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.

I love Pickings and Parry, sick fit out, rad staff- always friendly and generous with their time…read more I've been getting my haircut here by Jack (He's the older gent, haven't tried the new guy yet) and he's a bit of a perfectionist but in a good way. Haircuts aren't "Cheap" but you get what you pay for ($55 for haircut,beard trim, drink). Everytime I've gone elsewhere it's never been as good. They also sell great denim, good hand crafted boots and other cool high quality EDC stuff.

Looks fantastic from the outside but it was probably the worst shave I have ever had. I got about…read more50 cuts under my chin and along my jaw and afterwards the barber told me I wasn't cut even though blood was literally dripping from my face. The hair also grew back really ingrown. Also, it is too expensive... The guy who gave me the shave was really pretty... like super model pretty.

Couldn't get the Adidas spezial SS 24 hat or socks in the UK, ordered from up there took just 5…read moredays to come. Quality service and price well chuffed.

Ordered the Nike Tuned Air Max Plus 'Scarab' from them. Quick shipping and well-packaged. Very…read morehappy with their service. Sneakers arrived as described. Unfortunately, the shoes contained many defects and factory flaws from Nike, which I understand wasn't a fault of the retailer. They were still more than happy enough to offer me a full refund with return shipping paid. Extremely satisfied with their quick response and resolution. Clear communication and trustworthy retailer. Definitely recommended for rarer shoes.

With hats, bags, and wallets up for grabs at $1 and cool t-shirts available for around the $10…read moremark, Clear It! is an absolute goldmine if you are prepared to sort through the ~90% of the crap they have here. Coming from the UK, shopping here is akin to shopping at TK Maxx. There are lines and lines of racks and there is treasure to be found in amongst the rest of the very run of the mill stuff. You could easily spend a good half an hour looking for bargains here. There are huge discounts and if you endure it will be well worth your search.

Ever have that argument with your wardrobe? I have nothing to wear!…read more Well luckily Clear It! is near! This massive fashion outlet is just what you've been looking for! Stocking brands such as Dangerfield, Friends of Couture, Jack London, Revival and more you will not be short of options for something new to add to your wardrobe. I actually come here once a week, its that cheap. Singlets - 2 for $10, Shirts from $10, pricing is ridiculous here! My favourite purchases include a 3 / 4 long Dangerfield coat, originally $250, i scored it for $75. Even picked up a Jack London business shirt for $10!!! So fellas if you want some new kicks or clothes pay Clear It a visit and while you shop, the Clear It women's store is just a few shops up.

I attended the opening of the new concept by Jude and I am impressed. Having a very androgynous…read morefeel of the clothing. It is all handmade in Melbourne. The fabrics and styles will suit anyone and due to the drape style you will find the the size is generous.

Don't make the mistake I did by going up just one level and thinking you found the store and been…read moreshocked by every shirt is $300+, just keep heading upstairs and you can raise your jaw from the sticker shock just one level below. My style is usually minimal and this store hits all the dots and considering average prices in Oz this place is quite reasonable for quality clothing and good style. I am going to Berlin and Sweden soon, and I got inspired from some of the labels to look out for on my trip. The hidden factor makes me feel just that bit more special, since I walked by this place who knows how many times without realizing its presence.

Somewhere is a men's and women's fashion store that sells clothing by local and international…read moredesigners. It also has a gallery space that showcases the work of emerging Australian artists. The clothes at Somewhere are sleek, simple, and very on trend. The menswear section is mostly stocked with jeans, chinos, plaid shirts and pocketed t's. The prices range widely, but in general, it's quite well priced when compared to many of Melbourne's similarly styled and themed fashion stores. Somewhere also has a very decent selection of shoes and accessories, like hats, ties, sunglasses and scarves. The staff are great (helpful and attentive, but genuine with their recommendations and not pushy).

Pop up shops are now a bit dime a dozen, but I'm happy this one has popped up super close to work…read more The range is conservative (in my opinion) in comparison to the main CR stores, and a better price point too. Only thing to improve, actually acknowledge your customers staff. Otherwise back to the nicer staff at Melbourne Central.

Quite extraordinary fashion…read more Enter the house of Noble Fibres and discover the finest natural alpaca, cashmere, wool, cotton and silk products.