There's not nearly enough gorgeous boutiques named after Ancient Roman Orators…read more Sigh. My favorite boutique ever. I have expensive taste, and not the budget to match it. But with frequent sales and very often a sale rack, I've bought the odd drop dead stunning designer concoction here. There's a red dressing-table like long couch for your shopping companions to sit upon while giving the requisite thumbs-up or -down response as you parade something you never want to take off. Staff are fantastic, one went to a great deal of trouble once to try and source me a replacement for a red winter coat after an accident with City Rail, rain, no signage and floor paint. Don't ask. They stock Lazybones (great cotton vintage inspired Australian designs) although the staffer the other day tells me they're getting harder to source, Katherine and Odd Molly. Amongst others. A few groovy shoes and handbags too. Desperately want an Odd Molly piece with not-really-making-sense writing all over it and Scandinavian embroidery. Sigh, one day.

Vinnies houses both trash and treasure, depending on personal taste and preference. Great bargains…read moreand finds can be found here. Second hand books and clothing are the most popular items which have been donated to Vinnies as a result of closet and garage clearouts. If you're looking for vintage finds and one-of-a-kind pieces, Vinnies provides the perfect opportunity to buy goods at affordable prices. Everything goes to a good cause, with the proceeds forward on to those in need. Do you have an upcoming dress up party or are you in need of a complete wardrobe overhaul? Head to Vinnies for some inspiration!

We've found some great finds here (Books, ceramics and other hidden treasures). We've ran, drove…read moreand walked by this store many, many times before. One day running, in the window I saw two great hardcover books that I've wanted for only $10 each!!! They were closed so I forgot about it for a day or so, then driving by I decided to stop off and pick them up. Unfortunately one of the books was sold already (you snooze you lose). The staff was ultra friendly, trying to see if it was just placed somewhere else or if they could source another one. They said if we see something we want and they aren't open, just drop a letter in the door and they will hold on to the item for us (so nice). It's also great to know that The St Vincent de Paul Society is doing such a great job providing the local community with affordable clothing and goods while supplying resources to people in need.

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.

It's duel of the competing Charity Shops…read more While the Presbyterians have the edge on style next door, the Anglicans here have numbers. Lots of stock, of varying quality, as you'd expect. There was a kiwi-adorned bucket hat in the window and you could take a tour of the world via the range of t-shirts they have inside, I daresay discarded by a welter on backpackers passing through. Prices are super cheap and there's lots of clothes for the kids. I thought I spied a possible bakelite bracelet on the jewellery rack, but by the time I got to it, someone else had nabbed it. Darn. Sorry, Church premises. Does that count as swearing?

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

There's a wurlitzer at the top of the stairs. Four rooms packed with vintage delights as well as…read moresome modern reproductions. Stacks of hats and glasses (heart shaped sunnies anyone?) 1950's dresses and rockabilly repros. Lots of menswear too. Out the back there's a smattering of homewares, bric-a-brac and books. Love a shop where you can buy antique gloves and a stretcher to keep them in tiptop shape, a Superman tie or one of those weird turbans 1940's vamps used to wear in black and white movie just before they led some poor hapless chap to his doom.

You can't miss it the place has been painted bright red. I searched and searched but it seems this…read moreplace has no online presence. I stopped by here because the place was painted bright red, I HAD to see whatever it was they were selling. It's kind of a duplex layout. On entry is all the antique furniture and the other has all the second hand clothes. First off I went into the second hand clothes section. It had all great stuff, and very cheap. I got a few things and my sister got some great stuff as well. There were plenty of funky vintage clothes (at cheap prices) and some normal everyday second hand clothes. There are definitely bargains to be had here and some really great labels! I love the little knick knacks and statues scattered around the shop as well. I'm also obsessed with the art deco clock on the wall. I keep asking how much it is and each time they tell me it's not for sale. It will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine. Next I went into the antique furniture side. WOW. The furniture in there is just glorious. I was obsessed by these 3 Japanese paintings on wooden frames. I didn't have enough money to buy all three on the day, so saved up and went back the next week. 2 out of the three were sold! I was gutted, but it just goes to show how popular this place is. I will defintely be back, and this time I will get that clock!

A nice, turquoise painted surprise. Last time I walked past here, this was (and long had been) a…read morecreepy washingmachine/junk shop that always suspiciously hummed like it was ready to explode. Now, given a shiny coat of paint, it's a great little antique/vintage store. Which also sells local jams. There's an eclectic bunch of items, from retro furniture to vintage clothes, and the odd old kid's book. There's a huge meat safe type contraption big enough to secrete many a hoarded body part, an unbelievably cute 1920's French dressing-table seat and a kangaroo cape. Weird. And very cheap prices for the most part. As the gentleman kept telling us. Following us around and telling us. I'm sorry to say as a selling technique, stalking the shy makes us run away, not buy things. I'll be back, but please, give me a little space.

This is a wonderful retro shop, full of great suprises. I believe the shop owner (Billy) is most…read morecharming and my friends and I spent a lovely 1/2 hr listening to a Tiny Tim record which Billy was glas to play for us on his record player whilst we browsed the store. My husband and I always buy things from there; its a real treasure trove and much more interesting than the ordinary typical antique store usually found in the mountains. I did not find him stalking us at all; he was most informative and a charming shop keeper. I recommend a trip to this store any time; its a great place (and takes you back (if your 50 or older) to your childhood). Wonderful!!