Allow me to be very specific here. Unless you have some cash to spend, leave all credit cards,…read morewallets and anything you can hock at home. If you venture into Christine (which in itself may be a little difficult, it is quite literally underground and notoriously hard to find) you will struggle to leave empty handed. Christine is the boutique embodiment of the idea that is Aladdin's Cave, for once you have decended those stairs and witness the delights within, you'll have a hard time leaving. Christine stocks all manner of shoes, jewels, handbags, scarves, scents, hats and anything else in the accessory category. Most of all, the owner (I'll let you guess what her name may be) really knows her stuff. She can recognise the label and season of almost any bag with just a glance and has an impressively detailed inventory of the store swimming around in her head. Bottom line: visit at your own peril. You may never leave and if you do, it certainly won't be empty handed.

We had so much fun at Christine's shop! We met Christine herself, and what a treasure! We tried on…read morehats and jewelry and clothes and shoes and handbags and... and... From the moment you walk in the red door onto the red plaid carpet until the moment you leave with a red bag in tow, the staff treats you like gold. Very enjoyable, decadent shopping experience.

Wasn't Lolitta a tempting seductress, who's charm nobody could escape? If so, the shop is identical…read moreto its namesake. I can rarely afford to shop the top labels and when I can the older I get, the less I can justify it. Lolitta can be defined as a store that offers the same, stylish, quality designs you'll find at Myer for about half the price. I haven't seen a piece I've loved for over $90, which for quality fashion is very hard to find. Fabrics and colours are just beautiful, and as I'm a bit of a hippy I love the spring collection of bohemian yet pretty and feminine looks. I just wish I had of stumbled across it prior to the Cox Plate. Tip: Check out the Yanni dress in store now, I love it and have it sitting prime position in my wardrobe :)

Very unique styles, patterns of clothing. I looked all over melbourne for something to wear to a…read morewedding, walked in here and found something on sale within 5 minutes. The sales consultant, Annie was extremely helpful and polite.

For what it sells, I think the prices are very good. I was very disappointed the day I noticed it…read morehad halved in size; Shibuya used to be split into angel/devil sides with good girl clothing (pastels and skirts my father would let me out of the house in) and punk/goth/emo/lolita clothing over on the dark side. Now it's just the punk side, and whilst this was the side I was more interested in shopping in, I liked have the choice and the balance. The staff leave me alone whenever I go in, usually far more interested in whatever they're gossiping about than helping me. I'm ok with this, I'd much rather rifle through the racks of ripped and zipped and laced up awesome than fend off a sales assistant. Sizing is a bit random, and prices are a bit unpredictable.

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.

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.

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.

Want authentically designer vintage sunglasses by brands such as Ted Lapidus Paris and hip hop…read morefavourite Cazal? Or cute party dresses by Marc Jacobs or Givenchy? Head to Curve Vintage. Domiciled on Gertrude Street, my favourite little strip for vintage clothing in Melbourne bar none, Curve Vintage sells an incredible range of vintage clothing and accessories with a good smattering of vintage designer and contemporary second hand pieces thrown in for good measure. My one Curve Vintage qualm? It feels as if the place is never open. But InStyle - which ranks it amongst Victoria's best vintage boutiques - assures me that this is because Curve is open for the abbreviated hours of midday until 6pm from Tuesday to Saturday much like many of the exclusive little boutiques dotted along Gertrude. If you're serious about your vintage you will seriously love Curve. Prices are attendantly pretty steep but as most vintage afficionados know, a great vintage find is priceless.

Curve is in my top five places to buy vintage in Melbourne - it has everything: women's clothing,…read moremen's clothing, sunglasses, shoes, belts, bags, a kickass store, great staff and a great range of stock. I come here with my partner because he likes to check out the men's racks and try on vintage jackets and shirts. I have to say that Curve's collection of men's wear is phenomenal and they cater for a lot of different styles: there are wacky and lurid shirts, and reserved and classic dinner jackets. I spend most of my time on the other side of the store buried amongst the women's wear. During the winter months I would stock up on boots and the warmer dresses that I could easily wear with tights. When I visited last time there were some gorgeous summer dresses and shorts perfect for the hot weather. The prices are quite high but I honestly don't mind paying. The clothes and accessories are fantastic and the service is always great.

I love nothing more than being able to say the piece of jewellery I'm wearing is a one-off - which…read moreis why I get a thrill out of scouring the aisles of The Bead Centre on Smith Street, Collingwood for an array of charms and beads to create my very own unique treasure. The best bit is, more often than not you come across charms that are identical to those used on current accessories in stores such as Sportsgirl. Being able to create an 'of the moment' piece for a quarter of the price you'd pay for it in store is exceptional. And I love that you can customise it to your own taste. The Bead Centre carries an extensive range of chains, leather straps, clasps, charms, beads, baubles, crystals, stones and more - as well as a huge range of ready-made costume jewellery with the lowest prices in Australia.

I have yet to find a quality bead shop that stocks the particular items I am looking for such as…read morequality leather cord, clasps and metal accessories. Keep searching for better quality, unless you are just looking for something to get you by.

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.

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.

I suspect that I've annoyed the staff here a few too many times by going and playing dress ups with…read moreall the lovely lovely clothes. Corsets, imports, fetishwear, shoes (oh, the shoes), makeup and beautiful jewellery. Yes, it is a bit more expensive to buy from here than from the individual stockists, but there really is something to be said for instant gratification. To be perfectly honest the sizing those sites provide seems random at best, and so the opportunity to actually try on those skinny, skinny side-laced black jeans before you buy is definitely a plus. Also, dress ups.

So nice. The staffs are really patient and they do give me al lot of good advice. Finally I got the…read more suitable clothing for the Halloween weekend.