By Diane Leyman Kids in Berlin is a cute little independent shop tucked away at the top end of Victoria Street in North Melbourne. It’s run by owner Zanin - a super creative, vibrant and lovely lady with a background in marketing, arts, film and entertainment. Zanin is dedicated to stocking an array of work from independent Australian designers, and that’s really what makes Kids in Berlin a special place.

At Kids in Berlin, there is an eclectic selection of fashion, apparel, jewellery, accessories, stationery, childrenswear, toys and other interesting objects on offer from over 200 designers. Some of the clothing labels include Bronzen Temple, Fool, Kings of Carnaby, Limedrop and Stella Blanche. In terms of jewellery and accessories, designers on offer include  Corky Saint Clair, H by Heather Lighton, Hungry Designs, I Wish I Had a Little Shop, Jen Hall Designs, Lavallier, Little Shop Of, Ruby & Sage, Scotatto, Treehorn and Victoria Mason, and there's also a selection of stationery goods from the likes of Able & Game, Ask Alice and Rabbit & The Duck. As a brooch fiend, Kids in Berlin is like my sort of heaven – there are so many to choose from! I left with a wants list the length of my right arm.

Berlin might be a pretty cool place, but we have equally cool places to visit right here in Melbourne, and the good thing is that they’re on our doorstep. Kids in Berlin is a cosy little boutique run by a warm and welcoming owner, and it’s definitely worth checking out the next time you’re in the area.

Kids in Berlin is located at 472 Victoria Street, Melbourne.

Diane Leyman is an editor and writer and with six years of experience working in non-fiction, illustrated trade book publishing. She has a passion for all things design, and writes a design blog called Notes to a Further Excuse. She also likes taking photographs, crafting, drinking coffee and obsessing over mid-century homewares.