Visiting Alannah Hill is a real trip. And I mean that in many senses of the word! The bright…read morecolours, bows, ribbions and doll-like shop assistants can all be quite overwhelming. Then there are the prices - oh my! But visiting the Chatswood Chase store is a little more toned down than its Paddington sister. I could safely peruse the racks and mill around the central display tables without feeling entirely out of place (dressed as I was in my usual jeans and t-shirt combo). I was looking for something shiny to dress up an old outfit - and the shop assistant was happy to let me peruse, but positively lit up when I asked for some help. I ended up buying something suitably girly, frivolous and (mercifully) on sale. And that's probably the only way I'll wear Alannah Hill. I love her theatrical style - but at heart I'm still a jeans and t-shirt girl.

While I love all things glittery with bows, Alannah Hill's staff are a little bit intimidating…read more They pounce on you the moment you walk in the door. I'm rather happy browsing the racks, but instead I'm regularly interrupted by the sales assistants. This has put me off going into Alannah Hill on multiple occasions and I often don't stay for long. The garments and accessories are absolutely beautiful and the visual merchandising is simply gorgeous. As Nicki mentioned in a previous review, the staff don't seem very sincere in their compliments. I love to go shopping, but unfortunately the ambiance and atmosphere is not relaxed or comforting in Alannah Hill's stores.

Having lived in Norway, I'm a huge fan of Helly Hansen. The iconic Scandinavian brand is Norwegian,…read moreand represents all the ideals that the Norsk people seem to like - high quality and expensive brand-name clothes. The only Australian outlet is found in Chatswood Chase, the closest thing that the North Shore has to high-end shopping. It's a well designed and stocked store, with all the latest outdoor gear direct from the very north of the planet. The stock is from the Northern Hemisphere's previous season, but you will still very much look the part on the slopes or in the lodge. It's very cool gear, but also incredibly practical - all the pockets and zips you could want are there. Helly Hansen really does produce the top of the range gear, both for Australia and internationally. However, this does come with a hefty price tag - even for a Norwegian brand! Start saving, because it's well worth it if you're ever in a extreme temperature.

The Sass & Bide store is a fashionistas store. The walls are either window, white or mirrored - the…read moretransparency can leave you feeling pretty exposed if you're not a size 8. I'm a 10 and don't usually feel self conscious in shops. This one unnerves me a little. It's a clean layout and it seems they've tried very hard to match that minimalist look with artsy. The racks encircling the shop make the colourful clothes the real stars of the show. Saying that I think Sass & Bide clothes look better on than off... if they fit. My 22 year old sister loves the shop. I haven't warmed to it yet - think I need more privacy when trying clothes on.

I simply adore shopping but there's something about this Sass and Bide store which propels me…read morestraight out of it pretty fast. I don't know whether it is because I feel judged or because the clothes are super expensive or even because all the glass means that the entire shopping centre can see you pick out clothes. I'm a small size, but walking around this store can make you a little insecure. I have bought plenty of Sass and Bide stuff in the past, but I prefer to buy it from their warehouse sales and on eBay. Aside from the fact that it is cheaper, I don't feel a sense of insecurity.

Who doesn't love Australian accessories label Mimco? OK so there are more than a couple Mimco…read morestores about town these days but somehow Mimco have managed to keep their authenticity in tact, meaning that each piece is still as individual and unique as the day Mimco launched. There is something inspired, something whimsical even magical about Mimco accessories. The trademark bags are a Aussie girl's wardrobe staple and the jewelry, hairclips, scarves, hats and sunglasses are treasured pieces that bring even the most bland outfit to life. Mimco pieces are quality so they don't come on the cheap. They do however have GREAT sales so if you want a piece then maybe best to head to a boutique at tax time or after Christmas. I recently picked up a pair of rose gold hoop earings on sale from $50 to $30. They also have a great loyalty program - Mimco Collective - which you can sign up for in store with a purchase and get great rewards.

As a huge fan of Mimco and their accessories, I cannot sing enough praise for their Chatswood Chase…read morestore. This shop is their flagship shop, attracting plenty of buyers. Their goods make the perfect present for friends. Upon seeing the MIMCO bag, your friends will no doubt be very thankful. Their pricing ranges from medium-expensive but the quality of goods is exceptional. Mimco at Chatswood receives the largest amount of stock which is a major plus considering all the items sell like hot cakes! They regularly have sales and recently I bought diamonte earrings for $30 which were down from $84.95! The accessories are super cute and are always a conversation starter. On many occasions I have been asked where I bought the item in question from, in addition to being complimented. Mimco accessories are beautiful enough to rival those over at Alannah Hill!

After a kickin' pair of pumps? A great set of sandals? Some amazing winter boots? Wittner Chatswood…read morehas a good range of beautiful shoes. Unlike some shoe store chains, the quality is always always there - the shoes last you! Unless you're of the skinny foot variety like me, and are unable to buy a great deal from Wittner in the first place.. However, given the huge range of shoes in the shop, you should be able to find something that takes your fancy and you can realistically dance the night away in! The quality of the shoes is spoken of in the prices - these babies might be pretty, but they ain't cheap! Given the fashionable and seasonable nature of the shoes that Wittner flogs - this season is all about the wedge, while a few back it was all over the peep toe - the prices can be a bit on the dear side. But if you find the perfect pair, then you must have them!

Based right next to Willoughby Road, I thought this shop would be choc-full of pieces I'd be…read moredrooling over, and price tags I may be weeping over. The shop assistant certainly gave me that impression when she greeted me with an arched brow and a quick appraisal of my outfit. Happily, I discovered that the prices are actually quite low in this shop, around the $40 mark, but they reflect the quality of the pieces which were largely made of viscose. Also, I'm not sure what demographic the owner of this shop is aiming at. There is the odd nod to teen wear with cut-off T-shirts and lacy black things which the buyer had obviously thought "hmm, semi-naked, that's what young people like right?" But this idea is juxtaposed by putting dresses and twin sets with mumsy prints and bad colour combinations alongside them. I'd be impressed if anyone found something flattering in here. Maybe I'm being too scathing, but I just found myself a little confused in here.

Workers are beautiful and so helpful with everything. Purchased a stunning dress at an affordable…read moreprice and have visited the store many times since to purchase everyday clothing items! Fabric is great and of good quality. The owners clearly have years of experience seeing as they now have three stores in the are. 5/5 from me