Sydney may be Australia’s most glamorous city, but that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to save our pennies for a rainy day.

With the effects of the global financial crisis still being felt in the retail sector, thrifty chic is the new black. Shoppers have a definite upper hand, with many stores running year-round sales – from high end to high street, there are genuine bargains to be had.

At the same time, vintage clothing stores are more popular than ever and ‘thrifting’ is becoming a style-savvy gal’s favourite pastime. Sydney has always done that effortless, ‘just rolled out of bed and into my designer jeans look’ to perfection and, now more than ever, do-it-yourself market stall chic is what it’s all about. The message is simple: looking fabulous doesn’t have to break the bank.

Of course, the Sydney shopping experience isn’t all about fashion. Our fair city is also a design Mecca, with cutting-edge furniture and homewares available from the heart of the CBD to the outer reaches of the metro area and all the quirky Aladdin’s Caves of purchasing pleasure in between.

And then there’s food shopping. Sydney arguably does farmers’ markets, delicatessens and gourmet emporia better than anywhere else in Australia. What could be better than plundering your local deli and sharing the spoils with friends and family over a tipple by the glittering harbour?

Get ready to experience the best Sydney has to offer, one shop at a time.