Mannen adds to the "new" Daylesford, which has trendy stores selling things you actually want to…read morebuy (as opposed to the things you think you'll want to buy when you've retired). It means that young(ish) city dwellers can genuinly put Daylesford on the map for a weekend getaway. Mannen has gorgeous clothes made by some slightly obscure but good brands like Scotch & Soda. The fabrics are high quality and luxurious, with terrific textures that you just can't stop touching. I had to restrain myself but walked out with a beautiful grey marle sweater that I've worn dozens of times in the first month since purchase. I love that the items here are things you don't see everywhere (even in the big smoke of Melbourne!) so you can be assured of a purchase that is unique and special.

The Double 'C' Jeanery is one of those down to earth country clothing stores which sells a solid…read morerange of women's and men's apparel. They saw me coming; the helpful lady pointed me towards a basket down the back labelled "Forgot your swimmers?". There are plenty of places in Daylesford to buy higher end fashion but this looks like the place where the locals go for the every day stuff.

I love Chicci! This shop allows me to feel part of the style savvy Melbourne crowd without breaking…read moremy bank. And they've just made my day today with a trench purchase from the Winter discount rack. I've gone all freaking winter without a classic black trench coat, my old one was frustratingly fluffy and sadly unwearable no matter how many times it was washed or dry cleaned. And getting suckered into buying other treats for myself if I went looking for a trench coat but couldn't find one didn't help my situation. So, halfway through winter and after a long tweed and soft cashmere splurge, I put a restriction on purchasing an essential black jacket until the 2012 winter season. And then today, walking in to grab some things quickly from Coles, I doubled back when I thought I saw a 2011 season, long, black cotton jacket with military buttons for $35. I wasn't seeing things so I've snaffled it up and it now has pride of place in my wardrobe. How lucky was I that the last one in stock was a size 6! I've also bought other bargains from here before, like a pair of dark denim jeans with bright stitching for $20. They've got a large collection of very tiny cocktail dresses for the short and skinny of us. Some of them are Pretty Woman style but if you're going along to one of the Spring Racing Carnival events you might be able to pick up a cheap treat here, which if dressed up with some dazzling accessories could be a winner in the fashion stakes!

At last! Clothes that fit real bodies, don't make you look like you are trying to out do your…read moredaughters and are a reasonable price. Thank you Sketa!

Ronald King Mens and Boys Wear is a little bit misleading when it comes to the shop name. For…read morestarters it stocks a heap of women's clothing as well. There are two shops in the main street and they are on opposite sides facing each other. The first one has only suits and formal male attire while the other is much bigger and has both mens and women's clothing, surfwear and accessories. The prices in here can get pretty steep so you will want a big wallet. I have noticed a few more cheaper women's items sneaking in recently though so there is occasionally a few good bargains on offer. The store is always well air-conditioned and pleasant. The staff are friendly and you are guaranteed a good conversation. I tend to go in there to gawk at pretty scarves and have a little dream about one day being able to afford $80 for such a gorgeous silk accessory before I head down to one of the op shops nearby for some clothes I can definitely afford. In saying that, people who are more well off or like spending money on these things will be right at home here and the clothes are damn nice. The quality of the fabric is obvious and the items here are the kind that you will want to keep in your wardrobe forever.