I’ve walked by Harem many times and thought the store front was too floral and white for me, but one day they put an amazing dark mustard dress in the window that I had to have. Unfortunately, they didn’t have my size in the dress, but I did find some lovely pieces in there. I’ve returned since and have purchased a couple of dresses from there. The dresses are so pretty! And the blouses do have a lot of ruffles. I love that they have mid-knee dresses for the summer. I’m not a fan of really short dresses. Although there are many floral prints, they do have some non-floral items as well for the woman who hates too ‘girly’ clothes like me. The best part is that the dresses are affordable from $ 50 to $ 70.
Jessica K.
Place rating: 4 Melbourne, Australia
Harem is Alannah Hill for those on a budget. The dresses are whimsical and floaty, the tops pretty, the parasols, well, they’re parasols. I love to rifle through the racks(admittedly a quick activity, as the selection is small) and find a dress I know I’ll love and wear to death — then trying it on in one of the more glamourous changing rooms I’ve ever been in. Feeling pampered and gorgeous, the only thing left is to look at the price tag. Then blink. Then rub my eyes a few times. Then maybe get my nanna glasses out and look again. Yes, that was the price. To be honest, I think they undercharge, but I’d hate for them to find out, because I can still afford to look like an angel.
Deborah jane g.
Place rating: 4 Victoria, Australia
A definite girl’s only store, Harem Melbourne’s boudoir-style boutique offers customers a romantic, eclectic ambience with an ever-evolving range of fashion, accessories and antique style décor items. Straying away from mass production, Harem’s in-house label is specifically created in small production runs and features limited edition handcrafted garments. Harem’s homeware is sourced from around the world and is meant to infuse a sense of romantic nostalgia and feminine glamour. I love the awesome range of decidedly pretty dresses and tops which scream French vintage glamour. Also, hot on my list are the pastel blouses and floral printed frocks which are perfect for spring/summer. And for the homeware lover, Harem stocks a good range of girly décor items like birdcages, animal friends and pretty printed accessories.