Divine Gifts on Olinda's Main Street is a pretty darn cool shop. It stocks lots of spiritual items…read moreand the music playing is quite mystical. It has a large selection of charms and stones including Amethyst, Moonstone, Amber, Carnelian, and Agate. Some of these come with a little metal loop attached so you can put them onto a necklace or chain. At only $15 they are an absolute steal. The store also had some hippie style clothing with loose pants and colourful tops and jackets. There were a few slogan t-shirts promoting peace and tranquility, which were simple looking but the message was clear. Kids will love to stop by this shop as there is an adult-sized couch set up with a little table complete with drawing pencils and paper. I noticed there were a few sections on the walls that had hand drawn pictures and I assume the owner hangs up the drawings that kids leave behind. Also on the walls were some awesome acrylic paintings and portraits. They were quite original and if you want one similar the owner has the artists card at the counter. Also on offer are Reiki healings in a small peaceful room at the back of the store. It costs $60 for half an hour and clients simply need to ring in advance to book. The shop is open on Mondays and Fridays from 10-4, Tuesdays to Thursdays from 11-4 and on the weekends 10-5.

Upon my travels in this area I was fortunate to discover a shop that charmed me with its warmth…read more When I first entered the owner immediately greeted me and had been very attentive. I was shown the most astounding gem stone and crystal collection, and various jewellery and clothing designed for us men. I found a ring and top I could not live without. I also love my organic products such as soaps and oils and found an abundance on offer that had also been scooped up in my purchases that day. All I can say is that if you visit Olinda you cant go past this divine gift.

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!

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!

Essentially Woman is a great shop that I have only just discovered even though it has been in…read moreCroydon for eight years. I love it for the quirky accessories although the clothing is targeted at older women around their thirties to fifties. The store is packed quite tight full of clothing racks but the owner Yvonne knows where everything is and is a fabulous help. The first time I went there I got a fabulous bright orange bag. It is small and great for carrying a phone and a few coins when I go out. The best part was that it was just $20! A massive bargain considering the quality of the bag itself. Yvonne is also really great when it comes to styling and you will be amazed at how easy it is to spend an hour in here just having a chat. The atmosphere is really warm and friendly, definitely a nice place to visit.

Jolee Boutique stock clothes for women who like a little flair in their closet…read more In fact, the 2 ladies I know with the quirkiest wardrobes (one being my mum) both shop here regularly. Now, I'm not saying they sell gear that would be at home on Lady Gaga, but the stuff isn't your run of the mill "Mother Wear". You wont find beige. If you think your own mum could do with a wardrobe update, cleverly hint at Jolee and who knows, maybe she'll get it.

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.

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.

No longer is Daylesford the home of country-living styled furniture, pot-purri and daggy "shabby…read morechic" nic nacs. With the likes of Maneau Noir coming to the main street, there's some seriously great stores that would look right at home even in the big smoke of Melbourne. This store is dark, moody and sensual. Everything about it feels luxurious and there's plenty on the shelves that I've not seen elsewhere and can image taking home. Unusual clothing items, natural bristle hair brushes and wooden combs, ceramic statues and the most glorious selection of candles that would make a terrific gift.

After lunch we walked around the shops on Main Street and came across this beautiful baby and…read morechildrens' store called She and Little. They stock a lot of brands that I love and I could buy the whole shop there. The stuff are really really exxy though but I found a beautiful doggie pants for Hangry Piglet and a few little gifts for our friend's baby's one month celebration.