100 metres from one Sydney Street store stands another Sydney Street. What is this, Starbucks?…read moreWasn't I just in a Sydney Street, or did I get the name wrong? After some head scratching and googling, I discover that this shop is the Sydney Street Boutique, as opposed to the Sydney Street Casual store. These are the only two stores in Australia, and you can see one from the other. This store has all the colour that the other lacks. No pastels here, there are lots of bold prints, floral patterns and sparkly tops. Most of the styles are still casual, but they're less that upper-class-retiree-golfer style and more the funky-mum look. The prices are much the same in both, and this shop doesn't do those famous jeans. There is plenty of more formal wear here also that I can see my mother wearing out to dinner. I do however appreciate the concept of two stores for two different styles and vibes. This store is smaller and more heavily stocked, while the other is spacious and less cluttered, arrangements which cleverly match the clothing styles.

The shop sure smells nice for a second hand venue, and it has a lush and comfortable atmosphere…read more They call themselves Adelaide's 'most exclusive recycled boutique' which is a fancy way of saying they have nice second hand stuff, and really they do. Garments that have been pre-owned and pre-loved are often really good and have only been taken out on Sundays by the little old lady who owned it previously; items like the nineteen eighties silver glitter boob tube would have only been worn to church functions and white frocks with red spots at Christmas, that sort of thing. I suspect there is an element of elitism involved in the way the shop smells and feels because the prices are pretty original rather than recycled from the time period the garments were manufactured. Some things, fashionable things particularly become more sought after and increase in cost as the decades pass, so don't expect opportunity shop style bargains, but don't let me put you off either because I'm not so well versed in what a decent frock costs - I wear shirts and pants. Every so often I will don a sarong, but only when it's hot and I'm at home or close to water. Given that many of the stylish frocks I've looked at in recent times have had price tags that suggest someone will pay over six hundred dollars to twelve hundred dollars for something 'special' these days I may eat my words and say this shop is moderately priced. Talk to Maria, Teresa or Lucy - they'll sort you out! All that being said, the quality of what is on display is very good, and I suspect there are some items you would never find anywhere else for a better price, so check it out. If you like wearing pre-loved gear and fancy something at the high end of the fashion scale, this place is gonna make you sing.

When I first stumbled upon New To You thanks to a shopping tip from a dear school teacher, I went…read moreweak in my knees. It is deliciously good looking, upmarket and chic. With an aesthetic interior, white plushed cushions and chairs, walls framed with black and white pictures of fashion capital cities across the world, stunning chandeliers and beautifully laid clothing and merchandise, this recycled boutique is a dream come true for all fashionistas. For some of us who can't afford to splurge on designer items at retail price, this boutique offers designer and Australian labels at very attractive bargains. From preloved clothing, shoes, handbags, corporate suits to accessories, this is a women's playground. A highly addictive and dangerous on though! The plethora of designer handbags here are amazing. Take your pick from Oroton, Coach, Tod's, Nine West, Gucci, Guess..it's all here. I picked up a pretty pink Nine West handbag for $20 and it was in perfect condition. Cocktail dresses hang sexily on the racks, waiting to be exploited yet loved with a new adventure. Working women would love to sample corporate suits and silk office blouses, from the likes of Zara and Dusk. Trays and cabinets are filled with ladies watches, jewellery and jewelled stone hair ornaments. They are exquisitve and I want to buy them all. At the end of the boutique, neat racks showcase casual wear, summer dresses, jeans and soft summery pants. New To You is a perfect oasis to update your wardrobe, add an accessory or two and most importantly, realise your dream in owning a designer piece which you can show off at the next corporate party.

Run by sisters Kristie and Amy Manuel, Muse Boutique oozes with decadent goodnesss with racks…read moredisplaying international brands like Alexander McQueen, Lanvin, Balenciaga, YSL and Australian designer Camilla and Rosemount Australian Fashion Week fashion press favourite, Josh Goot. This is certainly the powerhouse on King William Road as fashion lovers can now add a touch of international threads into their wardrobe, without having to peer through their fashion magazines. Since King William Road is famous for its top luxury fashion, Muse Boutique is a perfect addition to this much sought after Adelaide top fashion street.

I love my long summer days. Decked in a white breezy dress, a picnic rug thrown over blades of…read moregreen fields, I would seek refuge under a large gum tree, with a book in hand and a chilled glass of Moscato in the other. The setting is almost perfect for a blog photography on a whimsical and vintage theme. Throw in a yellow vintage bicycle with a wicker basket, stringy red balloons and rolling hills. The clothing label at Biba evokes a similar sense of mood within me. The long white kurta tops are perfect for days like this, worn over red leggings, or nothing at all...for a tempting beach look. Plenty of fashion inspiration to gain from Biba, and their summer range is totally perfect to recreate your long summer days. Just like I did.

My adventures as a bride-to-be were fairly stressful. That is with the notable exception of working…read morewith George and the team from Alexis George. George took the time to show me the different shapes of wedding dress on me, and how they make me look, to then come up with the most flattering design possible. Using bespoke, eco friendly materials, my gown was meticulously crafted with unbelievable attention to detail. Lace hand cut, secret fasteners to ensure it sat flat against my back, acres of silk with crinkle cut on different angles to create the skirt. Amazing. It fit like a glove, and made me look and feel like a million dollars. George also helped guide me with jewellery, hair and makeup to match. As well as making my mother in law's dress!! Thank you George and Team, I am over the moon. Hope you enjoyed the chocolates. Much love and respect for your art form.

If you're in the market for some high end fashion this local designer is nothing short of…read morebrilliant. If you like to frock up and you're cashed up, this should be your first port of call when you're looking for a knockout dress for that special occasion. Don't be fooled this is red carpet style fashion. If you're looking for something that makes you stand out from the crowd these guys can create one off pieces to make you look a million bucks. If you're in the market for that totally unique bridal creation, as Molly Meldrum says, do yourself a favour and go visit these guys. They also offer a School Formals Register so they keep a record of who's bought what meaning your less likely to come face to face with your arch enemy or your best friend in (horror of horrors) the same dress. On Unley Road, directly opposite the Metro Shopping Centre, Alexis George is the brainchild of husband and wife team George and Pat Georgiou. Admiring their ever changing window if often enough to bring a smile to my face as they display creation after creation in their window on Unley Road. They're just at a spot where the lanes narrow and I have to admit to having slowed down in my car many a times just for a gawk in the window. Seeing what's in the window has even caused me to go on a diet. A virtual Adelaide institution, Alexis George have been around for 30 years now. At the risk of showing my age, I remember when they were in Gawler Place in the city but they've been firmly entrenched in the Unley location for some years now and I'm sure are likely to stay there.

This shop rocks in so many ways and I suspect many would shop here for their prom night, 21st…read morebirthday, cocktail parties and just flirty summer parties in the park. My first instinct was it catered for those in the ever so petite size but was happy to find some pieces ranging till size 14, which will appeal to everyone. The store had a 50%-70% sale during my visit, so I happily picked up a summer dress for a bargain. YAY for me! I spotted a tutu skirt (hello Lady Gaga!), funky t-shirts, silk blouses and gorgeous summer dresses to sample this summer. At the adjoining store lies Night Child, with racks of golden and silver embellished cocktail dresses and gowns, truly a girl's oasis. It's a perfect shop to make every girl look and feel beautiful!

Do you like young, funky, cutting edge fashion? If so you can't go past Wild Child Stylelab on King…read moreWilliam Road at Hyde Park. The store itself is possibly one of Hyde Park's most significant style icons and has been in its famed corner position since 1991. Wild Child is full to brimming with the most up to date and latest fashion items. Brands you'll find at there include Bettina Liano, Cooper St, Diesel, Anouk, Ladakh and Wheels and Dollbaby. While much of their range looks best on 16 year olds with zero percent body fat, many of their pieces can still look good on the rest of us mere mortals ie the older stylish woman. Just remember a mini skirt on a woman of a certain age can look downright tacky and there is such a thing as mutton dressed up as lamb. Does anyone remember the scene from Sex and the City II when Samantha turned up in the same dress as Miley Cyrus? The solution to this is to take advice from the stylists as Wild Child, they're generally pretty honest about what suits and what doesn't. Along with dresses, skirts, jeans, and tops you'll find shoes and accessories at Wild Child as well. If you stop by for a browse or a shop, remember to take your credit card and when you're done head for one of King William Road's famous cafes or eateries.

Little Fuchsia on King William Road is the home office and retail outlet for local a brand that is…read moresold Australia wide. Its nice to have a South Aussie brand breaking ground like that. This is a range of girly girl fashion. If you like crisp white shirts, silk strapless maxi dresses, beautiful ruffled dresses and pieces that you can layer then you'll love the range of fashion at Little Fuchsia. They use the most divine fabrics from linen to silk to floating cotton voiles and their use of colour from brights to white is just wonderful. If you need just the right scarf or piece of jewellery to finish off your outfit, they'll likely to have what you need. The Little Fuchsia people place a strong emphasis on working with suppliers who observe Fair Trade practices and an ethical approach to business. Their price range is at the higher end of the scale but the quality is worth the extra dollars you may spend.

Now this is my kind of shop. Love a bit of Country Road suiting for work. Love their casual wear…read moreand most of all I love their shoes. The Country Road store on Unley Road at the Metro Shopping Centre is possibly the best CR store in Adelaide. I would have to say that it's certainly the biggest. They have equally large spaces dedicated to women's wear (actually that area is the biggest) as well as their men's and kid's ranges. Homewares aren't forgotten at the Metro store either and they have the biggest selection of bowls, bedding and bits and bobs I've seen in any Country Road shop. What I like about this particular outlet is they seem to have a magic storage area where they pull additional sizes from. The staff here are first class and will go out of their way to help you. Only one criticism, I was shopping for one of their handbags recently and had seen it on special at a David Jones Country Road outlet in the city. When I asked if they could price match (as they had always done in the past) I was told they no longer did this. I really hope this was a one time situation and they've come to their senses otherwise they run the risk of losing sales as most people will always go for the cheaper option. Come on Country Road you've always looked after me in the past - don't stop now.

One of the bigger Country Road stores in Adelaide, the Metro store is spacious and stocks the…read moreentire (well, almost) Country Road range for Women, Men, Kids and Home. The store is nicely presented and spacious, no clothes rack claustrophobia in here. The range is excellent and the store manages to keep all the sizes in stock which I've always been thankful for! I've found the staff a bit hit and miss, I've been here and be greeted and looked after wonderfully before but lately staff seem to quietly leave the customers be, which I've found a bit odd when said customer has a few hangers in her hand and is walking around looking at more of the range. Their accessories are excellent and I love the shoes here, just hang out for a sale as the prices are a little bit much for my liking.

Finally a women's clothing store that sells sizes from 10 to 24 with a great selection of styles…read moreand colours for any age group and....the prices are excellent. Plus their catch phrase "Keeping It Real" is so true! On this particular visit they were having a nothing over fifty dollars sale, I ended up buying a nice cool cotton blouse reduced from $89.95 to $50.00, so happy with my purchase as I don't buy easily any more. Besides, when I left home in the morning it was on the cool side and by the time mid morning came round the temperature increased and I was boiling, so it was good timing to find the blouse. One prominent brand name stocked at Sorbet and some of you may be familiar with the brand is called Lavender Road. If not, it does contain various styles and colour combinations for the mature casual woman but there are pieces which are suitable for any age group. There are several stores located Australia wide and I noticed in their latest brochure there is a competition to win a trip to the Whitsundays in Queensland! A good enticement to shop in store instead of online!