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)