To get the most out of your shopping weekend in Melbourne, the key is careful planning. Once you've booked your accommodation, it's all about making sure you get to the right locations to get the most out of your shopping weekend. Here, we've listed the top places to go shopping, whatever your style is:

Southgate Opposite Flinders Street Station is Southgate- the heart of Melbourne's flourishing arts hub. The complex offers shoppers a number of fashion, homewares and innovative art stores that are sure to get the endorphins going with some genuine retail therapy.

QVThe QV located in the heart of the city is the areas new laneway precinct that has a mix of lifestyle retailers and high-end fashion designers scattered amongst European style restaurants, bars and cafes. So when you get tired of hitting the hip pocket and need to refuel there are some more than suitable venues at hand for a coffee or a cocktail, whatever your preference.

If you like things a little more alternative, you'll enjoy a trip to Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Full of alternative designer clothes and a mish mash of boutiques and vintage stores, it will not disappoint.

For established designer clothing and footwear labels Toorak Road, South Yarra and Toorak is the place to go. Of course, not to forget, the most well known street for shopping in the region, Chapel Street in South Yarra which is often referred to as 'the' fashion strip of Australia.

For designer factory outlets and seconds stores head to Bridge Road and Swan Street, Richmond. Many of these outlets also feature some of Australia's young and upcoming designers. You are sure to grab a bargain here. For the big name factory outlets such as Bardot, Davenport, Calvin Klein and more head to Smith Street Collingwood.

For those who love markets, there are two you won't want to miss: The St Kilda Esplanade Art & Craft Market-over 200 stalls carrying art and craft items are scattered along the beachfront esplanade every Sunday from 10am-5pm. The Sunday Market Victorian Arts Centre, located on St Kilda Road is right in the heart of Melbourne's flourishing arts and culture precinct and features local artists and craftsmen selling their original work.

Another option is to take a shopping tour of which there are many on offer. Some are walking tours in the cities centre taking shoppers down hidden lane ways and alleys to seek out the best of Melbourne's fashion boutiques.

There are so many great places to shop in Melbourne, it's just a matter of knowing where to go. Some places are just a short stroll from the bustling CBD and walking distance from many hotels and apartment accommodation. Other areas require a short trip on public transport or by taxi, but are well worth it.

I hope our list of some of the best places to shop in Melbourne has given you some helpful ideas on where to go shopping the next time you plan a trip to our nations fashion capital.