If you ever wondered what a visual representation of a cacophony of shoes would look like, then…read moreShoes Direct Factory Outlet in Brunswick will probably give you a clue. Shoes. Shoes everywhere. Not unkempt, mind, just numerous. The front section of the store features the latest stock in all styles from boots through to sandals, work shoes and sneakers, ballet slippers through to high heels and wedges right through to all of the above in children's sizes (though with notably fewer high heels in the kiddie section). The stock reflects the fashion trends amongst the various staple designs that pop up every row or so. Out the back are the heavily discounted odds and ends leftover from other seasons and trends, or were simply relegated there when the more common sizes sold out. This section is an unmoving parade of bargains for people with the right foot size, with all of it down to the last couple of pairs, so it's a generally hit and miss affair. The shoes are all from different brands and designers, largely from within your standard cheap to mid-range venture, so unless you're very gentle with your footwear you needn't expect your purchases to last long term. Prices start at $5 in the back room right through to standard mid quality boot prices. Highly convenient, if a tad overwhelming, from sheer force of its size.

Got a pair of Dunlop Volley safety shoes here the other day. I'm reviewing it because I tried to…read moresearch online for somewhere that stocked them, and had no luck, so for the next person who does the same: this shop has a good stuck of Dunlop Volley Safety (i.e. steel capped) sneakers, as well as other Dunlop styles, in a full range of sizes.

A gamut of handbags and wallets from the like of AnnaPelle, Diana Ferrari, Levis, Jag and Fiorelli…read moreamong many others, this store is an efficient way to find the most beloved of women's accessories. Although there's also a range of largely high heeled shoes available, there's not nearly as many on offer as there are handbags. The stock changes over fairly regularly, and there's the odd sample hiding amongst the clones. The styles are as numerous as there are handbags, so you can find a plain work satchel-style bag as easily as a brightly coloured statement handbag. There's also a range of luggage down the back. The quality varies from brand to brand, and the odd leather bag may turn out not to be leather after all. Nonetheless, every purchase I've ever made from this store has been a magnet for compliments and my main handbag is still going strong after a year of heavy use. It's always the first place I go for a new handbag or wallet.

Anna Fiori seems a little misplaced amongst the other, more down to earth shops surrounding it, yet…read moresomehow it seems to be doing well in this spendthrift environment. I've been known to stare in awe at some of the more interesting and artistic designs, but being a strictly flats kinda gal I somehow garner the strength to resist temptation. In those ominous moments of lust when I have ventured inside the shop the staff have been polite and subtle, and the whole place is lit like a 1980s romance novel adapted to the screen. The shop will probably appeal most to the bridal crowds and upcoming event, with just about every kind of high heel conceivable gracing its shelves with the changing of the seasons. A good range of colours also graces the scenery, so if you're trying to match shoes to a very particular dress it's probably going to be worth a shot.

Condello's is a good example of old fashioned cobblers and key cutters that have managed, unlike so…read moremany other shoe repairers, to keep the business fresh and sparkly looking. Everything you'd expect of this kind of business is on display in the window or under the counter, and all your basic shoe repair and key cutting services are offered. Their ability to roll with the times is probably best exemplified by their venture into the digital era, with security car key cutting and computer engraving on offer. They also stock decent bootlaces to accommodate even the laciest of boots. Convenient and friendly: Condello's, for all modern world shoe repairing needs!

I'm thinking that I should buy a car and drive everywhere because the money I have spent on…read morereheeling shoes from all the walking around that I do, well, it's quite a lot, and it all goes to Condello's in Barkly Square. Luckily, they always do a good and fast job of it. It costs about $20 each time but I believe that's the going rate in Melbourne (if anyone knows otherwise, please let me know). They're rather no nonsense at this joint - its polite service but without a smile, but that's no bad thing. Condello's also sell shoe polish and other things that shoes need, they fix watches and they cut keys. They don't call it Condello's Complete Services for nothing, you know.

For me, this is the Dejour Jeans but for shoes. You can get your shoes resoled here for next to…read morenothing (like $20) or a beautiful pair of handmade shoes/boots for around $100. I just had some shoes died and it was only $25! The owner Mourinho (sorry if that's not how to spell your name) is super helpful and very friendly. You get the vibe that this place still has that old world customer service that died along time ago in retail. We've been here four or five times now and it's been perfect every time. Highly recommend!