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.

Phoebe Angel is a glorious, affordable women's fashion store, following all the latest fashion…read moretrends coming in from Asia. Long socks, mini skirts, long fur coats and feminine trenches and military style coats in blacks, whites and pinks. Lace dresses, crochet tops, mini dresses and maxis. It truly is a haven for any girl (or twenty something woman) who loves the latest, pretty lacey trends at prices you can afford.

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!

A little store with a big heart is how I would describe Jolie & Deen on Chapel Street. It's not…read morehigh fashion or designer chic -just a store full of gorgeous fashion and accessories. I love the wide collection of necklaces- from chunky to sweet to sassy and cute. Check out the animal inspired pieces with cheeky birds in birdcages, owls in trees and other furry friends - in sleek silver and other metals. Fashion wise, Jolie & Deen offer a wide range of feminine dresses, short cropped jackets, versatile neutrals and mix this up with cheeky prints so it's never boring. Edgy and a little bit quirky, the feminine pieces encourage you to mix and match and not fall into just one style of fashion. Perfect for the experimental fashion lover. The only thing I don't like is that some pieces are made a little smaller than the average Australian store so I sometimes find something I love but can't wear!

Its all about the Jewellery here! They have the most elegant small gold and silver necklaces and…read morebrackets that are just perfect for everyday wear. A great place to go for a cute thoughtful present. None of the pieces are over the top statement jewellery but they still make everyone say OMG where did you get that? Im a big fan!

I Understand now why this store has so many bad reviews ZERO CUSTOMER SERVICE. I had a very…read moreUNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE from the MALE MANAGER in Bourke Street i hope that THE SITE MANAGER ACTUALLY SEES THIS Came to the store because of an ERROR i made. A purchase online for 239 aud for the wrong shoes. Straight After purchasing the item i drove 30 mins to the store to tell them about the issue in the hopes that they can rectify it. Manager said nothing they can do. I should cancel order online i said i tried to cancel several times even showing him my phone and he wasnt even looking and so i politely said to him the option that you kept giving me isnt working. he kept shaking his head saying repeating "i understand but its not our fault its your fault" i said okay. I know its my fault i actually told you its my fault can you please stop saying its not your fault My point here is im trying to find some actual working solutions. He said " i know but im the manager here" Me: wtf where the fck did that come from i dont think we are understanding in the same level. I didnt once raise my voice or even put the blame on the staff or store. I actually even said onset. Its my fault. Really how can you become a manager with ZERO EMPATHY all hearing but NO listening skills. At least one of their staff Mel, who was actually just a regular staff bothered to empathize but to the manager if your reading this. DISGUSTING SERVICE.

Sadly, Melbourne doesn't do High Street fashion very well. The rather simple concept of quality on…read moretrend pieces at low prices just doesn't seem to translate. If the US and the UK can do it than why on earth can't we? Troves of Aussies return from overseas adventures raving about the shopping and, especially, raving about Zara. The extremely popular Spanish style emporium that offers cheap classic clothing. I think that Zara made the mistake of assuming that it's Melbourne customers hadn't checked out their awesome international stores. Because a lot us have and a lot of us are disappointed. Not only is the stock seasons old in some cases, but the prices are also really marked up. Despite the beautiful building that Zara is housed in, the interior still has a crappy department store vibe and the staff always seem stressed and harried. Word on the street is that English retail giant Topshop are coming to Melbourne. I only hope that they do a better job than Zara.

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.

Want authentically designer vintage sunglasses by brands such as Ted Lapidus Paris and hip hop…read morefavourite Cazal? Or cute party dresses by Marc Jacobs or Givenchy? Head to Curve Vintage. Domiciled on Gertrude Street, my favourite little strip for vintage clothing in Melbourne bar none, Curve Vintage sells an incredible range of vintage clothing and accessories with a good smattering of vintage designer and contemporary second hand pieces thrown in for good measure. My one Curve Vintage qualm? It feels as if the place is never open. But InStyle - which ranks it amongst Victoria's best vintage boutiques - assures me that this is because Curve is open for the abbreviated hours of midday until 6pm from Tuesday to Saturday much like many of the exclusive little boutiques dotted along Gertrude. If you're serious about your vintage you will seriously love Curve. Prices are attendantly pretty steep but as most vintage afficionados know, a great vintage find is priceless.

Curve is in my top five places to buy vintage in Melbourne - it has everything: women's clothing,…read moremen's clothing, sunglasses, shoes, belts, bags, a kickass store, great staff and a great range of stock. I come here with my partner because he likes to check out the men's racks and try on vintage jackets and shirts. I have to say that Curve's collection of men's wear is phenomenal and they cater for a lot of different styles: there are wacky and lurid shirts, and reserved and classic dinner jackets. I spend most of my time on the other side of the store buried amongst the women's wear. During the winter months I would stock up on boots and the warmer dresses that I could easily wear with tights. When I visited last time there were some gorgeous summer dresses and shorts perfect for the hot weather. The prices are quite high but I honestly don't mind paying. The clothes and accessories are fantastic and the service is always great.

The day I found Sprinkle was one of true elation. Sure, I'm not exactly one to have a lot of spare…read moredosh lying around, but when it comes to truly beautifully crafted clothing it's always worth it to save out and splash out on the one that truly steals your fancy. Once you've bought one Sprinkle creation it's hard to stifle the addiction. All the clothes are locally designed by Sprinkle herself and locally manufactured, where she can keep a watchful eye on the quality, being a renowned fusspot when it comes to her precious apparel. And they are indeed precious. The emphasis is on curves and femininity, with all the clothes knowing what to skim and what to highlight. Double breasted winter coats that make you feel like a movie star from the 1950s, brightly coloured wrap dresses and tailored pencil skirts are a few of her more notable design staples, but the collections are all unique to that season. The fabrics are all high quality, and there's always splashes of bright colour and texture in each collection. All the designs are made on a very limited run, and for some there's only one garment made in each size. Each season/collection has its' own unique theme and influence, eg. classical Japanese during this last winter, and 1950s cocktail hour for the summer of 2011/2012. The staff are all enthusiastic, professional and well informed about the designs, and will never try and sell you something that you don't feel comfortable in or that isn't quite you. The prices are exactly what you'd expect for locally designed and produced clothing, so it's certainly not accessible to absolutely everyone, but if you can afford it or can afford to get saving, the clothes are definitely worth it.

Don't make the mistake I did by going up just one level and thinking you found the store and been…read moreshocked by every shirt is $300+, just keep heading upstairs and you can raise your jaw from the sticker shock just one level below. My style is usually minimal and this store hits all the dots and considering average prices in Oz this place is quite reasonable for quality clothing and good style. I am going to Berlin and Sweden soon, and I got inspired from some of the labels to look out for on my trip. The hidden factor makes me feel just that bit more special, since I walked by this place who knows how many times without realizing its presence.

Somewhere is a men's and women's fashion store that sells clothing by local and international…read moredesigners. It also has a gallery space that showcases the work of emerging Australian artists. The clothes at Somewhere are sleek, simple, and very on trend. The menswear section is mostly stocked with jeans, chinos, plaid shirts and pocketed t's. The prices range widely, but in general, it's quite well priced when compared to many of Melbourne's similarly styled and themed fashion stores. Somewhere also has a very decent selection of shoes and accessories, like hats, ties, sunglasses and scarves. The staff are great (helpful and attentive, but genuine with their recommendations and not pushy).