If you want funky fashion thats affordable then this is a place to go.My friend and I walked past…read morehere a few years ago and have been going back to get bits and bobs ever since. Second hand items that are well looked after and well maintained, they have good brands and a good selection. The prices are reasonable and its easy to find some awesome buys. There is an awesome 21dollar rack where you can find some great little deals Bright and light fitting rooms, with loads of space for taking multiple items in with you. The sales staff are lovely and very helpful.

Finally, I've discovered a second-hand clothing boutique actually worthy of the title 'Boutique.'…read moreEncore is everything you want it to be: an absolute treasure trove of used designer clothes, well priced and well ordered. What separates this store from the others such as Recycle Boutique and Finders Keepers is that they actually make it feel boutiquey rather than op-shoppy in there. This means luxurious Laura Ashley-papered walls, funky lighting and spacious changing rooms and staff who can help you pick out outfits and advise you on almost anything in the store. The brands they sell can be anything from Vivienne Westwood to Kiwi favourites Karen Walker and Zambesi, all at massively discounted prices. Of course, you're still going to be paying more for the privilege of owning these items than you'd pay for lesser quality items in a chain store, but what you'll get in return are pieces that will last you a lifetime...or indeed items you'd probably be able to resell again for a tidy profit.

Huge amount of clothes in a big site. Found some dodgy shirts here (dodgy in a good way)... A…read morelittle scared to bring my partner here... I might lose another wardrobe to her clothing.

Came here on Saturday to do some shopping for a baby shower. Was served by a lovely Islander girl…read more Wish I asked her name. I will next time. Great clothing, huge selection and phenomenal customer service. Thank you. I will return :)

This is a hidden treasure trove just a kilometer out of Warkworth on the road to Matakana. It is…read morepart of the Matakana collectables trail, and owner Margie has had the business since 1976, so is clearly a place worth a visit. Filled with genuine vintage treasures that are all tastefully grouped and merchandised, you can find anything from gardening implements and kitchen utensils to clothes and wall hangings in here. A lot of the stock is actually supplied by locals, who bring in stuff to sell to Margie, and anything she thinks isn't suitable or doesn't sell during sale time she sends off to give to the local hospice. She also has a vibrant personality so is great to talk to whilst you peruse the vintage racks or browse through old postcards.

This shop is small and overpriced. I realize that it's a charity, but the prices are unrealistic…read more The quality is minimal...like out of someone's garage leftovers after the garage sale. I almost gave it one star.

The Warkworth Hospice shop is one of the largest I've been to. Hidden along Argyll lane it's a…read morelittle gem, and definitely worth a visit. They have a good range of clothing; and it always smells clean, not old and musty! Their book section is another favourite, it's good for seeking out those really old classics that the library has long got rid of. They have quite a bit of bric-a-brac, which I don't have much time for but Mum spends hours ferreting though. I've always found loads at the WW hospice shop, probably loads I really don't need, but at least I know that my money is going to a fabulous cause (and not to one of the richest men in the country who runs Save Mart!)

Worst place to sell your items, terrible communication and dodgy behaviour from staffread more

I have shopped and sold items here over many years and they have gone to the dogs. Items you have…read morefor sale are given a short time to sell, if they don't sell you need to check the expiry date on the website, go into the store, find your items and take them back. It gets worse, if your items don't sell, they become the property of Recycle Boutique at which they might donate OR resell and keep the profits. It's complete BS. Be wary and read the fine print before selling with them.

Vixen: A retro-monster that swallows you whole and then spits you out some time later, slightly…read morelighter on the cash and a little wiser in the wonderful ways of all that is vintage clothing. This shop has everything - men's, women's, and a kick-arse haul of vintage boots. It's the best place to start any serious hunt for a specific vintage piece, whether it's a dress, a sweatshirt, or something from the amazing range of accessories - gloves, handbags, scarves, and sunnies. Unlike some other large retro clothing shops, the stock at Vixen changes all the time - a testament to it's large fan base that keeps coming in and collecting goodies!

If you're wondering how cool Vixen is - let me tell you a story. A few years ago now, a young…read moreAmerican walked into the store to have a look around, but the store assistant told him Vixen was closing and he would have to come back another time. After sending the man packing and scratching his head, the store assistant would later click that she had sent alt-country superstar Ryan Adams on his way; she was to see him in concert that night. If you're looking for a secondhand store that is packed enough with Americana to entice Ryan Adams, and too cool for him to even get a look-in, Vixen's your place.

Chic Shoes and Things is a lovely little boutique five minutes walk from Orewa Beach on the…read moreHibiscus Coast. I was drawn in by their stylish black ankle boots in the window. And to be honest I forgot to look at what other 'Things' she sold! I did not have much time so I simply admired all the shoes collection - particularly the boots! - mostly heeled and many were unique, I have been a bit put off by the generic ones I am seeing everywhere in the department stores or cheap shoes outlets where I usually go simply because that is all the budget will allow But, having said that, I think it is wise to buy a few good quality shoes, it is worth it in the long run, for the sake of your health and the sake of the shoe lasting; I recall some cheap flats I bought last winter and had only worn them for one day when the shoes and I got caught in a down pour - and they fell apart straight after that, parting is such sweet sorrow...