This is a fantastic little boutique - the clothing is by a local designer and her family runs the…read moreshop. Their dresses will flatter any figure, plus they will do free alterations on your purchases (if needed) The staff is genuinely helpful without being pushy - I originally overlooked a couple dresses that wound up looking the best on me! They have many fun girlie accessories, too - jewelry, fascinators, patterned tights, etc. Prices are very reasonable - definitely go in if you need a new dress (for pretty much any occasion).

Like every good bride, I know the importance of shopping around and naturally, many people suggest…read moregoing to the bridal strip at High Street to do this. The sales people in the bridal stores recognise that many people are just browsing and for this reason, sometimes their approach can be over enthusiastic and scare people away. During my own wedding browse with my sister, we made an appointment at Amaline Vitale and were not disappointed at all. Firstly because I fell in love with a few dresses (just for the fabric) instantly but more so, because the service offered to us was really good. I told the sales guy which dresses I wanted and without making any comments about my body shape whatsoever he got me to try them on. I popped into all three and while being conscious of my obvious bulge from overeating all this year, he was tactful, poised and offered constructive opinions about dress styles that really would suit me. I left the store feeling confident, more aware and when the time comes to make the big dress decision, Armaline Vitale is top of my list. Whether or not, this can justify the $4900 price tag on the dress I love is another thing completely but we'll see.

I had a great experience at Amaline Vitale prior to purchasing my dress. The dresses were beautiful…read moreand the staff were extremely attentive and very helpful. After I ordered the dress, things went downhill quickly. I was so disapointed with the service I received there. My made to measure dress (costing around $5000) ended up being too big, I believe this was because most of the dress was made based on measurements taken with my clothes/bra on from approximately 7-8 months before my wedding. I also had to go back after picking it up because the hook on the back of the dress wasn't in the right position (as politely pointed out by another wedding dress maker when coordinating jewelery with the dress on in her store). In addition, throughout the process I found AV to be really rude and defensive (e.g., if I mentioned somthing didn't feel right, being told I "should've told her at the last fitting", being told I'd have to pay for any changes after information discussed prior to ordering the dress wasn't passed on between staff (again told I "should've" passed it onto AV directly) and unprofessional (e.g., angrily swearing on the phone while I was in the store). AV even spoke rudely to my MOH and mum- they could not believe the level of service provided. I have been a bridesmaid multiple times and have seen how my friends have been treated by the designers of their dresses, and the experience really did not compare. I really wish that they knew, or cared, that this was a really special experience for me which was completely ruined for me sadly. I would recommend looking elsewhere if you're on the search for a great wedding dress in addition to having a good experience during the process.

From it's smallish front window on Chapel Street, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Dakota 501…read morewas a small boutique that you could likely finish in 5 minutes. Step inside and you'll soon discover the large warehouse style vicinity that gives Dakota 501 its unmistakable ambience and allure. The fact that this style depot has been on Chapel Street since 1976, illustrates its success in the fashion industry and its obvious patronage by stylish folk from generation to generation. Stocking a wide and ever evolving line up of Australian and International labels, including one of Melbourne's best loved denim selections has given this store is unrivalled advantage. With brands like Stolen Girlfriends Club, Alternative Apparel, Autonomy, Bec & Bridge, Fluxus, Neuw Denim, One Teaspoon and Zanerobe - it's obvious that this store caters to guys and girls who love quality threads and are not afraid to pay for it. I love Dakota 501 because you can always find the something kooky and different from what everyone else is selling. Think Karen Walker jewellery, Nudie denim and Fred Perry sweaters. Also check out their colourful collection of happy socks from Sweden and Havaiana flip flops (must-haves for summer).

So I'm a little biased towards this shop. They helped me purchase a dress I'd seen on the Evil Twin…read moreClothing website, however could not find online or in General Pants Co ect. And I was very desperate for this dress (as you get when you hate everything else available in shopping centres and have somewhere important to go). I rang the store, they had my size, they also held the particular dress for me, and were very warm about it all. When I arrived in store - which is very easy to miss when you've never visited before - I was very pleasantly surprised by the wide range of clothing they had to offer. All of it had a lot of character, a very different feel to it. I didn't spend a lot of time there however it looked like they may of had vintage clothing as well as some current local (well Australian anyway) brands. The employee who served me was also very friendly and seemed very passionate about Australian clothing and designers. I therefore left without a second hesitation to my very poor bank account (the dress wasn't really expensive but I still couldn't afford it), and walked away very happy and satisfied indeed. Determined to become a regular of this place.

They are sooooooo expensive here!! And its the only reason they don't get more stars. Because as…read moreClarissa says, the staff are great, not all clothing is to die for but some of the elegant corporate wear is better than any you'll find. David Lawrence has managed to incorporate the new age corporate woman's need for versatility, comfort and femininity in the suits and attire they wear. I have to admit I couldn't help myself. I purchased the white A line sleeveless dress - it's gorgeous!! The style is still very corporate but the fabric and colour scream "yeah that's right, I have a brain but I can look damn good too". At these prices you won't be able to purchase your entire work wardrobe here, but a couple of staples will have you looking a million dollars. Tip: If you are like me and can't afford everything you want, choose wisely and go for things that can be mix and matched so you can get more wear out of them. For example, the white dress I bought can be worn alone, with a corporate jacket, a cardigan, tights, stockings, fishnets, shirt underneath etc etc. Skirts, singlets and tops are great items that can go with a variety of things also.

Just came across the store whilst out 4 brunch- came next day & absolutely loved it- previously…read moreliked Metallicus but Katie's designs leave it for dead- so comfortable & really feminine- was lucky & actually met Katie when picking up some things I had on order-she was fantastic helped me without me being embarrassed - Maureen

Mocha is a luxurious boutique in Melbourne Central stocking everything us girls love. Bags, purses…read moreand clutches, jewellery, scarves and accessories. Everything sparkles, everything is glamorous and once you spot this store, you won't be able to walk past. It is on the pricey side so its not a place you go just to accessorise for the night. It's more like a place you go to purchase that one of a kind, extravagant piece that you'll love, cherish and admire for years to come. A statement piece that'll stay stylish for longer than a season.

They stock Samantha Wills jewellery. Staff is friendly and seems to know their products. I will…read moredefinitely be back.

Wasn't Lolitta a tempting seductress, who's charm nobody could escape? If so, the shop is identical…read moreto its namesake. I can rarely afford to shop the top labels and when I can the older I get, the less I can justify it. Lolitta can be defined as a store that offers the same, stylish, quality designs you'll find at Myer for about half the price. I haven't seen a piece I've loved for over $90, which for quality fashion is very hard to find. Fabrics and colours are just beautiful, and as I'm a bit of a hippy I love the spring collection of bohemian yet pretty and feminine looks. I just wish I had of stumbled across it prior to the Cox Plate. Tip: Check out the Yanni dress in store now, I love it and have it sitting prime position in my wardrobe :)

Very unique styles, patterns of clothing. I looked all over melbourne for something to wear to a…read morewedding, walked in here and found something on sale within 5 minutes. The sales consultant, Annie was extremely helpful and polite.

Unfortunately, I have recently ordered around 7 items and one of them i received within a week,…read morethen I had the other items shipped and its been over a month and they have turned away my packages twice at customs. It got sent back to Australia. The company cannot tell me why, so I requested a refund. It sucks cause the company looks cool. I live in Maine and I have never encountered this issue as a US consumer. Im kinda disappointed cause I love trying new brands and this has left a bitter taste regarding the company. Their customer service is amazing.

Service is very friendly and accommodating along with styles vary based on season. Along with this…read morethe price point provided is appealing to the hip-pocket of all - I hope this is 85 characters