La Petit Armoire & Quirky Best Bits would perhaps be the classiest of clothing boutiques in the…read morehills. It has two rooms filled elegantly with the latest fashions, designer clothing and cute accessories. The prices cater for everyone - from people like me who think they are rich if they have $20 in their wallet, up to people who can afford the $269 bright orange beach bag that I fell in love with, (and left behind...hint hint). Despite the orange bag being out of my budget I found plenty of other delights to tempt myself with including gorgeous heart outline silver necklaces and a funky pair of red velvet pants that were a steal at just $20. The girl who served me was friendly and welcoming and it was nice to see someone in a fairly up market shop doing work - hanging up clothes, styling the mannequins and generally making sure everything looked good - rather than eyeing me off from behind the counter. It would be right to say I felt very comfortable browsing with no fear that if I touched something alarm bells would go off - quite a pleasant experience. There are two 'rooms' to the shop and in the back one there is a tall gold-framed mirror resting against the wall. I wanted to try something on just to be able to use it - yup, that's how impressive it was. It seems like the place used to be two separate shops - one called La Petite Armoire and the other Quirky Best Bits. I didn't get the feeling that I was leaving one shop and walking into another as I passed under the doorway that links the two, so the owners have done a good job of combining them. The winter trading hours are 10-5 Monday to Friday and 10-5.30 Saturday and Sunday.

The Sassafras Wool Store is an amazing collection of all things woolen and warm. Located in the…read moreSassafras main strip of shops it is a fun shop to explore. They stock both international and Australian wool as well as antiques, vintage items, jewellery, soap and of course, knitting needles. The store has a great range of woolen clothing and hats although it was a bit pricey for my liking. It was fun to walk around the balls of wool and be able to feel the textures. They have a great range and a lot of variety so there will definitely be something to suit your next knitting project. There was a lot of items in stock with some old and some new as well as some really cool auto memorabilia which was quite random to find in a wool shop but still pretty interesting. At least it gives any guys accompanying you to the shop something to look at! The store is open seven days a week from 10am-5pm.

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.

Soon opening as an ice cream -soda shop but still a great place to drop in and browse...read more

Mallalieu is tucked away behind the main strip of shops on Olinda-Monbulk road but it is well worth…read morea visit. It is a little boutique style accessory shop with a small selection of designer clothing, shoes, handbags, antique furniture and home wares. It is quite small but the space is really well utilized with benches and tables. The shop is colour coded into areas and had distinct green, pink and black areas when I went there today. The shop itself is quite beautiful and it is hard to walk away without taking something home with you. The displays of stock were quite artistic and I quite liked a lot of their accessories. In particular there was a set of earrings that were little square white tiles with the shadow of a sparrow printed onto them. They were very sweet and priced at $19. I also fell in love with a round stone bracelet, which was great value at just $25. The lady who was running the shop was lovely and very friendly. She knew a lot about the products and was quite helpful when I had questions. Mallalieu is open 11-5 Monday to Friday and 10.30-5 on weekends.

Whilst there's not the room for heaps of furniture like some other Vinnie's stores, there is a…read morelarge range of clothes available here. The room is also filled with lots of household trinkets and old-fashioned homewares, largely donated by the aging residents of the suburb. With a few Op-Shops in the area to choose form, Vinnie's Centres are always good, as the stock rotates between stores, giving a different range each time you come back.

This little boutique on the left hand side just as you arrive in the main strip of Sassafras shops…read moreis indeed a jewel. An absolute treasure trove of well selected small designer clothing in clever styles, with an array of fabrics and textures boasting the colours of the season. Quality leather accessories from wallets, purses and bags through to stylish full length boots, or funky little ankle boots of varying colours and styles with that wonderful twist of 'something different'. All of this is set amongst an extensive display of accessory jewellery. Again, thoughtfully selected pieces that will compliment any outfit. The friendly service by knowlegeable staff (Linda), makes visiting this gem in the hills an experience you will want to repeat. I was fortunate enough today to be shopping on their 5th Birthday, and so take advantage of the store wide 30% discount :) Always well worth visiting!! Linda - regular seasonal customer - from the foothills of the stunning Mt. Dandenong.