This small, boutique, clothing store is filled with stylish gems from innovative, independent…read moredesigners, carefully sourced by people who really know what they're doing. The focus here is on the practical, contemporary, comfortable and classic. One can easily spend a whole lot of money here, but remember that what you'll get in return are high quality garments that will endure the seasons and go beyond fashion's fickle nature. In store you'll also find a small but perfectly selected range of accessories, books, art and homewares. This is the place to find just the right gift for that special but difficult-to-impress girl in your life. Since opening in 2005, Monk House has branched out with an online store making it easy to shop here from wherever you are.

Monk House Design is a shop that knows its audience. A clean, sparse shop fringed with its' main…read moreclothing output along the side, the shop has that muted, high-end feel down pat. There's also a cabinet holding an art display and the odd accessory the centre of the shop which changes with the seasons. At the moment the emphasis appears to be a hybrid of an apothecary and a small and easily manageable wilderness. The clothes are largely well made fashion basics with the addition of some small design twist, along with the occasional brightly coloured summer dress. Everything is on the tailored side and despite the numbers written on the tags, no woman over a small size twelve really need apply here. While the staff are polite and greet me when I walk into the store, I can sense that they have already written me off. Fair enough, considering I'm not really their target audience in either size or style, and they at least have the grace to do so with subtlety. But for women that do fit into their clothes and are willing to spend money on their wardrobe, particularly those who enjoy subdued colouring, this shop will be a fashion fantasy come true.

This boutique on Toorak Road doesn't scream popular fashion, loud prints or over-trendy garb. In…read morefact, it is just the opposite, preferring to exist as a quiet little store full of great finds - that carries brands such as Calvin Klein, Lisa Brown, French Sole, Fleur Wood, Diane Von Furstenberg, Dulce and Jeffrey Campbell, to name a few. I love the way the store is set up - with the wall of shoes allowing you to see everything without bending or reaching too high or low. There's a warm, alluring ambience and the fashion and footwear offers those looking for quality and quiet style without being over the top of showy. My favourites at this store include their ultra comfy ballet flats and the wide array of decadent high cut boots. And with free parking available just in front of the store, you'll be able to shop and not worry about getting a ticket. But keep in mind that limited stock is available (which is why I shop here) so if you find something you like, just get it or you will be sorry.

Allow me to be very specific here. Unless you have some cash to spend, leave all credit cards,…read morewallets and anything you can hock at home. If you venture into Christine (which in itself may be a little difficult, it is quite literally underground and notoriously hard to find) you will struggle to leave empty handed. Christine is the boutique embodiment of the idea that is Aladdin's Cave, for once you have decended those stairs and witness the delights within, you'll have a hard time leaving. Christine stocks all manner of shoes, jewels, handbags, scarves, scents, hats and anything else in the accessory category. Most of all, the owner (I'll let you guess what her name may be) really knows her stuff. She can recognise the label and season of almost any bag with just a glance and has an impressively detailed inventory of the store swimming around in her head. Bottom line: visit at your own peril. You may never leave and if you do, it certainly won't be empty handed.

We had so much fun at Christine's shop! We met Christine herself, and what a treasure! We tried on…read morehats and jewelry and clothes and shoes and handbags and... and... From the moment you walk in the red door onto the red plaid carpet until the moment you leave with a red bag in tow, the staff treats you like gold. Very enjoyable, decadent shopping experience.

It's so stylish and elegant that I felt like a hobo walking into this store in my old sundress…read more The clothes are amazing and Left stocks some amazing designers. Credit to the sales assistants who didn't shoo me out or look at me as though I'd crawled out of the gutter, instead they were friendly and welcoming. In the space of half an hour in this store I discovered so many new and exciting labels that I had to scribble them down for future reference. Here are a few of my favourites: Darcy Miro. I had literally never heard of this designer until my last visit to Left. He is a sculpture and jeweller from New York who does really bold and interesting pieces. The designs almost remind me of armour and they are incredible to look at and some even have black diamonds. Forme d'Expression. This is elegant, simple and chic clothing with minimal colours and beautiful textures. The designer trained under Donna Karen and Armani and I have to say that they are some of the most exquisite clothes I have ever seen. That being said, I couldn't afford any of it. I did enjoy looking around and will be visiting again soon to continue daydreaming.

La Petit Armoire & Quirky Best Bits would perhaps be the classiest of clothing boutiques in the…read morehills. It has two rooms filled elegantly with the latest fashions, designer clothing and cute accessories. The prices cater for everyone - from people like me who think they are rich if they have $20 in their wallet, up to people who can afford the $269 bright orange beach bag that I fell in love with, (and left behind...hint hint). Despite the orange bag being out of my budget I found plenty of other delights to tempt myself with including gorgeous heart outline silver necklaces and a funky pair of red velvet pants that were a steal at just $20. The girl who served me was friendly and welcoming and it was nice to see someone in a fairly up market shop doing work - hanging up clothes, styling the mannequins and generally making sure everything looked good - rather than eyeing me off from behind the counter. It would be right to say I felt very comfortable browsing with no fear that if I touched something alarm bells would go off - quite a pleasant experience. There are two 'rooms' to the shop and in the back one there is a tall gold-framed mirror resting against the wall. I wanted to try something on just to be able to use it - yup, that's how impressive it was. It seems like the place used to be two separate shops - one called La Petite Armoire and the other Quirky Best Bits. I didn't get the feeling that I was leaving one shop and walking into another as I passed under the doorway that links the two, so the owners have done a good job of combining them. The winter trading hours are 10-5 Monday to Friday and 10-5.30 Saturday and Sunday.

Verve is going to do well in Glenferrie Road. It's got it all: great clothes, flawless service,…read moreinternational brands, a funky little interior decoration scheme and a steep price tag. It is one of those great little stores that you love to visit, and hate the fact you can rarely afford anything inside. The service I received the other day was phenomenal. When I walked in the sales assistant was involved in a sale with another customer but she still managed to stop and take time to greet me and make me feel welcome in the space. When this happens I am instantly in a good mood and feel like buying something to repay such acts of kindness. Turns out I couldn't afford anything - but if I could have then I definitely would have bought some of the clothes anyway, they are to die for. Great labels like Jill Stuart and Cynthia Rowley can be found here - hit it up on your next pay day.

I am torn about what rating to give Shag... On the one hand I want to give them 5 stars for their…read moregorgeous stock and stunning window displays, but on the other hand I want to give them one star for their outrageous prices and poor service. Shag stocks truly one-of-a-kind vintage, over the top jumpsuits, platform heels that will add inches and costume jewellery galore. It's like Lady Gaga exploded in here. They are famous for their impressive window displays. Every time I walk past and see a mannequin in a bright yellow spandex play-suit I think; "Would that look good on me, or are these guys just really good at what they do?" One time I decided I would try on something in the display and was more than willing to pay the $200+ price tag it held. When I asked the sales staff they said; "We'll put you on the waiting list to try on the outfit. Come back in a week." Yep. There's a waiting list to try some stuff on. Wow. Needless to say I didn't want it that much, and didn't bother coming back in a week. It's a gorgeous store (as are it's sisters in the city and on Chapel Street) so do pop in and check one out if you get the chance, just don't dare to ask about the window display.

Question: Want a Shag? Lame and way too obvious attempt at…read morehumour acknowledged. Yelp Fail. Answer: Head to locations on Brunswick St, Collins St and Chapel St! Jackie D is right on the mark when she says its like Lady Gaga exploded here! Dame Edna must shop here. Its sparkly, loud and quirky. Its a great place to visit for style inspiration or to find a gift that will shock and awe. If your looking for a great value vintage experience keep on walking. If your looking for bargains and knock your socks of prices, ride on by. This place is full of vintage one off 'pieces' and stacks of drama, but it comes at a hefty price. The famed window displays call you from over the road and stops you in your tracks. The windows really are that good. Filled with conversation starter jewelery and daring outfit choices that entice you to explore further. Retail result. The stock is unique and beautiful. The staff know it. The price tags know it. Now you know it!

Paloma Bleu is a lovely little upper-scale boutique situated on the Bridport Street shopping strip…read more While this may be an area frequented largely by ladies who lunch, Paloma has the edge that the surrounding stores so severely lack. Stocking a great range of both local and international designers such as Josh Goot, Karen Walker, Lover, Tolani and Wildfox Couture, the clothing is both beautiful and on trend. This is the type of place that you come to splurge, so save up your pennies and go check it out. You won't be disappointed.