What a gorgeous shop front. Those windows! And that's just the exterior…read more Inside, it's even better. The ground floor is full of mint condition mid-20th-century furniture. Beautiful pieces of furniture in such good nick can demand a high price and they do. Knowing I can't afford much on this floor, I usually cast a quick glance over the goods just as a treat to my eyes, and then head up the stairs to the vintage clothes. I'm always pleasantly surprised by the prices here. For this location on Smith Street, the stall holders could really ask for more for their vintage finds, but they don't, and I for one, am not only grateful, but feel vindicated for being annoyed at retailers for upping the price tag just because they can. This is how it should be done. Beautiful store filled with earthly delights for all the enjoy (and possess).

A treasure trove of antiques and vintage furniture, if you wanted the decor of Mad Men all you need…read moreto do is visit the Smith Street Bazaar. Beautiful tables, sleek chairs and intricate sideboards are scattered throughout the enormous store. There are also some fantastic lamps, tea sets and vases, that look as thought they belong in your grandparents houses in the 1950s and 1940s. Up towards the back is a modest clothing section that has a great range of shoes, bags and accessories too (90s backpacks are back in people!). They also have an impressive range of costume jewellery. It isn't surprising that the Smith Street Bazaar always has some devoted retro fans or artists crawling through and marveling at the woodwork or kitsch posters. Last week I was very tempted by a slick wooden chair that was low, sexy, and remarkably modern, but with a price of $700 (quite reasonable for a quality piece but a mere dream to a student), I unfortunately had to kiss that beautiful piece of work goodbye. One day when I have an income and a house, I'll buy some furniture from the Smith Street Bazaar. But until then, it's always a pleasure to just look.

When I was younger it seemed a bit dorky to go antiquing, like something my mum and dad would do…read more But it's places like the Old Wares Emporium that make antiquing cool and I always love to drop in whenever I am nearby. You can find some absolutely stunning stuff here and end up making a wish-list of things to buy once you've won the Tattslotto. Globes of the world, old gaming machines, retro telephones and even kitchen appliances (however it is not recommended that you actually use them!) Old Wares is expensive as are all antique stores of such quality. But this is a great place to head if you are willing to splash a bit of cash on that birthday girl/boy, or even if you are looking for a wedding present with a difference. My birthday is coming up... You know where to head.

Typewriters, telephones and hairdryers! The Old Wares Emporium on Rathdowne Street has all my…read morefavourite vintage appliances in abundance. The couple that work here seem to know a lot about all kinds of redundant technology and are happy to have a chat to collectors or those who are simply curious. The Emporium is a great spot to dig around little bits and bobs from days past, but it you won't find a lot of china or purely decorative pieces from the past here - it has a definite bend toward the industrial and commercial. For anyone decorating their homes with a vintage theme, a trip here is worthwhile as they've quite a collection of 'from the past but hot right now' items like world globes. The opening hours are limited, but if you're in dire need of a new walking cane from the 1930s then you can make an appointment and head in at a more suitable time.

What a find! I completely dropped my bundle when I stumbled upon Geoffrey Hatty Warehouse along…read morethis derelict section of Johnston Street. Of course I knew about Geoffrey Hatty Applied Arts in Prahran, but as someone who doesn't have a spare $20k to drop on a 1930's French armchair every few weeks, I don't go there often. The warehouse has 'other' 20th century pieces that have been hand picked and shipped from Europe (mostly France and Italy), but that have not been deemed worthy of the flashy Applied Arts showroom. I could not believe how incredible this stuff is - there's a massive pink velvet quilted bedhead, huge industrial brass ceiling lights, ultra-sleek modernist lounge suites and a sideboard that is big enough to hide over ten corpses in. Or, you know, a lot of crockery. The building itself is pretty cool too - it really looks like an old school warehouse, the type you'd want to convert into a home and fill with this furniture if you had a spare couple of mill. The warehouse is open by appointment, or on Saturdays from 10 til 4. Well worth a visit for lovers of antiques.

The Junk Company is, well... basically what it says on the sign…read more Envisage two floors quite literally piled high with everything of bygone eras that has managed to evade the tip. And by everything, I do mean everything. Slightly bedraggled couches, medicine cabinets, ceramic oddities, architect drawing boards, cement mixers - no really, everything and anything is acceptable here, as long as it's not new. Whilst you're unlikely to walk out with a total bargain, The Junk Company isn't expensive either. It's just... reasonable.

If you're into old and quirky antiques then you'll love spending time at The Junk Company…read more Everything is organised in to like items. Want an art deco light shade, then head to the left hand side. Looking for some old vinyl for your music collection? Head halfway down the back on the right. What about an antique crinkle-cut chip slicer? You'll find about 12 sticking out of some old milk bottles on one of the bookshelves. Spend any amount of time in here and you will find things you never knew you wanted or even needed. It's a great spot to find a unique gift or something great for your home.

I love visiting this antique store. It is enormous and resembles a warehouse rather than an…read moreorganized and categorized space. Walking in the front doors the wares spill out onto the steps and you'll soon understand why - this is one jam-packed antique centre. Furniture, ceramics, porcelain, prints, toys, cabinets, it is all here. There is a second floor so make sure you take the time to get up there and have a look around. You'll feel like you are wandering through a novel by Charles Dickens because this place is a treasure trove for anyone obsessed with the past or those passionate about interior decoration. The staff are very friendly and incredibly helpful, they seem to know where most things are located so have a chat with them if you get a little lost or are in need of something in particular. If you get a little overwhelmed then step outside and grab a coffee, this is the sort of place that you can revisit or spend hours inside.

From the owner: Over 50 Dealers In Antiques, Collectables And Ephemera.read more

I came across this shop by accident. It really is world class. Even if you don't want to buy a…read morechandelier you can spend hours here looking at the lights and antiques. The people here really know what they are talking about. In fact they know it too well I walked out with two very serious lights

If retro trinkets, cut crystal and random antique ornaments are your cup of tea then make hast to…read moreHeidelberg Road Vintage Bazaar. This place is loaded with them, with dozens of cabinets choc-full to suit all sorts of tastes and wild collecting habits you have. If you're after retro furniture, the you should try your luck as there is an okay selection here, though it's in no way as vast as the trinkets on offer. The prices seem reasonable, perhaps because this isn't hipster territory so do pay a visit if you're in the market for something cool for our house.

From the owner: Liz Syber is always interested in buying quality Retro, Vintage and Antique wares of all…read moredescriptions. Estates inspected and bought by appointment. To book an appointment please call Liz on (03)9479 4000 or email: syber@bigpond.net.au Valuations for market sale purposes and insurance also available. Sybers Vintage Bazaar deals in: Antiques and Vintage wares Collectables Bric-a-brac Jewellery Objets d'art Oriental