You know those scraggly old shopping trolley cat ladies, who collect other people's random junk off…read morethe street? I think I have been reincarnated from one of them. To me old stuff is by far superior than new stuff. The more de-stressed and ugly retro a chair looks, the happier I get. If I can get a near new filing cabinet for half the price in olive green, then I know I'm having a good day. And so it goes that every time I enter Hindmarsh Disposals I enter my happy place. Near new and near eras I wasn't even born in are all represented here. There is a particularly large amount of crockery and glassware from the 70s and 80s for $1-4, chairs, side tables, bed headboards and cupboards from the 60s and 70s are well represented and so are filing cabinets. My hipster dream is to make a table out of an old door and for $60-90 you'd walk away with a glass pane, wooden door that needs little restoration. Actually, hardly anything here needs much restoration - this isn't a junk yard after all. Be prepared to rummage as everyone says, but also know that this isn't a Freedom showroom for a reason. You're not paying to have a manikin show how to touch a lamp here and that's why it's cheap. And like the guy on the TV tells you to do, just haggle. You are bound to find a vintage Holden sign or old record through to a brightly coloured collection of aluminum tea and flour canisters for nix or for half the price of even IKEA furniture you can get something that was built in the day when things were made to last more than 6 months and didn't require an Allen key to assemble.

I love junk. Useful and useless junk. Hindmarsh Disposals has got a bit of both - although more…read moreuseful stuff than most second hand stores. The prices are reasonable - when I first moved to Adelaide with my parents we bought lots of secondhand stuff here. Things you can pick up here: - lamps - furniture (dingy or nice, depending on your tastes and wallet) - second hand books - cooking utensils - stereos - tvs - clothes - vases - antiques - rugs - suitcases - fridges - record players - sewing machines - sports equipment - slide projectors - light fittings If you're a vintage furniture hunter, they have some bargains here, but you'll have to be quick because there is a high turnover. I once found a very old fashioned book about how a lady should go about bagging a man, for fifty cents. Antique sexist propaganda!

Much like a few other home decor shops along King William and Unley Rds, Empress exudes charm and…read moreambience in a tasteful manner. The theme is aimed towards casual home decor and not restricted to the indoors, but with class and entices the customer to take a piece of it home with them. There are some gorgeous pieces in here from paper weights to huge mirrors made to look like a window! I was so tempted to buy one just for the sake of it but the practical side of my brain talked me out of it. Several beautiful ornate candle stick holders take pride of place and stand with authority, whilst the under foliage of trinkets and whimsy items surround them. A well organised placement of items for the customer to easily browse through and no hidden price tags. Also in the store are some antique oriental pieces of furniture which blend in very nicely with the rest of the decor and whilst the theme is aimed on the oriental side, I feel it doesn't show it to full extent as it's a little watered down with modern items made to look old. But I can definitely pick up on the Moorish side of it as there are lanterns galore inside and outside. I can really see these hanging out under my balcony but problem is I'd have to deck out the rest of it to tie in with them. Yes it is a haven for interior decorators even the layman for inspiration and ideas with the strong possibility of a purchase!

Empress Gifts & Homewares is a new personal favourite store. I simply adore all of the retro…read morelooking boutique styled things to put around the home. Also, it smells really good. The furniture is simply gorgeous. So if you're looking for an awesome birdcage, Mandala trays, cake stands, or just some gorgeous furniture, then definitely make your way here.

The first time I saw the sign for this store I was a little confused to say the least. I…read moreautomatically thought that Bimbo was a tacky fashion store and did not bother to browse for a number of years. However, one bright and sunny day I was drawn to a window display and decided to venture in. Bimbo is not full of short skirts and handbags. In fact, it is a really funky and quirky gift and homewares store. Whether it is your friend's birthday, your birthday or if you need to get a monkey magic pillow for your couch; Bimbo has something for you. The store is full of interesting items that will suit almost anyone. They have a great collection of novelty books, designer jewellery, clocks, watches, and toys; the list goes on... Bimbo has actually been one of Adelaide's long-standing unique gift stores for over 10 years. So you know that they have quality items. I have found the funniest gifts in this store for my friends; like a book called "Let's draw a c**k on it" and "How to speak to a zombie". Brilliant! I should not forget to mention that homeware items are super cool, like clocks made from records, funky vintage styled clocks, cool picture frames and flask essential oil burners. So, if you are stuck for a birthday or chrissie present, this is the ultimate gift destination in CBD.

Bimbo is one of my favourite places for a browse and a giggle. They sell a bizarre collection of…read morequirky jewelry, home decorations, funny gifts and books, and gorgeous bags. You'll always find something interesting in here. A great place to find gifts, they have a selection of men's watches and jewelry that is attractive yet different. If you're looking for original cuff-links, this is where you'll find them. There are little old-style books of pick-up and come-on lines and diaries with "My Sex Life" written loudly on the front. Their range of bags is fantastic. They come in all sizes and designs, and nothing in here is plain. If you're looking for something simple and elegant, Bimbo is not your shop. For silly stuffed toys, retro clocks, fantastic woven earrings, and a whole ton of creativity, you can't go past Bimbo.

Like stepping into a well furnished artist's studio, Magazine Gallery is both the perfect gallery…read morespace but also (less well known) tea-house off of Clubhouse Lane. With flavours of tea like "Chocolate Marmalade" and some other unusual combinations this places is very well versed in making the perfect brew. I felt a tad ignorant as I received about 5 different contraptions and an egg timer when I sat down for my tea and had no idea if I was expected to solve a maths problem or brew my tea. Eventually I worked out the ingenuity that the special breed of Magazine Gallerite hold. The egg timer was for allowing the tea to brew the perfect time. The mini cup was not for tea, no, it was to hold the tea colander and the larger cup was (you'd never guess it) for the tea. The cakes and sweet treats here look devine (in particular their lemon tart - the bitter the better). I also keep walking past signs promoting their "Roast Beef," many a day as I walk down Hindley. Not sure how this Roast Beef is served because they don't seem to have much of a kitchen but curious at least to find out the savoury menu items on offer. The place has a beautiful communal table for communing and you can browse the artists works who are exhibiting in the gallery at the time while waiting for your tea. The only reason this place looses a star so far is that they do filtered coffee. Arguably I haven't tried their filtered coffee, and I should, but it is what keeps me from going back here every day compared to Coffee Branch and the like which, although has less seating than Magazine, makes damn fine coffee.

Magazine Gallery is run on a shoe-string by local finger-in-every-pie-man Joshua Fanning. Fanning…read moreis also involved in a bunch of other projects including running local magazine 'Collect', advocating for street art in Adelaide and marketing at nearby Mercury Cinema. Collect is run out of the back offices of this gallery - which is decked out with track lighting and wooden floors. While you are likely to see a mix of different shows in a year-long program, the focus here is on excellent illustration, design and craftsmanship done by creative people of many persuasions. Openings here are packed out and not because there is free booze - Little Creatures beer is five dollars a pop and proceeds go towards keeping the place running. If you are interested in buying art for your home, this is an excellent place to snag something at a very reasonable price. Popular artists who have shown here include Ruby Chew, Lisa King, and Kate Gagliardi. Magazine also hosts the occasional film screening, magazine launch or pop-up store. You'll recognise the exterior by the red iron grating and the up-to-date murals done by local street artists and illustrators. The daytime hours here change quite often, so it's best to keep up to date with opening and events on their facebook page, which can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/magazine.store.gallery.

This is one of the coolest things at the drive-in......right after the movies of course! Held every…read moreSunday morning for as long as I can remember and probably about the biggest weekly trash and treasure markets in SA. Cheap to get in and the entry is well and truly covered by the savings. I especially like to go here when it's fruit season for peaches, apricots, plums and the likes that are more seasonal and usually a lot more expensive. Heapos cheaper to buy them from here. Better still get a few of you together and buy big 10 or 20kg bags then split them up. Works out even cheaper again. There's always some regulars that go and sell tools, bikes, games, clothing, sunglasses, dvd's, electrical and then all the people that just go to get rid of a whole heaps of stuff. You have to go here to sell at least once just for the experience though. You get there when it is still pitch black. You can't see what you are doing and Asians are almost climbing in your car with their torches to see what you have. If you take anything fantastic it will probably be unloaded for you, if you get my drift. So get in early for the best bargains and coolest stuff. And as Chloe said take your cash, no eftpos machines here. And I recommend you barter or haggle for anything and everything. People are there because they want to sell this stuff and it's their trash, get the best deal you can. Big Tip: much easier to just go for street parking on Main North or preferably Port Wakefield Roads. If you get parking inside it is way too hard to get out once it's packed with patrons!

The entry fee is $1.50 if you're 16 and over (I'm 95% sure but I can't remember)…read more This market is great to go to, it's split into two sections. One section is of fruit and veg and the other section is the where second hand gear is sold. The good thing about the Gepps Cross Market is that there's a lot of home sellers there rather than dealers. Going to markets is so satisfying I can't even begin to tell you the positives. I'm 17 and have been doing it all my life. At the market I have brought clothes ranging from $1 to $5. I will only spend $5 to $10 dollars on something if I love it to bits. I have brought the school bag I currently have for $1 and it was practically brand new and was used once, it's sitting along side of me as I type this. There's a lady at the market that goes there and sells all her fancy clothes for $3 to $5 if I see something I like I buy from her. Don't bother paying 30 dollars for purses, you can buy them for under $5. Basically, there's everything at the market, from fancy shoes to fridge markets. Honestly, give it a go and if you don't like it then that's okay but if you do then that is fantastic. Going to markets has helped mum and I save so much money. If you're a buyer the market opens at 7am and closes at 2pm If you want to go to Gepps Cross as a seller BEWARE! Heaps of people like to haggle but please don't get offended, it's nothing personal.

A brand new clothes shop on Semaphore with some really nice stuff. Not really vintage nor second…read morehand or trashy but NEW, there is also jewellery, framed pictures and prints, sandals, wall decor, hand bags, a few unusual finds you wouldn't expect to find in a such a shop, etc. On face value there is a definite vintage inspired flavor I've noticed and the eclectic mix appears to work. Unfortunately the shop was closed when I discovered it but I am definitely going back when it's open, but despite it being closed from what I've gleaned it looks like my bank balance will suffer but hey...it's nearly Xmas! I have warned my other half not to buy me clothes and he has learnt over time I mean it, bless him - his heart is in the right place though. I believe a shop that works has been thoroughly researched and will survive for several years, much like reading the first few pages of a book you know if it's worth continuing to finish..same with a shop if it appeals to the public it's on a winner. I love their taste and choice in interior design / colour scheme. The square panel at the back which serves as a room divider at the back, is covered in a baroque style wallpaper, most probably from the same collection as the dragon fly one I've seen in a few shops. Looking up at the ceiling there is an awesome black light fitting and I want it in my house! Along with three silver cone shaped lights across the counter area, this too serves as a type of divider. For a change room there is a half circle shower type arrangement which from the front appears to work, this will be tested next week by me! When the shop was for lease and I just happened to be there when it was open for inspection and with my curious nature, I had to have a squiz. There I saw out the back a lovely and inviting narrow little pebbled garden...in time I predict it will have outdoor furniture of the french, shabby chic wire style. No website but they are on Facebook, of course I've clicked LIKE as there are only 24 LIKERS so far, as mentioned it's brand new to Semaphore. "I want to go to there"... and so will you! I'm a 'devotee'.

A cosy new boutique on Semaphore Road, in keeping with the 'newest 'it' street theme. They have…read moresome very pretty kimono type tops and some floaty cardies that I oohed over. The shoes were so so for me and I'm not a big fan of beads so the bead necklaces didn't interest me. Then I spotted a shelf with a jewellery range on it that was little wacky and possibly the cutest things ever. One broach was a flamingo, one a giant deer, another a blackbird, and they had chunky necklaces with the same wacky creatures on them: they were huge and adorable and I want to adorn myself with them. The range are around thirty bucks each and absolutely worth coming in to buy. Lastly, the two staff working there were every friendly and they sounded super passionate about fashion and their new store too.

Mark Heidenreich is the man to talk to if you fancy one of those gorgeous terra cotta vases or…read moreurns, pot planters or bird baths to sit in your patio area or somewhere in the garden. He is a shy but talented fellow who quietly works away in the yard of his studio shopfront and creates magnificently beautiful items for sale. He has a reputation for delivering on time, within budget and always quality produce. You could go to one of those import shops that bring planter pots from over seas, and the price may be marginally better, but you are bound by what they can provide you with - if you go to Mark, he is making what you are paying for, so you can negotiate subtle nuances on the item - the family crest for example, or the name of the house... maybe you would like a particular shape. What Mark does is create art - so it is in the original art end of the price scale, but have a look at his work and chat to him before you rush off elsewhere and buy something that may not make you as happy as something Mark will create. He is not so expensive it's not worth checking out. He is just not a bargain basement either. The work is very high quality and you may be one of those people who enjoy supporting local talent as well, so consider a visit to his wonderful studio where you are likely to find the character and atmosphere wins you over, along with the man himself, he is a really nice guy.

Legit, locally-owned hardware store with knowledgeable staff. The cashier was really young, but he…read moreknew what he was doing. I picked up some gardening stuff: plants and potting soil. Turned out to be a few bucks cheaper than what you'd pay at Bunnings. Quick access from the city along North Terrace. Takes about 10min by car. Booyakasha! Will be back.

I know for a lot of people, Bunnings is synonymous with hardware. In the same way that people who…read moreshop at woolworths and think that they are getting the best price possible just won't visit a foodland, a lot of Bunnings customers are loyal to the point of self-punishment. I on the other hand, would prefer to spend my money at somewhere like Banner Mitre 10. The first reason is that like Woolies, Coles and Dan Murphy's, Bunnings are owned by one of those dominating behemoths (in this case Wesfarmers) which squeeze their supply chain, their staff and everyone else involved in the process. Like Woolies and Coles, what you end up with is not the best products, but rather products with high margins that can be bought in bulk, and if they break it just goes in the bin and you get a new one, and a new one, and another new one. Don't get me wrong... Bunnings has its place. It's a good place to go for say Stanley tools, Hills products etc, but if you want a good chainsaw, like the Stihl I bought on the weekend, there's no way you going to get it at Bunnings. What you're going to get is a piece of crap Ozito or something for $100 less which you can only cut 2x4 pine with before it craps itself. Now, onto my Banner Mitre 10 review... I used to work for these guys about 9 years ago while at uni and they are a great family run business. They treated us well as staff and had great discounts for staff and end of year parties. I felt like I was part of the family. After a few years living too far from the store, I've moved back fairly close to the area, so I popped in to look at ladders. They have a great selection of Bailey ladders and don't stock the cheap crap that Bunnings do. They also price matched a quite ridiculously low price I had for the chainsaw from one of my work's suppliers, so I'll definitely be back. They have a great trade section and friendly staff. What I'm trying to get at here is that there are other options apart from Bunnings for hardware/tools and home improvement products. Give these guys a go because they know their stuff, have better brands and service and are family run.