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!

Oasis Fashion does not look like much from the outside. Located in the Blocksidge & Ferguson Arcade…read moreoff Adelaide Street, this little shop offers a range of women's clothing and has been around for longer than I can remember but I had never really gone inside until the other day. What drew me into it on this fine day was a stunning, vintage-inspired dress in the shop window. It was so pretty it practically called to me and I had to go in for a closer look. Unfortunately, they did not have it in my size but the friendly staff promised me they would get similar ones in again soon. The shop was very affordable with very pretty dresses from around $40 and up, practically unheard of these days. They had a great range of funky and vintage-inspired stuff as well as ladies hand bags to choose from. From the outside this shop does not look like much, with its outdated signage and off street location. But I am telling you to go in for a look and you will be surprised by the quality and the price of what is on offer.

I just stumbled across this quaint little fashion place walking around the city with my family the…read moreother day and thought I'd go in. There was a lot of vintage jewellery and outfits in the window of the arcade and I thought it was very pretty personally. Upon entering, with prices around the mid $50 range on average, it is hard to believe you can enter this store with the intent on finding some sort of vintage party dress and not leave with one. The prices are very good, the quality is comparable to that of David Jones or Myer where you would pay close to $200. Why would you do that after finding this place? Some of the dresses are very very beautiful and much care has been taken to preserve them and keep them in good condition here. A lot of care has been taken in making them and it's always good to steer away from the classic brands and delve into something a little bit more magnificent.

Moo and Bear is a gorgeous store at Morningside. They have clothing for kids and mums but in actual…read morefact, they have something for everyone and a lot of unique pieces you might not find anywhere else. They have clothing, ladies shoes, decorations, jewelry, ornaments and children's clothing and babies accessories. On any given day, you will likely find a bunch of women admiring the various knick knacks throughout the store. They had the most beautiful patched handbag that I was highly tempted to buy.

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.

Garnsis combines just the right amount of edge and cute femininity into its selection of clothing…read moreand accessories. I love going into the store but when I'm strapped for time/being really lazy I just jump on their website and browse the range of awesome clothes at my disposal. Their Facebook page also keeps you up to date with all their latest specials, popular items, and new arrivals, giving you a personalised feeling and the strong urge to just keep buying their stuff. There's just the right mix of flirty, fun, striking, and strong in their clothing mix, and I've never been into the store and not instantly fallen in love with something. Shorts, skirts, dresses, accessories; bold prints, bright colours, pastels, and whites. Garnsis has an amazing range of it all. There are styles to compliment every girl and you'll probably spend ages running through their racks of clothing.

Ahhhh so this is where the young and the pretty have been shopping! Garnsis Boutique welcomes you…read moreat the front of the Elizabeth Street Arcade and is the first of many cute boutiques where little ladies can grab some fun frocks for their wardrobes. The clothes stocked aren't really my style but you can definitely see why it's popular. It's reasonably priced and the perfect place to shop if you need an outfit for a festival or a cute new summer dress. Although, given that the brands stocked are popular in a lot of stores means that there is the chance that you could have one of those awkward "oh my goodness we're wearing the same dress" moments. Garnsis also has you covered if you're after bits and bobs like new sunnies, some fun jewelry or even nail polish. Despite not being really my thing, this cute little place is definitely worth a look for any young ladies who love a good shopping spree.

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.

This is one of those boutiques that sell some truly beautiful stuff, as well as some things that…read moreare downright weird. Negotiating my way through the tightly packed racks I came across some beautiful dresses and tops which piqued my interest, but in between I found tie-dyed genie-type pants and billowing jumpsuits. These things may suit the fashion forward among us, but I'm a little less courageous. Regardless of my opinion of the clothes, it is a nice store with a lovely layout and a relaxed atmosphere which doesn't often come with these sorts of designer stores. The long and varied list of designers they stock is impressive as well.

'Chasing Bow' is such an adorable little boutique and if I had the expendable income, I surely…read morewould love to take a few of the items they sell home. They seem to sell garments by designers that you would not necessarily find elsewhere. Not many items of each design are on display so you would feel like you have purchased something unique. Every time I have been here, I have been greeted by a lovely lady who I gather (after reading Meg W's review) to be the owner of the store. This is a store for the fashion conscious as some of the garments can be pretty avant grade looking, but there are some more simple designs that could accommodate the more demure types. There is a large emphasis on Australian designers which is always nice to see. Even though I have never bought anything and feel a little bit poor every time I visit, I really like coming in for a quick peak at all the designs. The lady who works here never seems to mind either and is very welcoming. So if you are after some unique clothes and have some cash to burn or are looking for something to wear for a special occasion, check out 'Chasing Bow'.

This is a much more student-friendly version of Retro Metro, offering vintage items at way cheaper…read moreprices. Extending a fair way back from where it tumbles out onto the footpath, the racks are packed with all sorts of men's and women's clothing. Lots of well known brands can be found here; I unearthed a Cooper St dress for only $10. Not all of the items are such bargains and the quality is not quite up to the same standard as the main store, but there's so much here that you're bound to find some sort of hidden treasure. The service is also very friendly; the guy working at the time was helpful without being pushy, something I think most people prefer. I think there aren't many things worse than an overly inquisitive shop assistant clearly intent on forcing you to make a purchase. If you're in the market for some vintage clothes, I suggest you check this place out before venturing to its more expensive counterpart. Because a lot of the store is outside, the opening hours are weather dependent. There is no phone number for this store, so if in doubt call the number listed above (for the main Retro Metro) and they'll be able to help you.

I used to walk past this place for years before I eventually went in. Whether I finally did was…read moreowing to a warming to second-hand clothing or an improvement in Retro Metro's stock, I'm not sure. But the stock is good. And cheap. Actually, thank God for Retro Metro. It is the one second-hand clothing store in Paddington that is not ridiculously overpriced. The clothing ranges from the horrible 1980s, the faded and almost-unidentifiable 90s and - most importantly - to the decent 70s-style clothing that's hip again. And, unlike many of its peers, the clothing is all of good quality and there's none of that musty-mothball smell. The store also boasts new stock - a few pieces from local designers with a slightly more expensive price tag (around $25 as compared to $10 for a second-hand maxi-style dress). A lot of this new stuff is excellent, and would be a big draw-card for fans of long, flowing dresses in modern prints. Inside the store are a few more zany, non-clothing items - gun holsters, books and intriguing little trinkets - and the respectful owner. He's a nice guy and once sold me a pile of books I liked the look of for $1. If you're at all open to the idea of second-hand clothing and/or cheap local designs, go here. I apologize in advance for the inevitable 2km walk from where you eventually find a car spot.