Like every good bride, I know the importance of shopping around and naturally, many people suggest…read moregoing to the bridal strip at High Street to do this. The sales people in the bridal stores recognise that many people are just browsing and for this reason, sometimes their approach can be over enthusiastic and scare people away. During my own wedding browse with my sister, we made an appointment at Amaline Vitale and were not disappointed at all. Firstly because I fell in love with a few dresses (just for the fabric) instantly but more so, because the service offered to us was really good. I told the sales guy which dresses I wanted and without making any comments about my body shape whatsoever he got me to try them on. I popped into all three and while being conscious of my obvious bulge from overeating all this year, he was tactful, poised and offered constructive opinions about dress styles that really would suit me. I left the store feeling confident, more aware and when the time comes to make the big dress decision, Armaline Vitale is top of my list. Whether or not, this can justify the $4900 price tag on the dress I love is another thing completely but we'll see.

I had a great experience at Amaline Vitale prior to purchasing my dress. The dresses were beautiful…read moreand the staff were extremely attentive and very helpful. After I ordered the dress, things went downhill quickly. I was so disapointed with the service I received there. My made to measure dress (costing around $5000) ended up being too big, I believe this was because most of the dress was made based on measurements taken with my clothes/bra on from approximately 7-8 months before my wedding. I also had to go back after picking it up because the hook on the back of the dress wasn't in the right position (as politely pointed out by another wedding dress maker when coordinating jewelery with the dress on in her store). In addition, throughout the process I found AV to be really rude and defensive (e.g., if I mentioned somthing didn't feel right, being told I "should've told her at the last fitting", being told I'd have to pay for any changes after information discussed prior to ordering the dress wasn't passed on between staff (again told I "should've" passed it onto AV directly) and unprofessional (e.g., angrily swearing on the phone while I was in the store). AV even spoke rudely to my MOH and mum- they could not believe the level of service provided. I have been a bridesmaid multiple times and have seen how my friends have been treated by the designers of their dresses, and the experience really did not compare. I really wish that they knew, or cared, that this was a really special experience for me which was completely ruined for me sadly. I would recommend looking elsewhere if you're on the search for a great wedding dress in addition to having a good experience during the process.

I went to Hermès on Collins to pick up a Christmas present for my mum and I was expecting pretty…read moreaverage service. As soon I entered through the door all stinky and sweaty I was greeted by the security guard and a sales associate went out of her way to tell me that she'd be with me in just a moment. She finished with her previous client and apologised profusely for the delay and asked how she could help. I asked her if they had something particular in stock, she showed it to me in the colour way I'd selected and then suggested another colour. The one she pulled out was a billion times better than the one I'd selected so I went for it. At checkout I apologised for my slightly disheveled state as it'd been 41 degrees that day and she was kind enough to give me free parfum samples. As I was leaving she apologised again for the delay and I thanked her for her exemplary service! Needless to say it left me feeling great for the rest of the day! My only regret is not taking her business card...

I just picked up my wedding suit from OH in Melbourne. Couldn't be happier with it. The whole…read moreprocess is one-on-one, from selecting the material right through to the final fitting. OH even looked after my suit for a month until I needed it, and I got a second "final" fitting! I would definitely recommend this place if you are after a tailored suit without any pretenses or stuffiness. I shopped around and found they are more or less market price depending on your fabric choices (I went with Scottish tweed of course...), but definitely front runners in service.

This is a fantastic little boutique - the clothing is by a local designer and her family runs the…read moreshop. Their dresses will flatter any figure, plus they will do free alterations on your purchases (if needed) The staff is genuinely helpful without being pushy - I originally overlooked a couple dresses that wound up looking the best on me! They have many fun girlie accessories, too - jewelry, fascinators, patterned tights, etc. Prices are very reasonable - definitely go in if you need a new dress (for pretty much any occasion).

Everything in this store rocks my socks off. I would wear everything in the store, and would be…read morehappy to wear this brand everyday. The colour pallet ranges from plain block black and white, through to more highly coloured more splashy paint brush Monet style prints. Materials used also ranged widely, with some being shiny, stiff and super-futuristic to more simple flowing chiffon numbers. Whether you have a subtle look, or more outrageous style, there really is something to suit all tastes here. So impressed with everything in store, but due to the prices, I'd only be able to buy a dress or item for a one off special occasion, like an outfit for a wedding I was attending. I haven't been to the other Life With Bird stores, but I'd have a guess that this store is one of the smaller stores.

This place is slick and quick. Garments are altered and returned the next day, although if you have…read morea sewing emergency, they seem to be able to accommodate same-day without a fuss. I had two dresses altered here, both returned by the next afternoon and without showing a hint of the work they had done. It wasn't long before I was eyeing off the rest of my wardrobe to see what could fit a little better with some nip tuck work. The prices seem to be fairly standard for the industry, $18-$30 seems to be the standard for alterations that involve unpicking and restitching. $5.50 to fix buttons on the spot. That might seem pricey to people that can do it themselves, but if you don't want your garment to look like a dog's breakfast (I am referring to my own button sewing abilities here) then it's not too much to baulk at.

Alter It is like a swish version of your local tailor. However, there's nothing even remotely old…read moreschool about this place. The interior is sleek and the service is super fast. Hop straight into the changing rooms, try on your wares and stand on the store's elevated podium as you are pinned and altered to perfection. Everything is done to an expert standard and pick-ups are quick and convenient. A great reliable place to have in your repertoire if, like myself, you are constantly in need of alterations.

I attended the opening of the new concept by Jude and I am impressed. Having a very androgynous…read morefeel of the clothing. It is all handmade in Melbourne. The fabrics and styles will suit anyone and due to the drape style you will find the the size is generous.

It's a rare thing these days to receive exceptional customer service, but that's just what I got at…read moreEsprit. Chasing down that perfect blue blazer, the staff not only tracked it down in my size, but agreed to go against policy and put it on hold for me AND honour a sale price that had already expired. They were polite, courteous and really went far above and beyond the call of duty. Super impressed.