This is my favourite op shop in Wynnum. In case you didn't know, Wynnum has a great op shop trail,…read morewith at least 8 shops in a four block radius. They vary in range and price of goods but I find the Aid for the Blind shop in Florence Street a really good all-rounder, with great prices. Some op shops have made themselves boutique-y and specialise in offering clothes you might find at a regular retailer (yawn) but not this one. I've dropped in here and never been disappointed when looking for a fancy dress or something vintage and unusual. There's a bit of dross to get through, which is part of the fun I guess, but it's well worth a visit.

This store definitely has an op-shop feel to it however it is surprisingly large inside and they…read morehave a lot of clothing. There are a range of different styles and the stock is always different. Well worth a look if you are browsing in the area.

I go in every fortnight and the young man that serves me each time is so very polite and with a…read morelovely smile and even have a laugh with him. Great little store

I'm not sure this store is exactly what I would call 'convenient'; unless you've been hit by…read morecravings for some junk food or that's all your diet consists of, they won't be able to help you too much. It's a tiny little place so I suppose they've had to make some decisions as to what sells best, and they have decided to fill their shelves with mainly chips and chocolate, with a few toiletries shunned to one side on a shelf of their own. Yes, it's convenient for certain things, but not if you're in need of some last minute ingredients for dinner or don't fancy the idea of heart disease. When I called to check the opening times, the guy on the other end of the line informed me when they open quite decisively. As to when they close he didn't sound too sure - their closing time depends on trade, so be warned that what is listed is not set in stone by any means.

Tha Plaza's the Plaza. It's OK for a sub-regional centre when you don't feel like venturing to…read moreCarindale, Mt Gravatt, the city or even to Capalaba. It has 55 stores including Coles, Woolies and K-Mart, and a big Dan Murphys, a Fitness First and a pub... What it doesn't have is a decent range of specialty stores; there is no variety in the men's or women's clothing offerings. Oh, and the food sucks too - there's one sushi shop that's OK and the others are soo boring.These are the things that drive me away.

The Wondall Fruit Barn's always had good prices, but it's so much better now that it's had a refurb…read moreand new air-conditioning, as the fruit's fresher and in better condition, so it's looking good for summer. There are still lots of displays outside under colourful gazebo shades, too, and it's great to have a stroll through and see what's on special. The best reason to use the small fruit shops over the supermarkets this time of year is because, apart from better prices usually, you have a much better chance of getting ripe and ready to eat peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries, mangoes - yum!

If you like lace and I do, you'll love to browse through Dolls and Doilies. This little unassuming…read moreshop at the slightly quieter end of Bay Terrace is tucked between another couple of specialty shops and will catch the eye of any crafty passerby, the window filled as it is with exquisite lace products and doilie art (if that's what you call it). I wandered in there looking for a present for a neice and came away with a very cool goblin-ish doll at a price that wasn't a steal but which I was willing to pay for good old fashioned handcrafting. Dolls and Doilies are wholesalers and retailers of doilies and lace and if you're really keen, you can also sign up for a craft class. I tell myself if I did this, I could make my presents instead of paying lots of money to other people for them... sure, one day I'll give it a whirl, as soon as I get that bit of free time...

When I came across a rather dismal looking shopping arcade with a sign suggesting stores were…read morehidden within, I didn't expect much. However the very first shop I came across surprised me pleasantly. It's only a tiny jewellery store, there's no way Brangelina and their brood could fit in here. But their jewellery appealed precisely to my taste; a lot of dainty silver and colourful glass beads. They do have a website but it does the store absolutely no justice. You really need to visit the shop to see what this place is all about. So next time you're in Paddington and happen to stumble across a mysterious arcade, venture down and pay this shop a visit.

There are a few Starkles stores scattered across Brisbane, but I shop at the Myer Centre branch…read morebecause the staff there are lovely, helpful, and discreet. I have alopecia areata, and Starkles stocks the best range of wigs for medical purposes (chemotherapy patients, alopecia sufferers), as well as fashion and dress up wigs. There's a fitting area at the front of the store, but there is also a private room in the back. If you've come with someone who's being fitted, you can pass the time by browsing the large range of headscarves, bandanas, hair pieces, and every other hair-related accessory you could dream of. I've always found the staff at Starkles incredibly accommodating and efficient. They won't hesitate to put something aside for you, or call around to other stores if you're after a particular product they don't have in store. If you are buying a wig for medical reasons they will throw in a wig care package for free, including shampoo, conditioner, conditioner spray, and a wig brush. And if you're ever unhappy with how your wig is cut, bring it back and they will trim it for you for free. All of the staff are trained hairdressers. Fun fact: I know 'Marilyn' who parades around the CBD buys her wigs here. Always a sign of good quality...right?

When you need a wig because you are going to lose your hair due to chemotherapy you need a person…read morejust like Vicky (city Myer store) to make the experience a joy. Nothing was too much trouble and she was honest and helpful with her suggestions. It's a challenging thought to lose your hair and at a time when you are feeling emotionally vulnerable it makes all the difference in the world to have a caring compassionate and experienced person helping you. Thanks Vicky you are making a difference! I would recommend Starkles absolutely.

This recently opened florist is easily the best option in the inner west. They have a stunning…read morerange of arrangements and fresh bunches, including some wonderful bargain specials for $5/bunch, and a really extensive range of Australian natives which they wrap with antique newsprint. There is also a lovely assortment of homewares and gifts.

Most exquisite, European flare florist in the Brisbane inner suburbs. Wonderful selection of…read moreflowers, artful arrangements, good quality candles and other lovely gifts. The staff are excellent and helpful. This is my 'go to' place for flowers for holidays and whenever I need a life. Highly recommend!