This place claims to be a recycled clothing store for imported and designer clothing. Imported they…read moremay be, but, although they stock some nice items and everything in good condition, I am not too sure about how many of them are actually designer brands. It's not what I would call jam-packed full of stuff, with the clothing lining only the walls of the store and some sort of dance floor (what else would that space be for?) in the middle. Even though the items may not belong on Anne Hathaway (the made-over version) in The Devil Wears Prada, there's no question they're good quality and reasonably priced. Everything is jumbled together with no apparent system, so you have to sort through everything to unearth that special piece, but that's half the fun.

This menswear shop manages to pull off a bit of 'discount outlet' vibe while still managing to feel…read morehigh end (well, at least to me). They stock all the conventional standbys in business wear as well as some cool variations on the traditional which will appeal to the fashion forward corporate types. I went there to buy a couple of new shirts before a job interview a few years ago and came away with two shiny new additions to my wardrobe and surprisingly, change from $100. One of the finds, a fine white cotton number with a small collar and buttons down to the navel, has become one of my favourites for its casual yet stylish look and comfortable feel. Oh and yes, I got the job.

We walked in not needing a Thing. But what we Found was the…read moremost beautiful, quality menswear. My son fell in love with suit pants and the were tailored to him on the spot. The women (yes, three women) who waited on us, were so warm and lovely! We will definitely be back! Thank you for a terrific shopping experience!

This ridiculously cute shop filled with wondrously dressy evening attire (or daytime racing…read morecarnival outfits) also doubles as a lash bar. Making your way through the racks of silky, colourful clubbing dresses and floor-length shimmering dresses, you'll make your way to the Lash Bar courtesy of Darin Rose. Get your falsies applied, make up perfected and bat those lids with pride as compliments will surely rain down upon you.

From the owner: Brisbane's only exclusive 'by Appointment' Formal wear boutique. Specialising in Formal Dresses,…read moreBridal gowns, Bridesmaids Dresses, Mother of the Bride, Black Tie and Red Carpet glamour. Miss Savage is the exclusive stockist in Brisbane for designer formal wear labels: Bariano, Bariano Black, Bariano Custom collection and Lumier. As a leader in women's formal wear in Brisbane since 2006, this stunning boutique has one of a kind dresses that will turn heads at your special occasion. The owner is an expert at fitting and styling and making all women feel comfortable & absolutely fabulous.

This funky boutique is a great place to purchase items from established as well as up and coming…read moreAustralian designers. It's a charming little store, with brightly coloured clothing covering the walls, posters on the door and a chalkboard featuring random scribblings. Part of the window display incorporates a small amount of fake turf and a miniature white picket fence encasing a few of the store's items. It's a rather odd idea which somehow matches the shop perfectly. Don't Tell Fannie reminds me a lot of Mombasa in its younger days, when their shops were smaller and more unique.

There's so many of these types of boutiques that have sprung up around Brisbane in the last 10 or…read moreso years so I find it hard to get excited any more. The stock here is the usual - an "eclectic mix of young designers" (and yes, they stock House of Harlow 1960 jewellery, yawn) but I didn't think there was anything extraordinary in there. The one thing that did catch my eye, though (and not in a good way), was the rail with a cardboard sign saying "Emerging Designers". Or something like that. And the reason it grabbed my attention was because hanging up front, centre stage, was quite possibly the ugliest dress I've ever seen. Layer upon layer of stiff, immovable tulle stuck to a strapless dress with 'Head in the Clouds' emblazoned on it in sequins. Not cool, not edgy, just ugly. And it most definitely should never have emerged from that particular emerging designer's head. If there weren't so many boutiques like this already in Brissie, I'd love it, but it needs to do something a little more unique to get my loyalty.

With my severe incense aversion, it's amazing I even set foot inside this store. But I had one goal…read more- to get to the soap. Not because I was emitting a stench of any sort, but because the handmade "artisan" soaps in here look utterly, irresistably delicious. They look like frothy, creamy slices of cake (complete with beautifully decorated swirls of "icing"), and they smell absolutely divine. With names like Cherry Blossom and Berrylicious, I'm sure you get my drift. And it only cost $9 to smell that damn good. The rest of the store was your typical hippie fare (fisherman's trousers, smock tops made of Indian cotton etc) - although it wasn't as "batik" and traveller-esque as I've seen in some stores of this ilk - it's a little chicer and the ranges are a little bit more well chosen.

This double rainbow style shop isn't everyone's cup of tea. With a lot of loose fitting tie-died…read moreclothing and a hippyish vibe, I'm sure the owners of this place migrated from Nimbin. It may not be for everyone, but I love stores like this. I wouldn't say that I'm a big tie-die wearer, but I really like some of their other clothes. They also have great service, with the lovely lady working at the time I was visiting absolutely delighting shoppers with her kindness (I saw one customer decide she deserved a hug in return). As I wandered aimlessly through the store, I came across a table with a variety of handmade soaps. As the sign invited me to, I picked one up and smelled it, then another and another. They all smelled absolutely divine. I was sorely tempted to purchase one, but I never use bars of soap (I do use other cleansing products, don't worry). I've made a mental note of their range, in permanent marker, if I ever do start though.

Gold Coast's Trash Monkey have recently opened up a store in Brisbane's China Town Mall. Perfectly…read moresuited to the mish-mash of colour and style of the Valley, Trash Monkey stocks an array of vintage and alternative clothing. The store has been nicely renovated and is a pleasure to browse. There is plenty to look at and the range is worth looking at regardless of your personal style. As a bonus, the store is open until 7pm Monday to Wednesday and Sunday, and open until 9pm Thursday to Saturday.

There is something alluring about vintage clothes and accessories. It seems to me that the 50s and…read moreearly 60s had the perfect blend of classy feminine clothing, that makes me want to go all Mad Men or Grace Kelly around town. Some of the clothing at Trash Monkeys oozes this classy sophistication that I yearn for. They stock a whole range of clothing and accessories from your 50s vintage inspired dresses that I was just talking about to 80s glam rock outfits. They pride themselves in stocking rockabiliy, pin-up, burlesque, punk, steampunk, victorian, lolita and queer gear as well. The store is chocablock full of bits and pieces and you can easily spend your time sifting through it all. Everything here is quite unique and definitely different from your average fashion store. The staff are funky and great for giving real and unbiased advice. They won't let you out of the store in something that looks bad and they are totally happy to have a chat or let you just browse your hours away. The store is also open late so it is easy to go and check it out after work or before a dinner out in the Valley. It is hard to really describe everything on offer here so my best suggestion is just to check it out!

This brand is beautiful! I actually ended up getting married in a Maiocchi dress!…read more I love the fabrics - lots of Asian inspired prints, and fun patterns like babushka dolls. The cut of these dresses is usually very flattering - they are made for women, even with curves and all. There is always a range of 50s style dresses - lots of A-line skirts, full cut skirts and cinched waists. Very feminine and womanly. It's a local Brisbane brand, made in Red Hill. It's not the cheapest brand of clothes, but they are really well-made and the fabric is good quality. The city store also has a range of cute jewellery, bags and shoes.

For me Maiocchi is one of those places where you love to shop,…read morebut have a hard time PRONOUNCING the name to friends. ("It started with May? errm myoki? maykekekoke? I'LL GOOGLE IT OK") Aside from my dyslexia, this is probably one of my favourite stores to take a gander in. I love the friendly staff and serene atmosphere, the products are clearly high quality and the cuts and fabric hark back to a more traditional Japanese aesthetic. The store also displays a lot of local artists ware's as well, from bags and brooches to intricate jewellery. This would make an ideal place for unique and lovely gift's (In particular lookout for the teaset in the shape of a spaceman!)