Vintage Revival (aka Lifeline Annerley) advertises itself more as a costume store than second hand…read morestore. Just read their business card "Goth, Retro, Costumes, Accessories, Footwear, Masks, Wigs & MORE!". A bunch of ghoulish and garish masks greet you as you walk in. This place is better than an all out costume hire store because it's cheaper and you get to keep the clothes! The prices are standard inner city prices. The clothes are well categorised, but as far as finding item by size goes, it can get a little frustrating. I'll save you some time as well. If you're looking for corporate or everyday type of gear for cheap, you might be better going elsewhere. Come here if you're into clothes with big personalities, or you're looking to play dress ups.

I usually avoid places that loudly proclaim the existence of "Vintage"…read more Mainly because they are A) extremely trawled through B) annoyingly expensive or C) have a peculiar definition of vintage (I'm looking at you 2001 JayJays collection in lifeline.) Vintage Revival in Annerley falls under A and B. I found it hard to justify spending upwards of $30 on an OK looking dress or scrap of fabric, And while the clothes are handily categorised by style and era it can get exasperating trying to find something by size. The best part about this store is probably the multitude of costumes and props on hand. But while its not really my cup of tea I still recommend stopping by and checking this place out, You never know what you may find.

I adore this lovely shop and the guy (?owner) who has served me when I have shopped here. Don't go…read morethinking this is a shop just for hippy skirts, sandals and incense. I was drawn to this shop by a cute dress in the window and wasn't disappointed by the range of tops and dresses inside. I have bought three items of clothing from here and all are wearing well and not falling apart, I just needed to adjust the straps of one dress and cut a few loose threads of a shirt. I would say the quality of the garments are reasonable and the prices are OK. If you like shopping in "Tree of Life", you'll love this place. Just a tip, the address says "Greenslopes" but it is in the main Stones Corner shopping strip.

Channelling the foothills of Mount Everest, this Kathmandu-inspired shop has everything bright,…read morecolourful and flowing that you'll ever need. Be greeted by the prayer flags hanging overhead and the overwhelming waft of incense as you cast your eyes around the handcrafted treasures, accessories and clothing throughout the shop. From patchwork fisherman's pants to multicoloured sarongs, large vases to colourful satchels; there's a smattering of culture mingled with chilled out hippy in everything in here. And if you're running low on incense - there's a bountiful supply here.

I found this shop last week and I am in love! I felt like a kid in a candy shop. There are so many…read morecolours, textures and sparkles. I have a fairly small build and it is surprisingly hard to find small sizes sometimes. The dresses here are in a range of sizes, down to size 6. They have dresses for formals, bridesmaids and brides plus a range of cocktail and more casual dresses. The style is fun evening wear and simple but classy formal wear. The quality of the clothes at first glance is really good. Upon closer inspection, the materials of some of them maybe isn't the highest but then again the prices are fantastic so why not get a couple? In summary, affordable, fashionable and gorgeous dresses.

I love this shop. Plenty of fun stuff for girls. A limited range of clothing, lots of jewelry and…read morevarious gift items.

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.

Handmade High St is a store with a mighty good message…read morebehind it. One of the owners was so exasperated with the retail scene and the numerous corporations gulping down the majority market share, they created a space to support that struggling artist or crafter. And Handmade high st was born. Unlike other stores that charge extortionate commission rates, Handmade high st keep the rent low which enables the artist to make a good return on their pieces. Having opened in december the business is just starting out so may appear a bit barebones at times, But it is well worth a dig around. All tastes are catered to with this store selling wares that range from delicious teas, bows and teeshirts to pretty dresses, stuffed toys, baby clothes and delightful jewellery. Support local and check out Handmade High St.

Unbeknownst to many is that Gladstone- Annerley Road, the forgettable stretch of road that connects…read moreWest End to Annerley, is in fact home to a few of Brisbane's hot spots. Its Vintage Darling is such a place. Its Vintage Darling is a particularly charming store, but because it's placed on a main road, it often gets missed by car go-ers. It's quite an unassuming place, and there's not many quick and easy parking spots if you do catch a glimpse of it. It's young owner has gone to great lengths to make the décor resemble an era long gone. She is powdered and picture perfect, not a hair out of place. Everything in the store is immaculately presented. You do not frantically rummage through her store, you peruse. While you're browsing, you can also ask for a organic free trade coffee ($3), which will be made in the 'kitschenette'. When you find something you like and you're testing out your new found dream threads, the owner jumps right in there with her own two cents worth. It's like serendipitously finding a new trusted fashionista sister to shop with. Yes, she wants you to buy her wears, but I truly believe she also wants you to walk out with something sensational. What's more is that Its Vintage Darling has become an irregular venue for live music as well. Sometimes a live music 'sale' day will happen, which will make you think all of your christmases have come at once. Bring a fair wad of cash with you. It's not an overly expensive vintage store (some op shops in the area have similar prices but the stock here is much better), but you might want to have more dosh in your pocket because there are just so many pretties in store.

Sip on a fresh, hot latte while browsing racks of dresses and reading vintage magazines (10 tips on…read morebeing a good housewife!)? Sign me up. It's Vintage Darling is one of my fave vintage shops. Not only is the name fun to say (It's vintage, dahling) but the staff are sweet, friendly and make a mean cappuccino. It's Vintage Darling has a lovely tiny retro kitchen and coffee machine, as well as a bit of lounge and outdoor seating so you can get a caffeine hit while browsing the retro-wares. There's usually a good range of 80s and 90s grunge, quite a bit of men's stock and on occasion, a lovely 50s or 60s dress. I got a divine 40s gown from there once, and for under $100, so they are well-priced. But best of all is the bargain bins - there are treasures to be found if you're willing to dig and most are under $10. Check it out!

This store is among the many in the op-shop drag of Annerley,…read moreand while it isn't the best I've come across it still packs a hefty vintage punch. What I relish most about entering an op shop like the Asthma Foundation is the little thrill of not knowing what exactly I will find. There are the usual thrift store finds; dubious stained polo shirts, crinkly business attire and old jewelry, but if you persevere you may find the odd clothing gem or two. And while this store hasn't yielded me as many bountiful bargains as its ipswich road brother and sisters, I still very much enjoy lusting over the piles of fur stoles and jackets and the groaning retro rack on hand. Well worth a gander when out and about in Annerley.

This op-shop may be in an up and coming suburb, but for now it's a diamond in the rough that packs…read morea punch. Here you'll find primarily fashion vintage and thrift finds and minimal housewares. It is small but don't let that deter you - there are still plenty of treasures to be discovered.

There are a few places like this I've come across in Sunnybank. Little boutiques I discovered…read moreaccidentally, hidden among a crowd of less inviting shops, full of less interesting merchandise. Julia has done a great job with her collection; the store is a decent size and it's packed with loads of adorable dresses. Looking at the labels most of them are imported. The prices are average and while the quality of some of the garments strikes me as a little questionable (it's the vibe of the thing), it's a great store and one that I will certainly be returning to.