By Hannah Francis
This is the kind of store that's handy to have around when you're short of gift ideas. There really is something for everyone.
The theme is colourful and genuinely quirky, with all manner of product categories from bicycles and ottomans to novelty homewares (boat-shaped "Gin and Ti-Tonic" ice cubes, anyone?), funky wall clocks and an eclectic range of men's and women's clothes and accessories.
A stalwart of Yarraville Village, Village Idiom opened 16 years ago before the 'ville was more dilapidated west, less smashed-avocado yuppies.
Elise Hopper took over the business last year and has kept its personality intact, but added some extra lines of women's clothes and jewellery taken on from nearby Marita's boutique after it closed.
The mix is local and exotic, including jewellery from Australian designers Murkani and Skadi and clothing from Maiocchi. You'll also find Mexican folk art, Japanese ceramics, Brazil's Totem Clothing, Miz Mooz's out-there shoe range from New York and Anna K's jewellery from Greece.
For the men there's Brixton hats, Status Anxiety leather goods, stylish shirts and the swiss army knife of key rings from local designer Orbitkey.
Somehow it all fits into the petite shop.
Village Idiom
34 Anderson Street, Yarraville
Mon to Fri 10am - 6pm, Sat 10am - 4pm, Sun 11am - 4pm
(03) 8060 6142