FIRST CLASS EXPERIENCE purchasing my first, and certainly not last Rolex. Thank you to the team at…read moreLangfords Brisbane for the amazing service right from start to finish. The pure professionalism from the staff far exceeded the already high standard of service you would automatically expect when purchasing such an expensive time piece. Next time I'm back in the area, I'll be sure to pop in to say hello, and admire the Rolex's in the windows. Five Stars guys, thanks again.

I have been eyeing off Lannah Dunn for a little while now, so in an attempt not to get attacked by…read moretypical jewellery retail assistants over the busy Christmas period, I told a little fib when I went into their store in Tattersall's Arcade. They asked if I was browsing for anything in particular, and I told them I was looking for a 21st birthday present for my sister, which isn't for another 6 months so I was simply gaging what they had. Lie. Complete lie. But I wanted to avoid the hard-sell. The assistant was lovely and left me to potter around in the store unattended. The jewellery in Lannah Dunn is stunning. Simple, elegant and stunning. It's a mixture of antique and new pieces with something for everyone. I am a huge fan of their monogram rings and was secretly (and selfishly) shopping for one for myself. They are super reasonable in price starting at $89 for a small silver ring, and upgrades in price according to the size of the face and whether you go for silver, gold or white gold. These would make for an affordable and memorable gift for any young woman. Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring, a present or something special to spoil yourself, Lannah Dunn have a gorgeous range worthy of a swoon. The staff are lovely, and not at all as forward as some other unmentionable jewellery stores. I needn't have told that little lie after all!

The metal bars across the entire front of this store make for a fairly formidable, intimidating…read morepicture and make the place look like it's permanently closed. After working up the courage to cross the threshold, I discovered a large jewellery store with nothing to interest me too much (a LOT of gold). The people here are nice enough and their children playing on the floor certainly make an interesting contrast to the barred windows, but their products just really aren't my style. Now let's talk more about these bars. I will give them one point for attempting to make them friendly by having some of said bars formed into the shape of love hearts, and I realise they are simply trying to protect themselves against would be burglars (something they are obviously petrified of), but still, it is not the most welcoming site for customers. Enter if you dare.

Rock collecting is something I've done since I was a pup. I used to collect rocks that looked like…read morehearts, miniature grave stones, or just ones with cool patterns in them. The Rock Shop on Adelaide Street is home to many semi precious stones. Some are for sale, but most of them are actually just on display. It's more like a small museum than a shop. Any person with a minor interest in geology would like to go in here. They've got your unpolished and polished versions of most stones. The malachite and lapis lazuli are particularly enchanting. There's a stone called 'Ribbon Rock' which while not sounding very scientific does represent the rock well. There's rocks that have patterns that make one think of outer space and star dust. Then there's the psychedelic ones. Trippy, star burst kind of stones of all sorts of colours. The staff in store know their stones. They can explain to you why a particular rock will have red in the centre and then change into yellow, and then to green. They'll blind you with their science. They spend most of their time selling rock ornaments and jewellery to people, but they are more than happy to talk rocks with anyone who is interested. If you're like me, you'll just go in to ogle the pretty colours and patterns in the rocks.

When I was but a wee thing I made my mother buy the (now…read moredefunct) fossicker weekly. Each week a new semi-precious gem would be added and before I knew it I was hooked on those mineraloids. Fill of gems and jewels this store would make any fellow rockhead whoop for joy. From garnets and amethysts to tigers eyes, crystals and pearls. The rock shop has you covered. This place also boasts some of the best range of Opals I've seen (Be sure to check out the QLD boulder opal displays) as well as offering up some beautiful jewellery to display them in. So the next time you have an itch for some unpolished gems (or some apology pearls) I highly recommend you pay these guys a visit.

By far one of my most favourite thrifting events on the calendar…read moreSuitcase rummage is THE place to sell your old wares (or to pick up new ones!) This market is heaving with cheap vintage, bric-a-brac, CD's, DVD's, comics, zines and all manner of art and craft. (I can guarantee you will need to set aside a full day to adequately peruse all that is on display.) If you are thinking of joining as a stallholder be aware that there are some stringent rules in place. For one you can't just mosey on off when you get a bit bored the organisers prowl around and insist you stay put til the 5pm close. NO stands, booths or clothes rails are allowed, everything has to be sold out of a suitcase (preferably vintage, to keep up with the aesthetics.) I've had stalls here a couple of times and can vouch for the friendly, low-hassle vibe about the place. The best aspect about these markets is the range of crafting goods that are available. Ideal for home or to give as unique gifts and all at bargain prices. A definite must-do in brisbane!

It says a lot about a person who can take the drab concrete Reddacliff Place and turn it into a…read morebuzzing bazaar of vintage knick-knacks, home made arts and crafts, second hand clothing and other various trinketry. Yet, on the first Sunday of every month, Suitcase Rummage does just that. From 11am til 5 a steady stream of loyal fans, curious wanderers and first time inspectors wander the markets where not a table is in sight. From the vintage to the modern day - everyone sells from a suitcase. There's a certain buzz at Suitcase Rummage, an atmosphere that I've not experienced anywhere else. With a coffee in hand, friends in tow it is the perfect way to spend a Sunday mid-morning. Prices are ridiculously reasonable (real op-shop prices. For example, $2 for second hand clothing, $5 for jeans at one stall) and there's even tea cup candles hand made by another seller. There's live music and I think if there were a few things like a coffee cart, and a few food stalls it'd be even better. A word to the wise, don't just pass by the stalls thinking you've seen all they have. This is a market where to find the best buys you'll have to get down and dig through the lot to find the good stuff!

I got my small Samsonite suitcase fixed by Craig a few months ago and was impressed by his…read morewonderful and prompt service. Since then, I continued to have his help fix my handbag and saw a handle strip for two travel bags each. I'm very happy with his craftsmanship and careful design to cater to my needs. It's not easy to find such craftsmanship and a reasonable price for fixing my beloved bags. Thanks so much, Craig.

this place is also called Cobblers Inn and Steward's leather and grinder…read more After waiting over 4 weeks for a repair that should have taken 1 week, I went Io get my bag back to take elsewhere. Instead of tending to finding my bag, the owner decided to join conversations relating to other customers coming in after myself. I ask if he please could fetch my bag from the back so I could get going - and then it started. They both turned to me said they didn't take orders, calling me typical American and Trump supporter. OMG! I'm btw not American. But why would you start profiling anyone?! they laughed and said - I could see that - when I explained that English isn't my first language ( after asking them to "fetch" my bag instead of "get"). Racist. Not customer friendly, sarcastic and actually very slow - as after 4 weeks it still wasn't completed. I do not recommend place.

If you're anything like me and you seem to wear out heels and souls of your shoes quickly, having a…read morecobbler who you know and trust is essential. Also given the fact that I have a bit of a sentimental attachment to a lot of my heels, should something happen I want to know that they are going to be fixed well. So when my favourite tan heels broke recently I took them straight to the shoe hospital, Sole Saver in Anzac Square, to be operated on. The cobbler at Sole Saver is such a lovely man, and clearly knows exactly what he is doing. When I dropped off my heels he said "I suppose you'll be wanting these for the weekend so don't worry, they'll be done by tomorrow morning". Phew, they were in good hands. Behind him are shelves and shelves of shoes so business is obviously not slow, but he still makes time to have a chat with his customers and know them by name. When I was there we chatted for a while about books and how the holidays were, so in that sense there's a really personal, old-world charm about his business. If you have any shoes that need a little TLC then Sole Saver comes highly recommended by me. I have never been disappointed with the quality of the repair, and I've never had to wait longer than a couple of days to get them back. Plus, the service is fantastic.

This shop is the shoe hospital and the man who runs it is a great bloke and great at his job. Would…read morerecommend to anyone needing shoe repairs. No other place that i would go to

When I am feeling artistic, there is nothing I like better than making a huge mess with a bunch of…read morebrightly coloured soft pastels. I have been through a few different brands. My favourite is Winsor & Newton but they are not always easy to find. Lucky me for, Eckersley's always has them in stock and a really decent selection of colours too plus a range of paper stocks in different colours and textures. Being a I designer by trade, I have bought so much stuff from here! If they do not have Pantone swatch books in store, they are happy to order one in for you, although they do not have a huge range. They certainly have enough to get you started though. the markers and pens are good quality and again, enough to get you started.

Like most aspiring artists who tend to think about art as opposed to actually making art, I'm a…read morenotorious hoarder of art supplies. Having scoured Brisbane and beyond looking for art equipment, I can confidently say Eckersley's in the city has the widest range for painting, pastels and drawing. Their supplies are limited for sculptors and ceramicists but this tends to be a niche market anyway with their own suppliers. Their craft section is surprisingly decent with a beautiful range of handcrafted paper. I ended up buying my wedding invitation paper here and attending one of their cheap card making workshops for inspiration. The workshop facilitator was friendly and full of practical advice. While these workshops are not for experts, they're good fun for the casual hobbyist or the lazy, aspiring artist.