If you haven't been to Apartment before, it can be a little task to find. On the first level of a…read morebuilding that looks like it would be filled with, well, apartments, is this men's clothing store. It was recommended to me by a friend when I said I was in a pickle finding something for my partner for Christmas. Although I didn't find anything this time I will definitely be taking him to Apartment to check it out for himself. The long thin store stock designs mostly from Japan, as well as men's shoes, magazines, hair products and cologne. The clothing is functional and funky. Don't be fooled though, they put all the small sizes on the racks but there are more at the back of the store. There's usually only one or two of the same item hung up at the same time. Despite the high prices, these are the kinds of clothes you can't really find anywhere else in Brisbane. If you are a fashion forward young man, or you have one in your life, I definitely suggest giving Apartment a look. Don't be overwhelmed with the prices, because these kinds of clothes are investment pieces that will last a life time if looked after.

Apartment is one of the only decent men's clothing stores left in Brisbane, this store is hidden…read moreaway on Charlotte street (hiding from the fast fashion peasants perhaps), and sells brands that are hard to find outside of Melbourne/in Australia. A lot of their products are imported directly from Japan; Neighborhood, W Taps, Comme des Garcons and Head Porter to name a few brands. Prices reflect the quality and exchange rates of the garments so save up your pennies and buy yourself some premium threads from Apartment.

This menswear shop manages to pull off a bit of 'discount outlet' vibe while still managing to feel…read morehigh end (well, at least to me). They stock all the conventional standbys in business wear as well as some cool variations on the traditional which will appeal to the fashion forward corporate types. I went there to buy a couple of new shirts before a job interview a few years ago and came away with two shiny new additions to my wardrobe and surprisingly, change from $100. One of the finds, a fine white cotton number with a small collar and buttons down to the navel, has become one of my favourites for its casual yet stylish look and comfortable feel. Oh and yes, I got the job.

We walked in not needing a Thing. But what we Found was the…read moremost beautiful, quality menswear. My son fell in love with suit pants and the were tailored to him on the spot. The women (yes, three women) who waited on us, were so warm and lovely! We will definitely be back! Thank you for a terrific shopping experience!

I recommend you only shop at this store in person, and not make online purchases. The 2 stars are…read morefor my in person experience. I would give zero stars for my online retail experience. I purchased a number of items online for a trip I had in 5.5 weeks. After 2 weeks of seeing they had not yet even been sub to be shipped out, I wrote them an email. They wrote back saying they would ship my things out, but that they no longer had a number of the items in stock - and could they pick some items for me? I wish I had said no, but I agreed as long as they could get the shipment out that day. What they should have done, the professional thing to do, would have been to refund me for the items they no longer had in stock and offered to expedite my shipping. It has now been 4 weeks since I put in the order. I have not received my items. I imagine I'll receive them in a week or two, when I no longer have need of the items I ordered. The store is a cute local shop - they do not have the customer service skills to being doing retail on a global scale.

Pushing the unassuming heavy glass door on Winn St you step…read moreinto a little store called the Outpost. Now it's a little tough for me to define this space. Do I talk about the collection of Zines and Mag's I have perused here on many an occasion? The range of amazing woman's clothing I have lusted over? The art events they have hosted? Or the friendly staff I've had good chats with? it is a bit more than your average retail space. I've been coming here for a while and I love their sourced and curated collection of eclectic designs from artists around the globe. Definitely worth a gander if you are valley side!

This is a much more student-friendly version of Retro Metro, offering vintage items at way cheaper…read moreprices. Extending a fair way back from where it tumbles out onto the footpath, the racks are packed with all sorts of men's and women's clothing. Lots of well known brands can be found here; I unearthed a Cooper St dress for only $10. Not all of the items are such bargains and the quality is not quite up to the same standard as the main store, but there's so much here that you're bound to find some sort of hidden treasure. The service is also very friendly; the guy working at the time was helpful without being pushy, something I think most people prefer. I think there aren't many things worse than an overly inquisitive shop assistant clearly intent on forcing you to make a purchase. If you're in the market for some vintage clothes, I suggest you check this place out before venturing to its more expensive counterpart. Because a lot of the store is outside, the opening hours are weather dependent. There is no phone number for this store, so if in doubt call the number listed above (for the main Retro Metro) and they'll be able to help you.

I used to walk past this place for years before I eventually went in. Whether I finally did was…read moreowing to a warming to second-hand clothing or an improvement in Retro Metro's stock, I'm not sure. But the stock is good. And cheap. Actually, thank God for Retro Metro. It is the one second-hand clothing store in Paddington that is not ridiculously overpriced. The clothing ranges from the horrible 1980s, the faded and almost-unidentifiable 90s and - most importantly - to the decent 70s-style clothing that's hip again. And, unlike many of its peers, the clothing is all of good quality and there's none of that musty-mothball smell. The store also boasts new stock - a few pieces from local designers with a slightly more expensive price tag (around $25 as compared to $10 for a second-hand maxi-style dress). A lot of this new stuff is excellent, and would be a big draw-card for fans of long, flowing dresses in modern prints. Inside the store are a few more zany, non-clothing items - gun holsters, books and intriguing little trinkets - and the respectful owner. He's a nice guy and once sold me a pile of books I liked the look of for $1. If you're at all open to the idea of second-hand clothing and/or cheap local designs, go here. I apologize in advance for the inevitable 2km walk from where you eventually find a car spot.

On Vulture Street just up from The Cupcake Parlour and before the strangely out of place Asian…read moregrocer sits 'The Happy Cabin'. Walking through the doors you're greeted by a carefully collected emporium of unique, kitsch and Etsy-esque wares. The stores motto says: "A haven for sexy lumberjacks, dorky girls and lovers of worldly design and trinketry." Couldn't have said it better myself. There's the mint green brogues, the gold boots, Field Notes pencils and notebooks and a geometric print onesie that I imagine is only able to be worn by a Ginger bearded man with a fox hat on his head. As I'm distracted by the wonderful eye candy within this absolutely happy cabin I chatter with the owner's partner, Jaime and this is all part of the experience. It is so inviting and homely, as a cabin might be, and I want to pull up a chair, grab a coffee and continue nattering away. Truth be told, the space would be rather fitting for a in-store cafe and maybe even a roasty faux fire to give a true cabin feel. And points to the owners for creating a store where you walk out feeling happy, creative, embracing your dorkiness and plotting how you might acquire a few more things from their range. Joining venues like The End, I think The Happy Cabin will be one of the first in a line of new additions to West End that will only add to the revitalisation of this end of Vulture Street.

The Happy Cabin have been picky and choosy with their stock, not having a ridiculously large range…read morebut being 100% behind every item they've decided to sell. I was pleased to correctly identify the shoes and bags as coming from ex-Etsy store Golden Ponies, where everything is beautifully handmade in Mexico. The gent behind the counter informed me that almost everything in the Happy Cabin comes from Etsy sellers, so that's pretty great. Having such a small and hand-picked collection of wares, I'd love to see a couple of plus-size items on the racks too. There are only so many bags, shoes and notebooks I can pick up while glancing at the stacks of clothes racks I can't buy from. Speaking of notebooks, though... I'm a stationery addict, and I couldn't leave without letting myself buy the limited edition National Crop Edition of Field Notes memo books. It was nice to observe that there isn't a ridiculous retail markup on any of the items in store, either - stay off etsy and just visit the Happy Cabin, Brisbane.

This is quite an odd store that I found while searching in vain for a Christmas present for the men…read morein my family. Really, why must they be so difficult? I suppose this is not the appropriate place for my tantrum, so let's move on. This store comes across as a little of a disorganised jumble, but once you get past that you realise that it actually stocks a lot of well-known brands. Basically any form of men's clothing you are after, you can find here. There is work wear, formal wear and casual wear, along with lots of the most popular surfing brands. When I was there it was busy, full of men of different ages attempting to withhold the right to choose their entire wardrobe from their wives. Even though I didn't particularly like the setup, the staff were courteous and helpful, and there's no denying there was a lot of good stuff to choose from.

I first went to David's Mensland years ago, because it was near my then work. I'm a bit on the…read morecheap side and don't usually wander into shops unless there's a sale on and I have to say I've picked up some great bargains for my Dad and partner there at times - like a couple of Italian dress shirts at about 75 percent off for under $30 each; golf shirts, jeans... there's always something on the racks outside. That's the grown up side of the shop. then there's Cylinder Surf Cleveland, a more recent addition to the store. They are adjoined, so you walk from one section to the other internally, but what a difference. Cylinder Surf is for guys and girls, and is on the corner of Bloomfield Arcade, so long windows on two sides are filled with cool surf gear. I like the summer and winter sales, when I've picked up some great Roxy gear, boots, bags, jumpers, tops, at really good prices. The range of stock is good for a relatively small store.

This would have to be one of the most beautifully preserved arcades in Brisbane. With it's olden…read moreday atmosphere, you'd expect the shopping there to be a little but classier, a cut above the rif-raf out on Queen Street, but I find it a bit pretentious, particularly the upper gallery. Looking in jewelery stores up there recently, I felt very alienated by icy shopkeepers. Also, there's quite a few empty stores up there which makes me think businesses might struggle up there. Down the bottom is more lively, with a lovely tea shop, selling a large range of tea pots; jewelery stores; and bridal shops. With the exception of the cheap and nasty accessory store, Colette, at the Queen Street entrance of the arcade, the shops in here require you to have money to spend (or at least pretend you have money to spend). Best not to rock up in your Havianas--it won't help things with the already snooty shop keepers.

I love this arcade, I wish every arcade in Brisbane was like this…read more The architecture has a renaissance feel about it that makes you feel like you have just stepped into old European hotel lobby or opulent castle foyer. Its the sort of place most people probably go to look and admire rather than shop but in saying that it is home to some of Brisbane's most awarded retailers especially if you are after jewelery or bridal wear. If you are looking for a unique gift or something for the person who has everything this place is your treasure trove. I particularly love looking at all the beautiful time pieces in the Vintage watch shop and pens right next door.

Swop fills a gap sorely needed in Brisbane. Where Sydney is peppered with boutique vintage clothing…read morestores, Brisbane tends to have clothing collections mothballed in the dark corners of antique furniture and collectibles warehouses. While Swop advertises that they will take high end or trendy fashion, when you get up the stairs you will definitely feel you stepped back in time. A sweep of the hand over any track will give you sensations of old: Terry toweling dresses, velour pants and jackets, fur collars, stiff gloweave, lame by the kilometre, rustic polyesters (you know what i mean! Polyesters just don't feel that way now!!!) and linen linen linen. Swop is perfection. There will be no mothballed or mustiness here. Every thing is laid out logically and aesthetically. It's uncluttered but well stocked. The men's section is at least a third of the store (speak to any man who frequents op shops... A 1:2 ratio is extraordinary). Don't expect op shop prices, and good on em too. The better run Swop is the longer we get to shop there. I spotted two fantastic condition retro wool coats at $40 and $60, and a classic symmetrical equestrian theme scarf for $20. So again, realistic prices to run their business, but of course they only stock good quality and interesting items. You will find: clothes, hats, shoes, bags, belts, denim, leather. Probably more but I'll have to find out another day.

Really nice VINTAGE clothing just a bit more pricey than I thought. Plays really good music and…read moregreat overall vibe. I recommend going if you're looking for shirts, dresses or hats :)

I have no excuse for wearing generic t-shirts now that I've discovered T-bar. Their business model…read moreis based around printing the designs and illustrations of local and international artists onto the humble cotton t-shirt. Each t-shirt is a limited edition print so you have to make up your mind quickly or regret it forever. The sales assistant told me that they usually get twenty of each design which gets replaced every week. At $40 a shirt, $60 for two shirts and $99 for three shirts, it's a pretty good deal for an original design. For budding graphic design artists, there's an opportunity to submit your design to T-bar by following the link on their website: http://www.t-bar.com.au/become-artist Unfortunately, I wasn't keen on any of the t-shirt designs on the day that I visited but I will definitely be back. T Bar regularly features a couple of my favourite designers Yahska Steiner and Kristopher Ho.

If any shop is ever going to do itself justice, it's a shop about T-Shirts called T-Bar. I walked…read moreright past it as a matter of fact, but then I stopped, reversed and walked backwards... pretty cool as my son would say. And best of all, all they sell are T-Shirts! Nothing pretentious here. With phrases like 'in dog we trust' and 'reduce CO2 emissions, don't burp' how could you not want a shirt here? Apparently mine is a limited edition as well, sweet! Now if I can only find that washed out Darth Vader one for my husband's inner nerd. The best thing is, the shirts are super soft to wear and come in both girls and boy sizes.

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.