I have a vivid image of Mrs Peel. If she were a person, that is. Cat's eye 50's sunglasses…read more Ponytail. Bright red lips. Bobby sox and saddle shoes because she's sensible. Poodle jewellery. Killer vintage wardrobe mixed with modern designer pieces. Doesn't mind attracting a bit of attention, and saving up a total sequin overload cocktail sheath for when she wants to arrive in a room with a bang. Sarcastic barbs have a way of just falling from her lips. I think we'd be friends. This fab store used to be hidden down the back of another Leura arcade, but is now front and centre, windows full of modern, quirkily designed jewellery and vintage clothing for women and men. Inside is even better. I instantly swooped on a piece from a designer I used to love from my days in Newtown, who no longer seems to exist. Lovely lady staffer and I chatted about Japanese fabric-using designers while I was breaking my no unnatural fibre rule with my purchase. Almost air-tight, but a woman's allowed exceptions for vintage, right? Prices are pretty good, especially for Leura, the modern designer stuff is a bit steep, but that's what you'd expect. Staff are lovely, and the offer gift vouchers too, which I'm thinking would beat a Myer GV hands down in the Christmas pressie stakes. Newly glammed, I'm off to scour the cafes for someone in cat's eye sunglasses. I'm sure she's around somewhere.

A very sweet and mostly reasonably priced vintage shop particularly for a store in Leura. There are…read moresome truly gorgeous little jewellery pieces, cute retro bags and a good mix of new and vintage clothing pieces. It is a little cramped but they have made good use of the space they have been given. A few pieces here and there were a little too expensive for what they were but generally prices were fair. The staff are friendly and personable and I will certainly be back again when shopping in Leura.

Tiny, but full of bursting bright colour. Currently, they've got a display of vibrant parasols in…read morethe window and hanging from the ceiling. Maharani sells women's clothing, mostly with an eco bent and often by Australian designers. Have my eye on this fab grey pinstripe skirt reminiscent of a bustle at the moment. Lots of jewellery too, some of the tribal kind (love it), as well as a smattering of accessories and gifts. A friend bought a great brown leather messenger bag (Billy Goat designs) from here, and I rarely see them apart. They have that great leather smell as well, so, on second thoughts, not the best place to bring a vegan. I haven't had much luck trying on the super-uncomfortable felt clog shoe things. Eek. But their range of clothing is great and not super pricey, the staff nice. It's obviously aimed at a slightly younger market (ie: under 50) than some of the other boutiques in Leura. Bustle skirt or fab chartreuse green stripy one?

Somewhat slipped into a decline, has Circus. Still has the best changerooms ever (and for anyone…read morewho's wrestled curtains that don't cover the entire doorway, lack of mirrors and uplighting will know how important that is). Think Venetian glass mirrors, posh armchairs and lush patchworked curtains. 'Free gift with any Metalicus purchase over $250!' the sign screamed in the window. Oh dear, I know times are hard. And yes, free gifts are always good. And yet, this boutique is not looking in its prime. The lovely cream coloured floorboards still feel kind of shabby cool, the pinks of the decorations not too, well, pink. But something's missing. Where you used to be able to walk in and find a range of interesting women's clothing suitable for a range of ages and styles, most of what they had in the other day seemed geared to the middle-aged 'I've given up and retreated into violent florals' crowd. Which wasn't Leura, I would have thought. Even some ridiculous feathery hats suitable for drunken matrons at the races. I'm sad, this used to be a favourite place to browse, and I've bought some great stuff here in the past including a recycled material totebag with cowgirl/dominatrix overtones. Bring that vibe back, please!

If Sherman and Betty were a couple, they'd be cool and relaxed, but not so relaxed they didn't care…read moreabout good design, had a conscience about supporting local craftspeople and designers, with a slightly quirky sense of humour. Sherman probably wears the odd vintage Hawaiian shirt, Betty sports cats eye glasses and makes her own felt jewellery that looks like bodyparts. Or so I imagine. This lovely little clothing and accessories store seems more at home in inner city Melbourne or the upmarket end of Newtown than Katoomba - a place more known for shapeless rainbow woollens that well-designed, super-thin but warm merino numbers. All Australian made, the items here have clearly been lovingly selected. There's a gorgeous hand screenprinted skirt that really wanted to be friends with me, I can tell. The shop's open and bright, and perfect for those willing to pay that little bit extra for pieces that are well made, of good design and locally produced. Bags, hats, jewellery, clothing for men and women, the store's got the lot from design labels like Hikenbiker and Otto & Spike. The lady staffer was most kind, and I'll be back to visit my skirt before too long, I suspect. I think it wants to come home with me.

The hipster heart of Katoomba. I'm always telling people…read moreabout this gem of a store and they are always asking 'where is it?' Come on people. It's under the library - aren't you reading much these days? Pop in and visit both when you're passing. Fantastic wardrobe building pieces in super light and warm merino, great for layering in our cool climate and all made in Australia. And a great range of funky fashion pieces and accessories. Clothing with altitude.

Loving Blume Clothing, Have bought several items and they are all really reasonably priced…read more Definitely my new go to........ Great job guys........

I held my breath as I crept through the door, looking around for a Style Authority to chase me out…read morewith a look of icy disdain. Nobody. Hmm. I crept in a little closer, taking in the distressed wood surfaces, the minimalist racks. Aah, staffer is on the phone in the next room. I might have a moment then. Oh my. Akira Isogawa designs and superlatives are hardly strangers, but to see them up close is quite the experience. Don't misunderstand me, I consider Fashion TV a form of penetential torture to be endured while getting my hair cut, I don't think I've ever bought a Vogue, and couldn't care diddly about what the latest skirt length is this season. But beauty earns its own respect. The lady even flashed me a smile as I inched my way into the far room, growing bolder by the moment, but she didn't get off the phone, which was a blessing. I got to run my (very clean, honestly) fingers over the silk, and imagine what these cloudlike suggestions of clothing must feel like to wear. Some were on sale, but no, there's no way I can afford them. But thanks for not running me out, scissors slashing and hurling pins at vital acupuncture points. I feel like this should be categorised as 'Art Gallery', for which I should have left a gold coin donation in gratitude as I slunk away, silkily serene.

I have always found the staff to be honest and helpful when serving you and always top value…read more There is something for all age groups and I always leave the store confident that I have made a good purchase.

From the owner: We believe we have the best women's clothing store in Southern Sydney. Great service, great…read moreproducts, great prices and a special 'vibe' that keeps our clients coming back again and again. We try to offer our clients the best experience we possibly can - everything from attentive service, large changing rooms to styling advice and more. Why? Because our clients ARE our business. We are smart enough to realise that happy customers means good business.