Every year I order PJ's for my wife for Christmas. Each time I purchase from a different vendor,…read morejust to mix things up and see if there's a particular brand she likes or the customer service is better or maybe there's a hidden gem out there. So far, they've all been mostly the same and the PJ's tend to be about the same in terms of comfort, fit, style, etc., which is to say they've been good overall. This year I chose Papinelle after doing some research and comparing. I figured if they didn't hold up or the service was lousy, I would just shop elsewhere going forward. The prices are a bit on the high side, but the styles are nice and the silk blend is supposed to be very soft and comfortable. I ordered the long pants and top, but was a bit surprised on Christmas morning when my wife revealed they had sent shorts instead, which isn't very cozy when the temps drop down sufficient to light a fire in the fireplace and/or the heater comes on. So why the five stars? Well, it's because of how they handled the situation, how the PJ's fit and feel and look, and the overall experience. I reached out to Papinelle a few days later and they quickly got back to me with apologies and a plan to remedy the situation. They turned around an order to us within a day and sent the tracking number. They said we could just hang on to the shorts set and were further surprised to receive not only the pants, but also a second top. That was a really nice touch for sure! These are somewhat pricey PJ's, but this kind of service is part of why you pay the extra money. Things happen and you have to move forward, but it's how a business handles these issues that really defines their character and diligence. Top that off with a great looking and great fitting set of PJ's, and you have a winning combination! For the first time, I'm planning to return back to Papinelle next year to pick up another set.

I am ontologically disturbed by this store…read more Newly opened in the wake of the crime-against-Leura Woolworths incursion, this cavernous shop is the second for this Australian designed label after their 'flagship' in Paddington. That should give you some idea of the prices. I go to a great deal of effort never set foot in Paddington if I can help it, so walking down The Mall the other day, this came as a surprise. Large store. Few Items. Very Pink. Very Florals. Very Pink Floral Knickers. Not My Thing. Ok, but wait. Matching Very Pink Floral Knickers For Babies. Hang on. 1. A baby is not a matching accessory. 2. If baby and mother's underwear is the same, is that reducing the woman to status of child, or child creepily to adult? Not actually the same, I hesitate to point out. Look, it's very pretty. The lady seems very nice. They'll make a killing in Leura. And I have a tendency to overanalyse, it has been said. Just a bit creeped out by the whole matchy-matchy thing.

Yay! They're still here! Had a bit of a panic in Leura recently when their corner store had…read moredisappeared in the way for some dreadful corporate stationery nonsense. Vivianna's are a Mountains institution. The staffer tells me it was landlord problems in Leura. Tell me about it. Doube size store chock full of ethnic homewares, great silver jewellery and interesting clothes including Vivianna's own range of silk and velvet numbers. I was Christmas shopping with a certain family member who pulled out a sage green Vivianna's dress and had a bit of a swoon. As it was on the 50% rack, I made her try it on. Looked fab beyond belief and I swept it away to be immediately transformed into a Christmas pressie. Easy. Staff are lovely, and you can pick up the kind of thing you don't see elsewhere. Hope they're here to stay.

I am trying very hard to resist the temptation to say 'Ooh la la!' Trying…read more Newly opened, this little store stocks items which are all imported from France. Having a desperate longing to visit Paris, I was hoping to be able to indulge some wandering down cobblestoned streets by the site of a few beheadings before having my 6th cognac for the morning fantasies. There's chandeliers, a gold clawfoot tub, and the nice lady working there was as French as you can get, but if this shop was the trade office for the nation of France, you'd think the entire economy rested largely on soap sales. I've never seen so much French soap in one spot. You can choose between brands of French soaps, including a terribly pricey range that claim to be 'dried by the winds of the mistral' and stamped with an 100 year old stamp. In Provence. Better be, for $14.95 a pop. The staffer was lovely, and the soaps and gifty things nice enough, but I suspect France has considerably more to offer than this. Anyone want to sponsor to send me and find out? I'm taking donations...

What a delightful exxperience visiting this shop. The fragrances and other products are lovely and…read morethe service is fabulous. The owner takes justifiable pride in the quality of everything on offer! Have been there on many occasions and always look forward to my next visit.