Wild Orchid is a family owned and run luxury lingerie and sleepwear shop in Mosman. The beautiful…read moreand helpful dark haired girl at the counter is very friendly and makes you feel at ease if your somewhat nervous at seeing yourself in the mirror with lingerie on in the middle of white-leg, comfort food indulgent winter. Wild Orchid do bra fittings of course but know that most of the bras are upward of $100 (one stunning push up I noted was $500). You get what you pay for as they say and the fabulous lacy numbers will certainly add a little perk to your day (and your cleavage). They also have a good range of seamless knickers including organic cotton ones for $14 (so soft - I love them). The boutique stocks a huge range of brands including La Perla, Aubade, Chantelle, Le Mystere, Lise Charmel, Simone Perele, Deshabille, Mimi Holiday, Elle Mcpherson, Nearly Nude, Berlei and Calvin Klein - and that's only some of them. They also have Hollywood Fashion Tape, Perfectform silicone inserts and stick on bras, silk pillow cases and eye masks.

This place always has such a great window display I finally found the time to drop inside for a…read morelook. Wild Orchid sells beautiful lingerie and sleepwear - the sort of pieces that you fancy yourself in everyday but know that would be a luxury. The store itself is quite small and the grandeur of the window display makes it a bit of a let down. The best pieces are displayed in the window and inside is more basic that you may have been led to believe. The obligatory CK is stocked here but so are boutique labels I haven't' heard of like Spencer & Lacy and Love & Lustre. The store assistants are a bit funny too - not one of them said hello or welcome even as I made eye contact!

I held my breath as I crept through the door, looking around for a Style Authority to chase me out…read morewith a look of icy disdain. Nobody. Hmm. I crept in a little closer, taking in the distressed wood surfaces, the minimalist racks. Aah, staffer is on the phone in the next room. I might have a moment then. Oh my. Akira Isogawa designs and superlatives are hardly strangers, but to see them up close is quite the experience. Don't misunderstand me, I consider Fashion TV a form of penetential torture to be endured while getting my hair cut, I don't think I've ever bought a Vogue, and couldn't care diddly about what the latest skirt length is this season. But beauty earns its own respect. The lady even flashed me a smile as I inched my way into the far room, growing bolder by the moment, but she didn't get off the phone, which was a blessing. I got to run my (very clean, honestly) fingers over the silk, and imagine what these cloudlike suggestions of clothing must feel like to wear. Some were on sale, but no, there's no way I can afford them. But thanks for not running me out, scissors slashing and hurling pins at vital acupuncture points. I feel like this should be categorised as 'Art Gallery', for which I should have left a gold coin donation in gratitude as I slunk away, silkily serene.

Fantastic European menswear that I haven't found anywhere else in Sydney. Great range of casual…read morewear too.

Considering the number of families in Mosman; there's plenty for mum, plenty for kids but very…read morelittle for Dads. Presumably Dad is too busy at work to care about clothing but for those who can make it out of the office Hayman is a little treasure. A cool(ish) gentlemen outfitters they focuses on Northern European brands and I'd say there target is: smart, fashion conscious men from mid-twenties on. This isn't a cutting edge fashion store rather a well selected version of David Jones. The windows always make me homesick as they often reflect outfits that my dad would wear and then I shudder and realise that my husband would wear them too. This is not bargain hunter territory. The owner once refused to discount a Ted Baker suit because he "has larger overheads than DJs, so they can do sales" - we drove to DJs and saved $150. If your wallet doesn't quibble then this could be a great little shop for a new shirt for that boys night on the town or dress down Fridays.

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

Shoe lovers, shoe lovers everywhere. Come join me for this…read morespecial fair It's a shoe addicts dream It's a boyfriend's bore As once you enter You'll just want more More, more! So many of us love shoes. Carrie Bradshaw opened up the 'permits for all' on the right to have endless numbers of shoes in a girl's wardrobe. Zomp is the kind of shoe shop where I want to try on at LEAST ten shoes minimum. There's cutesy baby doll, there's cowboy boots, there's wedge, stiletto, strappy and sneaker, there's funky street, star prints and leopard prints, floral and kitsch. You name it, there's a style in there for you. But it's not just the variety I love it's that most of the shoes feel like they've got character... just that little bit of edge that other shoe shops might only have with only one or two shoes. I bought a $200+ pair of Hudson boots from here recently. They are gorgeous and they were on sale which of course was a bonus. Within 1 month unfortunately the sole started to unpeel. I was wearing them incessantly but it was a bit of drag to have to go back to the shop for a fix. The Zomp girls were more than happy to organize a shoe repair on them however I did have to pay extra if I wanted a thicker sole put on them - which I did of course. It was a shame to loose the cute penny farthing imprint on the sole. But now I can stomp these Zomp boots for a very merry long time. The Zomp Footwear for kids next door is a shoe shop filled with gorgeous teeny tot shoes. It's worth a mention for parents as it's a great excuse when the kids need new shoes to pop next door for your own sweet toe treat. One Saturday I was walking past and there were kids selling cup cakes outside. Nice touch.

I think I have a chromosome missing. I just don't seem to get that excited about shoes. I'm not so…read morefunctional as to wear only Hush Puppies but I do prefer my shoes to not leave my feet in bleeding tatters. Having said this I did purchase a pair of 4 inch stilettos from Zomp recently - mostly to see if I could actually walk and not look like a man in drag but also because I'm having an early midlife crisis. Zomp has shoes for all. If you get around on Zebra print brogues, pink ballet pumps, nude wedges or Gladiator sandals - all are found here and more. Staff are available without being intrusive and there are good discounts thanks to the GFC. A one-stop clodhopper shop.

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.

I had passed this store in the car and on the bus a million times. It's eclectic window display of…read morevintage fashion was tantalising. I was very keen to know more. Sadly, where I hoped for that whiff of possibility, all I found was the scent of secondhand. I have a cupboard full of dresses I could potentially pass on to a new wearer - surely there must be people out there that have the same to come my way? But this doesn't seem to be my sought-after thoroughfare - the prices were higher than I expected, and there wasn't a single thing that tempted me to defrock and try. I will give it a second chance (no pun intended) - by definition, the collection will be variable and unpredictable, and they must be sourcing their window display material from somewhere.

I don't know how much stuff costs from this place, and frankly I don't want to. I know it is a…read moremore expensive lingerie shop. So I am writing this to say they got some nice items and I am always happy when my wife decides to buy some stuff from this store. I would include photos (for science of course), but I'm pretty sure the wife would not approve.

This is a high end lingerie shop in Neutral Bay, the appareil is very classy and glamorous. You…read morewould want to be seen walking around in your under garments when you buy something from here. The fabrics and prints are spectacular and you will feel 100% sexy in this attire. If you are going to buy yourself a once a year treat and something to make you feel like a princess, then come to Moda Intima on Military Rd - you will definitely find something to suit you. It is not cheap, a bra on average is over $50 - but for an occasion like an engagement, anniversary, special birthday milestone, it could be just what you need to help make it a special night.

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.

Fantastic finds that fall on the "bold and brash" side of the spectrum - this is not the place for…read moreunderstated pieces...but why would you want those anyway, when you could have an orange faux fur crop coat and a black leather blazer that's been structured to within an inch of its life (in all the best ways? Also a white lace minidress with lovely bell sleeves that was by a local fashion designer...and yes, these all came home with me. Shout-out to Natalie and Hazel who were both extremely friendly, welcoming, and helpful. One big gripe that may sound silly but it's a legit issue: they pack WAY too many items onto each rack. They are so tightly packed together that you honestly can't slide them apart to see a garment. I mean there is truly not even a tiny gap between the hangers; the hooks are hard-pressed together on the clothing rack bar. I've never seen this many garments shoved so tightly, even at a down-market thrift store. It made it so difficult to browse that I ended up skipping past big swaths of racks that I really wanted to look at but simply could not access. It was bizarre and extremely off-putting, which is a shame.. If I could have actually SEEN the clothes properly this place would get a full 5 stars. Dear shop owner: if you absolutely must put out this many items, just buy longer racks. There's space in your store to put in more racks, especially upstairs. You will sell MORE clothes when people can actually browse through them. Stop buying hangers and start buying racks!

In what can only be described as a mini recycled clothing hot spot, lies, amidst two charity shops,…read moreU-Turn Recycled Clothing. A slightly upmarket opportunity shop. Where as shops like St Vincent De Pauls, or Vinnies, as it is known, stock large amounts of everything, clothes thrown onto racks and boxes and boxes yet to be unpacked waiting patiently out the back. U-Turns is more sparing with the clothes that it sells. It's as though the clothes must first pass a series of tests before they are displayed in the shop and sold to the masses. Are they stylish? All the clothes available on the U-Turn Recycled Clothing racks are very hip and very apt, some faux fur formal wear for your first foray into furry fashion. Bold and brash cowboy boots with buckles and buffed leather finishes. A hat made of a mink that makes you think about the stink it would have caused to hunt said mink and taylor him into a hat. The prices reflect the classier appeal and display of the clothing and, while cheaper than most first hand clothing, is a little pricier than the shops next door. You could find, mixed amongst the trash and bland clothing in most thrift shops, a piece of treasure that would look so bold in your wardrobe, but to find that you would have to be lucky. Likewise it would be quite unlucky to find some trash in all the treasure at U-Turn.