Maribyrnong, VIC

Maribyrnong is well on the way to shedding its casual reputation, says Twig House shop assistant, Madeline Gane. "We're dressing up more, we're getting out of our trackies. I think it helped that ugg boots went out of fashion this year!," she adds, laughing.
Only a 10-minute drive from the famed boutiques of Melbourne's CBD, Maribyrnong quietly boasts the largest shopping centre North West of Melbourne. With stores such as Twig House, Jump for Jaki and Look Melbourne, it's not hard to see why locals believe it's a suburb packed with personality.
"It's definitely headed down the road to becoming more cosmopolitan," Gane agrees. "I think now it's a whole look people have. Trends come and go really quickly but people here are keeping it longer lasting. Although, now everyone's wearing boots tucked into jeans!"
Importing most of its stock from Asia and Europe, Twig House is one of the many boutiques driving this change with labels such as Lovely Girl, Jin Yugi, Monzihua and "funky" accessories. Affectionately named after the store owner's grandmother - who was nicknamed after '60s icon Twiggy - Gane says the boutique is always buzzing around Christmas time.
"People are more willing to let go of their money and it's hot outside so shopping is a good way to get out of the heat."
A sales assistant at the nearby Billiecart store - who did not wished to be named - agrees and adds that long weekends are also a hectic time. Stocking Billiecart, Precious Pumpkins, Spudkids and Purr, the store is one of four childrenswear retailers in the area.
"We just opened here but we've been quite busy. Everyone's really friendly here though and I've never met a cross customer. I don't live here but it's a place full of really nice people."

Lowdown
Population: 61,664
Location: 10km west of Melbourne
Stores: Billiecart, Twig House
Brands: Precious Pumpkins, Spud Kids, Purr, Billiecart, Lovely Girl, Jin Yugi, Monzihua