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Abbotsford Convent

One of my favourite ways to spend a sunny weekend morning is to have brunch at the Abbotsford Convent.  Sitting outside surrounded by trees, with the sound of live music from a double bass, and yummy food from the Convent Bakery.  I find myself counting my blessings here.  It is a good place to do [...]

Nicholas Building

There is a magical quality to the Nicholas Building.  It isn’t the architecture or even the location.  It is a feeling that you are about to discover something new.  I thank all the artists who have lived and worked in the building for that.  Because I think their personal voyages of self discovery must have [...]

Post Industrial Design

Post Industrial Design is a shop stocked with contemporary art.  There are sculptures from Jos Van Hulsen (co-owner), as well as the work of other Melbourne artists.  There are also a number of funky retro items that make great gifts.  I liked the 1950’s style alarm clocks. There is a lovely flow to this shop [...]

Shirt & Skirt Market

The Shirt & Skirt Market does Melbourne proud as Australia’s fashion capital.  It is full of hip clothing, jewellery and other accessories.  The stallholders are usually the designers of the clothes, and sometimes they have also sewn them.  These are Melbourne’s newest designers.  The Market is an opportunity to discover them before they are discovered [...]

Chokolait

Chokolait is chocolate heaven.  When the world feels overwhelming, I flop onto one of Chokolait’s couches.  The café is small, and the biggest challenge can be finding a seat and a clean table, but even if you have to wait, it is worth it.  The chocolates are sensational, and if I was a poet (and [...]

Readings

When I was a student, I would regularly look into the window of Readings in Carlton.  Readings is a book and music store.  However, I was looking into their window to read about ads for vacancies in shared houses.  The window is still regularly used (walk down the laneway to the side of Readings).  It [...]

Mini Meek

Update: January 2012 – sadly, the post below is now an historic one as Mini Meek has closed its doors. When my adorable niece was born, and when she turned one, I visited Mini Meek to buy her presents.  They have a wonderful range of clothing and footwear, including some made in Australia and New [...]

Chitra’s Closet

If you like 1950’s vintage inspired clothing, chitra’s closet is the shop for you.  The clothing is designed by Chitra Mangma, and is colourful and creative.  I visited the Carlton shop, which was a visual treat.  There is also a larger Chitra’s Closet in Sydney Road, Brunswick.

The Cats Meow

This clothing shop is hidden away in Campbell Arcade, which is a subway accessed from Flinders Street station or Degraves Street.  This shop stocks some of my favourite Australian designers, such as Gavin and Archie (unique well fitting T-shirts) and Kylie Jane (sensational skirts).  In fact, you will only find clothes designed and made in Australia [...]