Somewhat slipped into a decline, has Circus. Still has the best changerooms ever (and for anyone…read morewho's wrestled curtains that don't cover the entire doorway, lack of mirrors and uplighting will know how important that is). Think Venetian glass mirrors, posh armchairs and lush patchworked curtains. 'Free gift with any Metalicus purchase over $250!' the sign screamed in the window. Oh dear, I know times are hard. And yes, free gifts are always good. And yet, this boutique is not looking in its prime. The lovely cream coloured floorboards still feel kind of shabby cool, the pinks of the decorations not too, well, pink. But something's missing. Where you used to be able to walk in and find a range of interesting women's clothing suitable for a range of ages and styles, most of what they had in the other day seemed geared to the middle-aged 'I've given up and retreated into violent florals' crowd. Which wasn't Leura, I would have thought. Even some ridiculous feathery hats suitable for drunken matrons at the races. I'm sad, this used to be a favourite place to browse, and I've bought some great stuff here in the past including a recycled material totebag with cowgirl/dominatrix overtones. Bring that vibe back, please!

Foot of the Mountains is a women's shoe shop of the higher end variety, stocking a small but well…read morechosen range, including a bunch of European brands hard to find elsewhere. They also have a selection of handbags, hats, jewellery and hosiery. The staff are helpful but not pushy (a rare and wonderful combination) and they always have a sale table out the front where you can pick up some real bargains. Got my eye on some fab purple strappy ankle boot things at the moment that actually fit and are comfortable! But alas, a little out of my price range for now. But they're purple... sigh...

There's not nearly enough gorgeous boutiques named after Ancient Roman Orators…read more Sigh. My favorite boutique ever. I have expensive taste, and not the budget to match it. But with frequent sales and very often a sale rack, I've bought the odd drop dead stunning designer concoction here. There's a red dressing-table like long couch for your shopping companions to sit upon while giving the requisite thumbs-up or -down response as you parade something you never want to take off. Staff are fantastic, one went to a great deal of trouble once to try and source me a replacement for a red winter coat after an accident with City Rail, rain, no signage and floor paint. Don't ask. They stock Lazybones (great cotton vintage inspired Australian designs) although the staffer the other day tells me they're getting harder to source, Katherine and Odd Molly. Amongst others. A few groovy shoes and handbags too. Desperately want an Odd Molly piece with not-really-making-sense writing all over it and Scandinavian embroidery. Sigh, one day.