A costume wonderland! This is definitely one of the biggest costume hire shops in Brisbane. It's…read morenot the cheapest, but they do have the biggest range. Prices really depend on what costume you're going for, unlike some other costume shops that do a fixed price. A usual full costume will set you back about $50-60, and an extra $25-30 if you're getting a wig too. If you are hiring it for the weekend, you can pick it up on Friday and return it on the following Monday.

I detest fancy dress parties. Mainly because I hate turning up to a social event looking like an…read moreidiot, wearing a nylon wig. Under which I'm sweating like a fat man running a marathon. But I did enjoy this place. I had nearly an hour to kill before my hair appointment (next door at Rixon Hair) and stumbled upon it quite by accident. I think it's the only fancy dress store in the CBD (the rest seem to be in places like Woolloongabba, or the suburbs) It's a shop-come-gigantic-dressing-up-box, and the flamboyant side of me just couldn't resist having a play. I transformed myself from a 1920s flapper to a cowgirl, Alice in Wonderland into a Beatle, then a Maid Marion (I've always had a penchant for Robin Hood. It's those tights). And I emerged an hour later, a little tousled of hair, but almost cured of my costume aversion. While I was in there, I was also told by the helpful staff that if I couldn't find what I was looking for, they could make me it for me. Er, I'd love to look like Miranda Kerr, so I wonder if they can make some kind of costume to help me with that? (Actually, I've just looked at their website which says "Difficult we can handle, miracles take longer). I'll take that as a no, then.

Texts, tweets and Tinder might be all the rage but I firmly sit in the corner that believes sending…read morea beautiful card for an array of occasions beats the obligatory Facebook message or wall post. That's why I'm thankful that a store like Card & Caboodle, located on the lower floor of Queens Plaza, is still around. Much like hen's teeth, a shop dedicated to the art of correspondence via a carefully deliberated card is hard to find. Much like Suzannah B, I often find selecting a card far more exciting than the gift it may be presented with. Their range is some of the best in Brisbane and extend from classic humour, modern design and quirky.There's a card for almost all occasions and you'll also be able to stock up on wrap, ribbon or a fancy-pants gift bag.

Every year I tell my friends I'm going to write them a personal letter and post it. We all agree…read morewhat a great idea this would be and spend awhile reminiscing about the good ol' days before email. I've never yet written such a letter although Card and Caboodle has certainly tempted me with their range of stationary. Some of their writing sets are so pretty. Plus, anyone would be pleased to receive best wishes from their intricate pop-up card range. Their cute stamps, stickers, hanging ornaments and magnets would make perfect 'filler presents', the sort you would get for your workplace Secret Santa or that cousin you don't know very well but you suspect she's a girly girl. If you're looking for something more original than your stock standard newsagency range, then try Card and Caboodle for all matters stationary related.

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.

Handmade High Street throws together some really great local crafters and creators of all things…read morepretty and fun. The first things that caught my eye was a crocheted rose-shaped brooch with quite a few other similar ones to keep it company. I found delight in the handmade jewellery and recycled accessories including hairpins made out of old buttons and old teacups being transformed into candle holders, which is something I would never have thought to do. They also had one of the very lovely dresses that is so identifiable as one of Rachel Burke's I Make My Day projects, which is surrounded by a mountain of handmade things to choose from like tin earrings and very flamboyant floral hairbands that are just gorgeous. I was most impressed with earrings that were fashioned out of origami designs. Some of the things in here are so original and it's so nice to see support for local crafters. One of the back shelves advertises renting a space in the store so other artists can sell their wares. As I was walking out I laughed out loud at the cute new spin on bottle top jewellery when I saw bottle tops printed with vintage pictures and resold as necklaces. I think that's a really cute and unique idea. Another item Handmade High Street currently sells is a product by Reclaimed Records, who make old records into new products like notepads and use only recycled paper. A recycled record notepad will set you back $45 but hey, you are paying for an old record. I like what this place has going on. They've got some really great pieces and I see a lot of potential for the artists who showcase their wares here.

Kath Chownston, one of three brains behind Handmade High Street, said that she wanted to provide a…read morespace for artists and craftspeople to easily sell their wares. Markets are often exhausting, subject to the elements, and aren't a very reliable way to get the money coming in if you're selling your goods in this fashion. The internet is a great way to get your stuff out there, but still, she went one further and opened a store- for the good of everyone! For her, for the people who rent space in her store, for the person who happens to pop in for a look and take away something local and unique. For the interested artist or craftsperson- the way the rent system works at Handmade High Street works is that there are small 'cubes' (shelving space) that are $20 per month. If you do larger scale work, clothing for example, and you have a rack that you'd like to have in store, it might cost you around $200 per month. The rental price is subject to how big and how much of the work there is, and whereabouts you want it placed in the store. There's some great stuff there too. The beads by Patti Pennisi made me want for the ocean, the glass work of Cairo Made That was gorgeous, and I couldn't help but want to take home some scented soy wax melts by Lisa Macnab. There's not the tired repeat of like works in there either; there's great diversity. Go in and support a new local business that supports it's locals. Handmade High Street. Remember that name.

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!

This is a solid little fabric shop, quite handy if you just need to grab something quickly and are…read morein the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre. For quite a small shop, they squeeze a lot in and have a good range of basic cottons, satins, and stretch fabrics as well as some fancier silks and dress fabrics. I've never really found fabrics in there that stir up my imagination, but did, on a couple of occasions, buy some toga material from there during my uni days when I couldn't be bothered crossing Moggill Road to get to Spotlight. The fabric in Sckafs is a bit too nice and a bit too pricey to be used for togas, but it did the trick. The thing about Sckafs in this location is that they have to compete not only with Spotlight across the road, undercutting pretty much everyone on price in the fabric industry, but also with Gardam's Fabrics, a shop that specialises in the more expensive fabrics and really do stock a beautiful range in a spacious store. Spotlight and Gardam's get my business before Sckafs as I find their ranges of fabric more interesting. But, again, it's handy to have a fabric store that is actually within the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre.

Sckafs has long since been my staple for fabrics and all things haberdashery in the south west…read moreregion. The lady or ladies behind the counter have been there for as many years as I've been going there for school projects to making things for my daughter and kids to wear (terribly mind you). They have whatever you need if you plan on starting a fashion brand, sewing clothes, learning to sew, making some sort of fabric. Stitching even... threads to measuring tapes... it's all here. They have a lot of material to choose from and usually there are some really good steals in the bargain bin from $1.99 a meter for silky soft fabric. You can get wedding gown material here as well if that's what you're into. A great haberdashery place. It's airconditioned as well!

So here comes a confession...I love a good impulse shop. All it takes is a pretty dress in a…read morewindow. Next thing you know I'm inside, trying it on and twirling around in it in the dressing room like a total weirdo. Generally if the twirling works out well then chances are I won't be able to help myself and it will be in my wardrobe before you can say "why on Earth were you twirling around like a loser alone in a dressing room?". The Babushka Ballerina is one of these dangerous boutiques. Being the brand new shop on the strip of boutiques on Ann Street in the Valley, it's done well to differentiate itself from the rest. Firstly, it's all locally designed by Brisbane girl Sierra Ramke. Secondly, it's not just cocktail wear but also formal dresses and upstairs is dedicated to bridal wear. The great thing about shopping in a place like The Babushka Ballerina is that, chances are, there isn't going to be any embarassing "she's wearing the same dress as me" moments given that most of the pieces are one-offs or made in limited numbers. If you have a special occasion coming up that requires a special frock, The Babushka Ballerina is definitely worth a look. I might have to have another 21st birthday just so I have an excuse to go back!

Babushka Ballerina has always struck me as an odd name for a…read moreclothing store. For one the word Babushka in russian means grandma and coupled with the knowledge I would never fit into a ballerina size 2, I was understandably nervous when entering this valley store. Happily Babushka Ballerina is far from the small sized nanna shawls and woollen dresses my mind had envisaged. Instead I find a most elegant window display, luring me to take a peek inside. This small boutique offers a perfect replacement for those who are sick of the mass produced rubbish. Boasting limited edition runs and one of a kind designs, this place caters to formal dress hunters, birthday girls and woman about to march down the aisles. (And while I'm not planning exactly in the wedding market, I cannot help but be drawn to some of the fabulous white dresses on display.) With a range of accessories also on hand, Babushka Ballerina is a one stop shop for all your partying needs.

Beads and Beads is a refuge and playground for me. After all of my city missions have been…read morecompleted, I take solace in being able to go to a store and being able to play and craft and create something of my own. They don't have as big a range of beads as a wholesalers does, but never mind that, there's enough beads there for everyone. They sell your semi precious strings (between $10- $100 depending on what you want), glass and recycled glass, plastic, wooden, bone, seed, coral beads as well as crystals and imitation pearls. The way the system works is that you take a small tray that is divided into nine sections. You collect your beads in your tray, and then you can either choose to make your creation on the spot, enlisting the help of the talented staff, or take your individual bits and pieces home with you. The purpose of the tray is so you can see what goes together with what, and so the staff can add up the prices efficiently. When the staff aren't serving you, they're making beaded creations at the counter themselves. There is a long wall of cabinets filled with creations that have been made in house that you can buy, or you can use them as inspiration for your own pieces. This place is great fun, and the staff are lovely. Come in and walk out with something uniquely yours after a day in the city.

Whenever I come here, it's to buy a clasp for a broken earring or to look over the beads and stones…read more- but never to buy them. I think these beads are amongst the most beautiful I've ever seen. However, they're very expensive. This is to be expected, though, given that Beads and Beads imports semi-precious stone beads and fresh water pearls. These are quality beads. Therefore, they're for the hardcore bead aficionado. (I do suspect such people exist, presumably to make their own top-quality jewellery. Given how cheap, however, beautiful bead bracelets are nowadays, I'd think it would cost a lot more to make jewellery from these items than to buy the item already made. Thousand Island Dressing is a store that comes to mind, though Beads and Beads' offerings may be slightly higher-end.) For someone like me - who occasionally makes their own jewellery, but not often and not passionately - this store isn't up my alley. I like to look at the beads, and if someone threw some my way I'd be delighted, but I've never bought any.

There are a few Starkles stores scattered across Brisbane, but I shop at the Myer Centre branch…read morebecause the staff there are lovely, helpful, and discreet. I have alopecia areata, and Starkles stocks the best range of wigs for medical purposes (chemotherapy patients, alopecia sufferers), as well as fashion and dress up wigs. There's a fitting area at the front of the store, but there is also a private room in the back. If you've come with someone who's being fitted, you can pass the time by browsing the large range of headscarves, bandanas, hair pieces, and every other hair-related accessory you could dream of. I've always found the staff at Starkles incredibly accommodating and efficient. They won't hesitate to put something aside for you, or call around to other stores if you're after a particular product they don't have in store. If you are buying a wig for medical reasons they will throw in a wig care package for free, including shampoo, conditioner, conditioner spray, and a wig brush. And if you're ever unhappy with how your wig is cut, bring it back and they will trim it for you for free. All of the staff are trained hairdressers. Fun fact: I know 'Marilyn' who parades around the CBD buys her wigs here. Always a sign of good quality...right?

When you need a wig because you are going to lose your hair due to chemotherapy you need a person…read morejust like Vicky (city Myer store) to make the experience a joy. Nothing was too much trouble and she was honest and helpful with her suggestions. It's a challenging thought to lose your hair and at a time when you are feeling emotionally vulnerable it makes all the difference in the world to have a caring compassionate and experienced person helping you. Thanks Vicky you are making a difference! I would recommend Starkles absolutely.