The only thing I like about Dotti are the hair accesories and hair ties. Everything else is for…read moresomeone 10 years younger than me or someone with a mid-life crisis. Nothing covers my bum here, if you're tiny then it will. Tights are also in here, there is quite a range so if you're into tights as pants, this is your it place to get them. Prices aren't the cheapest and the quality of the clothes are so-so, meaning teenagers would love them. Lately they have brought a more professional feel to the clothes in the back of this store and I have been able to put on a skirt or two which I find astounding, so it's good that they are trying to appeal to a wider demographic over the size 8 area. The kids running the shop are pretty helpful with fashion tips and advice, not that you'd want them to advise you if you're like me (in my 30s) but it's always good to know maybe refresh myself about what's 'in' these days. Always full of colour, always full of funky little things, every now and then you can find something that looks pretty damn stylish, even if you have to layer.

If that's a skirt, then what's a thong? I cringed as the thoughts formed in my brain. I sounded…read morelike my mother after she saw my latest teenage splurge at Dotti. Is it possible that fifteen years ago Dotti was my favourite clothes store and I often wore their label out in public? Either times have changed or I have. Dotti is definitely the go-to place if you're a perky nineteen year old looking for a clubbing dress. They still do a good impersonation of high street fashion. Prices have gone up considerably though, as has skirt lengths. To make up for it, neck lines are lower. This shop would definitely be a favourite amongst teenagers but for me, I think it's time to cover up.

I recommend you only shop at this store in person, and not make online purchases. The 2 stars are…read morefor my in person experience. I would give zero stars for my online retail experience. I purchased a number of items online for a trip I had in 5.5 weeks. After 2 weeks of seeing they had not yet even been sub to be shipped out, I wrote them an email. They wrote back saying they would ship my things out, but that they no longer had a number of the items in stock - and could they pick some items for me? I wish I had said no, but I agreed as long as they could get the shipment out that day. What they should have done, the professional thing to do, would have been to refund me for the items they no longer had in stock and offered to expedite my shipping. It has now been 4 weeks since I put in the order. I have not received my items. I imagine I'll receive them in a week or two, when I no longer have need of the items I ordered. The store is a cute local shop - they do not have the customer service skills to being doing retail on a global scale.

Pushing the unassuming heavy glass door on Winn St you step…read moreinto a little store called the Outpost. Now it's a little tough for me to define this space. Do I talk about the collection of Zines and Mag's I have perused here on many an occasion? The range of amazing woman's clothing I have lusted over? The art events they have hosted? Or the friendly staff I've had good chats with? it is a bit more than your average retail space. I've been coming here for a while and I love their sourced and curated collection of eclectic designs from artists around the globe. Definitely worth a gander if you are valley side!

If the UK's Topshop had an Australian cousin, it'd Sportsgirl. Stylish, a little bit cool, and…read morevery on trend (if not occasionally a wee bit overpriced). Even though I'm a bit too old (sob!) to be their target customer now, I'll always have a soft spot for it - because in the dark ages when I was a Brisbane teenager, it was one of about three decent fashion stores in what was then a very style-starved city. It saved me from fashion Siberia on many an occasion. Even though the brand is almost pension age now (the first store opened in Melbourne in 1948) Sportsgirl is still shit-hot at adapting a catwalk trend. In a (mostly) affordable way. Want an example? The red, lace 50s style dress they did recently (which I saw on the sale rack today for a mere $89.99) could almost be the iconic Erdem Margot dress (as seen on everyone from Alexa Chung to Michelle Williams). My eye was also caught by a delicious emerald green silk maxi dress recently. And, as this happens to be one of the colours for next season, buy it now, and wear it with a jacket and opaques then. I do love a piece that's trans-seasonal. If you're wondering why I chose Sportsgirl's Carindale store over the big, flagship one in the Queen Street Mall, that's simple. It's a lot quieter. You don't have to fight your way through a three-deep "wall" of 15 year olds to get to the feathered necklace you want. And frankly, it'll be a cold day in hell before I'll allow myself to be beaten to a statement accessory by a schoolie.

As recently as two years ago, I'd never have set foot inside a Portmans. I always viewed it as a…read morepoor woman's Sportsgirl - more frumpy than funky. (I blame it on the Yuppie Years - when it seemed to be filled with conservative work attire, chambray shirts and not much else) But recently I've noticed sequins. And digi prints. And great jeans (like the pair of indigo skinnies I got recently for $79.99 - they had $20 off for one week only). I'm a curvy size 10, and not only do they suck my Kardashian-sized arse in, but they also don't go baggy and saggy after wear. I'm such a Portmans convert now that last week, I to be physically restrained by my mother from buying a lined, antique-style cropped jacket, with muted bronze sequins on it (on sale! For only $70!) Her argument was that it was 32 degrees outside with 85% humidity. Sigh. Another thing that's won me over is that there always seems to be a mid-season sale on. And several racks of clothing with $20 off. And this store at Carindale is particularly spacious, well organised and rarely manic - I've never had to queue for a changing room, nor wait to be served at the till.

I absolutely love this portmans store. I recently visited the store to stock up on some new work…read moreclothing as a I was starting a more "serious" office job. A bubbly staff member walked me through the store handing me a few items and acting almost like a stylist! It was like a first class experience. The even better part was that she picked quite a few items I would have never picked out myself - and these were the winners! Really could not fault the customer service here.

I heart Nine West. Purely because their designs are classic and not too difficult to wear and…read moremostly because they fit perfectly! I find this store quite small. It's a little challenging trying on shoes, especially, when women flock here on their lunch break to feed their shopping craves. So try and visit on non peak time like after 10am but before lunch, or after lunch but before 5pm. Despite this, I still love it here. The girls who work here are so nice. Even when it's busy they make sure to get to everyone and help. Customer service is very important in shoe shops, because most times you want to try on different sizes, different colour, different styles and that's what they're here to help with. Busy small shoe store, but fabulous service!

The fabric store is one of those places that makes me wish I…read morepaid more attention in Home Ec. (As such my only skill is the ability to turn a hem.) This recently opened Valley store is one great handsome space. The industrial/loft kinda warehouse is more than roomy and the bare walls create a gallery type feel to the fabrics on display. As the name suggests these guys offer an extensive range of quality textiles, they place a strong focus on natural fibers but you can find anything from silk chiffons, georgettes, leather hides and linen to Japanese cottons, merino knits, organic fabrics and much much more. With stores in Melbourne, Sydney and NZ you know you're in good hands, But be sure to check out their detailed fabric descriptions online and compile a list before you head instore. (It can get a bit overwhelming.)

One of my best friends is getting married, and unlike me she's left herself about 8 mths to plan…read more What this means is there's 8 mths to freak out, make decisions and change them, and pick 8000 different fabrics for brides maid dresses and table cloths. This is why I went with 3 months. Oh and because I couldn't face a summer wedding in Brisbane and didn't want to wait. Anyhoo enough about me, more about her. I've visited more fabric stores than I cared to know existed over the last few weeks, and The Fabric Store is up there with the best of them. The range is quite exquisite, and it's laaaarge. It's not as cheap as other places, but the quality is fantastic plus lots of it looks quite durable. If you're after fabric, you need to visit The Fabric Store.

Neatly tucked away in Fairfield Gardens shopping centre, I like to think if this as my secret,…read morereliable local op shop. Not because it's bursting at the seams with vintage finds, or because it's crazy-cheap + cheery, but it does seem to mystically have what I need, when I need it. New handbag, you say? Why not this neat little preppy number in vintage tan leather! Outfit for a job interview? Here, try a Wayne Cooper tweed dress! On a wacky retro glasses rampage? Ha ha, who am I kidding, you always are! Have a gander of this nutty plastic number, they cover half your face!" These may or may not be direct quotes from the store. I'm certainly not the only regular here. On one visit, I witnessed a heated debate about the discount available on the loyalty cards, that escalated to the customer yelling at the polite staff member. Often I have to wait for a long winded, friendly conversation to end before I can be served. But all in all, it's just an easy-going, reliable place to have a browse. I don't recommend doing an op shop pilgrimage here, but if you're in the area, why not pop in + try your luck?

Pink On White Walls is a lovely little boutique in Graceville. Though, I do not purchase from them…read moreoften, it is a store which attract plenty of ladies of leisure in the Graceville area. It is a charming shop to browse through before or after brunch with the ladies. And sure enough, I often find groups of women chatting and buying up in this little shop. Why wouldn't they? They have gorgeous colourful tops and dresses, perfect for the Summer season. You won't find skimpy dresses for 18 year olds here. This store sells clothing that are fashionable and conservative. They carry rare labels as well as many Australia designer labels. Boo Radley, which is a fave of mine can be found here also! In addition to their lovely clothing options, they have a unique range of accessories. Many funky and vibrant and others rare and extremely unique. This store also sells wonderful things for the home such as beautiful pillows with made of handprinted fabric. This store is truly a delight for ladies who love a little light shopping in between coffees and chats in Graceville.

Louise, the owner has an amazing ability to purchase stylish clothing that actually looks good on…read morefeminine bodies (yes realy women's bodies). She is constantly changing her stock and gives great advice on how to choose the right piece for your body type. The accessories and homeware here also are impeccably chosen and matched. You will be very surprised by this delightful store.