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.

You know, I try to be constructive. But I just can't hold back on this one…read more Op shops are not only there to raise funds for the people they support, but they are also there to give less advantaged people a means to have affordable clothing and obtain other things they may need. The Lifeline Designer Store sells your stock standard gear for antique prices. Who in their right mind is going to pay $99.00 for two tea cups that don't look worth any more than other tea cups that are in op shops going for $2.00? Who is going to pay $30 for a dog earred, second hand book? I mean, please! If you're selling wares under the name "Lifeline", people are going to expect it to be affordable, possibly even cheap. I understand that if you're rifling through donations and you find a Ralph Lauren tag, you'll put the price up a bit. People pay more for labels, therefore the charity gets more money and can provide more services. I get it. It just seems like a bit of scam to me. Really, the clothes in there don't let any better than the clothes I've seen in 'non designer' op shops. It's really all the same kind of stuff. It's probably why I have such a hard time swallowing the prices they put on the gear here. I'll say this, if you're looking to get your hands on some cheap designer threads, browse through the stock. The shop is loaded with clothes. If you find something, good for you. There is a particular market for this kind of store, it's just not me. I'll stick to my yearly donations and my fill a bag for $1 shops, thanks.

Hidden away from view in the Blocksidge & Ferguson Arcade on Elizabeth Street there are a couple of…read morehidden treasures - some designer op shops/second hand stores. I wouldn't have expected the city to have second hand stores, but they do! The Lifeline Designer store is truly filled to the brim with designer label clothes, all in fantastic condition. The prices are a little more than the usual bargain op-shop prices, but you can still walk away with a designer label item for a fraction of the retail cost. Plenty of handbags and shoes as well as dresses, skirts and suits. This shop is really worth the trip away from the mall, and you never know what you'll find!

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.

Fallow is hidden in Cameron House, one level about the street on Brunswick Street in the Valley. On…read morewalking in, it feels like you are walking into some sort of secret society with its dark decor and taxidermy at the door. If wearing black is your thing, then Fallow is the place to shop. There was literally no colour, aside from a few white items, in the whole store. This isn't necessarily a bad thing though. Fallow isn't like a General Pants experience. The clothes are beautifully designed and made and quite unique to most other things on the market. I am particularly a fan of the men's leather wallets and the unisex jewelry in cases in the middle of the store. On Fallow's website is states to "never compromise quality for price" and I completely agree. However it's only fair that I let you all know that you aren't going to fin a bargain here. Most womenswear items range between $250-$500 so be prepared to drop a penny or two when you shop here. An amazing space full of great local and international fashion.

Only store of its kind in Queensland, Fallow is a haven for Avant Garde clothing. Carefully…read moreselected garments are showcased in their amazing store. They stock a few more well known brands such as Song For The Mute and Silent Damir Doma and a many lesser known ones. If I had the cash to burn and wanted to look like an urban ninja then I would be in this store daily.

I am a bit of a fan of the Shugah Boutiques. They are a little different, a little quirky and you…read morecan find some lovely unique pieces. There is certainly some clothes you would not find in your typical dress shop. I have been to both this Cannon Hill store and the one at Manly West. Both store's have a similar off beat style however the Cannon Hill one seems to be more glittery and more of a focus on evening wear, where as the Manly store has a slight emphasis on every day wear. I love browsing through the store are finding something different, not so different that you wouldn't wear it out, but subtle things like a unique cut or colour and fabric combination.

Shugah has some great gear but not a huge range of sizes or looks. When the shop first opened I was…read moreexcited because I thought it was a discount house for designer labels. It's not, but does have plently of designer brands at prices that are often out of my range. There are lots of gorgeous dresses for the young clubbers scene but don't expect much for anyone bigger than size 14.

I think this shop is great, I only wish I had more money to spend in there! It's a bit on the…read morepricey side, but I think it provides a great alternative, particularly for women, to the fashion produced by chains like Sportsgirl and Myer. Scotch and Soda is a little bit boho, a little bit tomboy and a little bit country, meaning delicate florals and plaids in lovely light cotton. I also like their range of chinos for women and their bags made of tan leather and canvas. I didn't know until recently that Scotch and Soda actually have an upstairs component of their Brisbane store selling mostly menswear and some womenswear, a good deal of which is on sale. Access the upstairs part via the escalators in the Brisbane Arcade.

Growing up I'd give anything to emulate that Slick and…read moreclassic cool of our european cousins. Sadly not being born in Amsterdam I've missed out on having cool stores like Scotch and Soda in my vicinity. Being an adult (and with the necessary cash monies) I decided to pop into this store and appease the 14 year old in me. This adelaide st store is well laid out and is brimming with classic woman's and men's fashion. (Think striped shirts, blazers, button-downs and gingham dresses.) Although my style isn't as distinctly preppy, I can still appreciate the quality and timelessness of their designs. (Checkered shirts and leather jackets are forever cool.) And while the prices are a bit too steep for my liking, The friendly sales staff were super cool about my listless perusing and made shopping a bit more enjoyable. Be sure to pop by to suss out their latest collection, (or more easily check out their website.)

I am somewhat ambivalent towards Country Road…read more I guess they are ok, I have received some CR clothes over the years and definitely feel that some pieces are excellent quality. (I'm looking at you 5 year old wool cardigan!) But I don't really get the fascination with $200 sweaters or boring looking wrap dresses. (I guess I'm not really in their target market.) Their monolithic structure on Queen st is an impressive beacon to yuppies everywhere. And once inside it is quite pretty, spacious and full of light. This store is stocked with the usual woman's wear (see online for their current urban collection) as well as menswear, home wares and a rather cute kids collection. While the building is impressive I walk away with an overall "Ehh" retail experience.

Fact: Country Road is an expensive shop Fact: This…read moreparticular shop is the prettiest one in Brisbane Fact: Don't walk into Country Road thinking you're going to find a bargain (silly) What I love about this place is that the clothes, albeit expensive ($145 for a woolen tee, it better be made by the finest threads of wool from some exotic land) the clothes are pretty quality. You can pick a shirt or a dress up, and know that it's not going to rip or tear or weather anytime soon. In fact, I still have a Country Road business shirt in my wardrobe from 15 years ago, it's still in great condition. See what I'm saying? The rich school kids have the country road duffle bags, which are actually very heavy to lift let alone with school books and accessories... and my kids enjoy the baby stuff every now and then... which are still $39-$69 so they are rare buys for me. They do great kids pj's, sweaters and dresses but they do cost a mint. There is a level of respect I feel that comes from wearing Country Road with the public, so if you're in need of it, go kit yourself out with your millions of dollars. For me, it's a little bit of enjoyment every now and then so not to go too silly.

Fuel Clothing Company stocks predominately mens fashion, sneakers, skateboards and accessories…read more But they surprisingly have a large (and super adorable) range of baby and kids clothes. The brand is Rock Your Baby - an Australian brand of funky, edgy baby clothes. My sister is due in about 5 months time, so I just went nuts over all the baby clothes and barely looked at the women's clothes. But I did notice some MinkPink and Tigerlily. And a range of killer shoes and heels! But then I was distracted again by the baby Vans, and the Yo Gabba Gabba baby shoes!!!!

Did anyone else make the connection between Petrol in Paddington and Fuel in Bulimba? All gas…read morerelated? No? Ok, well I thought it was pretty interesting. Anyway. The salesgirl at Fuel is the devil! Ok, maybe that's a little harsh; especially since she was really very friendly and quite helpful. But honestly, she's the devil because she made me purchase this pair of AMAZING heels that make you look like a supermodel. Ok, so maybe she was actually really great and helped me make an awesome purchase. They have quite a nice little range of clothes including Mink Pink, some really funky shoes including floral flats (which my friend bought), and a really excellent range of heels. Did I already say how amazing the heels were? The do have a great range of shoes though; everything from girly flats to skater shoes to summer sandals to chunky heels. It's really quite a funky store and a must-stop for any fashion enthusiast moseying along Oxford Street.