was just visiting Melbourne. I didn't have a…read moreclue where it was at the time because my sister who was already living in Melbourne drove me here. I fell in love with this store all those years ago but never thought take a business card or find out where it was. Years later, after moving to Melbourne myself, I finally found Crate Expectations in Malvern. And today I made my inaugural trip for 2011. This fantastic little store always has the best homewares and gifts. Today I fell in love with the printed fabric poufs and cushions. It's amazing how much is available in this store, which is just off busy Glenferrie Road. They've also got a gorgeous range of home scents and body products, flowy kaftans and dresses and a great mix of home products, kids's products and fashion accessories.

Snappy legs not only has great ballet tights at amazing prices, but the service is exceptional!…read more After calling in a panic after my daughter ripped her tights the night before a ballet concert, the owner/manager kept the store open an extra half an hour to give me time to travel from Bayside.Great store, great tights and outstanding service!

I was sent there by my Physio to get support stockings for a DVT. I telephoned first and was told…read moreto come and be measured by "Roger" the following day. I have never met a ruder, more inconsiderate bunch of women in my life. First they left me standing while they finished their conversation about their private lives and then they scolded me for not coming in earlier in the morning. I should have known to come in "first thing". How, I do not know, as it was not mentioned in the phone call. Since "Roger" was at lunch, one of the women begrudgingly agreed to measure me for stockings. There was no chair to sit on so I could remove my shoes and slacks - not to bother with the details. I would never go there or advise anybody to go there. They are awful.

Vinnies is one of those stores where it's SO BAD. It's just SO BAD…read more ~ Clueless customer service. Vinnies has an assortment of random trinkets that have no particular order and to be honest I'm not even sure if the staff knows what is in stock in their own store. When we asked if they have some sort of metal rod (to complete a costume), each employee kept referring us to another employee and we ended up in a long chain to the boss. ~ The stock is just random shit. And I do mean random, which is expected in a thrift store. You don't know if Vinnies will stock what you're looking for. But overlooking the unattractive laundromat looking atmosphere, the clueless staff, and general cheap quality of everything, occasionally you'll find some really cool stuff for a great price. It's so bad that it's good!

Have to totally disagree with the previous review. This is a really nice op-shop and over the years…read moreI have found quite a few good things. Recently they have become a bit too expensive so I don't come as often anymore and never bother looking at the clothes as they have overpriced everything and there is much better value elsewhere. However I think the layout and good order in the shop makes for easy browsing. I have always found the service very good. The fact they are opening on a Sunday now has lured me back a little more often. Worth a look if you are in the area.

I was almost ready to give up on my comfy ballerina flats that I bought in Spain because the heel…read morehas finally given way. I was sad, nostalgic even because these shoes have been everywhere with me. Then I found Leon's Shoe Repair and the world looked peachy again! Not only was I able to repair my red ballerinas but it only cost me $20. I was ecstatic because I had taken it to another shoe store before and they quoted me $80! Ridiculous! So if you're in the Malvern area and you've got boots/shoes that need some TLC, take them to Leon's.

Friends of Couture is definitely a friend of mine. In fact, this is one of my favourite places to…read moreshop. From great quality cardigans that won't lose their shape, to quirky dresses to fashion-forward tops and bottoms with the cutest prints. This is one store that doesn't shy away from prints. In fact, Friends of Couture seems to thrive on prints. If you're serious about dots, stripes, hearts, bows, checks, horses, owls, bears, moose, deer and cats, you'll love the stuff here. If you hate these prints - go elsewhere! Serious, monochromatic-addicts will hate it here. I love the quirky patterns, vintage inspired buys and spin-offs on classic prints that this shop does so well. Plus, it carries a good selection of handbags and accessories to complete your outfit with. Always make sure to check the back racks for sale products. Very often you'll find that perfect dress, scarf or cardi just waiting to be brought home by you.