This Brisbane based shoe manufacturer deserves a pat on the back for keeping pace with the…read moreburgeoning market. I first bought a pair of work shoes at Bare Traps years ago, when I think there was only one outlet, in Kedron, Brisbane. Now there are half a dozen and one each on the Gold and Sunshine coasts. I drop into the Wynnum store every now and then to see what they're making. The shoes are comfortable and although these days leather seems to have often made way for other materials (sniff) there are some nice fabrics being used. Of course the strappy sandals and summer wedges dominate presently but there are always nice boot and closed in styles around in winter. The prices are on a par with other places and there are regular sales, but don't come if you're looking for wildly unusual footwear or super high heels; you won't find it here.

I used to love Bare trap shoes, WTH happened? I bought a slip on shoe and the souls lasted barely…read more5 months. Took them to the shoe repair for new souls and he said the soul is silicone and nothing will stick to it. I cannot say this only pertains to Bare Traps, its all brands, including the very high end ones. Usually when I buy a shoe, I would like it to last. Will it come to buying only American made, paying a higher price, thinking and hoping it will last longer than 5 months and when needed can be repaired? Too bad everything is made to be quickly thrown in the trash.

I like Smooche although it's a little bit out of my price range. The staff are lovely so I always…read morefeel welcome, even when I'm feeling weekend frumpy. The dresses are gorgeous here with a surprising amount of stock for a fairly small store. I most recently fell in love with a pair of shoes in the window and dragged my friend down to see them before I succumbed and bought them. The majority of dresses here are sassy evening numbers in gorgeous bright colours and fabrics, and often strappy and interesting, so next time you have a special event, check out the Cambridge Parade shopping strip in Manly and bet you stop in at Smooche.

Smooche Boutique - cute name. Fun and just a little suggestive…read more This is a pretty accurate description of the fashion style. This little boutique is my fav place to window shop and I have done on several occasions, always leaving just a little bit sad because I didn't take a dress home with me. Unfortunately I have not yet had a special occasion and therefore an excuse to buy anything but I will have done my research when the time comes. The clothes can be loosely categorised into bridal wear, formal gowns, cocktail dresses and casual dresses, with an emphasis on sparkles and ruffles. They also get top points for having sizes 6-24 available.

This little boutique is not my style, but it does have some cute bits and pieces. It's pricey and…read morecarries quite a few of the better and designer labels. I'd definitely wear some of the dresses, separates, jewellery and shoes, but some of it is pitched at the older woman and other stuff is just too bejewelled to contemplate. I check it out when the sales are on and bought a really nice little black linen dress and citrine bracelet and do have my eyes on a pair of shes - maybe if thee price comes down...

Got-A-Go is an intriguing little store. Everything is packed in tightly and you have to rummage a…read morebit to see what the clothes actually are. There are some nice brands and the service is friendly. There are some chunky silver jewelery, so if this is your style, it is a great place to go. I like some of the clothing, but not all is my style. There are also some handbags, skirts, dresses and tops.

I like op shops and I like to support Red Cross, so this store is a natural choice for me. It has…read morean eclectic mix of old and new, still tagged clothing, bric-a-brac and shoes, but no furniture. There's a good range of men's, women's and kids clothes and it's always worth a look. The prices have snuck up a wee bit in recent years, but whose haven't? The two best things I've bought here recently were a brand new one piece bandeau swimsuit for $5 and a little while ago, a 70's black suede leather fringed jacket for not too much more.