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.

A little store with a big heart is how I would describe Jolie & Deen on Chapel Street. It's not…read morehigh fashion or designer chic -just a store full of gorgeous fashion and accessories. I love the wide collection of necklaces- from chunky to sweet to sassy and cute. Check out the animal inspired pieces with cheeky birds in birdcages, owls in trees and other furry friends - in sleek silver and other metals. Fashion wise, Jolie & Deen offer a wide range of feminine dresses, short cropped jackets, versatile neutrals and mix this up with cheeky prints so it's never boring. Edgy and a little bit quirky, the feminine pieces encourage you to mix and match and not fall into just one style of fashion. Perfect for the experimental fashion lover. The only thing I don't like is that some pieces are made a little smaller than the average Australian store so I sometimes find something I love but can't wear!

Its all about the Jewellery here! They have the most elegant small gold and silver necklaces and…read morebrackets that are just perfect for everyday wear. A great place to go for a cute thoughtful present. None of the pieces are over the top statement jewellery but they still make everyone say OMG where did you get that? Im a big fan!

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.

One of favourite shop-for-basics store is none other than eco d. And the Toorak Road branch always…read morehas an extensive range of great quality clothes without the massive price tag. Featuring a wide range of homegrown labels such as Dinnigan, Life with bird, T.L. Wood, Fleur Wood, Ecology and renowned international brands like J Brand, Fluxus, Calvin Klein, Ted Baker, Ilse Jacobsen and Rare, there's always something good just waiting to be found. Check out the good range of basic blouses from v-necks to crew necks to the perfect scoop neck. I love that I can always find the latest in fashion basics at eco d and the girls are always on hand to help with colour coordination and will offer frank advice. Check out the sales racks for slashed prices on past season jackets, dresses and everyday essentials.

Gorgeous little women's boutique clothing store, Laine is a lovely temptation to any girl passing…read moreby. Lots of high quality items that change regularly, it's a good place to pop in and check out some AU/NZ designer clothes (like Kate Sylvester) that you would get a lot of wear out of. Loads from the US and Paris too. It's priced accordingly, but not terrifyingly high end. I lucked out by looking at winter wear when one half of the store was all 50% off and scored myself a nice jacket at half price. The girls in the store are lovely and really helpful without being pushy. Bonus if Winnie the Whippet is in store to have a sneaky cuddle with. Look for her camouflaged in her bed up the back by the heater!

I love this store. I would pop in every day if I could, but alas a girl has to work…read more A very recent , welcome addition to the Bay St strip, Laine is set to become a much loved fashion store for local gals. Stocking everything from Ancient Greek Goddess sandals to keypad covers for your mac, gorgeous clothes from around the world to jewellery conversation starters made by some sisters in Queensland - you will be impressed by Laine. But quality stock is not the only thing Laine has going for it, the other key attraction to this store is the friendly assistance and guidance provided by it's lovely owner, Alyce. Oh and her sweet pooch Winnie is there to help too! There is no website or mailing list yet but you can get your fix of new arrivals from the Laine facebook page, even make an order from the photos for some items. There are items to suit all budgets and styles. Must go now, I have shopping to do.

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.

From the owner: A favourite among fashion folk, Paloma Bleu has earned a cult-like devotion from lovers of eclectic…read morestyle and downtown-ready designer threads. A Melbourne mainstay since 2010, our Albert Park boutique now has an online counterpart. You'll discover a meticulously curated selection from both local and international labels woven through the virtual racks. Among the beautiful clothing, there's handmade jewellery and hats, plus curiosities from as far as New York and Argentina. Bringing an international flavour to the local fashion scene, the shop itself was named after the owner's favourite beach club in the south of France. All items are sourced by Laura Williamson, our founding tastemaker who of course has impeccable taste and a craftswoman-like attention to detail. Embarking on regular buying trips, Williamson is dedicated to uncovering brands and importing them herself, offering you an exclusive and highly edited range season after season.

Fabulous and funky patterns, prints, and designs. I just wish this shop were in Sydney!read more