Melbourne by day: shopping, street art and beaches

I had a very nice few days in Melbourne. We certainly got a lot of sun, my skin is feeling it now! The highlights were checking out the Fitzroy/Collingwood area, with it's interesting street art and boutiques, and spending a morning at Brighton Beach.

 Vintage stores galore in Fitzroy - such a cool area!

 You could easily kit out a whole house - it would be pricey though. I much prefer op shops and scoring real bargains.

There is a double story outlet store on Brunswick St in Fitzroy called 'Clear It'. Most notably it stocks Alannah Hill. I was shocked at how overpriced it was, and how much people are willing to pay for this brand name. A totally ripped dress that is missing 3/4 of its beads might be reduced to a "bargain" $50 in the faulty section. There is literally stock strewn all over the place, thousands of cardigans with missing beads, all crammed onto shelves in a disorderly fashion, befitting the mere pieces of material that they are. What will a cardigan set you back, if you can find an undamaged one? At least $100. Needless to say, I didn't find anything and left feeling somewhat disillusioned by the fashion industry, or at least Alannah Hill.

I had more success at Bridge Road, and photos of my purchases will be coming soon. I have really got to stop buying so many clothes, I have been super naughty with my physical and online shopping these past few months....

Who else watched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as a kid?

 Lovely old buildings on Smith St

 I plan to start a succulent garden in my collection of interesting pots, mugs and jars, much like this one. The collecting of suitable succulent / cacti holders has already begun.

Brighton Beach: It isn't the nicest beach but it has these funky beach huts, which are great for photos, and for providing shade!

I love this one!