I always expect Vinnies in Newtown to be already pillaged by the hordes of op-shoppers that come…read moreespecially to Newtown for the shabby chic. But I am always surprised, because there is always loads of cool stuff in there, if you have the capacity and heart to sift through. It's open relatively late so if you have nothing to do after a dinner out and need some amusement, then go and find something shiny and spandex from another decade in Vinnies and get a giggle from your mates. I found an awesome beaded necklace here that people comment on... I don't tell them it was from Vinnies! Okay, actually I do after a while because I think it's pretty cool. When I'm in there I often think, okay, when I need a particular item of clothing for a particular one use occasion I am going to come here and find it for next to nix. Somehow I always forget though. Anyway, if you are on a budget, then get to vinnies to get some rad clothes and support a charity.

I normally don't leave reviews like this, but this really needed to be said. Monday afternoon, I…read morewas shopping with a friend since I was in serious need of some retail therapy. I love to thrift shop since I'm only a casual on a budget and there's some really good finds in the Vinnies that I've visited before. While that still stands true, the customer service was a mess. To put it bluntly, my friend and I were racially profiled. I was in line with my purchases when a girl at the counter looked at me up and down and rudely told me to go to the girl next to her instead. I didn't want to cause a scene, so I said nothing and moved along even though I was already insulted. And the thing is, it didn't end there. My friend is a little darker than me, and she was purchasing something to. We were both in the line at the other girl's aisle, and my friend was only looking at something on the display when the first girl had the audacity to accuse her of stealing something. When we were in line. With our money at hand. Really? The lady serving us apologised for her coworker and my friend overheard a conversation between her and the manager about how it was that girl's second day. Still, that was utterly unacceptable. Good products. But maybe Vinnies should screen their volunteers better.

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

Wonderful Store, Great customer Assistance, Very friendly…read moreand the store has great gift ware and lots of bargains

If you're needing a last-minute birthday card, novelty gifts or cheap random wares for around the…read morehouse, the chance are, Sang Bargain Shop in Marrickville will probably stock exactly what you're after. It's just like most other low-price mixed good stores, with a huge range of products from batteries to baskets, and pencils to plates. Of course, the prices are wallet-friendly too, so if you're after a quick replacement or disposable something, head here. There's a large kitchen section so pop in for things like ice cube trays and plastic containers. I've managed to tick off some completely left-of-centre items on my to-buy list here, so it's worth a gander.

It's a women's fashion store located in Rockdale Plaza. I always crossed this store but never…read morereally bothered to go in and check out the collection. Until just the other day I was looking for something specific to with a dress I had and so decided to check if they have something interesting. To my utter surprise every rack had something or the other that was worth having a second look. Although the prices are a little bit on the higher side, but I guess you don't mind paying that little extra sometimes if you are really wowed by something in the first look. It's a good collection of clothes- dresses, skirts, pants through to every other accessory like hats, jewellery, bags and shoes. One could get a complete wardrobe here . It definitely is up there in terms of style and fashion. As the lady at Divani explained- this is what Divani stands for - Discover your personal fashion profile Inspire yourself with Various styles & colours for A fashion masterpiece awaits...... Natural colours are brought to life, therefore making the experience Insightful, interactive & fun!

I often fantasize about living in the 1950s, in a world where a boy in a Thunderbird picks me up,…read moretakes me to the Hop and spins me silly all night long. Although modern day realities have shifted, at least I can still dress in the styling of this iconic era. Retro Spec'd is not your average vintage store. The majority of its dresses are made new in the prints and patterns of the 50s. From flowery halter swing dresses to pin-up-esque pencil dresses, the designs are classic without that "used to be someone's grandmother's" smell. This store is a winner for anyone who wants to look rockabilly, punk, or just different from your typical Sydneysider.

The cutest clothes and best service. Everything is locally designed. They carry the cutest retro…read moredresses with unique and appealing designs that look great with a petticoat under. They also have great accessories like a seashell purse I got there. The ladies working there are so friendly and sweet too!

Tilkah is a store I first saw when I was scouring Chapel street in Melbourne for all the boutiques…read morethat everyone in Sydney raves about. Filled with gorgeous pieces of jewellery, hand bags and other accessories, Tilkah was the kind of store I could easily find myself in all the time. Unfortunately, a combination of my terrible memory and leaving Melbourne meant I forgot what the name of the store. I only recently discovered that they had a Tilkah store here in Sydney, and I recognised the name and from the style of the pieces they had available. They deal with soft leather, vintage style bags and a whole allotment of different jewellery. But warning, you pay a pretty penny for these pieces! Their shop in the Pitt street Westfield is set up exactly as it was in Melbourne. All their jewellery pieces are glittery in the bright lights of the store. I have my eye on one of their sling bags, made of their really soft leather. I just have to wait until the next time I'm allowed to treat myself.

Her Confession has everything from coats and dresses, to bags and jewellery. There's also 50 per…read morecent off selected items, so hurry and get some value for your money this season. Her Confession is a beautiful little boutique in the heart of Burwood. Located across from Westfield, and down the road from the train station, Her Confession offers unique, quality garments that will leave you feeling confident and comfortable. I love the store because it offers something different to all the shops in Westfield, which start to look like clones after a while. A woman called Lisa served me when I was in the store and she was so lovely. Very helpful and honest in her opinions. Prices are a little steep, but then again it is a 'boutique' store. Her Confession has an impressive (and neat) array of coats and jackets, dresses, bags, shoes and jewelry. I notice they often have sales, so check it out and you might be lucky.

This is the corporate HQ for a bunch of brands, most of which are for sale in their outlet store on…read moresite. Brands include Reebok, Ben Sherman, Lacoste, Lee, Speedo, The North Face, Riders, Speedo, Wrangler, Rockport and more. Being an outlet store sizes and range will vary but if you are looking for these brands at a reduced price then this is the place. Huge selection of men's Ben Sherman shirts, not as great a selection of women's shirts but still a few there. Lots of shoes, sports gear and accessories. With xmas coming up it's a good chance to get a few presents, especially when they have specials on for buying multiple items.