This is my favourite shoe store in Melbourne. It's where I know I will always find just the pair…read moreof shoes I'm after, and that it will be a pleasant experience finding them. Whether I can actually afford the pair of shoes that I want in here is a different story. Some of the lovelier ones are in the $300 region and up and it isn't often that I can splash that much cash on footwear (much as I'd love to). The quality and styles are gorgeous and that's what you'll get for your money so I'm absolutely not complaining about the price. And rather surprisingly, the peeps who work here are actually nice and helpful and won't make you feel bad about being there, unlike other upmarket retail stores. Great quality, great style. Love Zomp.

It certainly isn't easy to find good shoes here in Melbourne. Sure pleather knock-offs abound, but…read moreif you're looking for quality well thats another story all together. I want shoes that will last me years, classic models that will never go out of style. Instead all I seem to be able to find are clunky heels and cheap high street imitations. This is where Zomp differs. A boutique women's shoe store, it offers cutting edge, premium quality shoes as reasonable prices. The Flinders Lane store features an expansive and well designed space that is perfectly fit out to display the multitudes of fine shoes that are stocked. Whether you're looking for boots, heels or flats this is the place to go. Soft Italian leather, unique designs and extensive size ranges, Zomp is the ultimate shoe store.

One of my favourite words is shoes. It sounds chic, it's short and sweet, and it happens to be my…read morefavourite thing to shop for in the world. Wittner is a great brand; it delivers on the variety with high and low boots, heeled boots, flats, wedges, heels, sandals and more. For keeping up with the seasons Wittner is a must. I like it because I can get a decent, fashion forward pair of shoes for a reasonable price (the most I have ever paid is $150 for suede high boots). Walking into any Wittner store you'll be amazed with the sheer number of shoes that are on sale and usually most stores will have a sale section. I particularly like the Bridge Road store because there are some pretty good deals there. Last time I went there was a $30 basket near the front with some sandals thrown in - perfect for the coming summer. Expect sales assistants to be friendly and professional. All the ones I have spoken to know a lot about the product, however when its busy be prepared to wait for some one on one time.

These guys rock (no pun intended!) I traveled all over Oz looking for a specific band's set of…read moret-shirts and 24Hundred was the only place that had them. Let me back up a bit - I had visited at least a dozen other shops and had to deal with rude, couldn't-be-bothered junkie types who had no business dealing with customers. As I was about to give up, I thankfully went into a great vintage vinyl record store in Melbourne and they recommended 24Hundred. The people that work here are not only super nice but they have an huge collection of band merchandise and music and the prices are very reasonable (even for Australia!) I'd go back again in a heartbeat.

There is nothing I like better than knowing what product you are looking for and getting it for a…read morebargain. If you are looking for Converse products such as sneakers, clothing, tracksuits and windcheaters, then this is the place to go. Authentic Factory Outlets is located furthest from the city end of Smith Street amongst all the factory outlets offering products with labels at cheaper prices than you find in regular stores. I managed to get a pair of Converse One Stars and even got some free Converse socks to sweeten the deal. It's not only Converse in this Authentic Factory Outlet, you can also get a number of other cheap shoes and other street wear at discounted products such as Tommy Hilfiger. This part of Smith Street is great for the bargain hunter and this Authentic Factory Outlets is a must.

Sounding more like somewhere you might find Aussie sock souvenirs (there's an idea - kanga pouch…read moresocks!), this is fast becoming one of my fave places to find cool, quirky fashion accessories. So far I've scored an awesome white fedora with black band (aka Charlie Sheen), and a tribal fashion turban. The range of headwear, scarves and hats are eccentric, original and fashionable and if you're into different types of accessories Aussie Sox could be your place. Obviously they also stock a large range of socks and leg warmers at pretty good value for the whole family.

Just before I head off on an adventure overseas I make sure to pop into Bogong Equipment. Even if I…read moream not going anywhere adventurous I will still come here and have a look as it gets me in the mood for travelling. You never really know what you are going to find that will come in handy on your trip. The last time I was here I brought some biodegradable travel soap and shampoo. I don't know if it would pass a green wash but I felt good for buying it. Bogong Equipment has everything needed for those serious adventures, from freeze dried food to climbing equipment. The staff are also very well educated and most likely you will find that at least someone in the store has done a similar adventure to what you are about to go on and will give you the correct advice.

So, stumbled in here to ask for a book. Left with a knife, a water filter and some amazing advice…read more Our help came from our new friend HP. Honest, straightforward and knowledgeable about the area, HP helped us pick our next destination as well as the gear to buy. Giving them 5 stars and a high five. These guys rock.

Have you ever wondered where all the stuff that is in a shop that isn't merchandise comes from? The…read moredisplay units and hangers and swing tags and plastic bags and stuff? The answer is Shop for Shops. Somewhat ironically, you don't have to have a shop to shop at Shop for Shops (sorry, just really wanted to say that last bit). If you say... regularly have a stall at a market or something, Shop for Shops has a lot of the loot you'll need. If you're looking for very specific or customised things like shopping bags with a particular handle and your logo printed on them or a mannequin with certain measurements, you're better off heading to a store that specialises in such things. If for example, you're happy with a generic brown paper bag however, Shop for Shops is great. In my opinion, Shop for Shops is a little on the pricey side, but it does depending on what you're looking for an the quantities you need.

Ah! Shop for Shops, for local businesses or those just needing a little top up of consumables, this…read moreis a god send! Tucked away off Smith Street, Shop for Shops knows what it needs to do and does it well. From pricing guns, acrylic boxes, velvet hands and dummies, they have just what you need in stock ready for collection. They do tend to be a little more expensive than many wholesalers, but the service is quick and friendly.

Woop. If you wanna find awesome bargains and miscellaneous crap that you probably don't need, look…read moreno further. Hot Bargains is the best spot for all those little accessory items that you need for throwaway events (fancy dress, kids birthdays, Christmas presents, girlfriend's birthday etc). They more than deliver on their hot bargain promise and you won't believe how much crap they've got piled up in there. This is the reason we need a free trade agreement with China. Sure, they'll benefit by getting access to the very fuckin' elements and minerals the miners pull out of the fuckin' ground here, but you, as a proud Australian, will have access to all of the mass produced plastic shit you can ever imagine. Wow. Our politicians are really on to a winner there. Seriously, do not bother with another shop if you wanna go fancy dress. I got a full Mexican gangster outfit (complete with cap gun) for about $8. You can't fuck with those prices... Honcho.

I buy so many things here. Great bargains. Just watch if you get a few items that it is entered…read morecorrectly. I was overcharged from a $2 item put through as a $1 item 22 times. Very hard to reason with staff & the items aren't on the receipt, only amounts. Otherwise awesome.