Shopper's guide to Sydney Road
Jump on the #19 tram, stroll from Brunswick Road to Albert Street, and prepare to surrender your debit card
Sydney Road is actually a whopping 24km in length, so to spare your feet and make your shopping experience as pleasurable and as productive as possible, we've narrowed down our list of the best shopping, particularly in the Brunswick neck of the woods.
If you're looking for further shopping adventures, check out our guide to the best of Chapel Street and, if your credit card has been whipped too extensively, our guide to cheap shopping in Melbourne.
The best shops on Sydney Road
#56: Tiny Dancer
Despite its 1970s inspired name, Tiny Dancer could not be much more current if it tried. The clothing and accessories on offer tend to change everytime you blink, and although it is currently having a bit of a neon knit, abstract print moment, it will probably be all faux fur and uneven hemlines by the time you read this.
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#97: Chitra's Closet
If you've a yen for a puffed sleeve, a lace collar or a parasol, Chitra's Closet has got you covered. There is more than a touch of whimsy here but don't be fooled by the playful colours; CC takes tailoring very seriously with a cut to flatter every body shape.
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#149: New Model Beauty Queen
NMBQ aka New Model Beauty Queen is a fashion boutique that doubles as a textile printing studio for local designers. The store's own label is available for purchase and their designs are about as extravagant as the name suggests. Think large prints on brightly coloured leggings, shirts and dresses.
#155: Vicious Venus
If you're of the rockabilly persuasion, prepare to have your mind blown. Vicious Venus is here to satisfy all your corsetry, creeper and pin up girl fantasies. Specialising in vintage and old Hollywood inspired designs, this boutique will even tailor-make you a garment for the perfect fit.
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#156: Dorothy and Evelyn
Should you be attending a picnic in the near future, you may need to make a stop at Dorothy and Evelyn for that perfect upcycled floral frock or set of novelty salt and pepper shakers. The store stocks a mixture of vintage and new pieces from labels such as Mink Pink, Corky and I.D.S.
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#159: Olive Grove Studios
Olive Grove is a design and retail co-op owned by nine local clothing, jewellery and textile designers. As the stock is all produced and sold in the store itself, it's not uncommon to see more of it being made as you peruse the racks on display. The fashion and homewares for sale are as many and varied as the designers themselves, so be sure to take a good look around.
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#209: Kinki Gerlinki
For those of you about to poo hoo this recommendation due to the sheer number of Kinki Gerlinki stores in Melbourne, I have two words for you. Garage. Sale. Each year for one week, the Sydney Rd Kinki Gerlinki plays host to a sale of epic proportions – 90 percent off almost everything. This year the sale will run from 19-25 November, don't miss it!
#361: Brunswick Bound
The reigning sovereign of independent book stores, Brunswick Bound is packed with art, zines, jewellery, records and all things good in the world. Aside from the extensive collection of books for sale, the upstairs space is often used as a makeshift gallery for Melbourne artists.
#542: Dejour Jeans
It may not lie strictly within the specified shopping strip, but no article about Sydney Road would be complete without a mention of Dejour Jeans. From just $40, Store owner Nam will help you choose a pair of any wash or cut you desire and then tailor them (for free) on the spot. High waisted jeans that actually sit on your waist? Flip yes.
More of Melbourne's best shopping
Shopper's guide to Chapel Street
From the Windsor end all the way to South Yarra, here are the gems along Melbourne’s iconic Chapel Street.
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