At first, they felt a little too bold, but they have turned into my favourite ones in no time…read more Although it was quite a while since I purchased them I remember the dedication, patience and kindness with which this frame was introduced to me:). A little bit belatedly but with all my heart thanks again. Looking forward to finding a similar magnificent pair of glasses with you.

Beyond the bespoke quality frames and superb Japanese service CAL is like no other eyewear shop in…read moreSouth Yarra. Owned and operated by Tetsuo Nishikawa, a former architecture, the place redefines experience and industry providing select designer frames and lenses within 15-30 min. time frame. Cal is by far a step into Japan with contemporary/modern design frames at their greatest. sl

One would think that you were walking in to a clothing store titled 'Mr Simple' as you walk past…read morethis Brunswick Street boutique however The Lab is just doing some advertising (albeit, over-the-top advertising) for one of their main labels. So don't be turned off by the name! This is a great place to shop for a man of any style - you can get some great basics like jeans and plain tees, but then also head down the relaxed-surfer-skater path if you choose. I love all the sunnies that they stock in the window and while this is specifically a store for men, I have purchased a few pairs in my time. Perfect for that sunny day at a festival. The staff are lovely and are happy to let you browse around and the prices are very reasonable.

The Lab Store is a men's clothing shop that sells dapper basics for the slightly more sophisticated…read moreex-skater type. Their clothes are free from bells and whistles and are generally quite plain. However, their stuff is still fashion-forward and not dull. They have a decent selection of jackets, crewnecks and hoodies, shirts, t's and jeans. They also have a good selection of shoes (mostly Vans, but a wide variety) and sunglasses.

Hooray, a place where I can buy glasses that don't make me look like an I.T consultant, or dowdy…read morelibrarian. Funnily enough I was brought to Funky Spex by my mother - a woman whose tastes are dubious at the best of times. At least she got this right. Funky Spex has great glasses. They've got super-modern-intellectual-architect style frames, and secretary in Mad Men vintage frames. They also have some plain and simple frames too if that's what your into. They also have optometrists who can give you an eye examination, and a fleet of helpful sales assistants who will happily spend hours with you browsing the collection and giving advise about which frames suit you best. They aren't cheap, but the quality is there and the frames really are unique. I always receive compliments about my frames (check out my profile picture if you want to see them). They also have a section attached to the main store that sells discounted stock, where you can try and pick up some bargain frames. Friendly service and unique frames make Funky Spex a winner.

The photograph on my library card has been decreed the 'geekiest photo ever' by my kindly friends…read more The reason? I was wearing my spectacles. They may be Marc Jacobs but they were chosen in haste. A spectacle faux pas that could easily have been avoided had I known about Funky Spex on Johnston Street. A boutique specialising in unusual spectacles and sunglasses by cult brands such as Oliver Goldsmith and Thierry Lasry, Funky Spex has its very own idiosyncratic optical style along with sales assistants that look like they'd be equally at home as stylists on some esoteric lifestyle magazine. The selection really is extraordinary with an emphasis on brightly coloured, retro spectacles and the kind of sunglasses that are almost too beautiful to wear. If you have a thing for high-end eyewear and don't mind spending a few bob procuring probably the most beautiful pair of specs you'll ever set eyes on, you should visit Funky Spex.

Located beneath Glenferrie station is a book shop like no other in the area…read more Behind the glass you feast your eyes upon the novels and bound volumes that await you. Open the door and the smell hits you, the kind of smell that knowledge seeps from. Printed pages a plenty, this book shop is known for it's rare and hard to find pieces, both in quality and in quantity. The staff, when you can find them (often found amongst the books) are helpful and knowledgeable on most questions regarding the shop's contents, though on a few occasions I've discovered a book they didn't know was there. What this really means is it's worth having a good look yourself.

This is a beautiful store, and I adore the fact that it is tucked away and secluded from the busy…read moremain street. The books spill out onto the walkway in boxes on tables and include classics and more contemporary literature. The inside of the store is the perfect balance between antique library and organized and clean shop front. The atmosphere is more on the library side, and you can take as long as you want just walking around and either flipping through beautiful editions of classics or staring into the cabinets at the antique and collectables within. The sales assistants are really helpful and don't make a fuss about you touching the books or taking your time. It is all about enjoying the books and having a read. Alley Tunes is next door and you'll be able to grab a great coffee, then you can browse the book collections outside that are a little less expensive.

I booked my first appointment with George of Hawthorn Vision via twitter and received the most…read morecomprehensive and thorough eye exam I've ever had. Not only that, I now have the best glasses prescription I've ever had. I had no idea the world was supposed to be so crisp! They also have the means to test for glaucoma in more than one way for the surest results, cataracts, macular degeneration and more! I had the glaucoma, macular degeneration and peripheral vision test since it runs in my family and was emailed the results with very cool photos of my eye. After experiencing the franchise optometrists first, I won't go to anyone else except here now. We commute from the eastern suburbs just to see George. He should be everyone's optometrist. Child friendly and bulk bills where possible.