We went here today in search of a desk, and sadly, didn't find one. Well, we did, but it kind of…read morehad a SOLD sticker hanging off it, and when we enquired as to whether it was actually sold (since the sticker looked old and was hanging on by a corner), no one seemed to know, or wanted to find out. We had a look around anyway, and this place is a hipster's paradise. Most of it is genuinely old, and slightly overpriced. I got two sewing patterns for $2 apiece (and they weren't even that great), and other op shops are selling them for around 50 cents each. We also grabbed a couple of spanners for $2 each, and I got some zips and piping for another $2. There is a large section of stuff that isn't secondhand and is brand new, and is extremely expensive. I saw a set of double bed sheets with foxes on them for $214. I know foxes are "in" right now, but seriously. Obviously very much taking advantage of the whole "vintage vibe" that people are loving right now, and good on them I guess, but I was looking for genuinely old, unfashionable secondhand stuff, and of that there just wasn't that much, sadly.

The coolest second hand and collectibles store in Auckland for sure. The mass size of this…read morewarehouse is amazing and full of everything from a Tonka truck for the kid to vintage surfboards that make the man cave look awesome. My first visit to J & D I spent over an hour and a half just wandering back and forth peering at peoples past belongings. I have purchased a beautiful vintage glass cake platter the kind that nana used to have, and a glass perfume spray bottle that opens up and allows you to fill it up with any scent you wish. Prices are not too pricey, so won't break the bank. If you love exploring antique stores give this a try you might find a painting that inspires you, or a vintage lounge suite to redecorate with? Staff are helpful however, usually only one person working the store. Be prepared for cool and cool is what you will get.

This is a decent opportunity shop if you are more interested in the furniture and home-ware kind of…read moreside of things, as I am. I wouldn't take a second look at most of the clothing in here, it looks like it could have clothed Madonna back in the 80s. While this shop can be a bit hit and miss like most places of the thrift store variety, if you are lucky or wearing your lucky pair of knickers for the day you could find something worth the time it took you to search, which is always a good pay off. When I was in here the other day, I managed to find a really good almost new kettle for like $5 and a throw for my bed for even less than the kettle, so It must have been a good day. When I was in there I also saw a pretty serviceable little couch for a measly $100 bucks which I told one of my friends about who is shifting flats at the moment so she went in to snap that up and also found a sweet rocking chair for a minimal price too! (Disclaimer: this day of shopping was a REALLY good day, this may not happen for you but I wish you all the luck in the world in your own search)

A treasure trove of antiques, collectables and vintage literally bursting out of this boutique…read morestore. I can't help being drawn to their colourful racks of clothing and objects of desire displayed outside and what better way to draw me into the store. I particularly love their jewellery and recently picked up a long black bead necklace for under $40. The salespeople generally leave you to browse at your leisure. Some bargains to be had, then again some prices are up there.

This is a great place to have a rummage around in. It's big and filled with all sorts - from…read morecrockery to prints, jewellery, postcards, furniture, and vintage mangazines. It's a more approachable kind of antique shop, by which I mean, you can go in and actually find things you can afford, plus, it's not the kind of place that gives you that dreaded feeling in your gut that if you turn around too quickly, you're going to break something worth more than your earn in a year. Which is never that much fun, is it? I recommend coming here to sift through their excellent button collection, which they sell individually - so handy if you're into reworking vintage clothes or crafts of any kind. Also, they have a cute and extensive range of vintage postcard, which are great for making unique birthday cards from. The jewellery is also definitely worth a rummage.

Yesterday I came across this store for the first time. It is situated along the long stretch of Pt…read moreChevalier Road, nestled amongst the occasional cafe and lots of houses. The space was airy and had great lighting to show off their collection of funky home decor and unique pieces of furniture, most of which had the upholstered, stressed image, but came with a hefty price tag. My favourite piece of furniture was the strange big orange industrial looking coffee table, it wouldn't fit in with our 'look' at home, but I could appreciate its coolness! My favourite small item was a long stem black candleabra, it had me lingering with contemplation about a possible purchase, but I turned away without looking at the price tag, this place is nice but expensive. I am sure this place would draw in bigger crowds if it was situated somewhere like Mt Eden or Ponsonby, but it is good for Pt Chev and once the names is out there I am sure they will/do have a following. Worth going and having a look, or check out their website.

A cute and funky boutique located on Ponsonby Road, I've driven past Yellow Brick Road countless…read moretimes and finally went inside this week. It's brilliant! Beautiful 1950s and vintage inspired clothing - I loved every single dress and even tried on a few. Yellow Brick Road also stocks an array of fun knick-knacks, including magic sets, diaries, postcards, stamp sets and pencil cases. Everything in the store is made from lovely vintage and retro looking materials that provide a unique and homely feel to each product. The hair accessories are also fantastic. Huge patterned bows and big flower clips - I was in seventh heaven! Likewise the jewellery is all really funky and bold and is exactly what every girl wishes they had. With a wall display of sunglasses as well, there really was no going wrong in Yellow Brick Road! That having been said, the service was pretty average. There were two sales assistants in the store while I was there and neither of them approached me or even said hi. It wasn't until I asked to use the changing room that they acknowledged me at all. Service aside, Yellow Brick Road is a fun and funky wee store that definitely deserves a looksie!

Any store that has cute colorful retro styled cardigans in the storefront window is bound to…read moreattract my attention. Yellow Brick Road Boutique not only captured my attention but managed to hold it once I had entered too. It must have been all the pretty shiny stuff that did it. This is one of the only stores in Auckland that I have found that sells these 'bones' necklaces, bracelets and hair ties. They come in all different pastel colours and are super cool. I bought some in Christchurch a year back and have been looking for the same up here but have yet to be successful. Until now. They also stock some great looking 'display books' - you know the ones, books with pretty covers and deep material that you keep on your bookshelf so your friends can see how well read you are.

Annex is the kind of store I love going into. Everything in there is just beautiful. They stock a…read morerange of different products from clothing, to homeware, to gifts. I absolutely love the clothing range they have in store. Everything edges on the side of being a basic and because of this you know they will be classics in your wardrobe for many days to come. And when you feel the fabrics they are of the best quality. Top cottons, merinos and great patterns. Their products would be a perfect present for your mother-in-law for her birthday. The staff are really nice, lovely women who are helpful when necessary but leave you alone when you just want to be alone. The store definitely edges on the expensive side, they are in Ponsonby after all, but they do have great sale racks that are definitely worth hitting up. Especially around Ponsonby Market Days.

I recently fell over this divine little store on Ponsonby Rd tucked in between Macy Home and Jane…read moreDaniels. It's a hybrid of homewares, including crockery, candles, clothes shoes and French hair accessories, The beautiful items though, are the handmade crystal earrings and gorgeous (also handmade) Italian glass rosary beads. All in various colour variants and combos. All so swoon-worthy I'm not sure whether I'd wear them or find a very stylish way to display them in my home! A treasure trove without being remotely bric a brac! And lovely helpful sales people.

Located in an old black villa in the middle of the Kingsland shops, is one of my favourite shops in…read moreAuckland. Full of fantastic, eclectic gifts, furniture, jewellery and cards, The Cat and the Fiddle is the perfect place to find a gift for that special person, or just treat yourself! I've been shopping at this store for years and am still in awe every time I step through the door. The owner is a friendly woman who is happy to tell you about each of the pieces. The whole Cat and the Fiddle experience is a delight. From the creative arrangement of scarves, jewellery, furniture, candles and fairy lights, to the soothing foreign music that wafts around the store as you shop, you'll never have a bad or boring experience in this store. Tip: Get your gift beautifully wrapped at the store for free.

The Cat and The Fiddle is a Kingsland gift store making the most of the converted villa businesses…read morein Auckland that are supposed to create a warm, welcoming environment. They use almost every available space to display their wares in this dazzling display of trinkets. The amount of candles and jewellery and religious iconography is intense and I was hoping for a little respite in a courtyard or garden after the assault on my senses. The store feels like a library of monotonous authors: after browsing everything you're disappointed nothing actually tickled your fancy. You also have the typical Kingsland retail shop greeting where the staff don't want to be the first to break the silence. My partner described it as "Just another old lady shop".