I am a fan of little shops with quirky, old-fashioned names. The Shoe Hospital is a great example…read more Sounds fun doesn't it? Maybe not for the shoes. This place looks and feels like it has been there forever and by all accounts, it has been for quite some time. They certainly know what they are doing. Wait times can be a little long but then again quality is worth waiting for and I would not want my repairs rushed anyways. Great location and highly experienced staff, I definitely recommend.

An institution in Wynnum, the shoe 'doctor' in Florence Street has been repairing shoes for as long…read moreas I can remember, so I reckon it's at least 15 years, not sure, because I can't remember the first time I noticed his little shop tucked around the corner, out of the way, and yet right in the heart of the busy central Wynnum streets. The window display of the shoe doc always has some interesting boots and shoes on sale; I think some are new and some have been rescued; like Blundstones and Docs, leather heeled shoes and kids' leather shoes. I've had quite a few pairs of shoes repaired here, mostly re-heeling but also leather stretching and conditioning. This place is always busy, so don't expect your job to be done in your lunch break, but it's solid work and worth the wait.

I like Smooche although it's a little bit out of my price range. The staff are lovely so I always…read morefeel welcome, even when I'm feeling weekend frumpy. The dresses are gorgeous here with a surprising amount of stock for a fairly small store. I most recently fell in love with a pair of shoes in the window and dragged my friend down to see them before I succumbed and bought them. The majority of dresses here are sassy evening numbers in gorgeous bright colours and fabrics, and often strappy and interesting, so next time you have a special event, check out the Cambridge Parade shopping strip in Manly and bet you stop in at Smooche.

Smooche Boutique - cute name. Fun and just a little suggestive…read more This is a pretty accurate description of the fashion style. This little boutique is my fav place to window shop and I have done on several occasions, always leaving just a little bit sad because I didn't take a dress home with me. Unfortunately I have not yet had a special occasion and therefore an excuse to buy anything but I will have done my research when the time comes. The clothes can be loosely categorised into bridal wear, formal gowns, cocktail dresses and casual dresses, with an emphasis on sparkles and ruffles. They also get top points for having sizes 6-24 available.

This little boutique is not my style, but it does have some cute bits and pieces. It's pricey and…read morecarries quite a few of the better and designer labels. I'd definitely wear some of the dresses, separates, jewellery and shoes, but some of it is pitched at the older woman and other stuff is just too bejewelled to contemplate. I check it out when the sales are on and bought a really nice little black linen dress and citrine bracelet and do have my eyes on a pair of shes - maybe if thee price comes down...

Got-A-Go is an intriguing little store. Everything is packed in tightly and you have to rummage a…read morebit to see what the clothes actually are. There are some nice brands and the service is friendly. There are some chunky silver jewelery, so if this is your style, it is a great place to go. I like some of the clothing, but not all is my style. There are also some handbags, skirts, dresses and tops.

I like op shops and I like to support Red Cross, so this store is a natural choice for me. It has…read morean eclectic mix of old and new, still tagged clothing, bric-a-brac and shoes, but no furniture. There's a good range of men's, women's and kids clothes and it's always worth a look. The prices have snuck up a wee bit in recent years, but whose haven't? The two best things I've bought here recently were a brand new one piece bandeau swimsuit for $5 and a little while ago, a 70's black suede leather fringed jacket for not too much more.