Full of discount shops - what's not to love!…read more I've usually been pretty lucky here, being able to pick up a bargain if I feel like a bit of 'pick me up' shopping. My mum and sister are both much taller than me, with long limbs and have found it more difficult to find items they like in their size. With the more recent addition of NoniB though, mum is much happier! There are a good mix of shops as well as options to eat or grab a drink. My favourite is Cherry Blossom sushi for a quick energy hit. All that shopping can require some refuelling. There are gift vouchers available and although nearly all the shops partake in the Harbour Town gift voucher system, there are a few where they aren't valid. There is a list available at the office, which could be worth checking if buying a gift voucher for someone who loves one particular store. My favourite store, Art to Art is there, closely followed by Novo Shoes that has some awesome shoe bargains regularly. A kind of weird tip I'd like to share is about walking along near the playground in the middle. I've been walking along window shopping, to only nearly twist my ankle and fall over. The playground area spreads out into the walk area and is totally soft and spongey! High heels sink in and the ground becomes inconsistent and difficult to walk on. Probably fine if wearing flats, but a bit disconcerting if not dangerous, if not!

If you want something cheap outside of the major chains, it's a great place to save, but unless you…read moreare local, I wouldn't spend extra money on petrol to come down here. Harbour Town has over 120 outlets and 70 specialty stores, and boasts as having the biggest Woolworths store in South Australia. I've spent some time browsing throughout most of these stores, but very rarely find anything I like. However, It's great for the outdoor shopping experience, without those fucking annoying preachers.

I love Country Road and if my budget permitted, I could spend a fortune there every day of the…read moreweek. Love their clothes, their bags, their shoes and their homewares. So imagine my disappointment with the Country Road factory outlet at Harbour Town. Soooo disappointing. While I like nice things, I also love a bargain and when this shop originally opened at Harbour Town, I was there in a flash. It's not that there are no bargains to be had but I was just completely let down by the stock on offer. I had hoped I would find a Country Road shop just like all the others and with all the same stock - but cheaper. It wasn't to be I'm afraid. Am I naïve? Sorry Harbour Town this shop may carry the Country Road name but its just not Country Road to me.

I really like Country Road, yes it's expensive but it's built to last. I was really excited when I…read moregot to Harbour Town yesterday only to find a factory outlet for this brand, I was trying to find a new wardrobe for my partner and this seemed like a great place to start... I was wrong, this store has NOTHING worth buying, and it's not much of a bargain either. It's almost like all the stock from the other stores that didn't sell came here to die and hopefully find a sympathetic buyer. Thumbs down and a scowl on my face.

I've been living off dodgy $20 slippers purchased from cheap shoe stores. They don't last long, the…read moresole is thin and the fabric inside comes loose VERY easily. You have to walk in them carefully lest you cause damage sooner than expected. I normally go through a pair a year roughly, and buying slippers has become an annual ritual, one that I hate. Now Gadean provide specialty shoes, and while I don't have any foot problems that would require me to go out and buy custom footwear, it's much more comfortable having something tailored to your foot. Your foot is measured and care is taken to ensure the end result fits you like a glove... well a shoe... a glove on your foot would just be silly now, wouldn't it? I hope this pair of slippers last longer than all the others I've had. I'll let you know in a year!!

I went to what used to be called Gadean at West Beach last Wednesday, after a gap of three years. I…read moreremembered it as a place where staff could not be more helpful and were always able to supply me with a pair of comfortable shoes for my difficult feet.. But all had changed -- first of all the name which is now something like "Comfort footwear". When I managed to rouse the assistant (she was busy telephoning - I had to wait till she had finished) she showed no interest in me whatsoever, rather seemed to resent me for having interrupted her. I expected to have my feet measured and a selection of shoes produced which might suit them (as used to happen). Instead she just pointed to a selection which was displayed on a table at reduced prices and said "see anything you like?". When I asked about sizes she very reluctantly looked inside the shoe to find out. No advice at all was given on what might be suitable for my feet. I was extremely disappointed with the entire experience and definitely will not make the long trip out to 701 Burbridge Road to whatever it is called now to buy footwear.

So as you're driving back from the beach along Henley Beach Road, just before you come to Tapley's…read moreHill Road on the left - STOP!!! Otherwise you'll miss this amazing little shop that is full to the brim of the most GORGEOUS stuff!! I've driven past here a million times and have always meant to stop and have a look. Why, oh why didn't I do it sooner?? I was greeted by the fresh-faced Sarah whose enthusiasm was contagious! I was left alone to browse (love that!!) and wished I had more than 2 eyes to take in everything that the store had to offer. From stunning artworks, to Adelaide Hills-made candles, to pottery; throw rugs; THE most gorgeous cushions EVER; little knick-knacky things that you just so have to buy; swinging love-chairs; vases; table lamps and oil burners. I could go on - but that'd spoil it for you! One of the things that I loved about Design Revival is that they source as much as possible locally - and are very proud of that fact. And so they should be. Adelaide is filled to the brim with amazing talent and the more places that that can be showcased the better in my humble opinion. Anyway - even if you're not passing by - make the effort. It's SO worth it.

Converse everywhere, the floor, the walls (almost the ceiling), knee high Converse, sparkly…read moreConverse, checkered Converse, shiny Converse, patterned Converse, every colour, every style, even mini Converse for toddlers! So cute! They do a few other brands, though in much smaller quantity, like Authentics, Airwalker, Saucony and Sperry. Their Converse prices are cheaper than regualar, but the less common styles are not so discounted. I can't comment on the other brands since I'm not familiar with what they usually sell for. It's all very American-cool. Ahh but if you're a fan of converse, it's heaven. You can even get converse key-rings!

From time to time I drop into this dress shop as I do occasionally find stuff I like and is suited…read moreto my likes and budget. Fashion from Heaven has been around for ages in the same location and why move when they've built a very good reputation with the locals and others as well. All of their clothes are designer brands but the somewhat older ones lines like Geoff Blade for instance. A new label on the block which I've seen elsewhere recently also is 'I love my clothes' the word love is a heart shape. It's kinda funky as it's over sized one fits almost all type scenario but the price is close to up there for what it is, but never the less I was giving serious consideration to one piece in particular..but it wasn't to be. I purchased a kaftan style instead, it's not a bright colour - as I do have to ween myself off black and blacker - and not totally African or Indian but more of an inspiration I think...light weight with murky green and dark patterns the print hides the fact it's sheer, perfect for a camy worn underneath during the hot weather. And with Xmas coming up, I hear it'll be a touch on the warm side on Sunday. Fashion from Heaven is mainly aimed towards the more mature woman, possibly the socialite and perhaps someone with cash. But there are sales which are worth keeping an eye out for as you drive by as they don't have a website and don't advertise. This is how well they are known with their regulars who spread news word of mouth.