It’s no secret that when I hit a new city, country – or small town for that matter – I like to suss out the shops.
It’s in my genetic makeup, I’m sure 
There’s something way more relaxing about the browsing that takes place away from home. You’re not really shopping with a specific occasion or wardrobe addition in mind. You’re shopping for the fun of it.
That doesn’t mean we should not be mindful about what we ultimately purchase (you know I’m all for only buying things that you love!) but it means we can go with the flow a bit more and open our eyes to the possibility of trying on something we normally wouldn’t.
Last week, Styling You reader Leish Slade posted on Facebook that she was heading from New Zealand to Melbourne for a conference and would have time for some shopping. She wanted to know where to shop in Melbourne.
Rather than fake my scant knowledge of Melbourne shops, I put it out there to the Styling You Facebook community and the information that flowed back was so good, that I thought everyone might benefit from having it included in a post here on the blog … you know for that next girl’s weekend away.
Vital information indeed, Stylers.
1. Buy Fashionista’s Guide to Shopping in Melbourne ($18.95). Written by Melbourne fashionistas Emily Power and Antonia Acott, this gem will guarantee you’re in the know when it comes to shopping in Melbourne.
2. Norlin from Baubles, Bubbles and Bags says that Zara is her favourite fashion store in Melbourne … but says it “can be a bit hit or miss”.
3. Fitzroy: Brunswick Street and Smith Street. Carly from Smaggle is a big fan. So is Catherine Yarham, who loves vintage shopping in this area. Johanne Taylor says if you’re visiting over a weekend then visit the Rose Street Artist Markets for handmade jewellery.
4. South Yarra: Toorak Road and Chapel Street.
5. South Melbourne: Clarendon Street.
6. Chadstone Shopping Centre: Jane from My Encore Store says “it’s a pretty good one-stop shop, particularly if you want to browse through the likes of Tiffany, Chanel, Gucci etc. Perfect for a bad weather day too”. Holly Rodgers says you can “spend days in there”!
7. Doncaster Westfield Shoppingtown.
8. The City.
- Head to Dizingof for “incredible clothes made in Australia from beautiful fabrics, that suit all body shapes”, says Angela Maguire.
- Smaggle says head to Little Collins Street for shoes (Zomp is the best). Jessica Dekmetzian agrees re Zomp and says the boutiques on Flinders Lane are also worth a look.
- Jane from My Encore Store loves the arcades and little side alleyways in Melbourne City – lots of little boutiques and coffee shops to discover. “Hidden alleyways always have nice surprises so its worth exploring off of the main streets,” says Michelle Geyer.
- Sydneysider Rayanne Kheir says, “I think Bourke Street Mall is the best place to shop as stores are aligned on each row of the street in the heart of Melbourne’s City, perfect for an early breakfast at Laurent and indulgent shopping spree.”
- Collins Street … the Paris end, of course, if your budget extends to that.
- GPO shopping centre
9. DFO South Wharf at Docklands. Natalie Stewart recommends it for bargains and “the Hilton there is lovely too”. Kim-Marie from Kimba Likes suggests brunch at the Hilton before you shop.
10. Southbank: Catherine Yarham says head to Cabochon for “fantastic and reasonably priced costume jewellery”.
11. Richmond: Bridge Road for outlet shopping and cafe hopping.
12. Malvern: High Street for designer boutiques and op shopping. “Wonderful labels can be found at a poofteenth of the price of the boutiques. I highly recommend op shops in Malvern (there are several), particularly the mecwacare op shop at 136 Wattletree Road,” says Debbie Brent.
Oh, and one last gem came from Lee Robson … a reminder about what to pack: “don’t forget to wear black!”
More information: Shopping in Melbourne
Do you live and shop in Melbourne? Or been on trips where you’ve found some great places we need to hear about? Share in the comments below for the greater good!
