Smith Street, Collingwood is Melbourne’s street for vintage. Vintage clothing, shoes, furniture and music it is all available here on Smith Street. It is not surprising that I easily found a few girls with quintessential Melbourne style - edgy, vintage and entirely their own.

 Emma, 25, Sales assistant

I am wearing a leather jacket from Shappere. It is made from recycled leather. My dress and belt are vintage. My shoes are by John Fluevog, they sell his shoes at Camper stores.

Emily, 26, Camera Assistant

We are taking Captain, my dog for a walk. I am wearing a pair of old jeans from Lee and boots from a store up the road. My gloves are from an op shop in Queensland, and my jacket is from the Camberwell market. My bag is from Cuba. My shirt is by an Australian designer Jaakan. My hat is from a bargain bin from a crap store on Swanston Street, I wish I had both a few more!

Naomi, 30, Multimedia Designer

My bag is a present from my Nana. It is by a label called Mabel. My jumper is by RM Williams, my skirt is from Alannah Hill and my jacket is from a cheap chinese shop up the road. My shoes are from a brillant op shop in Castlemaine. She only opens on saturdays and has old clothing from the 1920s and 50s, i can’t remember the name of the store but it is next to Togs cafe. My tights are by Platinum.

Long before Gwen Stefani, the Harajuki girls and Love. Angel. Music. Baby. was Hudson.  Owned by Nikki, a former travel writer, Hudson on Carlisle Street is something special and a little bit more. A slice of Toyko in East St Kilda, Nikki travels 7 times a year searching for weird and wonderful clothes and items from Toyko, Hong Kong, America and Sweden, ’I could write a travel book on Japan’ she tells me.

I am ashamed to admit I have never been to this shop before - which opened on Carlisle street ten years ago - I got a tip off from a devoted Melbourne fashionista who has shopped here regularly since it first opened.  Stocking men, women and kid’s clothing, knick knacks, toys and local art it is likely Hudson will melt the heart of even the tightest penny pinching individual. It is my firm belief the secret to Hudson’s success can be attributed to Nikki’s experience as a former Lonely Planet writer. Ultimately when she travels she knows exactly where to go to find the most covertable items for Melbourne shoppers.

‘Someone said to me that they weren’t sure whether the shop was kid’s store or not’  Nikki confided me ‘ I don’t think they meant it as a compliment, but I take it as one. I don’t believe in being defined by what people think a typical shop should be or look like. I want people to have fun here and to bring weird and wonderful ideas from overseas and Australia and display it in the store.’

The window not only houses clothing from the store and toys, but an ever changing display of local craft and art. Nikki supports local community artwork and craft selling their work without commission ensuring there is always something new and interesting to be found at Hudson.

Hudson, 229 Carlisle Street, East St Kilda.613 9525 8066

There is something eternally classic about the combination of black and cream. Like its more common counterpart - black and white - the pairing of the two colours has a striking effect rending any outfit unmissable. However, unlike black and white, which can sometimes be harsh and even dare I say it, tacky - the shade of cream alleviates the stark contrast between the two colours leading to a certain softer sophistication. In Melbourne, we are spoilt for choice of this delightful combination, so here are a few special pieces. What I love about these items is the multitude of textures and fabrications including feathers, rope, resin and patent.

From Hoss boutique ( 559 Chapel Street, South Yarra 3141  www.hoss.com.au ), this Natasha top was the first to catch my eye. The top is a feature piece, wear it with black skinny leg pants and heels for a night out. Or Karen Walker’s striking belt from Somebuddy Loves You (193 Smith Street, Fitzroy 3065). Ultimately the best thing about a black and cream item is that the rest of your outfit can be extremely simple, even all black (as we love in Melbourne), as the added cream highlight ensures that there is nothing boring about your look. From Wilkins and Kent (230 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy 3065 www.wilkinsandkent.com) this resin bangle by Melbourne designer Madz Has Runaway, is a unique work of art. Handcrafted using rare paper, fabric scraps and combining them with resin this bangle is Melbourne craft at its best. Join the circus as a very stylish lion with this dramatic feather necklined top from Kookai or these little cute patents from Witchery. Black and cream is an infinetely clearer fashion choice than black and white.

Being out and about on the streets of Melbourne was tough today - I think I would have preferred to stay at home with my Tim Tam crush - Honeycomb flavour (yes that is their actual name - not my moniker for them - though actually it is quite appropriate I must say, because after finishing the packet I am still surprisingly feeling quite enamoured with my new discovery) and cup of tea. Though looking on the bright side it appears winter may be fast approaching and I will finally be able to wear my new gloves. While I was out on Chapel I found a few girls braving the Melbourne weather who were happy to let me take a photo.

Trudy, 28, Sales Assistant 

I am wearing a hand me down dress from a friend. I think it was originally from Supre. My tights are from Sportsgirl and my boots are from Zomp. My necklace is a combination of a chain belonging to my grandma and the charm of a Camel, which I am not sure where I got from. I recently got it traced and made into a tattoo on my arm. My headscarf is a scarf of my mother’s. One of my rings belongs to my mum and the other is from Varga Girl in Perth, which a well known shop in Perth. It sounds pretty cheesy but in terms of fashion, I think it is important to dress to suit yourself and not blindly follow fashion trends. When I shop I like to find value for money which is why I like shopping at op shops.

 Laura, 22, Sales Assistant

I am wearing a coat from Jack Wills which I got in London. My boots are from Dansk in Windsor, which stocks Scandinavian designers, the label is D.Co Copenhagen. My pants and top are from Bettina Liano.

Merry, 21, Drama Student

My bag is by a young Bangkok designer called Nattha, my scarf is from Laos and my sunglasses are vintage - from Shag. My jacket is from Ginger and Smart, my dress is Charlie Brown and my leggings are by Sass and Bide. My ‘fish’ boots are from Steve Madden. In Melbourne I like to shop at the Windsor end of Chapel street because of all the op shops there and Alphaville which is on the way there. I also like shopping on Smith Street and in the city laneways - Shag is there which is great for vintage accessories.

Freelance stylist Polly Kerdel is one of Melbourne’s leading stylists (www.pollyannakerdel.com.au). She has styled advertising campaigns for iconic brands such as Levis, Mimco and Portmans, television commercials for Mazda and Sony and runway shows at Loreal Melbourne Fashion Week. A stylist in the real sense of the word, Polly’s innate sense of style always astounds all those around her with her ability to find unexpected items, be it vintage, designer or chain, place them together and make them absolutely desirable and effortlessly urbane. Polly’s style is something everyone wants a piece of (whenever I see her someone is always asking where her clothing is from or where she bought her bag - me included!).  Besides being a regular on Melbourne’s best dressed lists, more importantly she is also a wonderfully warm and friendly individual.
 
Melbourne Fashionista was lucky enough to speak to Polly about what she has recently bought and being seven months pregnant.

 
I have tried to wear my normal clothes for a long as possible. More recently I have started wearing a lot more black, stretchy and fitted clothing, which is actually not very me, but as I am getting bigger, bright colours and voluminous clothing makes me look even bigger. After a while my jeans were getting too uncomfortable so I moved into leggings.
 
Idaho, Fringe Dress
I bought this crochet fringe dress from Idaho.  It is the best vintage shop I know, it is absolutely awesome. This dress is great, it is a little bit different plus being knitted it has some give and is easy to wear. I wear a slip underneath it. I wore it to the launch of Loreal Melbourne Fashion Festival at Government House.

Idaho Vintage, 11 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
 
Kasbah Moroccan Imports, Moroccan Rug, $200
We have recently moved house so I am really into buying more homewares - especially as clothing is getting harder now. This morrocan rug is colourful, cosy and fun. I thought woolier and softer rugs would be nicer with the baby coming. It has highlights of orange in the design which sit back nicely with the orange accents that I have in our house. Our place is deco inspired with highlights of orange and greens, it makes the place very warm and inviting. 

Kasbah Moroccan Imports, 673 Nepean Highway, East Brighton +613 9593 3801 (http://www.kasbahimports.com.au/main/index)
 
American Apparel, Printed Harem Pants $80
These were great because they are stretchy and comfortable. I have bought a bit from American Apparel lately because it is nice and stretchy.

American Apparel, 262 Chapel Street,  Prahran 613 9529 6852
 
Zomp, black ankle boots, $350
I have worn these suede boots to bits. Actually I have worn boots continually recently.
 
Steve Toltz, A Fraction of the Whole
This book is by an Australian writer and was shortlisted for the Man Booker prize. I find as I am getting up a lot at night, being pregnant and all, reading helps. This book is great and very funny.

It was all pretty casual and comfy on Acland Street, St Kilda today - I think it was something to do with the lovely sea air. What might be the last vestige of sun was out before winter takes over.  I spoke to the following coolly casual girls.

 Anna, 24, Student/Model

I am wearing a top from American Apparel, jeans by 7 For All Mankind and my sandles from Robert Robert. My hat I bought just then from Sportsgirl! My necklace is from Vietnam. 

Jocelyn, 20, Student

My dress is from Tarts in Northbridge in Western Australia. I am from Perth. Tarts is a Cafe there and it is quite well known, they have a small selection of dresses there which is where I got mine. My bag is also from Perth, a shop in Subiaco. My shoes are from Melbourne though. In Melbourne I like to shop on Chapel Street and in the City, but what I really like about Melbourne is the food. I look that you can get cheap really good quality delicious food here.

Nicole, 28, Tourist

I am here for around four weeks from Germany before I go to New Zealand. My top is from Thailand, my pants are from Germany.

While this concept is by no means new - ‘nudity’ seems to be springing up everywhere at the moment showing up in the overseas spring fashion shows and on celebrities. This fleshy tone spanning beige, flesh, pale pink to peach is not always easy to wear, but is always fresh. As we move into the colder months it is always nice to stand out from the dark blacks in the crowd, or wear flesh as a highlight piece to an all black outfit with a headpiece, clutch or shoe. I love this Kinki Gerlinki patent leather wallet/clutch. Even nude nails can lighten up a bland winter outfit.

As nudes tend to wash out those with paler skin tones, wear the nude piece with other colours like black or navy, or wear warmer pinkier nudes to warm up the skin. For those with olive or golden skin tone this colour is great for you.

Today I rolled down the hill into LADY after almost eating myself into oblivion at Yu.U (137 Flinders Lane), where I had a magnificent lunch and drank plum wine…what a perfect afternoon. The lovely Petrova Hammond told me I had timed myself perfectly - her label LADY’s A/W 2009 collection had just come into store (www.ladylovesme.com).

Petrova is the owner of LADY boutique and designer of the label LADY. Of Project Runway fame, Petrova was runner up of the Foxtel program hosted by Kirsty Hinze. An extremely warm and welcoming individual she makes everyone want to be her best friend - me included - when I walked into the shop she was posing for photographs with groups of girls.  With a backing soundtrack custom made for her by a friend (a Triple R producer) LADY boutique is all about individuality. I took the opportunity to take some photos of her beautiful store.

The LADY A/W 2009 collection is exactly like Petrova, fun, quirky and all about dressing up. With dark undertones and bright accent colours with satins and silks of red, gold, silver and purple there is definitely something ‘Alice in Wonderland’ about the range. Later I find out the range is inspired by the classic fairy tale with themes of good and evil. Manufactured in Melbourne, the range is a minimal run, ensuring that you are the only one in the party wearing that special piece. I loved the one shouldered red showstopping party frock.

Also available at LADY boutique are other amazing all Australian designers (with the exception of NZ - Karen Walker - but I have decided to accept her as one of our own - kind of like Russell Crowe but much more beautiful), including Tristan Blair, Sretsis and I Heard They Eat Cigarettes.

LADY Boutique Shop 3, 237 Flinders Lane Melbourne 3000, 613 9650 6285 (down Scott Alley)

The top end of Collins Street (or more popularly known as the ‘Paris’ end of Collins Street) is a major part of Melbourne’s financial district as well as housing its most prestigious designer shops, think Louis Vuitton, Hermes, the new Prada store and Gucci the list goes on and on. No wonder everyone was too important to get their photo taken. Luckily the following lovely girls were so kind, or else Melbourne Fashionista would have had to go home completely disheartened.

Alice, 22, Banker

I am wearing a jacket from Kenzo, a Dolce skirt and a Marni top. I love shopping at Cose Ipanema  and Assin.

Jackie, 20, Student

I am wearing pants from Myer, shoes from Joanne Mercer and my scarf/pasmina has a no name. I am not sure where my jacket is from (we look at her label - its Little Joe - I know I am very rude! (ed)).  My bag and sunglasses are Chanel.

Saffron, 24, Retail

I am not very dressed up today - I am going the movies. I am wearing a mink pink jacket, IDS pants and a scarf from Chinatown. I am not sure where my jersey top is from. My shoes are Wittner.

Tonight was the inaugural night of LiveStyle, a new bi-annual fashion festival. A three day festival planned for other capital cities as well, it was appropriate that the first LiveStyle festival was held in Melbourne.

A unique concept which involves music (numerous DJs played sets of a couple hours each) and fashion (including Bettina Liano, Cactus Jam, Mogil, Life with Bird and Phillips), LiveStyle features a huge floor - a veritable maze of shops with each designer/boutique having its own booth - with designer bargains, a bar, fashion and beauty workshops and fashion parades. For a $45 ticket on the Friday night attendees were able to see two fashion shows, a free drink (or a few), canapes and purchase clothing and accessories (mostly sale and sample stock, however also some new stock) from the 50 stores. On the Saturday, a $20 ticket allows general admission to the floor while a $35 ticket also allows access to a show and drink.

I thought the $45 was quite good value for money - I got to see Rhys Uhlich (Australia’s next top model winner) without his shirt on (a group of girls got so excited they all fell off their chairs), a few drinks, delicious aracini balls and rumage through some great bargins. I rudely interupted the following people from their purchasing…

Iskra, 23, Student/Model

I am wearing a vintage 1948 cowboy jacket from overseas, apparently it is one of a kind! My scarf is from Portmans and my top and jeans are Calvin Klein. In Melbourne I like to shop in Prahran, Little Collins Street, and Flinders Lane.

Sophie, 20, Student

I am working at the Mogil booth today, it is pretty busy. My top is from Alice Mccall, my pants are Bettina Liano and my hat and shoes are vintage.

Ashley, 27, Dance Teacher

My favourite place for shopping is Collins Street, I am a bit of a slave for the top end with all its beautiful boutiques! I am wearing a Cue Jacket and Pilgrim dress. My bag is from Mimco and my shoes are Wittner.

Melissa, 20, Event Coordinator

I am here tonight because I am coordinating this event! I am wearing a Patrizia Pepe dress, and a Celine B jacket. I like shopping at Cyberia.