If you ever wondered what a visual representation of a cacophony of shoes would look like, then…read moreShoes Direct Factory Outlet in Brunswick will probably give you a clue. Shoes. Shoes everywhere. Not unkempt, mind, just numerous. The front section of the store features the latest stock in all styles from boots through to sandals, work shoes and sneakers, ballet slippers through to high heels and wedges right through to all of the above in children's sizes (though with notably fewer high heels in the kiddie section). The stock reflects the fashion trends amongst the various staple designs that pop up every row or so. Out the back are the heavily discounted odds and ends leftover from other seasons and trends, or were simply relegated there when the more common sizes sold out. This section is an unmoving parade of bargains for people with the right foot size, with all of it down to the last couple of pairs, so it's a generally hit and miss affair. The shoes are all from different brands and designers, largely from within your standard cheap to mid-range venture, so unless you're very gentle with your footwear you needn't expect your purchases to last long term. Prices start at $5 in the back room right through to standard mid quality boot prices. Highly convenient, if a tad overwhelming, from sheer force of its size.

Got a pair of Dunlop Volley safety shoes here the other day. I'm reviewing it because I tried to…read moresearch online for somewhere that stocked them, and had no luck, so for the next person who does the same: this shop has a good stuck of Dunlop Volley Safety (i.e. steel capped) sneakers, as well as other Dunlop styles, in a full range of sizes.

Anna Fiori seems a little misplaced amongst the other, more down to earth shops surrounding it, yet…read moresomehow it seems to be doing well in this spendthrift environment. I've been known to stare in awe at some of the more interesting and artistic designs, but being a strictly flats kinda gal I somehow garner the strength to resist temptation. In those ominous moments of lust when I have ventured inside the shop the staff have been polite and subtle, and the whole place is lit like a 1980s romance novel adapted to the screen. The shop will probably appeal most to the bridal crowds and upcoming event, with just about every kind of high heel conceivable gracing its shelves with the changing of the seasons. A good range of colours also graces the scenery, so if you're trying to match shoes to a very particular dress it's probably going to be worth a shot.

A gamut of handbags and wallets from the like of AnnaPelle, Diana Ferrari, Levis, Jag and Fiorelli…read moreamong many others, this store is an efficient way to find the most beloved of women's accessories. Although there's also a range of largely high heeled shoes available, there's not nearly as many on offer as there are handbags. The stock changes over fairly regularly, and there's the odd sample hiding amongst the clones. The styles are as numerous as there are handbags, so you can find a plain work satchel-style bag as easily as a brightly coloured statement handbag. There's also a range of luggage down the back. The quality varies from brand to brand, and the odd leather bag may turn out not to be leather after all. Nonetheless, every purchase I've ever made from this store has been a magnet for compliments and my main handbag is still going strong after a year of heavy use. It's always the first place I go for a new handbag or wallet.

I am a woman, therefore I love shoes. However, I am not an "investor" in shoes. There is no way I…read morewill ever be able to save up hundreds of dollars to buy a pair of high-label shoes that I can hand down to my children and children's children. So I prefer to buy stylish, on-trend shoes on the cheap-side. Therefore, if you are like me, then you will also like Sidewalk Soul. This Brunswick St shoe store is full of the latest and greatest styles - boots, heels, wedges, pumps, flats, brogues, everything! But the best part is that it is all for a reasonable price. Don't get me wrong, this place isn't just any old Spendless shoes or similar, but just really good quality and reasonably priced. I bought a pair of ankle boots for $80 which lasted three years, including a trip to NYC in the middle of winter (hello snow!) So when you're next strolling down Fitzroy, pop in and have a look. You'll see what I'm talking about!

I was in need of a new pair of boots and this shoe shop is in the heart of the fashion district on…read moreBrunswick Street. There is a good selection of both men and women's shoes, and even better for me a good selection of boots. I went in on a Saturday morning, not thinking of the crowds, but this place handled the large number of people well. The two staff seemed to be serving at least three people at the same time, which didn't equate to great attentive service, but definitely made it swift. After choosing a style that I liked, I requested a different shade, closer to the one next to it, a more chocolate brown. The staff quickly punched in the request to her computer while then answering someone else's question and then threw an answer back to me "We can get 'em here by Wednesday". Great! Simple fast and efficient service was exactly what I was after, and I got a reminder call on Wednesday to come and get my boots.

Ruby Patootie is a seriously funky dress shop. The sister shop of Lulamae, the racks are bursting…read morewith bold colours and interesting patterns, and scattered all over the rest of the shop are shoes, belts, gloves, handbags and other accessories. There're a lot of coloured leathers, chunky heels and the odd bow about the place. There are only a couple of sizes in each of the clothes and they tend towards the smaller end of the scale, but it really comes down to the cut of the garment as to who they'll fit. A lot of them are the kind of clothes that you can't just pull on and walk out in, but require little adjustments and smoothing gestures to get them to sit how you like them, so they're not for lying around the house in. It's certainly not the kind of clothing you would wear in order to blend into the background. It's also a bit on the pricy side, but if you love a piece enough it's worth it.

Take care, poor quality Ruby Patootie (Brunswick) shoes that broke after only 12 wears and a refund…read morewas refused. No interest from owner to be accountable or to even speak to me. Owner got the assistant to say no to me without even discussing the situation with me . Stick to outlets where you'll receive the follow up service. Love these little places, but this was appalling. Shoe strap was stapled with one staple (not sewn). $134 for 12 wears? - I don't think so.

Twelve terms to describe the roughly 12 pairs of shoes sold in the Allegro Shoes boutique along…read moreHigh Street in Northcote: European footwear Peeptoe leather wedges Birkenstocks Birkenstocks Birkenstocks Birkenstocks Nice service Family owned company Great leathers and suedes Classic colours Clogs More than a little bit Camper

There is nothing I like better than knowing what product you are looking for and getting it for a…read morebargain. If you are looking for Converse products such as sneakers, clothing, tracksuits and windcheaters, then this is the place to go. Authentic Factory Outlets is located furthest from the city end of Smith Street amongst all the factory outlets offering products with labels at cheaper prices than you find in regular stores. I managed to get a pair of Converse One Stars and even got some free Converse socks to sweeten the deal. It's not only Converse in this Authentic Factory Outlet, you can also get a number of other cheap shoes and other street wear at discounted products such as Tommy Hilfiger. This part of Smith Street is great for the bargain hunter and this Authentic Factory Outlets is a must.