Marco Gianni in Newtown offers Italian designer jeans at bargain prices. Mens shoes are priced at…read moretwo pairs for $170, which is both for leather and casual shoes and that is not the sale range, the sale range offers Men's shoes at an unbelievably cheap two pairs for $60. Women's shoes have similar pricing, but I wasn't paying so much attention the girl's stuff. The shop has a great range of stylish leather business shoes, but as I do not work in an office or attend a lot of funerals, nor am I a hipster I don't really need business shoes. The sneakers and casual shoes are seriously funky though and there is a large broad range in styles. They also have gift boxed ties and cufflinks sets at three for $50, a great way to stock up on gifts. So today I have two new pairs of shoes which I did not need, but my feet are happy.

Your feet take you places, they hold the full weight of your entire body and they don't mind always…read morebeing at the bottom. So it's your duty to treat them right! Platypus shoes know a thing or two about how to give your feet some style. Right on the main street of Newtown, this shoe store has fulfilled my desires for as long as I can remember. They always have the coolest styles and at the beginning of every season I walk past and whatever I see in the window, I just know will be the fashion at that time. They have their finger on the pulse and they know what the Newtown fashionistas want. Doc Martens, Vans, Converse. You'll find all of them and more there. You got shoes for skaters, surfers and plenty of gorgeous heels for when the girls want to hit the town. I adore this store and if you like top-notch foot wear that is always in fashion, Platypus will provide you with it. Your feet do so much for you, treat 'em right.

Not designed to give Leichhardt Marketplace (formerly Leichhardt Marketown) on nearby Marion Street…read morea run for its money, although Norton Plaza is a cute shopping centre in itself with great establishments. It is convenient that there is a post office here, as well as a massive Coles supermarket. It is small and is designed as a great get in and get out type of establishment. Sorry, not the type of establishment to make a day out of it clothes shopping. Leichhardt Marketplace is slightly better suited for this purpose, although Broadway would be better for that. A great place to buy those necessities, as well as a great vitamin store and butchery. Also their cafe right near Coles is great for a long lunch and a quality coffee if you need an immediate pit stop, and perhaps you wish to give outside Norton Street and the Italian Forum a bit of a breather. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare here, depending on when you come so it can be a little like a lucky dip; although if you have to you can always park at the nearby Italian Forum. Simple is something that is best for those busy professionals who want to get in and get out as quickly as possible. Not the type of shopping centre for socialising and entertainment.

I've always considered Norton Plaza to be the main shopping centre of Leichhardt, it's location,…read moresituated on the largest run of shops, cafe's and restaurants gives it an air of supremacy above the nearby centre, Leichhardt Marketplace. Many consider it the other way round, and they would be amazed to hear that I felt this way. But I guess I've always just gone to this centre for my shopping needs. Sure it has less in the way of boutique shops and there's only one main supermarket/department store in it compared to Marketplace's three, but who wants to go to a massive shopping centre when all you need are a few things from Coles? Norton Plaza comes equipped with everything you could hope to need from a shopping centre; a chemist, seafood, a butcher, clothes shops, fruit shops, cafes, it even has it's a pub upstairs. It may not be as grandiose as some shopping centres, but sometimes the last thing you want is grandiose and with two hours free parking, a quick trip to Norton Plaza trumps a long shopping day anywhere else.