One great reason to visit this shop - it is filled with goodies by local designers. The gorgeous…read moregirls dresses are pieces I wish they had my size in. They are made by a Neutral Bay designer. The children's bean bag sofa chairs ($99) are made by local company Lelbys (really gorgeous these, made from varied tasteful fabrics that you wouldn't mind your own sofa to be made out of). They also had some interesting bead jewelery which wasn't of my tastes but I liked that they were pretty and unique - I imagine they would suit many others tastes. The paper pot plant cards complete with organic seeds and sweet power were lovely. Go hear for gifts made by local designers and their unique creations. Staff are helpful and friendly.

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!

ONE WORD: SKULLS. I…read morefelt like I had stepped into heaven when I entered Holy Kitsch! (Mainly because I'm obsessed with skulls!) Skull heads, skull glasses, skull bags, sugar skulls, skull art, skull figurines...... plus Frida Kahlo everything! This shop is amazing! Okay, yes, it is very expensive, but where else would you find quality Mexican skulls and Day of the Dead gifts??? (Definitely nothing like this in Auckland). Only bought two skull shot glasses, but next time I'm in Sydney, I will definitely spend a bit extra and get a massive skull! Not sure how it's going to fit in my suitcase though :S

Holy Kitsch! Great name, Great Store…read more Brimming with quirky, kitschy, one-off pieces that are bound to delight lovers of fun, funky homewares. I'm a HUGE fan of this store. Their window displays are colourful and fun and all the pieces are just damn cool. Here's a summary of what you can expect to find at Holy Kitsch: "Sugar Skulls and candelabras inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead "Dia de los Muertos", hand painted mirrors evoking the life of Frida Kahlo, Sailor Jerry bamboo curtains, really cool antique and vintage wares, ephemera, curios and a whole lot more." Beneath the fun Holy Kitsch is a serious store with a conscience and a mission. All of the products are Fair Trade and ethically sourced, where possible, as part of the owners mission to present an alternative to mass production. Given all things Latin American and Mexican are completely in fashion I imagine this store is going gangbusters. See for yourself.

Made 590 is one of Newtown's most delightful little shops. With a range of handicrafts, clothing,…read moredish sets, jewelry and accessories, it's the type of place that will make even the most creative people carry on with appreciation for it's uniqueness. The window display caught my eye first. How do you walk past a gorgeous Japanese frock on a mannequin with a cheerful deer for a head, swimming in a river of painted squirrels holding tulips? I know. Pretty damn near impossible. Prepare to be charmed and ticked to death by everything inside Made 590. From tiny Japanese tooth holding boxes to small magnet sets that look like household items, the "awwweeeeee" factor is certainly there. If you're searching for something gift-y, the books and home wears are a sure fire hit. Try a Sydney gourmet kitchens book paired with a wooden apple clock. And don't even get me started on the t-shirts. The designers behind these screen-printed images have irony in their bag. How's the scene of a deer driving a car and catching a naked man in it's headlights? Genius. If you're less inclined to wear nudity on your chest, there's also a fair pick of G rated designs too. Like, for example, a bunch of little chairs. Or a bunch of little kites. Or a bunch of little Navy boats... printed in navy. Now if that's not clever, I don't know what is.

Imagine Cath Kidston in her wilder youth...you're getting close to Made 590s original design…read moreconcept. When entering this little shop you feel like you've stepped into a multi-coloured and eccentric wonderland where brightly coloured deer masks, fake rabbit busts and small zoo figurines decorate the walls and cabinets. Even the window display replaces your stock mannequins with animal headed bodies. The pretty colours and cutsey theme keeps this from being at all spooky, instead it all feels a bit tongue-in-cheek! There are some beautiful light and summery dresses for sale which would flatter any figure and use really original fabrics, as well as some t-shirts and skirts with the signature animal caricatures embezzled on them. There is also a real stress upon arts and crafts here too with quirky stationary and books on making things at home decorating one wall. This would be a great place to find a really original present for someone or just to be creatively inspired!

I like Nina and Risa because it's full of things you haven't seen at every other clone shop in…read moreSydney. They have patchwork loose fitting pants and skirts that are very Janis Joplin, but in a newer, Thai'er way. Yep, this shop is full of Thai handicraft imports. That means there's a good balance of figurines and toys that are both cute and atrociously tacky at the same time. There are a lot of cat sculptures with long, skinny pins for necks. I enjoyed the kid's cotton t-shirts with animals that pop out e.g. a printed elephant with floppy ears. If you're in the market for some silver jewelry, the designs are intricate and the prices are low. Come to think of it, the prices are low on everything. Much of the clothing was 15% off on the day I stopped in.

Stocking a range of Thai Handicrafts from the tacky to the elegant, Nina and Risa is a bit of a…read morelovable hodgpodge. There's some gorgeous silver Muco jewellery - earrings of tiny handmade flowers balanced on long, thin wires - and some horrible ceramic animal-headed things. No, no idea. The clothes are the same, from dreadful hippy-reject stuff to simple cotton pieces. I did spy a lovely Hmong-fabric bag, there were toys and a rack of $10 silk scarves at the front. The staff were all smiles and so was I, despite the appalling Barbara-Streisand-terminally-ill warbling on the stereo.

A little boutique on King Street, Elvis 4 Cleo is a mix between pricier well-known brands and cheap…read moreno-name brands. You will find Wildfox tees, House of Harlow 1980 jewellery, Mavi jeans and Leona Edmiston hosiery, right alongside unbranded tops and dresses that range from $20-$100. Swimming costumes and lingerie can also be found here, as well as a consistent sales rack where you can grab yourself a serious bargain. The sales assistants are really friendly and were once kind enough to hold onto my friend's iPhone for a few hours after she accidentally left it in the change room after trying on clothes. That's true customer service. Whether you are after a particular brand or just keen for a browse, Elvis 4 Cleo is a great place to stop into. You might find yourself walking out with something you never knew you needed.

New town has many boutiques with a variety of styles. Elvis4Cleo is one boutique which has…read morefashionable clothing includes beautiful floral print dresses and tops. It has a collection consisting of clothes by various Australian designers catering to both Men and Women. This shop offers opportunity to the underground up and coming designers to showcase their designs. They also keep very different pieces of jewellery, accessories, sunglasses and swimwear. The lady in the store is very friendly and kind. In the half hour I was in the store I saw her help every customer that came in. I had a really nice experience with her when I went to buy a present for my sister. She always finds it hard to get her sizes. It was only because of the persistent of this lady that she ended up buying her dress. She r5eally made an effort to find all dresses that could fit her and really look good on her, also choosing different accessories to with the dress. She did have a very good sense of style. Ultimately when she found out that this was a dress for her birthday, she even offered us a 105 discount . We were both very happy customers and will definitely go to Elvis4Cleo again.

I have 'Cher' running through my head as I type this review. 'If I could turn back time'. Well if I…read morecould turn back time, I would find a way to never have gone into this shop. Because now I know that it is there. Now I know that MANY, MANY things therein I love. MANY, MANY things I would buy. MANY, MANY dollars it would cost. My first impression was that it was mostly the over-sized linen dressed that are so favoured by Mosman mums but on closer inspection some of the dresses are ridiculously cute. The clothing is all natural: linen, silk, cotton. Lots of greys, taupes, lime greens. It has been perfectly washed to give it a 'lived in look'. I have one khaki coloured linen dress in mind with tiny shell buttons down a racer back. I covet it and I can still see it clear in my minds eye but uh-oh, it's nearly $400! A bit much for a summer dress. Albeit a very nice one. This is a store for people who can afford to look wonderfully distressed. It's just a bit distressing that it might not be me.

This is a calm store to shop in. It may be on a relatively busy corner street on Military Road but…read morethe interior is soothing to the senses. The small milk bottles, soap dishes and ceramic bowls are beautiful - slim and beachy are two words that come to mind. The whole store has an air of beachside luxury in fact. But it's the clothes women come here for right? Linen, silk and suede are crafted into floaty, almost ethereal yet simple pieces. There's a hand crafted feel to this store but the craftsmanship is great and seems to have been styled with a whole lot of love.

We all know that the shopping in the US is killer. They have access to cool labels we just don't…read more The owner of Pink Zebra shared this pain and decided to do something about it. The flagship boutique on Oxford Street is home to a collection of luxe cashmere, premium denim, casual wear and accessories labels out of the US. Ever heard of J-Brand, Vince or Kate Spade? Well this is where you'll find it on our shores. The style here is effortless casual with a touch of trend to liven things up. There is a big price bracket at Pink Zebra with some pieces $400 and some pieces $50 - it depends on the label (oh, and if it is cashmere). Pink Zebra is a great find for a unique everyday piece.

Pink Zebra is quite a deceptive spot on the shopping map!…read moreThe window display is quite reserved and to peep in you'd think the place was small and not terribly exciting. Step inside though and you'll find it widens out at the back to exhibit a beautiful range of American designer clothes. Most of the pieces are quite expensive, even when on sale, but you know that they'll last. The assistants are friendly, gorgeous and very stylishly, perfect advertisements for the shop, while the decor is young and funky with lots of bright colours and wall displays.