One of the best gift shops in the hills, Mangana is like shopping in an old eccentric's house…read more These guys combine gifts and homewares with industrial and period style decorations for those with the coin to afford it. Lamps, frames, clocks and mirrors line the walls, and with so much on display you'd best watch your back to avoid breaking anything. Downstairs you'll find smaller trinkets, jewellery and even a wall full of Ugg Boots and leather hats. I stop in every time I'm in the area, even just for a browse. It's hugely popular with the weekend tourists, and more often than not, packed full of people enjoying the range.

I recently visited Mt Dandenong and accidentally stumbled into this store (okay I was curious…read morethanks to the mounds of people pilling in and out of the front doors). It was like being sucked into a time machine, and transported back into a dusty old attic that was filled to the rim of incredible individual antique items. There were compasses, telescopes, magnifiers, lamps, paintings, posters, books, sculptures, notepads, jewelry and pretty much anything you can think of. Most things were hand crafted and bronze or wooden, this is definitely a very unique and one of a kind type of place. I think I spent an hour in this shop, its not that it was a huge room (it was relatively large though), it's just that every inch of the store has something different and special that just has to be picked up and ogled at. It took a lot of effort to not buy the whole store; I ended up leaving with Dali's melting clock, which gets a lot of notice and compliments in my house.

The little lady and I went to Early Settler when we needed some new lights for the house…read more The catalogue suited us and our style to a tee, and we were surprised at how affordable the furniture was once we arrived at the store in Mitcham. Early Settler stock furniture, lighting, bathroom ware and many other bit & pieces for the home & garden. The style is a mix of French provincial, rustic and country home products, of which most stores get away with charging a small fortune. Early settler had a great range, and the staff at the Mitcham store were very helpful. Check out the discount corner for items that may have a slight bump & have been reduced to clear...you'll often find a gem tucked away for a great price.

Looking for art deco style lamps, costume jewelery, shabby chic outdoor furnishings?…read more Then head to River Clay cottage, which is hidden behind Priceline and next to Eltham Train station. This place if fantastic for candles and home décor and is a warren of rooms designed to lead you into different décor worlds . There is a room for lamps, tables and cupboards-giving an antique store vibe, there is an area for shabby chic décor and a main room that is home to gifts, candles and the jewelery laden counter. There is a near by warehouse for larger furniture items at 30 Peel Street. For inspiration or just a way to kill a few hours then River Clay will do the job.

River Clay is the place where I was inspired to becoming an Interior decorater. Tristan and his…read morefamily years ago helped me Patiantly choose many products, at such affordable prices. Their products are authentic and a lot of originals too. Its sad the warehouse is gone but your beautiful shops are still ever so inspiring. Huge Thanks for putting so many amazing pieces under 1 roof, and not making me have do the run around. See you all soon

One of many stores in the area stocking the French provincial and rustic reproduction items that…read moreare popular in homes, the Yarra Store is set in a beautiful old home complete with rustic wooden floors and old doors that I wanted to unhinge and take home for my house. With the items priced for the Sunday tourist market, you could pick up the same things online for less, however it's definitely worth the stop in if on the Warrandyte trail. Stocking a range if items by local artists, plus jewelry, kitchenware and a small range of local produce like biscuits and ice cream, theres enough stuff to have you rummaging for hours, and since my first visit here, I've been back twice to buy things. They also have a small section at the back with a range of clothes that can be found on sale in larger quantities in the sister store further down the road.

The Yarra Store specializes in French inspired home wares mixed with Australian made products and…read moreproduce. They have two locations in Warrandyte. The Linen and Larder store is located in the Stonehouse (next to Stonehouse cafe) and their second location for Apparel and Accessories on the Warrandyte terrace. The Linen & Larder store houses french provincial style home wares and a sample range from the Apparel and Accessories location in an historic location. The range of Yarra Valley produce is tempting and the Christmas displays will have you singing carols in no time. This is one beautifully stocked store. Here's a timely tip for your Christmas shopping. The Yarra Store does gift vouchers so if your Mum is into french inspired home ware and clothing then this gift is sure to knock her socks off...then she can go to The Yarra Store to replace them!

I am deeply in lust with almost everything in this shop. Unlike Industria on Gertrude Street, the…read morefurniture in Nook feels really warm and homely. It's possibly because it's a smaller space and there is a lot of wood and primary colours. Whatever the reason, it's a totally gorgeous shop. The owners have clearly got a bit of a fetish for medical chic with everything from ointment bottles to a vintage first aid cabinet - very cute. There's also vintage clothes and accessories, and heaps of Brittannia owing to the English owners. The prices are pretty reasonable, and when I expressed an interest in an adorable industrial stool the lovely lady (who's name I can't remember despite chatting to for a good half an hour) offered to knock off $50 so clearly there's room to bargain. It's still not as cheap as some eBay vintage stores or flea markets, but given it's pre-curated and in such a central location it's good value. Besides, on my past few trips to Camberwell Market I've found the prices obscene and stall holders unwilling to barter.

Things to do once I win the Tattslotto:…read more 1. Pay off my credit card 2. Maybe throw some money at my parents 3. Head to Nook Vintage and redecorate my house I say this because I doubt I will ever have the money to buy anything from here. But hey, isn't that the same as every other vintage furniture store in Melbourne? This is a very small shop that stocks some very exciting stuff - wooden chairs, vintage cabinets, oversized pigeonhole shelves and old school luggage trunks galore. A great place to head if you are looking for a bit of inspiration or if you just love a good window shop! But if you are lucky enough to be able to afford anything from Nook Vintage I don't think we can be friends. Sorry.

I love Melbourne for its broad range of décor styles and influences. And I love The Industrial…read moreRevolution for opening this brave new world to Melbournians. Think huge metal letters (I really mean life sized), vintage style metal cabinetry, old medicine cabinets, cool trolleys, functional buffets, décor wall hangings and a wide range of seating matter. Since the store has a good mix of old, new and reproductions, there's an edgy ambience and you can get inspired with your own décor scheme. Mix it up and add in one or two old pieces for an eclectic appeal. I love that this store carries some very worn pieces of furniture and décor, including life-sized wall hangings and quirky elements that will give any space a focal point or an individual twist.

The Industrial Revolution shop is a fantastic place to look for interesting, unique, designer and…read moreappealing products to fill out your home. I really loved window shopping and even in taking a photo I caught two others peering through as they became entranced by the pretty objects that you can't help but picture being somewhere in your home. There is so much character here where their rustic, older pieces mixed amongst the newer more designer items just seemed to create a beautiful setting where (if I had the money) I would love to have picked up a bunch of decorations to complete some rooms in my home. Some of the hanging lights and macramé hangings were so cool and would look great in a window with some flowers. I got a bit carried away here but of course, it always comes with a price.

If you like Asian stuff, then you'll probably like Art China. Fans, paintings/art, dividers,…read morejewellery, ornaments, traditional figurines, tea sets, chopsticks, parasols etc. are all present and accounted for. Most of the things are of the tourist-y, tradition and historical based aesthetic persuasion, and you could probably fake a trip to China by buying your friends "souvenirs" from this shop. It'd also be good for any creative project that would involve creating a Chinese set or for props. It's also good for people interested in Asian based decorating. Nonetheless, the odd piece of jewellery, ornament or picture can be interesting to someone with more varied taste. There're also quite a few practically based items, such as the chopsticks and other household based products. Overall, it's a tad too specific for your everyday browsing needs, but is good for gift shopping.

Lovely little shop with unique and interesting gifts. Definitely not one to be overlooked…read more Great for house items like cushion covers, crockery, art and unique gifts. Also with a really reasonably priced selection of jewelry and more! Friendly owners.

Looking for gifts for every kind of person in your life (especially yourself)? Then look no further…read more- Five Boroughs seemingly has something for everyone. From jewellery to children's books, to bike friendly backpacks and locally crafted furniture. I'm just a little bit in love with everything here... especially the custom Monsieur Truffe chocolate bars! Milk chocolate with popping candy wrapped in a Emily Green designed wrapper? YES PLEASE!

It's pay day, your best mate's birthday is this weekend and you're feeling particularly generous…read more If you've ticked all these boxes you simply NEED to come to Five Boroughs in East Brunswick. Here you will find all the finer things in life - locally designed jewellery, delightfully smelly soaps, adorable baby booties, Danish-style desks and coffee table books for days - I mean, the list goes on! I popped in to buy a 30th birthday present for my dear friend and instead walked out with a soft leather wallet from Melbourne label Status Anxiety for myself. WHOOPS. SOZZLE! It is simply one of those stores that you will want to buy everything but will become broke in doing so. But hey, if you want to shop hardcore you've got to pay hardcore.