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!)

Dissh in Mt Ommaney Centre is possibly the only place to get trendy, moderately priced items…read moresuitable for young or fashion forward women. If you have outgrown certain shops or If you are no longer are a fan of Dotti, Temt, Valley Girl, Forever New or Ally, then Dissh is the next best option. They stock some of the most fashionable young labels which are often found in the likes of Universal or General Pants, which include; Ladakh, Mink Pink, Bardot, One Teaspoon, Wish and Adorne. The store is exclusively just for women and practically every item in store is up to date with the latest trends. If you love your fashion and need something to bring you up date in Aussie trends, then Dissh is the must visit store in Mt Ommaney.

For an awful minute, I thought I wasn't going to be allowed inside this shop. I tried the door but…read moreit wouldn't open, then realised that I had to actually ring a bell to gain entry. I am not sure if this is so they can scrutinise your attire before they deem you acceptable to enter ((thank God I was wearing a lovely vintage leather midi-skirt), but I did find it very off-putting. And, to be honest, totally unnecessary. C'mon folks, it's a suburban Brisbane boutique, not Karl Lagerfeld's headquarters! Once inside the luxe environs (and yes, it is beautiful - and you can tell that they did base the opulent decore on the old-style French couture salons) I was told by the slightly superior shop assistant that you can find everything to dress you from the inside out. There's lingerie, high end hosiery, jewellery (I spied pieces by Ericson Beamon - I'm not sure anywhere else in Brisbane stocks that), bags, and of course an achingly expensive range of Little Black Dresses. When I was there they'd just received some newbies by Valentino). They only stock European designers - although one Aussie label did make the cut (Aurelio Costarella). Needless to say, the prices are not for the faint hearted. Nor for the really young and funky. Whilst the collections are carefully chosen and there are some beautiful pieces, I can imagine it would mainly appeal to the ladies-who-lunch set and the older members of Paddington's "society" crowd. I've given it 3 stars purely because of the quality of the clothes - if you're after a little slice of European chic, you'll get it here. But if I were you, I wouldn't turn up in flip flops and denim shorts...

For a taste of imported designer fashion in Brisbane this is the place to go. I visited to purchase…read moresome lingerie as they are one of the few retailers in Brisbane stocking french brands. If I had endless time and funds I would have found many special pieces to buy that I would not get anywhere else in Brisbane. The staff we're knowledgeable and I felt like they really wanted to help me find the perfect fit for me. A wonderful shopping experience.

Avoid online shopping! I use online shopping for almost everything and very very rarely need to…read morereturn anything, but this was a disaster in every aspect. The delivery was delayed, information was not accurate and no visibility to taxes and fares exceeded the original reported by over 50%! And the shop doesn't even allow international returns. Never ever again! And the dress unfortunately wasn't as good quality as described, which was the reason I wanted to return the item. Avoid this brand, not worth it!

Capsule wardrobe warriors lend me your ear. Samantha Ogilvie should be one of your handful of…read moreplaces to bring your wardrobe to life. Yes, price tags are more than your average Portmans top, but they're also pieces unlikely to be found on the masses and will last you a lot longer. Think: cost per wear. Cost per wear. Until recently, I'd been stupid and too intimidated to go into this stunning boutique. Stupid because the staff in here are friendly as pie and on the occasions I've now been in, I've felt welcome and never helicopter'd by a sales member. If you're looking for something that makes you feel a million dollars, without the price tag, and without the chances of seeing it on ever Thumbalina, Deidre and Harriet, then this is where I'd send you to shop.

I swear this boutique was transplanted directly from Noosa; it reminds me so strongly of many of…read morethe shops up there, and, less flatteringly, many women's clothing stores you find in shopping centres. It's definitely better quality than the shopping centre chain stores, but the styles are quite similar. A lot of horrendously bright colours and not especially nice patterns, with many of the items made of that semi-satin like material that so many resort holidaying mothers seem to wear. The shop itself is nice, unfortunately it's just not for me.

I think this shop is great, I only wish I had more money to spend in there! It's a bit on the…read morepricey side, but I think it provides a great alternative, particularly for women, to the fashion produced by chains like Sportsgirl and Myer. Scotch and Soda is a little bit boho, a little bit tomboy and a little bit country, meaning delicate florals and plaids in lovely light cotton. I also like their range of chinos for women and their bags made of tan leather and canvas. I didn't know until recently that Scotch and Soda actually have an upstairs component of their Brisbane store selling mostly menswear and some womenswear, a good deal of which is on sale. Access the upstairs part via the escalators in the Brisbane Arcade.

Growing up I'd give anything to emulate that Slick and…read moreclassic cool of our european cousins. Sadly not being born in Amsterdam I've missed out on having cool stores like Scotch and Soda in my vicinity. Being an adult (and with the necessary cash monies) I decided to pop into this store and appease the 14 year old in me. This adelaide st store is well laid out and is brimming with classic woman's and men's fashion. (Think striped shirts, blazers, button-downs and gingham dresses.) Although my style isn't as distinctly preppy, I can still appreciate the quality and timelessness of their designs. (Checkered shirts and leather jackets are forever cool.) And while the prices are a bit too steep for my liking, The friendly sales staff were super cool about my listless perusing and made shopping a bit more enjoyable. Be sure to pop by to suss out their latest collection, (or more easily check out their website.)

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!

Gorman is one of those labels that specialises in frump-chic. You know, ironically patterned midi…read moreskirts, boxy tops and tea-dresses in whimsical, quirky prints. Nothing tight'n'tarty here. The decore is all sandy wooden floors with animal print rugs, and some enormous, sequinned butterfly print drapes at the back of the store. It's a shame I've never been a huge fan of this label - although I possibly might be more tempted if the prices weren't so ridiculous. The only dress I really like in there at the moment is $160 - and that's almost half price. It's nothing special, either, just a cotton, navy blue and white polkadot sundress. But even though Gorman is not my No. 1 fashion hotspot, I totally appreciate the fact that it offers Brissie something other than yet another boutique full of mullet maxis. And I'm grateful as hell for that.

Gorman is gorgeous…read more The hemp looking butterfly drapes that hang from the back wall of Gorman like some Christo conceptual art piece really say a lot more about the design house than you'd think. It's a little known fact that Gorman has an organic range of clothing where all of the raw materials purchased for the clothes come from organic and sustainable farms. Most of us nowadays think often about organic food, but organic clothing- that's something else. I, for one, was thrilled to find out about this organic range. Outside of this, Gorman's collections are beautiful. Lisa Gorman, of Fitzroy, Melbourne is a highly celebrated designer who's made serious waves in the Australian fashion scene. Browsing through her current collection, you instantly see the 'design' element. These are not some run of the mill generic threads meant to clothe millions on the cheap. Her colours are distinctive, the patterns bold and often borrowing from a vintage aesthetic, and the designs are wonderfully fun and unique. What's most striking about Gorman is how she arranges her clothes into unbelievable ensembles. Gorman has the impeccable ability to mish mash the most clashing and confronting pieces together and have the end product look sophisticated in this edgy, fun, almost childlike way. It's brilliant. Gorman also designs shoes, jewellery and accessories, which are all undertakings that are equally as successful as her clothes. To have some Gorman in your wardrobe will cost you a pretty penny (take $500 for 2-3 pieces). However, buying from Gorman means you're choosing to support an Australian designer who gives you the option to wear sustainable and organic clothes (yes!). I also personally guarantee that you'll feel like the most fun girl in town wearing some of her threads.

Blue Velvet is one of my favourite dress shops. They have the most beautiful range of cocktail…read moredresses for all occasions, from a casual weekend barbeque to a night out in clubbing on a day on the race track. Think sparkles, frills and lots of colours. Everything you need to make you feel like a princess for a special occasion. There is certainly plenty of sparkle, the store even has a chandelier! There are a few full length gowns that are quite pretty but my favourites are the cocktail dresses. They have plenty of small sizes too which can be surprisingly hard to find at small boutique shops. Great to browse through even if you don't have an event coming up. The service is also fantastic. Last time I was there, there was a 'Back in 5 mins' sign on the door however a very nice gentleman advised me that the owner would be back shortly and proceeded to explain the current specials.

I've always thought the beautifully sculptured clothing in here looks as though it could have been…read moredesigned by an architect. Now I've found out that it actually is. The man behind the label is Andrzej K Pytel - who studied and worked as an architect until around 2004, when he quit the day job and launched his fashion label, SIZE. Methinks he made the right move - within 6 months, his first ever collection was available in 12 boutiques along the east coast of Oz. In 2009 he launched House of Ezis - and got into draping and folding and more "geometric" designs - the kinds of things instore at the moment. And his skill with a sewing machine has won him some seriously cool fans. He's been published in Oyster, Culture, Dazed and Confused to name a few. I love his digi prints (which he designs himself) and the awesome shapes of his clothes. I particularly ove the strapless white dress (part of his Unit collection) which is draped and shaped and pointed. Sort of like a work of art on a hanger.

Went here to get a dress made for a special occasion, the designer was nothing but plain rude and…read moresimply wanted the money. I made the mistake of paying for the dress up front, thus I was stuck with the dress, I ended up coming back for 3 fittings and buy the end the dress given to me was not even mine, but the demo one off the rack. I fail to believe how a 'professional' designer can even make this mistake and not even apologize, so I spent half of my special day in the wrong dress which ruined ALL the professional pictures as it was far to big and ended up with no refund..... I would never recommend using this business to anyone! Ever!