The Grotto is a store that sells a mix of homewares, fashion, accessories, and beauty products. Its…read moredifficult to define this store, other than it stocks eclectic and unique things that are designed to bring beauty and originality to your life in whatever form that may be. From funky umbrellas and table top placemats, to giant floppy hats and floral maxi dresses, the grotto has a little bit of everything. The store has that kind of hippy spiritual feel to it, but dont be diverted by thinking the store is full of smelly candles and incense burners. Sure, they are there too, but there are plenty of great items to be had here, once you get your head around what they are actually trying to sell, if that makes sense. The sales staff are friendly and were quite happy to leave me browsing by myself, which I love. When I want some help I'll go ask for it!

Great store with lots of crystals and stones to select. You may negotiate if you are buying a good…read moreamount of things and the staff are somewhat helpful at times, depending on who is on duty. The owner is obviously very knowledgeable...!

I love Happy Herbs, just like a really hippy doesn't pretend to be anything else that what it is…read more A wonderful shop for alternative drug use, they're not just there to provide something else for your night. They're totally funky and cool and the service is chill and friendly. I found out about Happy Herbs after an ex-housemate bought home some Damiana herb which put me to sleep like a newborn babe in pillow clouds of dreams.

Ahh Happy Herbs. A party favourite and a safe way to enjoy something a tad more than the effects of…read moredrinking too many ciders. Located on pub-sprawled Smith Street, Happy Herbs provides a natural way to take your night just a little bit further. The herbs in the materials here give off the euphoric state of mind but only by using that of natural resources. The shop is uber-cool, smells similar to incense and happy to yelp that the customer service here is great. There's always a friendly hippie in the shop who is well informed on how to get you the best night out (depending on what kind of night out that is). There's something for dancing, something for chilling out, something for everything really! Take a look in, it's a pleasant surprise at the more cost effective way to enjoy a night out!

Divine Heart & Soul is the place to go if you are wanting to give your soul some treatment. It…read moreoffers services inclusive of tarot, angel and psychic readings, hypnotherapy, hypnoenergetics, spiritual counselling, life coaching, energy healing, reiki, energy healing, medieval astrology, self development workshops and meditation. Is that not enough convincing? Well. The shop has some gorgeous crystals and giftware on offer and the prices are really fair. There are some great crystals that are on chains as the pendant on a necklace. They were absolutely exquisite and the prices weren't ridiculous either. There are definitely bargains to be had here. The treatment rooms are out the back and are very private. I have never experienced any of their services but I have had positive feedback from friends who have been there. I met the owner Joyce-Kay when I first went there and she was super welcoming and friendly. She happily asked about my day and how I was feeling before proceeding to go an extra five miles when answering my questions. She loaded me up with brochures about the services on offer and we had a great conversation. I honestly don't think I saw her without a smile the whole time I was in the shop. As a result the atmosphere was really positive and inviting. I am looking forward to returning for my second visit.

Life changing ceramics store... Say what? Guild of Objects is an emporium of handmade homewares and…read morefor an avid tea drinker like myself, finding the right tea mug can change your life. I like to call it a 'hug mug' - it has to be the perfect circumference, texture, colour and height. Not an easy mission. I found an abundance of spirit mugs here! Melbourne is creative and proud of it - and this quaint ceramics shop celebrates local makers by exclusively selling Victorian goods. And good they are! Incredible actually. I fell in love with so many pieces that I bought 10 of them that I am prepared to cart home back to Perth. Turbulence, please be kind to my new ceramic friends. Located in North Melbourne, they also offer beginners workshops and community drop in days. Next door is a sunny cafe called Beatrix that looked to be brimming with delicious homemade cakes. Take one home as a perfect accompaniment for your first cup of tea in your spirit mug discovery.

I highly recommend anyone else…read more An engagement ring is a lifetime purchase and it is important to choose a store that you can trust to offers support to their customers for a long time. I reached out to Janai with a few questions, the person responding did not read any of my questions and just proceeded to assure me they were great, and had a wide range of designs. After spamming me for some time with useless info, not only did they answer none of the questions I had asked, but after leaving a review on Google for poor customer service and a lack of empathy, the store's director resorted to doxxing my personal information in the response to pressure me into removing my review. It is highly unprofessional and is considered harassment and bullying. I would say anyone else would be better. I wish you all the best in finding a good jeweller, and know that "custom design" is something A LOT of jewellers do. please don't get fooled.

If you're in the market for an engagement ring these guys are good. I wasn't, but I went in to pick…read moreup a ring for a friend (honest) and while I waited for the staff to confirm I wasn't here to fleece them they took me through their design book and it was pretty impressive. In consultation with their customers, Janai design their own rings and make them on premises. They're pretty snazzy-looking and they also educate potential customers about diamonds, regardless of whether they buy with Janai or not, just to make sure you don't get cubic zirconia instead of a prime cut. As you'd expect for the only company in Australia that designs and makes its own rings they're pretty pricey but not ridiculous. The staff are great and are obviously more than happy to show anyone through their wares.

I'm going to have to describe The Curious Oyster Shoppe as simply adorable. Another of the newer…read moreshops along the junction end of High St in Thornbury, it's filled with jewellery, knick knacks, cards and women's and baby clothes, much of which is made from recycled materials. The clothes are particularly fun and generally one offs, but fairly pricey given the whole locally made/produced/eco-friendly aspect. There's also a really terrific range of cards with funny slogans and cute pictures, some of which have a local twist. A lot of the jewellery is pretty distinctive, such as necklaces made out of old spoons and retro pendants. On the whole, it's basically the kind of store where you can't know what you're going to find in there on any given occasion, just that it'll be something special. At the moment there are some vintage inspired first aid and sewing kits stored in metal, biscuit-esque tins. The owner is lovely and has a really natural smile that puts you at ease. A really fun shop that's great to drop into.

Curiouser and curiouser! The Curious Oyster Shoppe is a little craft box brimming with…read morelocal/national designers of assorted jewellery, homewares, stationery, childrens/womens clothing and just gorgeous little things. Notable items include locally produced lip balm in kitsch tins, 'Things By Bean' gift cards with irreverent and anti Hallmark quotes at affordable prices. This is a cute gift store predominantly for the ladies interested in Frankie or other craft/design oriented individuals. There are some real outside the square gift ideas and is one of the better retail offerings along this stretch of High street. The store is inviting and owner/staff is friendly, not pushy. I did miss their opening hours a few times but eventually found my way in. The majority of the stock is eco-friendly and every sale over $90 is rewarded with the planting of a tree

Tucked down a side street from RMIT's maddening architecture, Melbourne Artist Supplies can feel a…read morelittle like a bat cave. The artificial light contrasts with the sunshine streaming in the roller door, so your eyes may take a second to adjust to the wonder that awaits. All manner of art and craft supplies inside, with friendly staff who know what they're talking about. The prices march the quality, and every now and again a sale will have the place crawling with crafty types.