On weekends city folk flock to Balmain for the popular Saturday markets and to join the queues for Adriano Zumbo’s irresistible macaroons but the street shopping is worth the ferry trip alone. Stroll down Darling Street to find an eclectic mix of boutiques from high-end to specialist with ample cafés and bars along the way. Here are our favourites.

Leona Edmiston Vintage
Sweet, stylish and girly (just like Leona Edmiston’s signature frocks) this retro-styled store is filled with dresses and accessories from past collections for up to 50% off. Devotees of the label can also sell their pre-loved garments by consignment.
483 Darling St
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Blokes
Somewhere between a curiosity shop and a gentleman’s boutique, Blokes specialises in all “things for the man”. Items range from the practical (tailored shirts) to the tongue-in-cheek (mankini) and just like stores from a bygone era, it’s closed on Sundays.
411 Darling St

Lol & Roc
With its luxurious interior and covetable mix of established and emerging Australian labels including Ellery, Maurie & Eve and Therese Rawsthorne any fashion lover will feel right at home. Don’t miss the heels by Tristan Blair, bucket bags by Elke Kramer and delicate jewellery by Jordan Askill.
401 Darling St

Alfie’s Store
Spanning two floors, this creatively reconverted terrace stocks a great range of labels for guys and girls from classic to street styles. Shop signature pieces by Paul Smith, Kate Sylvester, Twenty8Twelve and Rittenhouse plus cool sunglasses, exclusive trainers and accessories.
348 Darling St
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The Style Creatures
Mixing cute, quirky and vintage this bright little store promises something new every week. Expect maxi dresses, fun flats, tops and pretty party dresses.
2/328 Darling St
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Art Therapi
If you like your fashion sleek, minimal and high-end head straight to Art Therapi. This beautifully styled store carries a select range of European labels for women including Rad Hourani, McQ Alexander McQueen, Coming Soon and MM6 Maison Martin Margiela. We fell for the statement jewellery by MM6 and unique hand printed tights by French label Les Queues de Sardines.
215 Darling St
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Meillon & Bright
Tucked into a small space towards the quiet end of town, Meillon & Bright is a recent addition to the Darling Street strip having relocated from Wahroonga. Blending on-trend styles with colourful hippy chic accessories look out for pieces by Stylestalker, May and Ohara at purse-friendly prices.
207 Darling St
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Did we miss any of your favourite stores?