Much like a few other home decor shops along King William and Unley Rds, Empress exudes charm and…read moreambience in a tasteful manner. The theme is aimed towards casual home decor and not restricted to the indoors, but with class and entices the customer to take a piece of it home with them. There are some gorgeous pieces in here from paper weights to huge mirrors made to look like a window! I was so tempted to buy one just for the sake of it but the practical side of my brain talked me out of it. Several beautiful ornate candle stick holders take pride of place and stand with authority, whilst the under foliage of trinkets and whimsy items surround them. A well organised placement of items for the customer to easily browse through and no hidden price tags. Also in the store are some antique oriental pieces of furniture which blend in very nicely with the rest of the decor and whilst the theme is aimed on the oriental side, I feel it doesn't show it to full extent as it's a little watered down with modern items made to look old. But I can definitely pick up on the Moorish side of it as there are lanterns galore inside and outside. I can really see these hanging out under my balcony but problem is I'd have to deck out the rest of it to tie in with them. Yes it is a haven for interior decorators even the layman for inspiration and ideas with the strong possibility of a purchase!

Empress Gifts & Homewares is a new personal favourite store. I simply adore all of the retro…read morelooking boutique styled things to put around the home. Also, it smells really good. The furniture is simply gorgeous. So if you're looking for an awesome birdcage, Mandala trays, cake stands, or just some gorgeous furniture, then definitely make your way here.

A brand new clothes shop on Semaphore with some really nice stuff. Not really vintage nor second…read morehand or trashy but NEW, there is also jewellery, framed pictures and prints, sandals, wall decor, hand bags, a few unusual finds you wouldn't expect to find in a such a shop, etc. On face value there is a definite vintage inspired flavor I've noticed and the eclectic mix appears to work. Unfortunately the shop was closed when I discovered it but I am definitely going back when it's open, but despite it being closed from what I've gleaned it looks like my bank balance will suffer but hey...it's nearly Xmas! I have warned my other half not to buy me clothes and he has learnt over time I mean it, bless him - his heart is in the right place though. I believe a shop that works has been thoroughly researched and will survive for several years, much like reading the first few pages of a book you know if it's worth continuing to finish..same with a shop if it appeals to the public it's on a winner. I love their taste and choice in interior design / colour scheme. The square panel at the back which serves as a room divider at the back, is covered in a baroque style wallpaper, most probably from the same collection as the dragon fly one I've seen in a few shops. Looking up at the ceiling there is an awesome black light fitting and I want it in my house! Along with three silver cone shaped lights across the counter area, this too serves as a type of divider. For a change room there is a half circle shower type arrangement which from the front appears to work, this will be tested next week by me! When the shop was for lease and I just happened to be there when it was open for inspection and with my curious nature, I had to have a squiz. There I saw out the back a lovely and inviting narrow little pebbled garden...in time I predict it will have outdoor furniture of the french, shabby chic wire style. No website but they are on Facebook, of course I've clicked LIKE as there are only 24 LIKERS so far, as mentioned it's brand new to Semaphore. "I want to go to there"... and so will you! I'm a 'devotee'.

A cosy new boutique on Semaphore Road, in keeping with the 'newest 'it' street theme. They have…read moresome very pretty kimono type tops and some floaty cardies that I oohed over. The shoes were so so for me and I'm not a big fan of beads so the bead necklaces didn't interest me. Then I spotted a shelf with a jewellery range on it that was little wacky and possibly the cutest things ever. One broach was a flamingo, one a giant deer, another a blackbird, and they had chunky necklaces with the same wacky creatures on them: they were huge and adorable and I want to adorn myself with them. The range are around thirty bucks each and absolutely worth coming in to buy. Lastly, the two staff working there were every friendly and they sounded super passionate about fashion and their new store too.

An absolute treasure which has been in the same location for many years and operated by the same…read moreowner. Selling out of print books, various magazines and also arts, crafts and jewellery. I once bought a lovely sterling silver and garnet braclet from here and do wear it on occassions. It's a mini library and I can envisage a couple of tables and chairs out the front sipping a cup of tea or coffee, whilst my nose is stuck into the daily paper, a book or a magazine (which I have purchased first). If the owner has the time, energy or inclination to do this, then wow, and I'd like my commission of a coffee each time I visit thank you. I really hope Acacia Arts doesn't end up the same way Lola's Flowers did across the road, retirement or worse is a horrible thing to have to deal with! So I truly hope there is family to continue when the time comes to continue the name and not change too many things...I like you just the way you are Acacia Arts.

I've walked straight past this store on multiple occasions without giving it much thought - I…read moreassumed it was only a jewellery and art store, but how wrong I was. Yes, they have a collection of accessories and crafts, but what really got me all geeky was the books! Oh, secondhand bookstores, how I love thee! Increasingly rare, a store devoted purely to old and out of print books is a treasure trove of amazingness. Not only are the titles sure to be either niche, classic or rare (or all three), the prices are usually great and the physical act of browsing books in search of a new gem for the bookshelf is a delight. The smell of old books permeates Acacia in a welcoming way, and there are stacks and stacks of books to keep you browsing. From Tolstoy to lurid paperback novels from the '50s, there's bound to be something for book geeks in here, and the staff are also lovely and helpful.

I have purchased items from this store when I've visited Adelaide. Previously I bought an opal ring…read moreand most recently it was pearls set in rose gold. On both occasions I've found the staff to be attentive, friendly, responsive and very personable. They have gone out of their way to find something to meet my needs and it makes me feel as if I am getting careful attention. The store is not vast, but the atmosphere is very pleasant. The quality of their goods is high and (in my view) better than others in the vicinity. I will always come back here first to get something. Thanks particularly to Chris who was very helpful.

For what it is this shop is ok. It is mainly filled with cheap and costume type jewellery, so don't…read morebother going here if you are looking for a diamond. However for cheap pretty stuff, especially for younger girls, it has some great items. They also have a great range of summer hats and scarves at good prices. Definitely worth a browse on your way past or a visit if you need a girly gift.

First and foremost, it is a great shop outside. Well decorated and neatly presented. The bad bit…read morewas I wanted to buy flowers for my sister, and I saw these pretty ones outside which were $15. I was excited because this is a great price for flowers in a jar. I went inside and said that it was $15 for the flowers, not with the jar but $20 for the jar! I haven't come back since.

There were so many candle smells in this place my heart started beating erratically. Nevertheless I…read moresoldiered on. The novelty Christmas items in this store blew my mind. How do they get bits of foam and model them so they look like snow? There was a giant ice cream made out of what looked like fairy floss: incredible. This store is absolutely packed with goods, so many that it's a little dizzying, but they have some really nice gifts, especially newborn baby items and things to decorate the nursery. Also a lot of wine buff items like groovy wine decanters. They had so many of those 'love,' 'eat' 'dream' signs around the place it was overkill. Ok ok, I'll eat, why are all of these signs yelling at me? If you need to buy someone a present this is the place for you. They have so much to look at here and it's good quality and not super expensive. Especially go here if you want to eat, dream, or love.

Like something out of Peter Pan, the staff here must go mad from all the ticking…read more But as it turns, out, the guys who work there really like clocks, which is good thing, considering that is all they sell. Time and Place has an obsolutely fantastic range of antiquque clocks and is litterally brimming with them. There are looming granfather clocks, beautifully ornate and delicate mantle clocks with intricate detailing.

A lovely little store on Magill Road focusing on antique clocks. I didn't come in here with the…read moreintention of buying anything but was just curious and drawn in by the amazingly interesting looking selection they had displayed in their shop window. Once inside, you'll find big clocks, small clocks, in all possible shapes and designs... Like Andrew, Time & Place reminded me of Peter Pan. A cool and somehow magical place, great for a browse!

Cards and Gifts at West Lakes is fairly self explanatory. The title gives it all away doesn't it?…read more Whenever I need to buy a birthday card this is where I go. They have a huge range of cards to choose from, and they're all so lovely. Cards are the most frustrating part when it comes to buying a present. You want it to be meaningful but not too sappy and you want it to be funny but not overly funny. It's a hard decision to make. Cards & Gifts also have a great selection of fancy nick nak items. You can buy disney figurines which are absolutely beautiful but a little bit expensive. Then again everything relating to Disney is. They also have a range of gift wrap and gift boxes. Everything you need when buying a present you will be able to find at Cards & Gifts.