In the inner west, Paddington is peppered with an eclectic mix of specialty stores and award-winning restaurants and cafés, with the main shopping precinct running along Given and Latrobe terraces. Always a popular antique and second-hand shopping spot, Paddington delights with its quaint cottages-turned-irresistible store-fronts. Take your time browsing for quirky collectables, vintage and designer fashions, retro wares, home furnishing and artwork – among other finds.
Gifts, home wares and collectables
Distinctive gifts, stylish home wares and glamorous accessories galore can be found at outlets like Fiera, Mary Rose and ici et là (a unique little shop selling gorgeous French fabric, boldly striped canvas and traditional toiles plus lots of quirky little collectables straight from the flea markets and antique dealers of France).
Drop into Thousand Island Dressing’s main store at 137 Latrobe Terrace for the latest jewellery, handbag and home ware offerings, then stroll a short way down the road to its clearance outlet at No. 129 (entrance Stafford Street) for some great bargains.
Give your brain a work-out at Presents Of Mind, an imagination-filled gift store on Given Terrace chock-a-block with games, puzzles, educational toys and unique executive gifts for everyone from infants and teenagers to grown-ups of all ages.
Fashion haunts
Favourite fashion haunts include Wallflower Suite (where you’ll find overseas denim labels, hip menswear and cutting-edge women’s gear along with unusual lifestyle pieces such as ottomans, cushions, lampshades and arty coffee table books), Katie Pye (along with current designs, the store carries “one off” Katie Pye Vintage designs from the 1970s and ‘80s), Living Silk and Mood Paddington.
For intimate apparel and personal service of the highest order, head to Boudoir Chic, where you’ll find seductively sophisticated lingerie brands (including Aubade, La Perla, Ravage and Bacirubati) for her, as well as Hanro in 100% Egyptian cotton and Grigioperla for him.
Something old…
Be sure to stop at Paddington Antique Centre – a Heritage-listed theatre building on the corner of Latrobe Terrace and Collingwood Street – for pre-loved treasures. Here 60 dealers present an ever-changing selection of furniture and collectables in one of the largest ranges available in Queensland.
Something new…
Fantasy takes flight at Fairy Wishes, a treasure trove of all things ethereal.
Those in search of inspiration should drop into Cherry Blossom, dedicated to selling an eclectic mix of quality books and gifts reflecting the belief that life is best lived in inspiration, individual happiness and community participation.
Earth-friendly store Biome Living has everything you need to live green, from beauty and cleaning products to recycled stationery products.
Cool kids, fun fashions
Hip parents and cool kids should check out Cocoon Petite Living, Kidzone and Little Workers, featuring Australian-made, fun fashion items and accessories for boys and girls.
