Instore is a small boutique on Acland st catering to women. I browse in this store occasionally,…read moreparticularly when looking for neat/casual outfits, business attire or casual dresses. They have some cute accessories too, but overall I think this store is a litle old for me - maybe more suitable for women in their 30's and upwards. Nice, well made clothes though.

Sheila Vintage has an enormous range of clothes, bags, shoes, belts and accessories, from the 50s…read moreto 80s. When I first discovered the store I bought a red leather satchel for $30 and a pair of black suede boots for $70. It was a bargain, and I was happy. Since then I've found skirts, dresses, coats and jackets. There's a great collection for men including some excellent (if a little pricey) leather jackets. Two years have gone by and Sheila is trading well. The store is generally packed and if you want to try something on then be prepared to wait. The service is okay, not overly friendly and on occasion, a little pushy. It is worth remembering that this stuff will sell out fairly quickly, but remember that you are after a bargain. The prices range from very reasonable to inflated so hunt around and keep your eyes open but be prepared to walk away as its unlikely the price will be dropped down. Sheila Vintage is a place where it's great to rummage every now and then; you can find a bargain some days, and others you need to keep walking.

I'm a big fan of Sheila Vintage, but am still yet to buy anything. They stock some gorgeous stuff;…read moreleather belts, 50's style shoes, and some very colourful swimwear but I am yet to find anything that suits me. However the rockabillies of Melbourne will be attracted to this store with it's ladylike dresses with just a hint of sexiness, and their well-to-do woolie cardigans. But the most attractive thing about this shop are the prices. The $10 rack has tempted me more than once. I have found genuine studded leather jackets and long, trench-style coats so if you're up for a bargain you should definitely trawl through the back room. I am definitely have more of a daggy 80's style to my fashion, rather than 50's/60's, and although Sheila does stock outfits from all the decades, I have found it focuses on those earlier ones. So pop in for a squiz if that's your flavour.

When I'm in a bit of a shopping mood on Chapel Street, my first stop is always Indigo. A store that…read morestarted selling panelled denim flares and jackets in 1973, which has evolved to the aesthetically pleasing boutique it is today. It's always stocked with an eclectic range of fashion that you won't find in other stores. Think the likes of summery dresses, flirty but dignified tops and fitted pants with just the right amount of give in them. Like all stores, Indigo carries a seasonal range and tries to include a good balance between well-loved basics, "now" fashion and versatile occasionals like fitted blazers and short cropped jackets. All the fashion is designed by in-house designer Catherine Murphy, who obviously puts a lot of thought into her flattering threads. Currently I've got my eye on a long flowy dress (perfect for hiding the post winter bulge which refuses to leave) and a basic high-waisted skirt that will go with anything. Did I mention, their clothes accommodate size eight to 14 - so it's great news for larger-framed people (read: foodies) like me.

The shop has changed hands a number of times over the years, and so every time I go in I expect…read moresomething different to whatever it turns out to be. The general theme, though, is reasonably priced women's clothing. At the moment, the supply reminds me of the sort I can find when going shopping at South Melbourne Market. That is, a mix of Caroline Morgan and slightly quirkier options - the age aimed at being mid-twenties all the way up to retirement age. The look is layers, crushed fabrics, interesting cuts and standard colours. Weekend wear for the ladies on a budget.

When most of the cheap to mid-priced clothing stores these days sell variations on the same items,…read moreand usually the same brands, it's a real treat to find somewhere that offers original and quirky designs at affordable prices. I love to go into Exentrix and stare adoringly at headbands and hairclips that would make any neo-bohemian swoon, or at the beautiful boots or the amazing range of dresses and skirts. What's really great about the shop is that it hasn't stuck itself into any particular style or style era. When most of the "alternative" clothing shops are selling clothes inspired by the 1960s and 70s, it's nice to find one that is just selling interesting.

Exentrix fills a void in the fashion Market in Melbourne.Sounds weird, but its true because in the…read moreaffordable pricing range of clothing, you either have cheaply made uninteresting clothing that you could buy at any chain store, or you have to buy vintage which usually throws back to the 60's, 70's and 80's. Here you can get cute outfits that are a bit different and are not over priced either. I particularly love their range of accessories and shoes. The sales staff are very friendly, and are happy to help, though I dont ever really need any assistance when in a store - thats what the friends I dragged along are for!

This shop is cuuuute. What with its sweet wallpaper, art deco ceiling lights, counter top vintage…read morebirdcage, and all the other gorgeous little things dotted about the store, you know the owners have a good eye for design. And most importantly, their eye for design shows in the labels they stock and the garments hanging on their racks. The other day there was the most adorable white peter pan collared navy blue dress in the window beckoning me into the store. I resisted knowing that my dollar count was low, but the dress has emblazoned itself on my mind and I reckon I'll be back on pay day. You'll find mostly independent antipodean designer goods on the racks with a smattering of international stuff.

I think I'm a bit weird, or perhaps I'm just a lot more 'clucky' then I originally thought but when…read moreI first dropped in to Somebuddy Loves You I passed the stylish Karen Walker sunglasses and the uber trendy dresses and made a beeline straight for the kids clothes. I am a newly-made Auntie and I love spoiling the little brat, particularly with funky kids clothes and Somebuddy Loves You stocks the absolute best. I bought my nephew a very funky onesie with a picture of Jack Nicholson on the back and 'Easy Rider' written on the front, and a very spunky tee with some rock stars on the front. Since that first purchase I am now a regular. I look just as cool as the kid now!

The term "fashion emporium" conjures up fantasical visions of marketplaces and couture- I would…read moreLOVE the sleepy little town of Berwick to have its very own "fashion emporium" but in reality, Emma Marie's is more like a cute boutique. Fabulous, yes, but boutique nonetheless. Anyway although the prices are a touch higher here than need be, I like to support this business because the owner is young and I like to support young women in business- the retail market is hard enough, especially in a small town. Emma-Marie stocks a range of on-trend pieces ranging from casual wear to cute cocktail dresses and if you are looking for something classy, and can't be bothered going further afield to Chadstone or the city, this place is a good option.

Sylvia's Fashions is the kind of shop my Mum would love. It is for older women and has a large…read morevariety of styles. There are clothing sizes ranging from size 8- 24 so literally anyone can fit into something from here. As well as the variety of size they also have clothing to suit every occasion with dress, casual and formal options. The staff here are very helpful although they tend to focus their attention on one customer and anyone else will have to wait for quite a while. This can be a little annoying, particularly if you only have a quick question or if you are waiting to pay. If you're the one who is being helped though, it is pretty fantastic. The shop itself is clean and well set out. There is enough lighting and it had a fresh feel. Why only three stars? Well it isn't my kind of shop, but it would be great for people like my Mum who dress differently to me. Also I didn't get served for about ten minutes and there was another lady waiting with me who was getting quite irritated. Otherwise the store is fantastic.