Attention Kmart shoppers bargains to be had ! This Kmart…read moreisn't the tidiest it's more leaning towards organised chaos . Areas are divided and there are some great household items ! This is a definite stop for a refresh in your flat or apartment . Parking here can be a bitch , but don't let that stop you . Grab a donut from the dunkin store next door and praise America for sugared bread , cheap on-trend knick knacks and Jesus .

I'd really rather you didn't know about this Dove Shop. So please, go ahead and read this review,…read moreand then erase all memory of its contents. I think it's for the best. The St Helier's Dove Shop only has stock that's in totally pristine condition. Seriously, you won't find a posher op shop in Auckland. It's really nice and not at all stinky. You can pick up the most amazing stuff here, from men's and women's clothing, to furniture, homewares, kids' clothing, and games. It's not a matter of luck finding something you like, or something in good condition, the only gamble is getting stuff in the right size, so I end up buying something almost every time I visit. Also, the staff are really nice and onviously volunteering for a really great cause - the Eastern Bays Hospice. The prices reflect the quality of the stock here, but they're still extremely reasonable, and hey, it's put to excellent use.

As far as opportunity shops go, I have to say this one in St Heliers is pretty disappointing. Yes,…read morethe stock is probably expensive because of the St Heliers location which is definitely quite an affluent area, however I don't really think the quality of the stock matches the prices you pay. It is very neat and organised all of the time, however I'm not ever really a huge fan of the shop attendants who work here, none are overly pleasant and are definitely not the reason why I keep coming back here. Actually, I'm not quite sure why I keep coming back here - perhaps I have convinced myself that maybe one day I will actually find something I like that is not priced exorbitantly above what it should be. I guess I'll just keep looking then...

I may be bias because I am from the shore but this is hands down the coolest department store I…read morehave ever been to! Home to Stephen Marr, Lucy and the Powder Room, Karen Walker, Black Box, TopShop as well as a myriad of rotating NZ designers, this place is nothing short of brilliant. Expensive, but brilliant nonetheless. On my last visit I was delighted to see they now also have a wonderful range of quirky terraniums and indoor plants. Definitely well worth checking out if you are looking to add some greenery to your office or home!

Quite a special place, for a morning coffee, quick lunch and afternoon relax, with greens and…read moreflowers. You wouldn't notice that you are actually in paradise. Yes, Paradise has the meaning of 'Garden'. Top Quality coffee, good cheese scone, caramel chocolate slice. Menu is not too complicated, ease for mind when you just into the sunny mood and some inner peace. Or you can choose just grab a coffee and have a stroll in the department store, finely selected fashion there waiting for the right person. Choose a beautiful day, and amaze yourself here. There is nothing more beautiful with a nice coffee I the warm sun.

Smoove Reworked Vintage is the sister store of Smoove and just a few steps away…read more Smoove Reworked Vintage is exactly that - masses and masses of reworked women's vintage. It's great that you can rock in and pick out a shirt, skirt, or dress that's been altered enough to give it modern fit (and modern comfort). The prices are reasonable too, the dresses are around $80, and they do a two-for-$130 deal. Plus, top marks for sustainability. I always feel a bit sad when I look across the racks though - it reminds me of a vintage graveyard. All the tags with the original make on them are gone, and I think we miss out on something in this way. Call me a vintage purist, I just can't help myself.

I came across the work of Smoove Reworked Vintage at Silo Market when I was getting my market on. I…read morewas impressed by the items they had at the stall as they ranged from tshirts to hats to glasses and dresses, they had a little bit of everything. The guy who was running the stall was absolutely he was genuinely happy to be there! He was one of those rare retail assistants who actually love their job and are passionate about the merchandise. My favourite rack was the $40 rack, it had items that had been slashed in half, and by that I mean the items were originally $80 but were reduced to $40. I walked away with a beautiful dress which I will be wear far too many times.

Cody is perhaps the best high-end fashion store around the Vulcan Lane/ O'Connell St for sharp,…read morediscerning gentlemen. The service, the selection, the quality- it's stunning and just-so. In a stroke of genius, the coat hangers are marked with what sizes are available, instead of chaotic racks and cluttered shelves. Already they are stocked with some great Autumn/ Winter numbers, especially shirts from the Italian Poggianti brand. The staff member was so astute, and yet casual in his demeanor, I couldn't fault him. I forgot we had service like that in menswear stores in Auckland. Well worth the short walk from Queen St to experience the premium fashion of this exceptional little store.

A little store that's been around for a long time. Cody's is an owner run affair that stocks a…read morecolorful range of European fashion for men who like something a little different. Due to its size, only one or two garments are pieces are available in each size. The service is always friendly and as a result it's fun to shop here.

Some lovely looking clothes are in Vaccinni at very good prices. They are not amazing quality…read morethough, so don't expect too much time to go past before your jeans wear out or the sequins fall off. I'm not sure where these clothes come from, but they are all asian brands (no big brand rip offs, so that's a relief). I enjoy having a squiz and the shop lady is always very friendly and helpful. There's never a time I walk in that she doesn't greet me and offer her help. Find this shop between Michael Hill Jeweller & Shanton at Westfield Manukau. It's great for someone on a budget - their ball dresses are stunning, so I'd pop along here if I'm looking for that special one night gown.

St Vincent de Paul in Onehunga is the ORIGINAL op shop as far as I'm concerned. Back long long ago…read morewhen I was an awkward 14 year old setting out on my own personal style journey this was where it all began. I still have several items bought back in the late 80s from this very store; they are (I shit you not) family heirlooms I will be passing on to my daughter. Sixties green/red lurex shift with low back featuring a large bow? Yep, I own it and it was mere measly-bucks. In fact I remember this was the place where I got my forest green faux suede belted safari jacket. I LOVED that jacket so much I literally wore it out and have major regrets because when I bought it from here circa 1987 there were several others EXACTLY THE SAME right next to it. I think they were all completely unused stock from some recession-hit 60s groove factory. Oh those were the days. Anyway, these days of course you'll find the people who run these places are much more savvy and the good stuff costs a bit more. Also the word "vintage" was added to fashion-speak and ever since op-shopping just hasn't been as much fun. I do love this place though, but you can't be in a rush - these things take time. Another thing I love is the characters. Trannies, old dears (actually quite a lot of trannies); they all still come here and I love it. I think they even may be the exact same people who were shopping here from the early days. Like me.

The dopest of the dopest. The wrinkliest of the wrinkliest. The dustiest of the dustiest. From the…read moredollar racks to amazing 3 piece 80's business suits, all roads lead to St Vincent de Paul. This massive shop actually used to be two op shops - from competing churches/ parishes. Ah those were the days. What makes me sad though is the vultures who are just there to buy stuff to trademe. I guess it's just another stage in the evolution of second hand shopping. I just try to ignore them because their two dimensional greed can definately ruin a good op shop buzz. Tip for insiders - if you want a 15% discount tell the counter ladies you are a friend of Jesus.

This Levis outlet is one of the best stores in Dress Smart. The product is good and the discounts…read morethey offer are very good. Levis don't always advertise their special deals on the Dress Smart website so if you're a jeans addict like I am popping in every once in a while is not a bad idea. The jeans are always cheap but often it is just crazy which is why you often have to push your way through the crowds to find anything here and be prepared to wait for the fitting rooms. I never bother trying them on so this isn't a problem for me thankfully. Last week I came in here while they were running a special that if you bought 2 or more pairs they are only $40 each. This is fantastic. Jeans that were $120 for $40, why not. You can never have too many, so many different colours and washes and the staff are really good at helping you find sizes. Sometimes there is a samples rack in store so you can pick up one offs at really good prices too.

The Levis Outlet shop used to be on Onehunga Mall, not inside Dressmart. It was the first outlet…read moreshop I had ever been to and I remember getting some sweet jeans from here for super cheap. These days it's in Dressmart, so I don't go here often, because I try and avoid Dressmart as much as I can. I've only gone into the Levis outlet a couple of times, and I've never bought anything. Any of the jeans that are cheap enough that they are a bargain are always in some weird as size, or some weird old style, and the other clothes that look sweet and are a sweet size aren't cheap enough to be worthy of a purchase. I don't like the people who work there either, they are not helpful or friendly. Go back out onto the main road, you might become good again.