Lingerie can be a bit hit and miss. Sure, you want to look smokin' hot, but you don't want to look…read morelike a complete tart. So where do you find a happy medium? Dawn Thornton Lingerie of course! This shop stocks the perfect lingerie for those looking for something slightly more modest, ladylike and for 'women of a certain age' (I mean that in the nicest way obviously.) Stunning colours but nothing to brassy, and very flattering bras and underwear for all shapes and sizes. They also stock sleepwear that is both comfortable and flattering, and simple, elegant singlets which can be worn alone or underneath clothing - they're my favourite! Ms Thornton is located in Kew Junction on the up and coming shopping strip, so after you've had your latte and been a 'lady that lunches', get yourself some ladylike undies too!

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.

An abhorrent rip off of a store. $50 for a pair of tracksuit pants, are you kidding me! How about…read more$50 for a headbutt!

Bob Stewart has been around for years! It's your one-stop-shop for all your school uniform…read morerequirements. All schools, all over Melbourne. From the ages of 4 1/3 to 18 Bob Stewart and his team have tailored to fit many a school uniform in our family dating back 3 generations. All staff are happy to serve you with a smile and take the you need to spend with your kids or family members in order to get the right fit and the right uniform that is going to last you years.

Fox Maiden is a boutique that houses up to the minute fashion from around the world, at fairly…read moreaffordable prices. You will find many local and international designs, catering to both men and women. The quality of the items available are generally of a high standard, and are very current in terms of this seasons fashion. I really liked the womens wear, they had some great dresses and jewellry that was very complimentary to the outfits available. Isnt it nice when you can walk into one store, find an entire outfit and then be done with it? The sales staff were great at finding matching accessories for my new dress, and I would definitely recommend checking it out when you are looking for both casual and party wear.

I ordered a dress which was over $200 for a wedding. When received, the quality was not great - I'd…read moreexpected much more for the price, and the item didn't suit me. The pictures didn't really show what the fabric was like other than colour. Then, they don't refund - only store credit. Damn fine print!! What online retailer doesn't refund???? I don't like a single other item in their range, so now, no dress and no $200. BUYER BEWARE!! This retailer should re-think their policies if they wish to be an online retailer. I wouldn't recommend them unless you want to flush your money down the toilet

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.

I can't afford anything in this store. I probably won't be able to for quite some time, that being…read moresaid, I adore everything inside. Cactus Jam has been on Glenferrie Road since I was in high school. It is the premier fixture on the fashion and accessory scene that until recently was so sparse on this strip. Inside you'll find labels such as Chloe, Willow and Cacherel. Designs are from here and abroad and there is a wide range of clothing and accessories. At this time of the year expect to see soft cottons, silks and light bags for the summer ahead. Even though I can't afford anything the sales assistants are still lovely enough to let me in and have a browse - so add great service to the list.

Gorman is one of my favourite brands, I adore their mix of vintage and fashion forward designs, and…read moreI love the fun atmosphere that their visual merchandisers have so cleverly crafted. I particularly love the clogs and 50s style hourglass dresses. Unfortunately it isn't every day I can afford the full priced items at the stores so I if there's an item that I think may be around for a while, I'll usually wait until it hits the outlet in Bridge Road. This store always has sales going on, when I went a couple of days ago it was 'take a further 20% off shoes and accessories', no wonder the store was packed. Inside you'll find a jumble of clothes and accessories while the shoes can mostly be seen in the front window. The sales assistants are lovely and really talkative, however when the store gets busy they are usually trying to manage the crowd. It can get a little claustrophobic at times if there's too many shoppers so either hold your own and keep browsing or duck outside for some air.

As far as a Gorman store goes, this one has a good selection,…read moreNew arrivals, seconds, samples and various discounts. About four change rooms in the store.

There is nothing I like better than knowing what product you are looking for and getting it for a…read morebargain. If you are looking for Converse products such as sneakers, clothing, tracksuits and windcheaters, then this is the place to go. Authentic Factory Outlets is located furthest from the city end of Smith Street amongst all the factory outlets offering products with labels at cheaper prices than you find in regular stores. I managed to get a pair of Converse One Stars and even got some free Converse socks to sweeten the deal. It's not only Converse in this Authentic Factory Outlet, you can also get a number of other cheap shoes and other street wear at discounted products such as Tommy Hilfiger. This part of Smith Street is great for the bargain hunter and this Authentic Factory Outlets is a must.

This tiny store is dripping with bikinis and one pieces. Seriously - I am amazed by how much…read moreswimwear this tiny space can take. Amazed and impressed. That being said it is hard to navigate your way inside and you'll get worried that you've missed a particular label or piece when there is so much to look at. It is also a problem when you are trying to get a hanger out and it catches on to dozens of other bikinis. I just think they need to do something about that because it really is the only thing that needs work in this store. They also stock active wear, making it the perfect stop for active wear whether it's the gym or beach. The service is great, very helpful and efficient. Great labels are to be found inside including Jets, Seafolly, Leluu and more.

This is such a cute boutique. My sister and I were in the area looking for a brunch place and we…read morestumbled upon this little gem. It's really cute and girly and there are plenty of things to buy here. I was looking for little gifts that I could bring back home to family and friends and found a lot of things I could get. For the most part, they have unique trinkets that you could buy. The prices are a bit on the higher side, but they do have some really cute things. If I'm in the area next time, I'll stop by again.

For the woman in your life that has everything, but still loves just that little something more,…read moreRose St. could be just the place to shop. The vibe here is luxurious and the price tags are just what you'd expect for a store that focuses on high quality items that you don't see in many other gift stores. There's luxurious floaty sweaters, rich candles, silky scarves, soft leather handbags and small decorative home wares that most Mum's and ladies of fine taste would enjoy. Make a beeline here the next time you need to say "I'm sorry" "I love you" or "Happy Birthday" to your favourite female.