I didn't realise until I was researching the store for a review that there are about 20 Trade…read moreSecret Stores. I am really surprised that there aren't more because they are wonderful value. As with all discount outlets you have to be careful what you choose, there are good things and then there are some incredibly bad things. But I must admit, the good win. They have lovely fashion items for men and women at low prices but fairly good quality and they also sell all the accessories to go with them. I went in for a look and left with a pair of pants suitable for work or casual wear. It was an expensive research mission!

Zara was more exciting for me when it was overseas and I only had access to it when I was on…read moreholiday. Oh, how I wanted everything they had. Load up, jam it in the suitcase, repeat every 12 months. Now that I have access to it all day urr day (all black urrtang!) the gloss has worn off a little, but hey, it's still the world's pre-eminent and most profitable fashion chain and who am I to stand in the face of commercial and sartorial success? Money talk and Zara's jackets walk. Out the door. With me. Every winter.

I absolutely fell in love with this boutique during my last visit to Sydney. The staff was…read morepersonable and very helpful in assisting me with a decision. I must admit I was initially intimidated by the price point but then I considered the following: 1. The kaftan I chose is remarkably versatile and can be used many different ways. 2. I felt beautiful in the garment and I am worth it! 3. Since I am on a new mission to improve my health, it continues to accommodate my body, as I lose weight. 4. Unique designs. There are a limited number of garments manufactured in each pattern. 5. 100% silk! I will continue to visit them on my reoccurring trips to Australia, and I highly recommend you do the same.

I like this woman's clothing store a lot as long as you can turn one blind (just one because…read moreotherwise you're not going to be able to see) eye to the price. The clothes are smart, structured and fit for a woman. They have silk and cotton tops, skirts, dresses, trousers, and scarves as well as sunglasses and they will suit if you are a conservative or a classic dresser. I have a beautiful cream cotton and silk top with black stripes that I bought here which I love. I also bought some great dark blue straight-leg trouser pants here which have served me really well. So yes, the prices are more on the expensive side but there's no need to empty out the store - a couple of pieces from here will benefit your wardrobe nicely. Also, if you think you've seen this store before take note that it's the more cool-casual twin of Max Mara which looks and feel more corporate.

Clothes at Max & Co suit my style and preference for quality and I don't want to stretch my budget…read moreto shop at Chanel even though I'm tempted. I shop at the Sydney Chifley Square store and with the help of "my stylist" also known as the store manager (Pam ?? ) I walk away with a divine mix of clothes that I never could have put together myself. Initially I think "that's not me" but I'm asked to try on a few pieces and to my surprise they make me feel that I would be at home in Paris or Milan. Ok, Ok, my friends at least tell me I look chic, I guess it's the confidence that is inspired by "my stylist" and the suggestions of which classic pieces that I could add and also accessories that Max & Co may not sell. This limits my impulse buying of clothes that I regret and may not even wear. I should add that you may not initially appreciate that being told "that does not suit you" or "try this size" but at the end of the day you are not told that you look "great" in something that does not suit you or fit you properly. Get a "stylist" or use mine at Chifley Plaza, I call it "no regret" shopping and is cheaper in the long run.

This is by far the most expensive vintage store I've been to in the inner west. Whilst vintage…read morestores are some what renowned for selling second hand clothes at hiked up prices, Eva's Vintage treats their clothes like prized antiques, with prices reaching up to $400 per dress (average $150). Granted, much of this vintage stock is designer and some of it is quite beautiful. Occasionally the staff here are willing to bring the prices down too, although even at Eva's discounted rate many of these dresses are priced far higher than I'm prepared to pay for second hand clothing. They used to have a Leichhardt contingent which sold the nicer of their dresses at far cheaper prices (I never really understood this) but now it seems that the two have merged into the one over priced shop. Come here for a nice glomesh purse - that is, after you've already checked Glebe and Rozelle markets.

As an Annandale resident for 25 years, Eva's Vintage has become one of my favourite haunts. My…read morewardrobe is well stocked with designer articles bought at Eva's - new and used, many from this shop's $10 and $20 racks. Because new stock comes in every week, along with regular sales on already inexpensively priced clothing, Eva's Vintage beckons you back time and time again. Staff are warm and friendly and the shop is both beautifully laid out and spotlessly clean. Thoughtful touches in the spacious dressing room such as heating in winter and cooling in summer make trying on clothes pleasant and fun. Bags, shoes, fabulous clothes, and accessories - this store is a local gem.

Camilla and Marc is hot, simple, bold and stylish. Their designs launched in the year 2003 and have…read moregone from strength to strength. They have feature pieces to excite your wardrobe and the good old staples that will endure for seasons. The fabrics they use are sublime and will last for years, giving you the option of incorporating the items with your existing wardrobe. In 2007 they started their swimwear line which are cute, sexy and flattering. The material they use is so upscale and delicate. Please hand wash, just to keep the quality. Supreme clothes. They are definitely on a world wide trajectory.

Camilla and Marc is a must stop on a shopping trip to Paddington. This brother and sister Aussie…read moreduo have made a name for themselves in a major way on the Aussie fashion scene. The style is chic, modern and feminine. Without fail I fall in love with something here every season. Just yesterday a one shoulder ash color dress caught my eye - I stopped in to check the price. $440. Sadly I think my relationship with Camilla and Marc won't be consummated but a girl can dream!

This girly boutique has been a refreshing addition to the clothing store-starved local area, decked…read moreout boudoir style with chandeliers and dressing tables that double as jewellery stands. The brands stocked are all high street, but offer a good mix of affordable pieces from the likes of Cooper Street, Wish, Minkpink and Honey & Beau, as well as more expensive designs by Katherine. The selection of jewellery is a bit hit and miss, but they always have simple and more glamorous Peep Toe shoes in stock. Due to its location, I'm guessing it probably doesn't get a huge number of visitors during the week, so sometimes stock can seem a bit inconsistent. Nonetheless, I've often found myself unexpectedly picking up a pair of cute tailored shorts, a floaty printed summer dress or blouse for the office.

In a city as fickle as Sydney, you only survive 120 years if you've got something special going on…read more So when my usual cobblers passed away (the gorgeous Perkal brothers, may they rest in peace) and my shoes needing some mending, Falkingham's was the only logical place to go. I've since gone a few times to get shoes resoled or topy soles put on new shoes and they always do a great job in time for whenever you want to pick it up. My shoes always come back looking cleaner and shinier than when I dropped them off, too! Perhaps the best part about Falkingham's though, is that they wrap your shoes up in brown paper after they're done with them - Maria Von Trapp, you were onto something there.

If I'm looking for leather protector, decent insoles or any shoe-related products I come to this…read morefamily business in Bondi Junction Mall. The cobbler can always been seen out back, cobbling away, the watchmaker is diligently fiddling with teeny little screws at the front counter and there always seems to be some intense conversation going on with the woman at the counter and a customer over a shoe sitting between them on the counter. These people care about the work they do, and I have entrusted them with many a pair of my favourite shoes for re-soling over the years. They do a good job at an average price (I was shocked to find that shoe repairs have tripled in price over the last decade, not just here but everywhere- I shopped around), and they get it done when they say they will.