You beauty. If you love fashion full stop, and/or you're wanting to give your stunning wardrobe a…read morebeautiful facelift; then I highly recommend this shop. Ussed & Abbussed The Department Store is one of Sydney's best kept secrets when it comes to new and vintage clothes, shoes, jewellery, and accessories. Ussed & Abbussed is located at Cremorne (just off Neutral Bay), only minutes from the city behind McDonald's, and past one of Sydney's most popular private schools. A previous writing assignment (while I was a freelance writer before becoming a doctor) brought this place to my attention, and the awesomeness of Ussed & Abbussed has got me hooked on quality new and vintage clothes for both men and women at affordable prices. This is true. In fact, this fantastic business has been around for eight years now, as at the time of writing this. The owner, Dianna (otherwise known as Di) founded this business from her passion for designer goods. Furthermore, Di found a way to source cheap, quality clothes from overseas, and henceforth found a cost effective way to bring them to Australia. Di is involved in buying trips in the USA, France, Spain, and the UK to name. Even more impressive, Di has a generous and loving heart. This amazing individual loves to give in many ways. For starters, the clothing items available here are available at around 80% off the standard retail prices. Di also gives about $8000 worth of stock away to organisations such as The Salvation Army, as well as to St Vincent's Hospital to name on an annual basis. The customer service and friendly acknowledgements are awesome. Walking into a store with over 2000 designer labels under one roof is definitely a department store in itself. It may be a tad overwhelming, yet it is an absolute pleasure to spend at least a couple of hours here...totally up to you. Assistance is at hand to help you find out what you need. You will walk away feeling really prosperous with your purchases. Ussed & Abbussed The Department Store also have available a personal fashion stylist, who is also an elegant woman in herself, who exudes charm and walks the talk...a woman by the name of Hana. Hana has helped me find the right dress for the right occasion, as well as a pair of Dick Boons boots that feel so awesome to wear. Both Di and Hana (while serving you here) emphasise the need to feel good in what you're wearing. The ambience is laid back, inviting, and well displayed. There is plenty to view and admire, and there is even a visitors book to sign if you wish. A quote from Hana that has been drilled into my skull...please let me share it with you: "It is not about the dress, it is about the woman behind the dress." Charm is alive and well, and both genders will love shopping here. Ussed & Abbussed The Department Store have also held special parties upon request such as hens nights, and yes (you are reading this right) divorce parties to name as well. Di closes the shop for a couple of hours to accommodate such requests. They may occasionally hold special shopping nights too. Bookings must be made in advance for such. The first time I came to Ussed & Abbussed, I brought a pair of vintage Dick Boons boots for only $75. Normally the same boots retail for $600. See, generosity reigns at this place. Definitely money well spent. Hence the reason for my rave review. On my second most recent visit I brought a lovely Ralph Lauren floral top for around $35. This top would easily retail for $200. I love it. Easy to iron and ever so colourful. I also purchased a Bettina Liano long sleeve top for around the same price. Perfect with jeans too...or any skirt. Really happy with these purchases to - if not over the moon with them. It is true. Ussed & Abbussed sell clothing and accessories from the following brands to name: Burberry, Chanel, Chloe, Michael Kors, Versace, Alannah Hill and Wayne Cooper. These brand names spell luxe and quality in the fashion world. Hair extensions and bric-a-brac is also available. Di might offer you a lovely cup of coffee too. The Great Gatsby film producers have also approached Di to assist in the clothing selection for their cast. The clothes on sale at Ussed & Abbussed The Department Store have also appeared on TV show Puberty Blues as well. A great store. No, a really great store. You will never know what treasures you might find for your wardrobe here, and you will walk away with immense value. Hands down the best vintage clothing store in Sydney. One of the (if not the) best designer clothing stores full stop. Thank you so much...with immense gratitude. xxx

Amazing range of designer brands at super reasonable prices - and the smell wasn't that bad!!!read more

If you love vintage - like real vintage not the copy cat designer vintage - then you'll love this…read morelittle boutique. It is filled with old and beautiful treasures. The old hats, suitcase, ties and dresses are from a time long gone but have been preserved well so are still wearable. The store girl looks the part with her strawberry blond hair and red lipstick pout. Prices are OK except for the baby clothes. $70 for a little boys top is bit pricey for something that is second hand even if it is super cute. They also have costume jewellery some as old as a century old. Oh and I loved the swirling blue and green patterned carpet - this is not just an old clothes shop - it's a step back in time. For vintage lovers this store is a must see.

Sammy & Sid is a vintage collection boutique store based on busy Pittwater Street in Manly. It…read moreholds a mixture of vintage and new clothing and accessories. The labels on this visit includes a choice of Marni, Camilla and Seven for All Mankind shoes. Items do not last very long in this store and you are invited to leave your details for new release notifications and they have a fantastic subscription blog for eager followers to watch out for any new items. Upon inspection each piece is in mint condition and worthy of the pricetags. Having vintage stores such as Frock Exchange in Clovelly, Eva's in Annandale and Mint Condition in Rozelle, Sammy & Sid's is proving to be a major contender.

I am a Manly local and have shopped at Sammy and Sid once - and their customer service was…read moreexcellent - they held on to my purchase til the next day as I didn't want to take it into the city with me (on the way to the big smoke) - very kind. I love my skirt I bought- it makes me feel great, esp with the kind backstory. Need to use this shop more....

I had passed this store in the car and on the bus a million times. It's eclectic window display of…read morevintage fashion was tantalising. I was very keen to know more. Sadly, where I hoped for that whiff of possibility, all I found was the scent of secondhand. I have a cupboard full of dresses I could potentially pass on to a new wearer - surely there must be people out there that have the same to come my way? But this doesn't seem to be my sought-after thoroughfare - the prices were higher than I expected, and there wasn't a single thing that tempted me to defrock and try. I will give it a second chance (no pun intended) - by definition, the collection will be variable and unpredictable, and they must be sourcing their window display material from somewhere.

Run by surfers for surfers…read more This place had a pretty impressive demeanor, just a nice structure of a building, is all I'm saying. I don't know about you, but I judge a surf shop as either real of fake, depending on whether or not they sell surf boards as well as clothes. Maybe thats a bit harsh, but I figure if they don't sell 'em, there a clothes shop, not a surf shop. Maybe the yelpers out there will disagree? Anyway, this is a proper surfshop, if not called a surboard warehouse. Heaps to choose from, and professional advice! Stocks new and second hand surf boards! This place also does the surf shop thing and sells surf clothes and accessories. As for buying a surfboard, this place doesn't look the cheapest to me. I think I'd be surprised if theres a board for sale less than $400 ish, so for the beginniner or cheapskate (like myself) I might not say its for you. But the guys and friendly an very knowledgeable, and will help you find what you're looking for. Just bewarned it might cost a bit more. Other than that, it's a top notch establishment within walking distance of the wharf and beach at manly. If you're board shopping, I'd definitely say to drop on in and take a look about.

This place has all the functions of a great surf shop. I am a keen surfer and I think I know my…read moreability and what I like to ride. After reviewing a potential new board online and elsewhere I decided to give this place a go as I was in the area. Mistake...I got hounded by a salesman who insistently wanted to show me "sic boards" that he loves to ride. After telling him various times what I like and am interested in he continued to pull boards off the shelf and tell me I'd love them....ended up telling him to stop and go away.

Every second Sunday of the month, Kirribilli Market shows up at Milsons Point. It's next to the…read moretrain station and under the bridge. It's free to walk around and shop. I went one time and saw mostly handmade crafts and trinkets. There was even a vendor selling visors for dogs. The memorable one for me was Lunar Crafts because her crochet work was so good. There are a handful coffee and food vendors but not much to get full. On the green there were what looked like to me people selling their closets. A lot of signs read "need everything gone" and "buy 5 for $5". They had mostly clothes but also shoes. It's fun to walk around and get views of the Anzac bridge, the Sydney harbor bridge, and the Opera House. Luna Park is not too far away. Parking - free and paid parking on the street.

This is one of my favorite markets in Sydney. I've scored designer clothing, picture frames, coffee…read moretables, cup & saucer sets, jewelry, handbags, shoes, juicer, books, greeting cards, a formal dress -- you name it! If you get hungry, there are tons of food vendors. Personally, I have only had the gozleme, which I quite enjoyed. A Turkish concoction which can only be described as a spinach Taco Bell Crunchwrap with lemon on top. I actually planned my vacations so that I could be here on the fourth Saturday of the month -- while both living in Sydney and visiting. I believe they have an extra market in December (or maybe they move the date?). It also happens to be located in one of the more picturesque spots in Sydney, great view of the Harbour Bridge! Anyway, it is conveniently located next to the Kirribilli train station and once you're done, there are tons of cafes to check out, grab a flat white and admire your wares.

Leona Edmiston is a landmark name in Australian fashion. Her pieces regularly feature on the red…read morecarpet and are the subject of the fashion elite's adoration due to their sleek, vibrant and versatile nature. But how can we mere mortals access these garments? Well, Leona has thought of that. In this shop, and in its sister store in Balmain, the unsold items from past collections are on offer at greatly reduced prices. You might worry that that means they're slightly outdated pieces but one of the advantages of Leona Edmiston's pieces are that they are brilliantly timeless. I found that she is particularly good at designing bold printed wrap dresses which would be both wearable as a show-stopping daytime number or as an elegant evening dress. The shop is nicely laid out too with a boutique-y table set in the centre under a chandelier and embroidered chairs by the changing rooms. Shopping here makes you feel pretty special!

The Beatniks & Bohemians Op Shop provides all important funding for the Wayside Chapel charity…read moregroup. This charity offers support for the homeless, victims of abuse, those who suffer from mental health issues and those with substance addictions. But it ain't no average charity shop. Gone are the stuffy window displays and lingering smells of cat, instead this shop has been designed as a bohemian treasure trove. The bright red walls are plastered in posters and art, while the shop assistants look unashamedly dedicated to a slightly 70s look! Everyone that wandered in and out were welcomed as though they were old acquaintances stopping by for a wee chat and some goofing around with fancy dress. Sadly the majority of the clothes in here are fairly worn and unattractive, you'd be much better coming here on the hunt for fancy dress items that kooky bits of fashion. Having said that I came across a pretty little pink blazer for a mere $3. $3! I can't get a coffee for that! Looking round, it appeared nothing was over $10...Wow! When I went to pay for it there appeared to be no cash register in sight. It seemed almost incidental that I wanted to do anything than hang around for a chat. This casualness characterizes the shop though and it'd be wrong to see it as an impersonal cash churning machine.

Pyrmont's hidden gem! Specializes in women's and children's fashion vintage and new, vintage…read morehomewares and gifts.