Sartorially, I err on the side of gothism, so when I wear anything even close to verging on the…read morecolour spectrum my boyfriend has a tendency to decry me for looking 'like an Australian girl'. Heaven knows what he'd call me if I patronised Colette Accessories more often, a costume jewellery and accessories emporium with such a palpably Australian aesthetic its shop girls might as well swaddle themselves in the Australian flag. Giant diamante earrings, huge studded cuffs and animal prints abound in Colette's tiny little ground floor Melbourne Central store. A shop that may look pricey from the outside but with jewellery and accessories so well priced it gives Target a run for its money. Visiting this Melbourne Central store is kind of like hanging out at a particularly glitzy nightclub. But with row upon row of bedazzling jewellery instead of drunkards; and handbags galore rather than handbags at dawn. I particularly like Colette's huge chandelier earrings - at $8 - 12 a pop - and its giant statement necklaces that are a genuine steal at around $10. If you love costume jewellery you need to visit Colette for a gander.

Collette seems to have followed in the footsteps of Lovisa and Diva, both of which preceded this…read morechain store in offering on-trend jewellery that won't break the bank (think less than $20 for every piece of jewellery). Collette differs from its predecessors in that it also stocks a range of bags, wallets and clutches. Despite my love of all things cheap and sparkly, I haven't really fallen in love with Collette. I find it just looks a little cheap and I can't bring myself to purchase a synthetic bag. That said if you are on the hunt for inexpensive accessories this is a good bet. This store has a really huge range and the staff are generally friendly and helpful.

Colette Accessories stocks a huge range of gorgeous jewellery as well as classy hand bags and…read morepurses. The best part is they are all at a fraction of the price of your regular designer items! At the moment the store is full of trendy colours like soft pink, dusky orange and elegant black. The walls are lined top to bottom with necklaces, rings, earings bracelets. and bags. Although in a similar price bracket to some of it's competitors like Diva and Accessorize etc. I think the quality of Colette's products is a little better and their appearance a bit more classy. Colette Accessories often has great sales on their brand new items as well as their last season stock. Sales like buy 2 get the 3rd free, or 3 for $20 are just some of the ways the products are marketed. I find Colette's a great option not only for jewellery for myself but also great as gifts for my friends.

Diva is perfect for a quick cheap pick me up purchase. Something sparkly and in all likelihood…read moretemporary. The jewellery is always on trend and comes in a vast array of shapes and colours. Gold, sliver, bronze and everything in between, this place is diamante central. You're unlikely to find anything too special here, but it does the job all the same. If you're looking for a new necklace and want to leave with change from a twenty then Diva is for you.

For what it is, Diva is a great little shop that sells cheap trinkets that are cute and wearable…read more Lets face it, not everyone can splurge out on an18ct gold necklace to wear with that dress. Diva makes accessorizing cheap and easy. I used Diva for my flowergirls and bridesmaids for my wedding (yes I maybe cheap, but I had 9 in total!!). A cute little silver and pearl necklace did the job perfectly.

If you're looking to make your Saturday night outfit a little more sparkly but don't have heaps of…read morecash to spend at Tiffany's... or Sportsgirl for that matter, I suggest you check out Fun Fashion. These guys have a HUGE showroom full of the latest trendy necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets and you won't have to spend much at all. The staff are friendly and know what they're doing - they'll help you accessorize your accessories! They are always decked out in the latest and greatest from their store, so take some inspiration from their outfits too (i.e. steal their ideas!) Look, it is fast fashion - so it won't last forever but it will make you look smoking hot at that party you're going to, and with the appropriate care will still last a long time considering the lifespan of most jewellery. Fun also have a great website which is handy when you're looking for accessory inspiration. So while you're trudging along Brunswick street wearing your grungy vintage and sipping your soy-chai, duck in to Fun Fashion and make your outfit just that little bit more special.

These fullas have it right, accessorising is FUN. Even more fun? When you can afford to accessorise…read morewith panache because you find a purveyor of accessories who doesn't charge you through the nose for a new pair of chandelier earrings or that must have tribal necklace. Enter, Fun Fashion Accessories on Brunswick Street, a shop selling a range of jewellery, hats, headbands, gloves, scarves, bags, purses, belts and more and ALWAYS at good prices. As Jackie D. has observed, quality isn't always paramount - i.e. I doubt one of Fun's rings would last the distance if you wore it every day - but for big statement jewellery that doesn't necessarily need to be fashioned out of the finest of materials Fun Fashion Accessories is the place to go.

Bought gold chains that discoloured almost immediately after purchase. Maybe 2-3 uses from each…read morebefore they were garbage. Made a return claim and have been back and forth with Lovisa customer service. Have provided bank statements Etc. i am not being ignored by the company. $50 is nothing to a big company like Lovisa, but it's a lot to someone like me. disgusting, unprofessional service from online support. have been shopping with Lovisa almost 8 years and this is the first return I have ever tried to make, I will never return.

Kind of like a conflation of 'love' and 'Visa' which you certainly won't be doing after you run up…read morea no-doubt massive credit card bill at this awesome little costume jewellery boutique, Lovisa is a decidedly fashion forward jewellery store within the Spencer Street Fashion Station outlet mall. Specialising in stunningly eye catching statement jewellery such as oversized chandelier earrings, giant cuffs, and necklaces so big you might need to schedule an appointment with your osteo, Lovisa's wares - which are already well priced - are frankly mind blowingly cheap at this particular store. I've picked up tribal inspired necklaces for $5 reduced from $25 and chandelier earrings for a fraction of their retail price at mere dollars. My one gripe? Despite its diminutive size, Lovisa's selection is so extraordinary that you can easily waste hours in this little store alone. First World problems, eh?!

I struggle with jewellery. I have two pieces that are actually worth something (both given to me by…read moresomeone else) and the rest is 'fast fashion' - cheap jewellery that you buy for the weekend before it turns that weird green colour and stains your fingers. Lovehate has rescued me from cheap jewellery hell. Here you will find stunning and simple necklaces, earrings and rings. I am a big fan of their opal series and wish to buy pretty much all of it. They also do striking beaded necklaces that will make any outfit a statement. They also sell cute little loafers, candles and occasionally have clothing in store (however most of that has moved online.) The best part? This isn't over-the-top expensive jewellery, but well-priced affordable jewellery that will LAST (and not make your fingers turn green.)

I love nothing more than being able to say the piece of jewellery I'm wearing is a one-off - which…read moreis why I get a thrill out of scouring the aisles of The Bead Centre on Smith Street, Collingwood for an array of charms and beads to create my very own unique treasure. The best bit is, more often than not you come across charms that are identical to those used on current accessories in stores such as Sportsgirl. Being able to create an 'of the moment' piece for a quarter of the price you'd pay for it in store is exceptional. And I love that you can customise it to your own taste. The Bead Centre carries an extensive range of chains, leather straps, clasps, charms, beads, baubles, crystals, stones and more - as well as a huge range of ready-made costume jewellery with the lowest prices in Australia.

I have yet to find a quality bead shop that stocks the particular items I am looking for such as…read morequality leather cord, clasps and metal accessories. Keep searching for better quality, unless you are just looking for something to get you by.

As far as costume jewellery goes, Aqua Collections is top notch, but you'll also pay a pretty penny…read morefor the best stuff. Stocking everything you need to accessorise that gorgeous outfit; rings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets and toe rings in stylish and elegant designs. From sparkling zirconia, aqua, blue topaz, emerald and amethyst replica stones, placed elegantly on sparkling, feminine silver chains, bangles and rings. Until the truth rears its ugly head through the fakeness, this stuff is quite brilliant to look at, and unless you're a professional it's hard to see the diff between it and the real deal. Unfortunately, it's also hard to see the diff between the prices, so although the fakes may look glam you're probably just as well going into Prouds or Bevilles when they're having one of their many sales.