From it's smallish front window on Chapel Street, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Dakota 501…read morewas a small boutique that you could likely finish in 5 minutes. Step inside and you'll soon discover the large warehouse style vicinity that gives Dakota 501 its unmistakable ambience and allure. The fact that this style depot has been on Chapel Street since 1976, illustrates its success in the fashion industry and its obvious patronage by stylish folk from generation to generation. Stocking a wide and ever evolving line up of Australian and International labels, including one of Melbourne's best loved denim selections has given this store is unrivalled advantage. With brands like Stolen Girlfriends Club, Alternative Apparel, Autonomy, Bec & Bridge, Fluxus, Neuw Denim, One Teaspoon and Zanerobe - it's obvious that this store caters to guys and girls who love quality threads and are not afraid to pay for it. I love Dakota 501 because you can always find the something kooky and different from what everyone else is selling. Think Karen Walker jewellery, Nudie denim and Fred Perry sweaters. Also check out their colourful collection of happy socks from Sweden and Havaiana flip flops (must-haves for summer).

So I'm a little biased towards this shop. They helped me purchase a dress I'd seen on the Evil Twin…read moreClothing website, however could not find online or in General Pants Co ect. And I was very desperate for this dress (as you get when you hate everything else available in shopping centres and have somewhere important to go). I rang the store, they had my size, they also held the particular dress for me, and were very warm about it all. When I arrived in store - which is very easy to miss when you've never visited before - I was very pleasantly surprised by the wide range of clothing they had to offer. All of it had a lot of character, a very different feel to it. I didn't spend a lot of time there however it looked like they may of had vintage clothing as well as some current local (well Australian anyway) brands. The employee who served me was also very friendly and seemed very passionate about Australian clothing and designers. I therefore left without a second hesitation to my very poor bank account (the dress wasn't really expensive but I still couldn't afford it), and walked away very happy and satisfied indeed. Determined to become a regular of this place.

One would think that you were walking in to a clothing store titled 'Mr Simple' as you walk past…read morethis Brunswick Street boutique however The Lab is just doing some advertising (albeit, over-the-top advertising) for one of their main labels. So don't be turned off by the name! This is a great place to shop for a man of any style - you can get some great basics like jeans and plain tees, but then also head down the relaxed-surfer-skater path if you choose. I love all the sunnies that they stock in the window and while this is specifically a store for men, I have purchased a few pairs in my time. Perfect for that sunny day at a festival. The staff are lovely and are happy to let you browse around and the prices are very reasonable.

The Lab Store is a men's clothing shop that sells dapper basics for the slightly more sophisticated…read moreex-skater type. Their clothes are free from bells and whistles and are generally quite plain. However, their stuff is still fashion-forward and not dull. They have a decent selection of jackets, crewnecks and hoodies, shirts, t's and jeans. They also have a good selection of shoes (mostly Vans, but a wide variety) and sunglasses.