Paloma Bleu is a lovely little upper-scale boutique situated on the Bridport Street shopping strip…read more While this may be an area frequented largely by ladies who lunch, Paloma has the edge that the surrounding stores so severely lack. Stocking a great range of both local and international designers such as Josh Goot, Karen Walker, Lover, Tolani and Wildfox Couture, the clothing is both beautiful and on trend. This is the type of place that you come to splurge, so save up your pennies and go check it out. You won't be disappointed.

From the owner: A favourite among fashion folk, Paloma Bleu has earned a cult-like devotion from lovers of eclectic…read morestyle and downtown-ready designer threads. A Melbourne mainstay since 2010, our Albert Park boutique now has an online counterpart. You'll discover a meticulously curated selection from both local and international labels woven through the virtual racks. Among the beautiful clothing, there's handmade jewellery and hats, plus curiosities from as far as New York and Argentina. Bringing an international flavour to the local fashion scene, the shop itself was named after the owner's favourite beach club in the south of France. All items are sourced by Laura Williamson, our founding tastemaker who of course has impeccable taste and a craftswoman-like attention to detail. Embarking on regular buying trips, Williamson is dedicated to uncovering brands and importing them herself, offering you an exclusive and highly edited range season after season.

Allow me to be very specific here. Unless you have some cash to spend, leave all credit cards,…read morewallets and anything you can hock at home. If you venture into Christine (which in itself may be a little difficult, it is quite literally underground and notoriously hard to find) you will struggle to leave empty handed. Christine is the boutique embodiment of the idea that is Aladdin's Cave, for once you have decended those stairs and witness the delights within, you'll have a hard time leaving. Christine stocks all manner of shoes, jewels, handbags, scarves, scents, hats and anything else in the accessory category. Most of all, the owner (I'll let you guess what her name may be) really knows her stuff. She can recognise the label and season of almost any bag with just a glance and has an impressively detailed inventory of the store swimming around in her head. Bottom line: visit at your own peril. You may never leave and if you do, it certainly won't be empty handed.

We had so much fun at Christine's shop! We met Christine herself, and what a treasure! We tried on…read morehats and jewelry and clothes and shoes and handbags and... and... From the moment you walk in the red door onto the red plaid carpet until the moment you leave with a red bag in tow, the staff treats you like gold. Very enjoyable, decadent shopping experience.

Friends of Couture is definitely a friend of mine. In fact, this is one of my favourite places to…read moreshop. From great quality cardigans that won't lose their shape, to quirky dresses to fashion-forward tops and bottoms with the cutest prints. This is one store that doesn't shy away from prints. In fact, Friends of Couture seems to thrive on prints. If you're serious about dots, stripes, hearts, bows, checks, horses, owls, bears, moose, deer and cats, you'll love the stuff here. If you hate these prints - go elsewhere! Serious, monochromatic-addicts will hate it here. I love the quirky patterns, vintage inspired buys and spin-offs on classic prints that this shop does so well. Plus, it carries a good selection of handbags and accessories to complete your outfit with. Always make sure to check the back racks for sale products. Very often you'll find that perfect dress, scarf or cardi just waiting to be brought home by you.

Filly and Mare is a rather lovely little boutique situated in Armstrong Street, Middle Park. The…read morestore stocks a great range of local and international designers, all at mid-range prices. While it isn't exactly cheap, this is the kind of place that you should be purchasing your clothes if you're on a budget. I say this because rather than buying 50 plus cut-price outfits that fall apart in two minutes, you can save up and grab 10 that will last you years. Rather than investing in numbers of trendy looks that'll be out of fashion in all of 5 minutes, you can invest in something classic. At least, this is the philosophy that I'm trying to stick to. The labels they stock are: Akira, Bracewell, Cable Cantao Dot & Herbey Edith Fleur Wood Ginn Gorman Indigo Katherine Maje Minimum 7 For All Mankind Something Tigerlilly WESC White Suede Zimmermann

The unassuming cafe situated inside this upmarket clothing store sells the absolute best chicken…read moresandwich in the whole of Melbourne. No contest. Chicken breast seasoned liberally with sea salt and cracked pepper, atop sourdough or multigrain, lashings of avocado, mayo, lemon and rocket. So even though you can't afford the cashmere jumpers or Moroccan tea glasses, go and buy the Husk Chicken Sandwich. Now.

I'm a regular lurker at the South Melbourne Markets. I grab a coffee, squeeze some fruit, buy meat…read moreand visit the flower man to restock my vases at home. And then I poke around SO:ME and see what delightful treasures there are to tempt me. I love that the little stores here change on a fairly regular basis, which means there's always something new and designy to look at and potentially buy for my wardrobe or home. My current favourite is the Super Cool who seem to have the most random assortment of home goodies perfect for gift giving.

Gorgeous little women's boutique clothing store, Laine is a lovely temptation to any girl passing…read moreby. Lots of high quality items that change regularly, it's a good place to pop in and check out some AU/NZ designer clothes (like Kate Sylvester) that you would get a lot of wear out of. Loads from the US and Paris too. It's priced accordingly, but not terrifyingly high end. I lucked out by looking at winter wear when one half of the store was all 50% off and scored myself a nice jacket at half price. The girls in the store are lovely and really helpful without being pushy. Bonus if Winnie the Whippet is in store to have a sneaky cuddle with. Look for her camouflaged in her bed up the back by the heater!

I love this store. I would pop in every day if I could, but alas a girl has to work…read more A very recent , welcome addition to the Bay St strip, Laine is set to become a much loved fashion store for local gals. Stocking everything from Ancient Greek Goddess sandals to keypad covers for your mac, gorgeous clothes from around the world to jewellery conversation starters made by some sisters in Queensland - you will be impressed by Laine. But quality stock is not the only thing Laine has going for it, the other key attraction to this store is the friendly assistance and guidance provided by it's lovely owner, Alyce. Oh and her sweet pooch Winnie is there to help too! There is no website or mailing list yet but you can get your fix of new arrivals from the Laine facebook page, even make an order from the photos for some items. There are items to suit all budgets and styles. Must go now, I have shopping to do.

I adore this shop…read more In the heart of South Melbourne, this cute little shop features an awesome range of clothes, accessories and homewares. They also feature a wide range of Elk Accessories - I pop in there regularly to have a look at the latest range and ooh and ahh over the latest hipster pieces and pick up a couple of new ones. I have 45 now. Must stop. Recommend you pay this place a visit if you're in the hood and need to pick up a present - for you or someone else.

One of my favourite stores for buying gifts. There's quirky nick nacks, Australian body products,…read morefunky leather bags and pretty homewares to brighten up your house. The staff are always really pleasant and happy to gift wrap your purchases - a big win in my book.