Now and then I daydream about hosting parties purely so that I can make beautiful paper invitations…read morefor it. Without doubt, I definitely have a thing for stationery. You know - paper, pens, little note books, unusual envelopes... I'm sure there's more concerning things to be obsessed with but I really really REALLY like stationery. I come to Paperpoint when I actually need an invitation to send or a special birthday card. And okay, I admit it, sometimes I just come to smell the paper and walk up and down the aisles of coloured envelopes. I'm allowed to have a happy place, okay?

This is the kind of place an enthusiastic amateur could drop a whole load of cash in. Situated in…read morethe centre of Melbourne's design community (more or less), it's all about the paper Seriously. There's probably around a hundred different types of paper, and they have the brand name and GSM (grains per square metre, I assume) for every single one of them. Good range of wrapping paper, too, along with a few diaries and the like.

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!

I walked by this little shop recently and decided to pop inside to waste some time. I had no idea…read moresuch a nice paper shop could be found in the area. This store is a paper/craft store, they sell a variety of unique papers used for scrapbooking or invitations. They also sell paper bags, gift boxes, ribbons, pen's as well a few art supplies. This store is laid out nicely, it's small but packed full of a variety of good quality papers. Perfect destination for wedding invitations, or any other invitations/craft projects you might have. Can't wait to plan a party now so that I can buy something from here.

I have now stopped into this little shop two days in a row, it's that good! I've been looking for…read moresome special paper to make my wedding invitations, and this store has a far greater range than any newsagent/Officeworks/Spotlight/Lincraft/Riot. The prices are reasonable (I found cheaper than Officeworks), and the range is amazing - so many colours and textures of paper. The store also stocks a great range of ribbons, greeting cards, envelopes, art supplies and lots of little sparkly stickers and jewels to make your invitations look even more special. Definitely worth a trip if you're looking for some paper which will impress your invitees at your next special occasion.

The fact that I share a name with the eponymous designer may have endeared me to Arabella Ramsay's…read moreown label but I had no idea her little Gertrude Street boutique also did a fine line in vintage. Selling a range of the Melbourne designer's own pretty dresses, skirts and blouses alongside a capsule vintage collection, the Arabella Ramsay boutique is as sweet a shop as you'll find around these parts. Ramsay's aesthetic may be a little cute for me but her taste in vintage is impeccable. With everything from very well priced little vintage peasant blouses to giant oversized vintage fur jackets vying for attention with her own whimsical designs. The store itself is beautifully done with ever changing window displays of impressive proportions and one-off pieces such as authentic mexican bags strewn around the place. A cute, accessible and ineffably pretty little boutique.

This is such a cute little store that I dare anyone to walk past. Lolly colours and cute vintage…read moreclothes tempt you in to the tiny space where whimsical modern fashion meets the second-time lucky vintage collection. The result is a store with a unique and interesting collection. Arabella's clothes are divine - they are cute, young and playful and I couldn't help but adore some of her tops and pants with different breeds of dogs on them. That being said, I would never wear them - I'm just not that cute. The vintage is fantastic and I saw some great maxis and skirts that are perfect for summer, but check the items before you buy - I noticed some runs and threads coming apart on a dress. There are bags and other accessories inside too so make sure you take your time to really explore the tiny space - there is so much crammed in here. The sales assistant was lovely; she was extremely friendly and happy to have a chat about the collection and Arabella's work. Hands down one of the nicest sales assistants I've ever met. Good work!

From its name, you sort of get the gist that this is a craft store but what you don't get is the…read moreextent to which these guys go to make craft and DIY so much fun and easy. Even if you've never been good at craft, this store will transform you beyond your belief with its easy to follow craft kits. My favourite includes a nine drawer storage unit which came complete with everything I needed to get this beauty on the display shelf. It now holds my buttons and other craft bits and bobs. This is my favourite go-to craft store when I'm looking for a new project to get creative with, without burning a hole in my pocket. There's something just so satisfying about creating something all by yourself from scratch and this magnificent store helps you do that (without making you feel dumb). They also have craft classes so you can go from first timer to expert in no time at all.

This stationary/paper/craft shop is a scrap-bookers dream come true…read more Rock Paper Scissors offers an incredible range of papers in all sorts of prints, textures and thickness. From exquisite white card with a hint of sheer metallic, to a bright circus striped piece- this store really does offer exactly what you need. They have an incredible display of examples, giving you lots of ideas for your own projects. Every time I'm in this store it just makes me want to make something unique and creative (just like their examples). Rock Paper Scissors is the perfect destination for all things wedding. There are set packages of themes and styles you can choose from, or you can chose to create your own from scratch. They have an entire shelf-full of formal papers, where extras such as mini pearl stickers, diamantes, flowers, stamps and much more can be purchased. Thanks to Rock Paper Scissors, majority of my wrapping paper/party invitations and cards are all homemade with love. If you think you lack creative flare- don't worry, Rock Paper Scissors offer in store workshops. Dates and details are advertised on their website.

This is my local DFO, I find it easy to navigate as basically you just have to walk around in a…read moreclockwise direction, Shops are grouped together ie: women's clothes are sectioned, shoes & bags, mens, sports, homeware's and children's. My favorite store is Esprit and Puma. I am guaranteed to always find decent bargains here. Just dont eat here!

Seriously feels like I was in IKEA with no easy way out apart from following the path. Not as good…read moreas other DFOs out there, e.g. no Country Road or Seed, but nice and generic enough to satisfy any taste. Upside, plenty of parking.

Although Design a Space's Brunswick Street store is so new that there's a faint whiff of wet paint,…read morethe concept was hit upon in 2006 by a couple who envisaged selling the wares of an ever-changing roster of independent Australian designers in an artful gallery-esque space. Selling a range of mens and womens clothing, jewellery and accessories, Design a Space's newest outpost really does feel like some kind of sartorial museum, all simplistically displayed racks of clothes, and jewellery in glass cabinets that could probably be put to good use to house antiquated manuscripts or the like. The clothes themselves are varied and can seem mightily expensive considering that the designers that showcase their work here are - for the most part - fairly niche and decidedly up and coming. Where Design a Space really excels though, is with its fantastic selection of actually quite well-priced jewellery, with prices ranging from around $39 for a sculptural pair of diamante earrings to more like $200 for an oxidised silver ring. Definitely worth a browse.

Great original pieces at a reasonable price given their quality and uniqueness. Super knowledgeable…read moreand helpful staff.

The Social Studio is a wonderful social initiative with the aim of providing education, work…read moreexperience and employment opportunities for people from refugee backgrounds. It consists of a retail store, a cafe (The Cutting Table) and a fashion school. The project began in 2009 when community members and media and design professionals came together to discover how they could use fashion as a vehicle for positive social change. The Social Studio was born and today also hosts pop-up shops, online shopping, manufacturing services for other designers, and a printing studio. The designers here frequently use hand dyeing techniques and all materials used are ethically produced using only reclaimed or up-cycled materials and all collections are the result of collaboration between the designers. Next time you go on a shopping spree, make sure you put this store on your shopping list. It's retail therapy like no other.