Influenced heavily by the beauty and glamour of vintage accessories, Scally & Trombone flogs…read moregorgeous accessories for ladies who want something a little different, slightly eccentric and cerebral, and definitely fun. You'll want to spend a long time in this tiny shop filled with gems that will complete any outfit. You'll find jewellery, hats, gloves, 50s inspired swimwear, scarves, stockings and tights, gift cards and much more. The girls in here are lovely and seem to genuinely enjoy discussing the wares and helping you find the perfect earrings for your new dress or whatever it is your heart desires.

This is a beautiful little store where fun is the name of the game…read more Scally and Trombone is only a small store but it makes up for space with unique and original hats, jewellery, swimsuits and luggage. Its the perfect destination for a special event, a lazy day of window-shopping, or choosing a unique gift. Expect warm and friendly service, great advice about fashion and the products and a lot of fun. All the staff are delightful and very indulgent when it comes to numerous customers trying on different hats, and staring at the jewellery collection. My love affair with Scally and Trombone first started back in year 11. I was buying jewellery for my formal and my mother and I stumbled across this little gem. We walked out with a bold silver collar and simple drop earrings, after having spent hours agonizing over our choices. Throughout the painful process the sales assistants were wonderful, offering great advice in regards to different pieces, as well as colour combinations to match my dress. Since then I always swing past if I'm on Brunswick Street. Their large range of elegant hats, fun jewellery designs and pleasant service make it a winner.

Gorgeous little women's boutique clothing store, Laine is a lovely temptation to any girl passing…read moreby. Lots of high quality items that change regularly, it's a good place to pop in and check out some AU/NZ designer clothes (like Kate Sylvester) that you would get a lot of wear out of. Loads from the US and Paris too. It's priced accordingly, but not terrifyingly high end. I lucked out by looking at winter wear when one half of the store was all 50% off and scored myself a nice jacket at half price. The girls in the store are lovely and really helpful without being pushy. Bonus if Winnie the Whippet is in store to have a sneaky cuddle with. Look for her camouflaged in her bed up the back by the heater!

I love this store. I would pop in every day if I could, but alas a girl has to work…read more A very recent , welcome addition to the Bay St strip, Laine is set to become a much loved fashion store for local gals. Stocking everything from Ancient Greek Goddess sandals to keypad covers for your mac, gorgeous clothes from around the world to jewellery conversation starters made by some sisters in Queensland - you will be impressed by Laine. But quality stock is not the only thing Laine has going for it, the other key attraction to this store is the friendly assistance and guidance provided by it's lovely owner, Alyce. Oh and her sweet pooch Winnie is there to help too! There is no website or mailing list yet but you can get your fix of new arrivals from the Laine facebook page, even make an order from the photos for some items. There are items to suit all budgets and styles. Must go now, I have shopping to do.

Sartorially, I err on the side of gothism, so when I wear anything even close to verging on the…read morecolour spectrum my boyfriend has a tendency to decry me for looking 'like an Australian girl'. Heaven knows what he'd call me if I patronised Colette Accessories more often, a costume jewellery and accessories emporium with such a palpably Australian aesthetic its shop girls might as well swaddle themselves in the Australian flag. Giant diamante earrings, huge studded cuffs and animal prints abound in Colette's tiny little ground floor Melbourne Central store. A shop that may look pricey from the outside but with jewellery and accessories so well priced it gives Target a run for its money. Visiting this Melbourne Central store is kind of like hanging out at a particularly glitzy nightclub. But with row upon row of bedazzling jewellery instead of drunkards; and handbags galore rather than handbags at dawn. I particularly like Colette's huge chandelier earrings - at $8 - 12 a pop - and its giant statement necklaces that are a genuine steal at around $10. If you love costume jewellery you need to visit Colette for a gander.

Collette seems to have followed in the footsteps of Lovisa and Diva, both of which preceded this…read morechain store in offering on-trend jewellery that won't break the bank (think less than $20 for every piece of jewellery). Collette differs from its predecessors in that it also stocks a range of bags, wallets and clutches. Despite my love of all things cheap and sparkly, I haven't really fallen in love with Collette. I find it just looks a little cheap and I can't bring myself to purchase a synthetic bag. That said if you are on the hunt for inexpensive accessories this is a good bet. This store has a really huge range and the staff are generally friendly and helpful.

Shop local, buy local then fly international in your new outfit designed for travellers…read more Obus is for women who like to get around (the world, that is) with clothes made from quality fabrics designed to travel well and for longevity. The Obus look is classic, urban and practical - it'll be the garment you pull out of your wardrobe again and again, and wear easily with comfort and ease. It ain't cheap around these parts but you'll spend your cash happy in the knowledge that everything here is designed and manufactured in Melbourne, and therefore that you're supporting your local talent and our economy. Oh, and also that you look totally fabulous.

Obus stuck really fun, bright, playful women's clothing. They only stock Obus label clothes, as…read morewell as some other labels of accessories, such as Melissa shoes. Their clothes have a really colourful pallet, and every season they take on a new range of staple colours and patterns that are always bright and often immediately identifiable as Obus. In terms of pricing, they are on the reasonable end of expensive (if that makes sense).

There's one thing in life i cant resist... and that's a good window display. Declic screams out to…read moreyou, COME INSIDE! The shop is colourful, funky and something out of Alice in Wonderland. Inside you'll find superb quality Mens shirts and accessories. The shirts of the business / i'm going to Club 23 variety are a tad dear for my student budget but the accessories like Bow Ties and cufflinks are extensive and under $100. Staff are chipper and always buzzed to see someone new venturing into the store. I remember the girl in here being chatty and not pushy at all (which is a relief). When everyone say's Melbournians are dull with their colour range, i think of this store. It's such a breath of fresh air!

A very cool little store with an area of nice, interesting, fashionable, distinctive shirts and…read moreaccessories. I did consider buying a shirt - maybe next visit - but (being a Brit) I could not resist buying the 'Solar Queen'. What could be better than a model Queen Elizabeth continually doing her signature wave using solar power?!?! Don't you all want one? :)

If Marge Simpson visited Melbourne she would probably spend most of her time in Kinki Gerlinki. A…read moreMelbourne-based fashion label whose Brunswick Street store is jam packed with the sort of brightly coloured bobble bead necklaces she's rarely seen without. With its brighly coloured patent leather bowling bags and Peter Pan collar blouses, this - admittedly sweet - Melbourne label isn't really for me. Kinki Gerlinki's main selling point? The colours. If you like your clothes colourful and your cuts cutesy you'll adore Kinki Gerlinki. Starting out as an importer of clothes from Asia and Europe, Kinki Gerlinki now designs its own range, with runs of as little as 15 of each garment. As such, there's an exclusivity to Kinki Gerlinki's quite accessible designs with just one barrier: the price. Ok, prices aren't sky high but considering that the quality doesn't always seem incredible, Gerlinki's clothes can be on the expensive side. Think $80 for a short-sleeved blouse or $150 for a dress. Apart from that, Kinki Gerlinki is good at what it does, even if what it does isn't up my proverbial street.

I am torn about what rating to give Shag... On the one hand I want to give them 5 stars for their…read moregorgeous stock and stunning window displays, but on the other hand I want to give them one star for their outrageous prices and poor service. Shag stocks truly one-of-a-kind vintage, over the top jumpsuits, platform heels that will add inches and costume jewellery galore. It's like Lady Gaga exploded in here. They are famous for their impressive window displays. Every time I walk past and see a mannequin in a bright yellow spandex play-suit I think; "Would that look good on me, or are these guys just really good at what they do?" One time I decided I would try on something in the display and was more than willing to pay the $200+ price tag it held. When I asked the sales staff they said; "We'll put you on the waiting list to try on the outfit. Come back in a week." Yep. There's a waiting list to try some stuff on. Wow. Needless to say I didn't want it that much, and didn't bother coming back in a week. It's a gorgeous store (as are it's sisters in the city and on Chapel Street) so do pop in and check one out if you get the chance, just don't dare to ask about the window display.

Question: Want a Shag? Lame and way too obvious attempt at…read morehumour acknowledged. Yelp Fail. Answer: Head to locations on Brunswick St, Collins St and Chapel St! Jackie D is right on the mark when she says its like Lady Gaga exploded here! Dame Edna must shop here. Its sparkly, loud and quirky. Its a great place to visit for style inspiration or to find a gift that will shock and awe. If your looking for a great value vintage experience keep on walking. If your looking for bargains and knock your socks of prices, ride on by. This place is full of vintage one off 'pieces' and stacks of drama, but it comes at a hefty price. The famed window displays call you from over the road and stops you in your tracks. The windows really are that good. Filled with conversation starter jewelery and daring outfit choices that entice you to explore further. Retail result. The stock is unique and beautiful. The staff know it. The price tags know it. Now you know it!

Collette Dinnigan is considered a bit of a home grown success, whilst she was born initially in New…read moreZealand, she quickly moved herself and her up and coming brand over to the shores of Australia. Boy are we lucky that she did, the Melbourne retail store is located up the South Yarra end of Chapel Street and showcases a stunning array of her collections from this year. Colette's style for Spring/Summer 2011 is all about girly, fun and feminine patterns in natural soft colours like cream, white and lemon yellow, her dresses feature lots of lace work and frills making them perfect for those carefree Summer days by the beach or sipping cocktails into the night. Although at the higher price bracket, Collette's collections are totally unique and incredible, it is well worth a browse if your looking for something extra special, or also to support the Australian fashion industry.