Handmade High Street throws together some really great local crafters and creators of all things…read morepretty and fun. The first things that caught my eye was a crocheted rose-shaped brooch with quite a few other similar ones to keep it company. I found delight in the handmade jewellery and recycled accessories including hairpins made out of old buttons and old teacups being transformed into candle holders, which is something I would never have thought to do. They also had one of the very lovely dresses that is so identifiable as one of Rachel Burke's I Make My Day projects, which is surrounded by a mountain of handmade things to choose from like tin earrings and very flamboyant floral hairbands that are just gorgeous. I was most impressed with earrings that were fashioned out of origami designs. Some of the things in here are so original and it's so nice to see support for local crafters. One of the back shelves advertises renting a space in the store so other artists can sell their wares. As I was walking out I laughed out loud at the cute new spin on bottle top jewellery when I saw bottle tops printed with vintage pictures and resold as necklaces. I think that's a really cute and unique idea. Another item Handmade High Street currently sells is a product by Reclaimed Records, who make old records into new products like notepads and use only recycled paper. A recycled record notepad will set you back $45 but hey, you are paying for an old record. I like what this place has going on. They've got some really great pieces and I see a lot of potential for the artists who showcase their wares here.

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.

Thousand Island Dressing; ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod. My attention was split five thousand different…read moreways walking in here because there are literally so many beautiful things everywhere. You walk in and straight away there are shelves and shelves of jewellery in every style and colour to greet and entice you. They have the most incredible range of jewellery with pieces that are adorable, in particular a teapot/teacup set of earrings and floral headbands that you just can't find anywhere else. There was even a silver necklace with an envelope that opened with a letter inside. Cute! The jewellery is colour coordinated, making it very easy to find pieces you want and match them to anything you have in mind. They have bags, wallets, soaps, books, pillows, lights, jewellery holders, literally everything! The place has been converted from an old Paddington house and the fixtures that decorate it mesh so well with the very pretty and very original items. French brand Taratata Bijou is also featured and they have quite a big range of cufflinks for the boys too. You pay a little more here but it leaves you feeling like you've spoilt yourself to something special. Everything is ornate and really gorgeous - perfect for gift ideas and birthday presents. They even have aluminium Christmas decorations for the season. They cover homewares, accessories, and jewellery and you definitely won't find it difficult to find something here; the problem is settling on just one thing.

I am very sorry to sound like a grouch but I just do not get the big deal about this place. Yes, it…read moreis colourful and beads are falling out of every angle. Yes, it does sell nice jewellery that I probably would like to wear. And yes, you could probably find a nice gift for someone here. All of these positive points do not change the fact that I have had awful customer service from this place. So much that it has put me off going there altogether. Ok, so here is the scenario that has happened more than once. You walk in, there are a couple of staff members standing in the corner gossiping away. Usually this does not bother me that much even though I know it is not considered to be good customer service. When I actually go to counter to pay and actually have to wait 5 minutes for someone who is not busy at all to serve me, that is what annoys me! When you try to make small talk with the sales assistance, you just get ignored! I am not the only person who find their customer service awful, my sister has had a similar experience. Maybe I'm just being sensitive or have only been to the store during bad times, but this place needs to consider opinions like mine. I'm not asking for the best service of my life, but a little bit of service with a smile would be nice.

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!

The start of my bespoke process was great. The team, especially Kat, were really helpful and…read moreresponsive to all of my questions and my hesitation with what it might turn out like at the end. She eased my mind and seemed happy enough to walk me through at my pace. The responsiveness and helpfulness dissipated after the item was made. Communication ceased and had to get Office of Fair Trade involved to help rectify the issue. Excuses made and no resolutions offered even though the trust had been broken at this point. I relented and offered a solution which no response has been received. So they have my gold swap which is in excess of $6000 and my bespoke ring and I have nothing.

Shiny pretty things…read more If you've been paying attention to Brisbane fashion and lifestyle brands over the past few years, you've probably already heard of Molten Store. Chances are you've probably experienced the retail experience local lass Jessy Cameron has created through the online portal of Molten Store. And until last week, with the exception of a few pop-up troves (as the Molten Store physical retail spaces are graciously named), that was the only way to introduce yourself to the collection of jewellery, fragrances and stationery that Jessy sells, or as she describes them; "Otherworldly jewellery and curious gifts." But now comes the biggest trove of them all. Molten Store's very first permanent retail space on James Street. The space itself was once upon a time the Domino's Pizza take-away store but walking into the serene, sophisticated and ethereal space that Jessy and her team have created it would seem a crime that the space was ever used for slinging pizzas. The range is ever changing with Jessy taking buying trips to source pieces from the furtherest corners of the globe. Her intrepid adventures no doubt set to influence the look and feel of the store as it settles into it's new home. I'd often walked past the previous Molten Store troves and found myself thinking, "Oh that is stunning but a) It'll be too expensive and b) that's way to cool for a Liz Lemon like me." And yet walking into the new store I realised both a and b were entirely incorrect assumptions. The prices are incredibly reasonable in my opinion with earrings, for example, ranging from $29-$39 and as for feeling like it was too cool for a Liz Lemon like me. I've discovered that's perhaps the most endearing thing about Molten Store. It's for everyone. Not just the fashionistas that have stepped straight from the pages of Vogue but also for the young professional who wants a little bit of their own edge to an outfit or a bride looking for a set of unique jewels to adorn her ears on her big day or the capsule wardrobe devotee who loves nothing more than a simple silver necklace to compliment her crisp white shirt. Fun Fact: Molten Store have their own signature Demeter fragrance that you can also purchase.

Untrustworthy and abusive customer service. I was refused an…read morein-store exchange for a dress with tags and receipt simply because it was bought online paid via PayPal even though it was bought a few days earlier. I was then forced to attempt an online exchange, where they tried to charge me an additional fee. After I complained, I was passed between multiple AI agents for weeks, repeatedly answering pointless questions, only to be told after 20 days that the issue would be escalated to a human. No human ever replied. By the time I opened a PayPal dispute, I was told it was too late to appeal due to the delays they caused. This feels deliberately obstructive and designed to make customers give up. I won't shop here again

Do not buy from this store online. I paid for an item nearly 3 weeks ago and still have not…read morereceived it. I have tried 'contact us' through their online portal 8-10 times and keep getting fobbed off. I have provided them with screenshots of my order, invoice, order number, proof of payment and I keep getting a response that there is 'no order associated with my account?'. However, they have my money????? I actually thought Cue / Veronika Maine were reputable providers. Its theft and I'm on the brink of making a formal complaint to the Consumer ombudsman. This is incredibly frustrating and disappointing.

This is my epicentre of craft. My novice skills have stemmed…read morefrom visits to this store and now Bernina Centre has become my sewing port of call. When I'm in the chermside area, I come here to ogle the new machines, get project ideas, buy replacement needles and get valuable advice from the helpful and knowledgeable staff. If you are a novice or an enthusiast, I guarantee you will find something to your liking in this great store.

Fabulous service, highly recommend this store. I had my Bernina Record 730 machine fixed here…read more Thanks Martin & Sharon

Jane is my favourite seamstress, be. Jane's alteration work is extremely detail oriented and very…read moreprofessional. Jane took the time to really find out what I was looking for and the finished product reflected. My alteration needed a very skilful seamstress and I was amazed at how much effort Jane went to above and beyond to make my beautiful winter coat perfect. The alteration was very reasonable, the work was carried out quickly and I received a text notifying me it was ready - simple but highly effective process. I will be only getting my alterations at HosiKozi. Jenny on the desk was friendly, helpful and a boon for this business. Helen

Established in the late 80's, HosiKozi is the leading store…read morefor quality uniforms. What's great about these guys is that they offer NO minimum's on your order. So if you only require one uniform (or need a replacement) HosiKozi will happily process your purchase. These guys specialise in school uniforms, and they also stock the various paraphernalia required for the start of the school year. (Think socks, shoes, hair ties and the like.) While the location puts this store in relative isolation, It's well worth a trek out to pick up some quality threads for your school or business.

I first saw this accessories store while shopping in Sydney. I was impressed then and I'm impressed…read morenow. Especially by the fact that they're in Brissy too. Yippy. I don't think the accessories here are of really high quality, but for random day-to-day use, it is worth buying up here. As trends change fast these days, so does the merchandise in this store. This is a good thing! They don't necessarily just get rid of the older stock, it will just fizzle and then there's a sale and then... BOOM! New hot smack bang in the front and centre of the store. Luring all who dare to get tempted, through its doors. I am more than happy for this store to tempt me. They have such a great range of dress-up accessories and best of all, they are cheap. Not cheap in an nasty way, far from it. The jewellery and bags sold here are of the latest trends and fashion, just done at wonderfully welcoming prices. Easy on the wallet and easy on the eye! I would describe this store a bit like a Topshop. It attracts a market of trendy, young and hip peeps. What I would hate to see happen is this store turn into a Diva. Ick. But I doubt that will happen. The store layout is great and ambience created by the dim lighting and the darker paint shades really sets it apart from the Diva's and other tacky accessories store.

First off i have to say this store is probably my go to store for accessories. I love following the…read morelatest trends but i find most stores to be over priced and cheap quality But with Colette Accessories i find it to be the complete opposite. They have great prices and great quality stuff. Out of all the times i have been here i dont think i have ever walked out empty handed. I only just the other day walked out with a fantastac large handbag and nice rope chain bracelet and only paid $35 all up. You tell me where you can go with a great bargain like that. Not only that but the girls that work there i find always to be really friendly and welcoming and never pushy. They are happy to help but if you just want to look on your own they let you be I love that in a store. I will continue going here. I love this store.