People who are planning to visit Perth often ask me where are the best places to visit – for a cool local experience.

Beyond any question, one of my favourite spots to hang out is Oxford Street, Leederville.

There’s a little section of Oxford St that starts from the Leederville train station that is *packed* with cool little boutiques, cafes, restaurants, book shops, music shops, an art house movie theatre, and pubs and clubs.

The street vibe, like in Fremantle, is a perfect example of what happens when you mix up a typically West Australian, laid-back kind of casualness with an unpretentious, arty cool. Added to the mix, the area draws people of ALL types – so it’s also a great place to just people watch.

Oxford Street is not usually thought of as the “fashion centre of Perth”, but it’s got a handful of absolutely delicious fashion boutiques. You know, The Ultimate Boutique - the one that every girl lusts for… where every single item is hand picked to perfection, where every corner you turn you’re faced with another gorgeous garment, more staggering jewellery and the cutest thing you’ve ever seen.

And even better, most of the boutique are open till 8pm in the evening.

Atlas Divine
This is my ultimate boutique. It’s full of incredible stuff for women, men, and kids. I love their range of Australian designer clothing brands. Every time I go into the shop, I go crazy. I literally pour over each piece of clothing, turning them on the rack like pages in a book. They also stock gorgeous jewellery and cool clothes for men.

I would describe their range as very stylish, lush, distinctive, vibrant and a bit vintage, arty and eclectic. The décor is gorgeous with chandeliers, vintage wallpaper, antique furniture and big rugs. The whole place is dripping with abundance and vintage luxury. I love it.

Harry and Gretel
My other ultimate boutique. This boutique seems to feature the most gorgeous and lust-worthy jewellery and bags I have ever seen. Each time they change their window display, I stand on the footpath with my tongue hanging out. They stock an exquisite selection of women’s clothes, jewellery, accessories, shoes, some home wares, stationery, children’s clothes and gift ideas.

The overall style of the shop looks very French and modern. But the clothes are classically stylish - minimal, slightly embellished, neutrals, simple but unique designs, and timeless fabrics.

Yo-Yo Buffalo
It may be a tiny shop, but it’s packed full of accessory goodness. The bits and pieces found here are funky, cool, colourful and crazy, while the clothes are casual, urban and funky. I’d say that the items here are a lot more affordable than the previous two shops. You can pick up a cute dress for $70 and an cool belt for $50.

Urban Records
This place has a very understated, uber-cool about it. They seems to be open all the time! It’s like a popular hang out - always full of people standing around, browsing, talking and listening to music.

The front of the shop is dedicated to music, but the back half is full of great women’s and men’s clothes, jewellery, accessories, shoes, home wares, stationery, random objects, and really funky gift ideas. They seem to change things all the time, so it’s always worth a look and there are always really cool and surprising items to be found.

Un1son
This shop surprised me. It has very clean, stark white walls with lots of down lights, so the place looks like a stylish art gallery. Yet it also seemed like a trendy, men’s skate shop – packed full of shoes, men’s casual clothes, belts and other accessories. They also stock a pretty good range of women’s clothes in a modern, minimalist, urban style.

My favourite items were the range of funky printed tees. I love funky tees on my men.

I really enjoy Leederville because it’s not too big. Everything is only a short walk away. There’s lots of parking for cars. And there’s a nice, easy range of restaurants and cafes.

Best of all for a visitor to Perth, Leederville is literally one stop up the train line from Perth Central Train Station, and the train station walkway runs right on to the shops and cafes. It’s SO convenient.

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