I held my breath as I crept through the door, looking around for a Style Authority to chase me out…read morewith a look of icy disdain. Nobody. Hmm. I crept in a little closer, taking in the distressed wood surfaces, the minimalist racks. Aah, staffer is on the phone in the next room. I might have a moment then. Oh my. Akira Isogawa designs and superlatives are hardly strangers, but to see them up close is quite the experience. Don't misunderstand me, I consider Fashion TV a form of penetential torture to be endured while getting my hair cut, I don't think I've ever bought a Vogue, and couldn't care diddly about what the latest skirt length is this season. But beauty earns its own respect. The lady even flashed me a smile as I inched my way into the far room, growing bolder by the moment, but she didn't get off the phone, which was a blessing. I got to run my (very clean, honestly) fingers over the silk, and imagine what these cloudlike suggestions of clothing must feel like to wear. Some were on sale, but no, there's no way I can afford them. But thanks for not running me out, scissors slashing and hurling pins at vital acupuncture points. I feel like this should be categorised as 'Art Gallery', for which I should have left a gold coin donation in gratitude as I slunk away, silkily serene.

Feel a bit silly reviewing a clothing shop for its handbags, but that is what I give Design Mosman…read morecredit for. I am loathe to spend hundreds of dollars on a handbag - and I don't claim either the taste or the distinction to know the difference between a really good one and a stock-standard one (or a really good one versus a fake!). I don't have preconceived ideas about what I do and don't want in a bag - I either like what I see or I don't. Stocked amidst its clothing, Design Mosman carries Australian brand LouenHide. Prices range from about $50-$250, the higher end being genuine leather and the lower end not. There's block colour as well as basic blacks and browns, nice linings and trims, and plenty of variation (though the shop is small and the range limited but regularly updated). Clothing? Yep, it's not bad. Probably best described as 'resortwear'; David Jones ladies department on a small scale. A worthy stop on a boutique browse.

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

Tuchuzy is like the mecca for Bondi style, so if you want it, come here. Tuchuzy specializes in…read morestocking the latest, greatest labels and trends. Head to toe fashion and accessories are stocked here - you can get anything from sunnies to shoes. Labels fall in and out of favour with Tuchuzy but featured lately is the likes of Bassick, Ellery, Friend of Mine and cult shirt label Equipment. Price wise you'd be surprised that there are some reasonable rates here - last summer I picked up a 'by johnny' skirt for $110. Overall a must visit if you're meandering up Gould Street.

Really fun pieces by many designers (local and international). They have small selection of jewelry…read moreand shoes too. A must when you're in Bondi.

This is a really small shop but looks like trendy. Always displaying fashionable dresses. If you…read moreare looking for something not ordinally, girly, cute, sexy items then please come and check it out! If you are not living around here, then go to a website. You can purchase items via the web. This shop is located on the Oxford Street Mall and very close to the Bondi Junction Station.

Secret underground pop-up designer fashion laboratory alert!…read more (That would make a great Japanese cartoon title.) So you know Westfield Pitt St Mall ain't your average Westfield, right? That's it's designed and planned and decorated to within an inch of its life and is chock full of hella cool shops and eateries and all the things that get your little urban commando hearts beating faster then your average hipster. Well head down the escalators, ya big ol' fashionista, because there's another surprise for ya: on the below-ground level and there you'll find a concept store called 100 Squared that gets a whole bunch of amazing, emerging local fashion designers and collects them all in one place for your shopping pleasure. It's like the king of all pop-ups, curated for style and quality. And the best bit? It's a place for the new generation of fashion talent, all these great up-and-comers, to show off their mad sick skillz. Love it.

I had the opportunity to get invited to a Yelp hosted party here, and came out of interested…read more 100 Squared is definitely a breath of fresh air for Westfield, which is a shopping mecca for all the common brands (Zara, Gucci, Gap, etc). Instead of focusing on brand names, this is basically a marketplace/bazaar for independent designers who want another channel to showcase their products. I'm not a fashion designer myself, but I'm also a designer - just from a more digital perspective. I can relate to the "not work for the man" part so I like this place a lot because it gives another outlet for independents or small businesses to hustle their wares. So 5 stars for this place because it supports small business / independents. Anyway, there are clothes (women's fashion), and jewelry. But beware that the clothing sizes are more designed for "hipster" sizes. (i.e. if you're beyond say a size 10 or Medium - result of having a vegan or soy milk diet, then theres probably nothing for you here other than jewelry). But then again, theres even less for guys unless you're into cross-dressing at hipster sizes. PS - 300th Review!!!

The Flannel store in Mosman is nothing short of inspiring - I am inspired by the beauty, the…read moreromance and the bohemian spirit of this store. That sounds very higher order for a clothing and homewears store but it's true. The clothes are for the most part effortless, simple and chic but then there is that piece that have a certain eclectic flair. The homewares are similar - cashmere chocolate blankets are mixed with Sally Campbell textiles that are made in India. Price wise, the pieces are not cheap but surprisingly well priced for the quality - I picked up a beautiful summer jumper for $150. This shop is a must visit for anybody in Sydney.