Friends of Couture is definitely a friend of mine. In fact, this is one of my favourite places to…read moreshop. From great quality cardigans that won't lose their shape, to quirky dresses to fashion-forward tops and bottoms with the cutest prints. This is one store that doesn't shy away from prints. In fact, Friends of Couture seems to thrive on prints. If you're serious about dots, stripes, hearts, bows, checks, horses, owls, bears, moose, deer and cats, you'll love the stuff here. If you hate these prints - go elsewhere! Serious, monochromatic-addicts will hate it here. I love the quirky patterns, vintage inspired buys and spin-offs on classic prints that this shop does so well. Plus, it carries a good selection of handbags and accessories to complete your outfit with. Always make sure to check the back racks for sale products. Very often you'll find that perfect dress, scarf or cardi just waiting to be brought home by you.

I can't afford anything in this store. I probably won't be able to for quite some time, that being…read moresaid, I adore everything inside. Cactus Jam has been on Glenferrie Road since I was in high school. It is the premier fixture on the fashion and accessory scene that until recently was so sparse on this strip. Inside you'll find labels such as Chloe, Willow and Cacherel. Designs are from here and abroad and there is a wide range of clothing and accessories. At this time of the year expect to see soft cottons, silks and light bags for the summer ahead. Even though I can't afford anything the sales assistants are still lovely enough to let me in and have a browse - so add great service to the list.

No different to Pitt Street Mall in the city, the Bourke Street Mall is Melbourne's equivalent, and…read morewith its own unique Zara outlet as well. So often the tram tracks are crossed to get to the other side to the point where waiting to cross the road at the lights to enjoy some more high quality shopping is a chore within itself. The iconic public purse at the tram station outside Melbourne GPO is a hit within itself (no pun intended) as musicians come to entertain us with their musical equipment stacked along this magnetic piece of art. Don't cross the tram tracks just yet as you have Melbourne GPO to explore. A word of warning: just ensure that you have gone to the toilet beforehand as something so simple as going to the loo turns out to be an obstacle here. Great cafes await you as well as quality boutiques to browse through. I love Georg Jensen here; in fact all the jewellers here provide great customer service. Keep walking and you will find Myers and DJ's in tandem with more street performers, and not to mention activists wanting support to help free the refugees or to take a stand of capitalism etc. Something would be so wrong with you if you are bored here. Cross the tram tracks (safer to actually cross the road) and you will find the food halls and more treats. Sadly that bistro on the Elizabeth Street side is now closed. And you might be lucky to spot one more street performer before moving on.

In the late 90's early 00's, the Bourke Mall of Melbourne was a Mecca of dodge. Sure every…read morechristmas there was the myer windows, but overall it wasn't a great place. Lucky for us Melbournians the recent (last 5 years) new tram stops and the current Myer and David Jones remodeling and the addition of Zara have lifted to the Mall to the cosmopolitan space I always new it could be.

Wasn't Lolitta a tempting seductress, who's charm nobody could escape? If so, the shop is identical…read moreto its namesake. I can rarely afford to shop the top labels and when I can the older I get, the less I can justify it. Lolitta can be defined as a store that offers the same, stylish, quality designs you'll find at Myer for about half the price. I haven't seen a piece I've loved for over $90, which for quality fashion is very hard to find. Fabrics and colours are just beautiful, and as I'm a bit of a hippy I love the spring collection of bohemian yet pretty and feminine looks. I just wish I had of stumbled across it prior to the Cox Plate. Tip: Check out the Yanni dress in store now, I love it and have it sitting prime position in my wardrobe :)

Very unique styles, patterns of clothing. I looked all over melbourne for something to wear to a…read morewedding, walked in here and found something on sale within 5 minutes. The sales consultant, Annie was extremely helpful and polite.

Lingerie can be a bit hit and miss. Sure, you want to look smokin' hot, but you don't want to look…read morelike a complete tart. So where do you find a happy medium? Dawn Thornton Lingerie of course! This shop stocks the perfect lingerie for those looking for something slightly more modest, ladylike and for 'women of a certain age' (I mean that in the nicest way obviously.) Stunning colours but nothing to brassy, and very flattering bras and underwear for all shapes and sizes. They also stock sleepwear that is both comfortable and flattering, and simple, elegant singlets which can be worn alone or underneath clothing - they're my favourite! Ms Thornton is located in Kew Junction on the up and coming shopping strip, so after you've had your latte and been a 'lady that lunches', get yourself some ladylike undies too!

I love Gidget, I love the simple setting, I love the friendly service and I really love the clothes…read morethat they stock. A trip to Gidget is like preparing for summer - the clothes all resemble a colourful, light summer wardrobe, so it's a great way to get ready for the hot days ahead. Some of the labels that they stock at the moment include Nookie, Bettina Liano, Alice McCall and Bec and Bridge. The last time I went there I noticed some gorgeous dresses for the Spring Racing Carnival and beautiful pastel colours. They also stock swimsuits, jewellery and other accessories. Have a look around and make sure you check out the whole shop (there is a little section up the back). The sales assistants are always really friendly and helpful and very vigilant about getting to each customer, even when it gets busy. There are changing rooms too on the right hand side behind the counter if you need to try anything on.

This tiny store is dripping with bikinis and one pieces. Seriously - I am amazed by how much…read moreswimwear this tiny space can take. Amazed and impressed. That being said it is hard to navigate your way inside and you'll get worried that you've missed a particular label or piece when there is so much to look at. It is also a problem when you are trying to get a hanger out and it catches on to dozens of other bikinis. I just think they need to do something about that because it really is the only thing that needs work in this store. They also stock active wear, making it the perfect stop for active wear whether it's the gym or beach. The service is great, very helpful and efficient. Great labels are to be found inside including Jets, Seafolly, Leluu and more.

The day I found Sprinkle was one of true elation. Sure, I'm not exactly one to have a lot of spare…read moredosh lying around, but when it comes to truly beautifully crafted clothing it's always worth it to save out and splash out on the one that truly steals your fancy. Once you've bought one Sprinkle creation it's hard to stifle the addiction. All the clothes are locally designed by Sprinkle herself and locally manufactured, where she can keep a watchful eye on the quality, being a renowned fusspot when it comes to her precious apparel. And they are indeed precious. The emphasis is on curves and femininity, with all the clothes knowing what to skim and what to highlight. Double breasted winter coats that make you feel like a movie star from the 1950s, brightly coloured wrap dresses and tailored pencil skirts are a few of her more notable design staples, but the collections are all unique to that season. The fabrics are all high quality, and there's always splashes of bright colour and texture in each collection. All the designs are made on a very limited run, and for some there's only one garment made in each size. Each season/collection has its' own unique theme and influence, eg. classical Japanese during this last winter, and 1950s cocktail hour for the summer of 2011/2012. The staff are all enthusiastic, professional and well informed about the designs, and will never try and sell you something that you don't feel comfortable in or that isn't quite you. The prices are exactly what you'd expect for locally designed and produced clothing, so it's certainly not accessible to absolutely everyone, but if you can afford it or can afford to get saving, the clothes are definitely worth it.

Oscar and Wilde brings fashion to Kew. Inside the small…read morestore you'll find a great selection of shoes, dresses (formal and less-formal), blazers, jackets, tops, skirts and more. The prices may be high, but the clothing is worth it with noted Australian and international designs taking residence inside. Oscar and Wilde also stocks the House of Harlow range by Nicole Richie - much to the delight of young women in the Eastern suburbs. While the shop is small service can be a bit hit and miss, some of the girls are lovey and very friendly while others give off a bit of a snooty vibe. When the store is busy its quite hard to get some advice as the sales assistants are usually running around and keeping their eyes on all the customers. Make sure you check out the sale section (while small, sometimes you can find a decent deal), and there are changing rooms too up the back.

Since when was Kew cool and fashionable?! Over the last year or so, a number of 'young and trendy'…read moreshops have opened up creating the High Street shopping strip - Oscar & Wild is one of those shops. Whenever I walk past Oscar & Wild, I always stare longingly at their gorgeous window display and think; "one day I'll be ladylike enough to wear something like that..." Or sometimes I think; "Why don't footballers girlfriends wear that to the Brownlow instead of that other garbage?" Yep, this place is fancy, formal and freakin' pricey, but understandably worth it. It is stocked with gorgeous dresses perfect for a uni ball or any other formal occasion, as well as dressy jackets, blazers and pants. One day I'll be able to wear these clothes, but for now I'll just continue to stare longingly...