The Hippy Shop in Springwood is right opposite the train station, and takes up almost the entire…read moresidewalk! But I like it, it has a very marketplace-y feel. And, true to their name, all the products are hippy-like! Tie-dye tops, dresses and baggy pants, hemp totes, Buddha statues, antique-looking artefacts like an old chest of drawers, a small cabinet, what looks to be an armoire, plush, ornate pouffes.. and that's just on the outside! If you venture inside (where it's dark and only lit with lamps), you'll see more intricately designed artefacts, like little stone figurines, ornamental lanterns, windchimes which are constantly making soothing tinkling sounds in the background as you browse... it's really quite a lovely atmosphere. There's even all kinds of incense, including one that is made to smell like marijuana. Why one would want incense that smells that marijuana, I'm not quite sure. You also get a nice mix of cheap items, and expensive items, so there will always be something to fit your budget.

Brace yourselves! I…read morepass through Springwood only once or twice a year and this store keeps expanding and for good reason. This place is packed with so much stock, and I mean SO MUCH! This is the perfect place to go if you need a easy gift or if your tastes are off the beaten track. I would otherwise give this store a lower rating for the mobility issues around the store but I love it too much. Please be careful if you need space to move around. The aisles are quite narrow (so much stock!) and it is difficult to pass other customers. Bring a VERY small bag if you don't want to knock the stock over and break things. Go here, I dare you!

Tucked right at the end of a side street, past a dingy upholsterer and a lawnmower shop sits a…read moretreasure. Frou Frou Old & New has recently moved to this secret location from the main street of Springwood, losing any walkthrough traffic and haphazard window-shoppers. You have to know it's there now, you'd never find it otherwise. And yet Jackie, local style-icon and glamorous staffer tells me business is on the upswing from support by a loyal clientele who are in the know. The owner, Parisa, and her staff have created a haven of style and vintage elegance in the lower Blue Mountains. Here you can browse through a droolworthy range of vintage clothing as well as miraculously salvaged contemporary pieces in a range of sizes and styles. There's a few pieces for men as well, even a rack of kids and babies clothing for those looking for a bit of unique style. I once picked up a designer silk number, tag still attached, original price $350, Frou Frou price $30. Not to mention a Balinese dancer's headdress, divine smelling French soap, a funky 70's maxidress and earrings of superlative flair and vintage cred, just to name a few. From teacups to handpicked vintage furniture, bric-a-brac and accessories, as well as vintage linens and jewellery, everything is gorgeously displayed and surprisingly affordable, the service personal and genuinely kind. With regular and generous clearout sales the stock is always turning over, making every visit a delight. They have gift vouchers available too, making the experience of searching for a treasure in such beautiful surroundings a lovely present for that tricky somebody. I'm somewhat reluctant to let you all into the secret. Hands off the 50's red chiffon number in the window, it's mine...

Formerly 'Linen and Lace' this treasurebox of vintage gorgeousness has recently had a major revamp…read more Run as a charity by the Presbyterian Social Services, Frippery puts your average op shop to shame in terms of style. Decked out with tremendous flair, the vintage and secondhand clothes, linens, laces, crockery and sewing patterns on sale vividly demonstrate the life old and loved things can still have in them, given half a chance. They also stock a bunch of locally made beautiful things, including some great kids' clothes made from recycled vintage fabric. When I popped in the other day, they had a basket out front overflowing with lace placemats and doilies - you could fill a paper bag for $10. You can use them in all sorts of ways - be creative! With all profits going to charity, it's hard to fault such a worthwhile shop, and there's some lovely things to discover, with new stock added often. You could walk out with a handful of vintage buttons to jazz up a plain jacket, a chiffon dress, or a gift for a friend. Check out the website for details on the shop philosophy of reuse and recycling.