Upon entry, New Farm Antiques doesn't look quite as impressive as the centres in Paddington and…read moreWoolloongabba. Don't let that put you off though, because this place is absolutely packed with treasures from times gone by. Some of the furniture at New Farm Antiques is absolutely incredible, and the stock appears to include some of the most genuinely antique pieces around. I came across oh so many things that I wanted to take home that it is probably a good thing that a) my credit card was at home and b) none of the bigger items would fit through my tiny apartment's front door. The staff are lovely and are happy for you to browse for as long as you want. You'll want to put plenty of time aside, because the store goes on and on and on and everywhere you look you'll find another little corner to explore.

This May marks the New Farm Antique Centre's 20th year of antique trading, and I actually cannot…read morebelieve I haven't fallen across this place yet. I was amazed and utterly awestruck when I walked up the ramp and found myself in this absolutely spectacular shop. Its plain and unassuming exterior belies the world of wonder you find yourself in as soon as you walk through the door, and that magic only intensifies as you meander through the quiet maze of antiques and collectables. Naturally, that consists of your staple antique items such as china, silverware, candelabras, chandeliers (lots of those), old telephones, clothing, jewellery, and bags. But the real drawcard for me here was the books. Oh my goodness. I bought a work of Sir Walter Scott's poetry with an inscription from 1871. 1871! The book is in incredible condition and the lovely gentlemen who run the centre obviously take great pride in preserving and selling these beautiful works of art. Speaking of works of art, they also have a few of those splattered across the walls. Near the entry you'll find one wall with framed pictures on it (of which, yes, I did buy one) and in the back you'll find a range of prints without having to pay through the nose for them. It's simply divine walking in here and I was utterly spellbound for at least an hour. It's not as big or winding as the Wooloongabba Antique Centre, but it's got a quixotic charm that envelops you the instant you walk in. It's like stepping into another world; opening the cupboard door and finding yourself in Narnia; it's mesmerising. You find yourself singing along to whichever soundtrack features that day (when I went in it was Abba) as you stumble across things like a Japanese pinball machine, a Singer sewing machine, and old charm bracelets. The more unique element about New Farm Antique Centre is that it's more culturally diverse than other antique centres I've visited, and that includes the Paddington Antique Centre. Where in other centres the shop is split into rooms in a home and categories, here things are split according to the culture to which they belong. I'm talking Aboriginal weapons, didgeridoos, and artwork; Oriental dressers, vases, and cupboards; African art pieces; Buddha statues positioned ever so casually. It was all I could do to not get too overwhelmed in its brilliance and breathe it all in. The lovely gentlemen here greet everyone as soon as they walk in the door, and they make you feel comfortable instantly. And then down the far back corner there is even a reading space where you can take a load off and pore over the old books in the bookcase. I'm in love with this place, and it has completely bewitched me.

I've done my fair share of antique and vintage stalking, but Eilisha's Shoppe has never cropped up…read moreon my radar. I only happened to fall across it parking along James Street one day, and I'm very glad I did. Yes, all the other antique centres I've fallen across/stalked down have been wondrous and oh so gorgeous and otherworldly, but Eilisha's place is a little different. The antiques here seem more accessible and within your grasp somehow, while still carrying with them that intrigue and curiosity that comes with looking at wares meant for another time. Eilisha's has the traditional tea sets and intricately fashioned jewellery you associate with antique centres, but she also has some things I haven't seen such as postcards that I know my mother would absolutely die for, which makes it seem like the history here isn't so far beyond my reach. Eilisha's has furniture and bric-a-brac, jewellery and mirrors, toys and gifts; it's a really lovely little place that is both suited to and incongruent with affluent James Street simultaneously. But this is a place you simply must visit if you love your vintage and antiques. She's been there for 36 years with no indication of quitting it yet. You can call and email her on 0423 830 515 and lizann@optusnet.com.au respectively.

Strolling into Eilisha's Shoppe is like walking into a room where my Grandmother has laid out the…read moreentire contents of her pantry. It is a minefield of old china tea cups and dining sets. It certainly has a charming feel to it, but tuck all flailing limbs and shopping bags away because there is potential for serious breakage action in this cramped space. Considering it's deemed to be an antique store, there's not a great deal of furniture inside Eilisha's Shoppe. There are some unrestored pieces out the back but what's on display is predominately jewellery, dining wares and random bits and pieces like old war medals (creepy porcelain dolls included). It's the bric-a-brac and the higgelty-piggelty feel to the shop that makes it a quaint and cute place to wander through. Shopping for vintage or antique pieces is always a fun expedition. Eilisha's is certainly not the most amazing of second-hand stores in Brisbane, but if there's some sort of adorable vintage piece you are looking for, it's well worth a browse.

Twice upon a time gives second hand and antique wares a…read moresecond spin of the old hourglass. Located on the main antique drag on Logan road, this is one of my favourite stores to visit. Filled to the brim with english and australian furniture, barometers, silver, porcelains and various other bric-a-brac you can spend a happy afternoon perusing the range on offer. (Be sure to also check out the beautiful grandfather clocks!) With such a good central location and reasonably friendly staff (It depends on what side of the bed they woke up on) this place is well worth a pop-in.

Twice Upon A Time, what a magical sentiment. It makes me think of unrealistic but inspirational…read moreDisney moments where everyone gets a second chance and dreams really can come true for a 16-year-old rebellious mermaid or an aristocratic-turned-servant-turned-princess who has issues with midnight. But that's what Twice Upon A Time is all about; it's about giving antiques and furniture and old wares a second life, which is the very reason I love antique shops so much. Twice Upon A Time has some truly lovely English and Australian furniture pieces. Thinking about adding this type of furniture to my house always gives me such a light in my eyes, because can you really imagine having so much rich history just sitting in your living room? I want to furnish my whole house with antique and pre-loved furniture in the future, and Twice Upon A Time will definitely be one of my first stops. There's chairs, tables, silver, trinkets, jewellery boxes, drawers, coffee tables, and an ornate cabinet that I found out was named a credenza, and a Victorian credenza at that. How can you not gravitate to a shop like this with that much silvery whimsy? I let my imagination run wild in a place like this. The furniture is beautiful, visit!

I love books. I am the type of person who likes to buy a book and admire it on my bookshelf after I…read moreread it, even if I don't read it again for a few years. If I had a bigger house, I would love to have a whole room decorated much like the TLC Book store. They have lovely wooden shelves and doorway and the books are displayed with pride. The range of books is surprisingly good for such a small space with a range of non-fiction topics and fiction for adults, kids and teens. It is a nice store to pop your head into if you are in the area.

Boutique book store. This means small, friendly and, yes, intimate. I'm not always a fan of small…read moreshops where I might need to talk when I don't feel like it, but TLC Books is the kind of place where you don't have to leave your comfort zone for a second. The staff are happy to let you browse, and there are so many great books, adults, kids, fiction and non-fiction, to take in, it's easy to see they were lovingly selected. And what do you know? When the time came to talk my fellow Tim Winton enthusiast and I had a great chat.

Book worms will fall in love with this humble secondhand bookshop on Ipswich Road. Most of their…read morebooks come under three categories: classic literature (find poetry here), Australian literature and general fiction. As you walk to the back of the shop, you'll come across a lounge room environment. Four sets of red couches, all facing each other, with a coffee table, complete with chess board in the middle. Delight! The books are priced according to colour coding. On the first page of each book, you'll find either a red ($5), blue ($8), green ($12), yellow ($16), black ($20) or pink dot ($24). Don't ask me who came up with the prices, but the system they use seems to be fair and easy for everyone to use. It is a volunteer run bookshop, stocked by donations. Their method of book keeping is as quaint as the place itself. When I strolled up to the counter, after having lounged with my new discovered book, I watched the man russell around for a pencil and scrap of paper to write down details of the book he'd just sold. Annerley Community Bookshop is as comfortable as your own lounge room. It serves as a lovely refuge from the smoke and hassle that is Ipswich Road.

This is one of my all time favourite bookstores in Brisbane…read more Don't be fooled by the rather innocuous looking building, this little store has offered up some real treasures over my numerous visits. This store is ideal for those wanting to brush up on the classics, the shelves here are heaving with many great literary titles. I bought one of my first Isabel Allende books here and could not have been more chuffed with the price ($8!) or the friendly service I received. Keep an eye on the coffee table and art books as there is usually a gem hidden somewhere amongst the rubble. (It's where I managed to score a huge 300 page photography tome.) With cosy couches and stacks and stacks of prime reading material to review. (Someone please buy up the vintage National Geographics before I do.) Annerley community book shop is the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon.

Karene A is right, those looking for a second hand store experience that earns them hipster cred or…read morekitsch points should look elsewhere for their fix. That's not to say that you won't find items that fit that bill at the Red Hill Salvos Store but it's unlikely. Red Hill Salvos has been a spot I've spent many a hour searching for homewares, books and on the odd occasion kooky costumes for a 70s highschool teacher inspired photo shoot. This is the spot you come to if you're looking for something unique for your home- something that tells a story and stands out from the run of the mill flat pack furniture. On many occasions I've found (much to my delight) fantastic crystal pieces including small milk jugs perfect for the kitchen table, vases and other knick knacks for my home. If you're in the market for larger furniture items that tell a story and have a bucket load of character then be sure to wander into their back shed area where you'll find enough desks, dining tables, chairs and wardrobes to fit any decor or need. While I've done my fair share of 'shopping' here it has also been a fine spot to give items I no longer need a new home. Books, clothes and other kitchen items that I no longer need are donated to a good cause and handing them directly to their warehouse teams means I'm safe in the knowledge my donations are not being ruined by weather waiting for a donation bin to be emptied.

Rummaging through the piles of second-hand goods here, one is sure to pick up a bargain antique…read moretreasure. While it's not the place to pick up quality retro clothing, you will find plenty of old picture frames, antique furniture (banged up antique furniture but it's all about character, right?), vinyl records, old-school suitcases and shelves and shelves full of cute little statues and retro kitchenware that all looks like it should be in Grandma's kitchen. Their pricing system is a little haphazard; the price markers seem to know the value of some of the antique items but overlook others. Sometimes I can pick up an old suitcase or port for $20 whereas on other visits the same sort and quality item will be upwards of $50. There are definitely bargains to be had if you visit regularly though. As well as lots of really old stuff (I'm full of such technical terms), they also have plenty of newer second hand furniture, linen, toys, sports equipment and a section with discounted supermarket items such as toilet paper, shampoo, detergent etc.

Walking into this place, is like stepping back in time to Cuba in the 50's the decor and setup is…read moreamazing, Saturday nights they have DJ spinning vinyl records, pumping out Latino music, there's plenty of to dance if you wish. The cocktails amazing, the service was good as well, prices are what you would expect. I will be definitely coming back. If you stay long enough, you almost forget we live in Brisbane.

Good selection but not quite what we were looking for. We bought a few things that will brighten up…read moreour house.

Holy dooley. I was lucky enough to discover this treasure trove open on a Sunday. Welcome to…read moreWilston's Lifeline Supa Store. It's a two storey jungle of rare as hen's teeth second hand wares. On the lawn outside of the store, there was a $89 mint condition black leather wheelchair as well as a whole range of bikes, some for little ones, and some for adults. The rooms are decked out like small themed rooms, in a similar fashion to how some antique stores set out their goods for sale. The only difference is that you'll pay less than half the price you'd pay at an antique store. They've got a violin for sale there for $50, imitation Chasseur slow cookers for $59 (which is cheap, let me tell you), old school pentax and polaroid land cameras (enquire about prices) and vintage coffee percolators for $20. They've got loads of your standard op shop finds: a killer book and record collection, toys galore, and troves of crockery and cutlery. It's not a bad place to come looking for some new furniture either. They've got a lot of stuff that looks like it was taken from your grandma's house, but in saying that, there are some great retro finds in there. It's not great for clothes- it's more of a odds and ends, nic nacs kind of place. While you're upstairs take a look at the original, aged and worn wooden trusses that hold up the curved corrugated iron roof. I can assure you, if you dare go in here, you will walk out with something great and unexpected.