At last! Clothes that fit real bodies, don't make you look like you are trying to out do your…read moredaughters and are a reasonable price. Thank you Sketa!

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.

I LOVE Ally Fashion, I actually had to do a double take when I was trying on a few items and turned…read moreback to look at the price tags. Ally has some really unique and stunning women's clothing, they have everything from sexy party dresses to basic t-shirts and skirts. I don't think anything in the store is over about $70 and trust me they are worth alot more. The girls on staff are usually wearing the hottest items from the season so it gives you a chance to have the clothing modelled for you before you buy! At the moment Ally is filled with soft dusky oranges, vibrant pinks and creamy whites all perfect for spring time fashion. There is usually a rack out the front as well as a few more inside that have items anywhere between $10 - $20! These can sometimes be last season but are usually just clothes on special. I struggle to even think about this store without wanting to go fill my wardrobe, the best thing is they also offer an online shop where you can order your items and have them shipped directly to your door.

I love Chicci! This shop allows me to feel part of the style savvy Melbourne crowd without breaking…read moremy bank. And they've just made my day today with a trench purchase from the Winter discount rack. I've gone all freaking winter without a classic black trench coat, my old one was frustratingly fluffy and sadly unwearable no matter how many times it was washed or dry cleaned. And getting suckered into buying other treats for myself if I went looking for a trench coat but couldn't find one didn't help my situation. So, halfway through winter and after a long tweed and soft cashmere splurge, I put a restriction on purchasing an essential black jacket until the 2012 winter season. And then today, walking in to grab some things quickly from Coles, I doubled back when I thought I saw a 2011 season, long, black cotton jacket with military buttons for $35. I wasn't seeing things so I've snaffled it up and it now has pride of place in my wardrobe. How lucky was I that the last one in stock was a size 6! I've also bought other bargains from here before, like a pair of dark denim jeans with bright stitching for $20. They've got a large collection of very tiny cocktail dresses for the short and skinny of us. Some of them are Pretty Woman style but if you're going along to one of the Spring Racing Carnival events you might be able to pick up a cheap treat here, which if dressed up with some dazzling accessories could be a winner in the fashion stakes!

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!

Classy women's clothing at only a fraction of the price!…read more I love U fashion, they stock all the latest trends in women's clothing and have more than affordable prices to match. The shop itself is quite small, but don't let that fool you it is packed with fantastic bargains perfect for any occasion or time of the year. Predominately party dresses, U Fashion also sells casual summery dresses, blazer jackets, skirts and dressy tops. The store is covered in brightly coloured garments changing equally with the seasons. I always walk away with at least 2 items every time I visit U Fashion, the staff here are lovely and are happy to hold items for you until the end of the day if your like me and need hour to think in order to avoid impulse purchasing! Located on the 3rd level of the Bayside Shopping Centre U Fashion is a must for all women looking for a special dress with a special price.

Went into u-fashion yesterday at around 11:30-12:00 and it was empty, just me and the employee that…read morewas on. When I walk in I smile at her and I don't get a smile back, as a customer I thought this was odd, as pretty much any other store I walk into i get greeted, however I looked past it and decided to continue to look at some clothes, whilst I was looking through the shelves I could see that the employee was looking at me, Again I thought this was a bit odd as this has never happened anywhere else, but once again I looked past it. I then come to a top that I really like and decide I want to try it on, I'm usually a size 12 and sometimes a 14 in tops, and as I know that these shops sizing is pretty small I went to the 14, i then go to the employee and ask if I can try it on, and she says "you might not fit" "our sizing is very small", this is when I got upset as I know my size and as I was being treated like this, I then say to the employee "I'm usually a size 12-14" and she says to me extremely rudely and sure of herself "if it stretches you have to buy it". That's when I was very mad as an employee was basically calling me fat. While I was in the change room I had the top on and I hear her ask how the top was (I know that this is a normal thing but In this scenario I found it quite rude), and as I liked the top I said it was good and that i likes it. When I walked out of the change room she was standing at the door waiting for me to come out and she looked me in the eye and said "oh I didn't think this was going to fit", and as I was to upset at this point to say anything back I left it and played it off. She then proceeded to ask me if I'm going to get it (I was going to as I really liked the top) so I told her I might, but then I thought to myself that I don't want to give this business my money if I'm being spoken to and treated like this. Incredibly rude and disrespectful and VERY disgusted and disappointed in my experience today. also to add a little more, this morning i decided to give them a call, to see if i could talk to a superior (as i cant find an email anywhere) and ive called maybe 5 times and no answer. at first i thought that this may be because they are busy, however ive called 5 times in the past hour, no way the could possibly be that busy to answer a call.

Snowgum sells amazingly high quality outdoor gear. Here is the shop that sells "last season" and…read more"out of fashion" Snowgum gear at half the price. Yes, hiking gear goes out of fashion. For those of you who raised their eyebrows at that statement, join my club. We all find great bargains at this shop. There's no aircon, they prefer you to pay in cash, and it's not well lit, well sorted or well signed. But who cares? Cheap polar fleece!

This place is amazing and the best place to go for a great bargain on outdoor wear. I bought the…read moremost amazing hooded winter coat here that even kept me warm in Tasmania in the middle of winter. It's basically laid out like a warehouse with heaps of polar fleece, gloves, tops and all weather jackets. I bought the greatest lightweight raincoat here too. Most jackets are 40 - 60% off ... Sometimes more. Well worth a look.

Divine Gifts on Olinda's Main Street is a pretty darn cool shop. It stocks lots of spiritual items…read moreand the music playing is quite mystical. It has a large selection of charms and stones including Amethyst, Moonstone, Amber, Carnelian, and Agate. Some of these come with a little metal loop attached so you can put them onto a necklace or chain. At only $15 they are an absolute steal. The store also had some hippie style clothing with loose pants and colourful tops and jackets. There were a few slogan t-shirts promoting peace and tranquility, which were simple looking but the message was clear. Kids will love to stop by this shop as there is an adult-sized couch set up with a little table complete with drawing pencils and paper. I noticed there were a few sections on the walls that had hand drawn pictures and I assume the owner hangs up the drawings that kids leave behind. Also on the walls were some awesome acrylic paintings and portraits. They were quite original and if you want one similar the owner has the artists card at the counter. Also on offer are Reiki healings in a small peaceful room at the back of the store. It costs $60 for half an hour and clients simply need to ring in advance to book. The shop is open on Mondays and Fridays from 10-4, Tuesdays to Thursdays from 11-4 and on the weekends 10-5.

Upon my travels in this area I was fortunate to discover a shop that charmed me with its warmth…read more When I first entered the owner immediately greeted me and had been very attentive. I was shown the most astounding gem stone and crystal collection, and various jewellery and clothing designed for us men. I found a ring and top I could not live without. I also love my organic products such as soaps and oils and found an abundance on offer that had also been scooped up in my purchases that day. All I can say is that if you visit Olinda you cant go past this divine gift.

No longer is Daylesford the home of country-living styled furniture, pot-purri and daggy "shabby…read morechic" nic nacs. With the likes of Maneau Noir coming to the main street, there's some seriously great stores that would look right at home even in the big smoke of Melbourne. This store is dark, moody and sensual. Everything about it feels luxurious and there's plenty on the shelves that I've not seen elsewhere and can image taking home. Unusual clothing items, natural bristle hair brushes and wooden combs, ceramic statues and the most glorious selection of candles that would make a terrific gift.