From the entrance, Kathmandu looks like a little like Colarado selling stylish travel and sporting…read moreclothes but people who love the great outdoors will vouch that Kathmandu is for serious travellers. When I backpacked around Europe, this is the store where I bought all my thermals, travel jacket, micro-towel, cycling gloves and seriously daggy cycling pants (the ones which have extra padding around the bum). For once I didn't shop around and just paid the premium for quality equipment which lasted me the entire year I was trekking through Europe. I've still got all my travel equipment stashed in the top of my wardrobe somewhere - they'll probably fall to bits if I decide to make another trip but I just can't let go. For all you intrepid travellers out there, trek to Kathmandu first before attempting the world.

Attention ALL SOCCER FANS:…read more If you haven't heard of this place, you must not be listening! Soccer World is the store to visit for all your soccer needs, they have everything you want! They have a huge range of clothing and gear and is one of the most reputable soccer specialised stores Australia-wide. This soccer store is notably the only specialised soccer store that have the widest section of soccer boots. Rarely would you not find what you are after, however, if there is something you are looking for that they don't already have, speak to the friendly staff and I'm sure they'll arrange something for you. They carry all the major brands like Adidas, Nike, Puma, Reebok, but also some of the hard-to-find labels like Diadora, Reusch and Pele. There is huge demand for the products that this store stock. They receive large orders nationwide as they are widely regarded as one of the best soccer stores in Australia. Soccer World has been around for about 20 years and is a family run business. What you will find here and not at big chain sport retailers, is the customer support and dedication that the staff have towards its clients is unlike any other, it is no wonder they are popular amongst many soccer clubs around Australia.

If you've just been visiting and shopping at Adorne's shopping centre stores then you've been…read moremissing out. The label's West End warehouse is a treasure trove of colour co-ordinated home wares. With on-trend copper as you walk through the doors to tones of navy or coral there's everything you could want to add accents of colour to your home. Prices vary but on the items that took my fancy -- all reasonable. So, chop chop. Grab your go card and jump on the 199 bus to Montague Rd.

Cute boutique in the west end. Perfect for gifts, or if you want to treat yourself to something…read morespecial. Reasonable prices. High-quality candle selection. The women's clothes were a little bohemian for my taste, but pleasant nonetheless.

For an awful minute, I thought I wasn't going to be allowed inside this shop. I tried the door but…read moreit wouldn't open, then realised that I had to actually ring a bell to gain entry. I am not sure if this is so they can scrutinise your attire before they deem you acceptable to enter ((thank God I was wearing a lovely vintage leather midi-skirt), but I did find it very off-putting. And, to be honest, totally unnecessary. C'mon folks, it's a suburban Brisbane boutique, not Karl Lagerfeld's headquarters! Once inside the luxe environs (and yes, it is beautiful - and you can tell that they did base the opulent decore on the old-style French couture salons) I was told by the slightly superior shop assistant that you can find everything to dress you from the inside out. There's lingerie, high end hosiery, jewellery (I spied pieces by Ericson Beamon - I'm not sure anywhere else in Brisbane stocks that), bags, and of course an achingly expensive range of Little Black Dresses. When I was there they'd just received some newbies by Valentino). They only stock European designers - although one Aussie label did make the cut (Aurelio Costarella). Needless to say, the prices are not for the faint hearted. Nor for the really young and funky. Whilst the collections are carefully chosen and there are some beautiful pieces, I can imagine it would mainly appeal to the ladies-who-lunch set and the older members of Paddington's "society" crowd. I've given it 3 stars purely because of the quality of the clothes - if you're after a little slice of European chic, you'll get it here. But if I were you, I wouldn't turn up in flip flops and denim shorts...

For a taste of imported designer fashion in Brisbane this is the place to go. I visited to purchase…read moresome lingerie as they are one of the few retailers in Brisbane stocking french brands. If I had endless time and funds I would have found many special pieces to buy that I would not get anywhere else in Brisbane. The staff we're knowledgeable and I felt like they really wanted to help me find the perfect fit for me. A wonderful shopping experience.

Karene A is right, those looking for a second hand store experience that earns them hipster cred or…read morekitsch points should look elsewhere for their fix. That's not to say that you won't find items that fit that bill at the Red Hill Salvos Store but it's unlikely. Red Hill Salvos has been a spot I've spent many a hour searching for homewares, books and on the odd occasion kooky costumes for a 70s highschool teacher inspired photo shoot. This is the spot you come to if you're looking for something unique for your home- something that tells a story and stands out from the run of the mill flat pack furniture. On many occasions I've found (much to my delight) fantastic crystal pieces including small milk jugs perfect for the kitchen table, vases and other knick knacks for my home. If you're in the market for larger furniture items that tell a story and have a bucket load of character then be sure to wander into their back shed area where you'll find enough desks, dining tables, chairs and wardrobes to fit any decor or need. While I've done my fair share of 'shopping' here it has also been a fine spot to give items I no longer need a new home. Books, clothes and other kitchen items that I no longer need are donated to a good cause and handing them directly to their warehouse teams means I'm safe in the knowledge my donations are not being ruined by weather waiting for a donation bin to be emptied.

Rummaging through the piles of second-hand goods here, one is sure to pick up a bargain antique…read moretreasure. While it's not the place to pick up quality retro clothing, you will find plenty of old picture frames, antique furniture (banged up antique furniture but it's all about character, right?), vinyl records, old-school suitcases and shelves and shelves full of cute little statues and retro kitchenware that all looks like it should be in Grandma's kitchen. Their pricing system is a little haphazard; the price markers seem to know the value of some of the antique items but overlook others. Sometimes I can pick up an old suitcase or port for $20 whereas on other visits the same sort and quality item will be upwards of $50. There are definitely bargains to be had if you visit regularly though. As well as lots of really old stuff (I'm full of such technical terms), they also have plenty of newer second hand furniture, linen, toys, sports equipment and a section with discounted supermarket items such as toilet paper, shampoo, detergent etc.

I trecked out to the place from the north side! Yes folks a lot of our op shops are heavily trawled…read moreon the north sode so a trip across the river was in order. I was not diappointed. First of all the place is very spacious and doesn't feel cramped or that everything is on top of everything else like so many of these opportunity spots. I loved that there seemed to be a great range of furniture and a lot of it in very good nick. You could easily fit out your whole kitchen for a very reasnable sum if you were a student setting up house. An excellent rack of books for adults and kids and the clothes are well organised and tidy. Definitely worth a vist.

Very clean and well organized with a variety of different styles and categories. Didn't find…read moreanything on this trip but was just browsing - would probably return in the future if I was looking for something in particular. Friendly & hard working staff!

If you need anything at all to do with rock climbing or mountaineering, Pinnacle is the place to…read morego. Information, instruction, equipment, perhaps an expedition to Mt Everest, they have it all. The guys at Pinnacle have years of experience climbing and trekking and are keen to share their love of climbing with anyone who walks in the door. Their rock climbing courses are great for beginners and more advanced climbers wanting to develop their skills. They do them down at Kangaroo Point, Brisbane's famed outdoor rockclimbing cliffs and they start from around $300 for a six-week course. The best thing about the courses is that everyone who does one is able to come along to the free social climbing events Pinnacle puts on every week, usually down at the cliffs. They're great for keeping up your climbing skills and meeting other people with a love of climbing. They also have all the equipment you could ever need for climbing and trekking and the expertise to help you put together your own kit.

Previously a store on its own, My Money's Uncle still maintains its famous shop space along…read moreAdelaide Street, but now also shares with Princess Polly. The two occupy the same spaces they normally have, now with the benefit of an open pathway between each. They have literally taken away the wall between the two stores so you can now amble between the two at will. It seems fitting to me, because they both harbour such gorgeous fashions and when I couldn't find something I liked in one, I'd just pop straight over to the other just next door. My Monkey's uncle has really fine and feminine pieces from tulle and cut-out dresses through to bodysuits and some serious bling. There's an option for almost any occasion whether you need a going-out dress or some short shorts for a festival. The clothes at My Monkey's Uncle are always very sweet and fairly priced, with the staple expensive pieces you love to try on but never really think about buying. Make it a regular stop on your shopping days and you won't be sorry. My Monkey's Uncle has what every girl loves in a clothes store: promise, whimsy, and a whole lot of lace and tulle.

My Monkey's Uncle has been a trusty place to get a new outfit before a night out for years now. I…read moreoften found that when I was down on my shopping luck everywhere else, My Monkey's Uncle would supply the goods. They have some labels that you can buy in Myer or David Jones, but also some less seen high street brands and local designers. The prices are very reasonable and they change their stock often so you won't get bored of never finding anything new. In the past couple of months, My Monkey's Uncle has lost a wall so it now adjoins Princess Polly next door. This works well because they have always been very similar shops and now they've almost combined into a larger entity of similar style. Like all stores, you won't find something in here every time, but you will most times and it'll usually be an instant favourite at a very good price.