The five cool shops you can only find in Paddington

With its structural, salmon pink staircase and ornate finishings, furniture store Jardan is itself as much of a sight to be seen as the goods it stocks. The Paddington store is designed by architect Iva Foschia, who was bent on using colour to express the warmth of Sydney's tree-lined streets, as well as the deep blue of its nights. Go for elegant pieces handcrafted to order in the Jardan studio in Melbourne. Looking for some inspo? Check out the brand's in-house décor and design magazine, the Good Life. 

Where: 42 Oxford St

Designer Lucie Ferguson of Babyanything draws on influences from the zodiac and the sacred feminine to Catholic patron saints in her jewellery making. Here, fine jewellery doesn't mean delicate. Precious metals are stamped with typography and infused with a touch of rockstar edge (think spikes, maybe a stud or two). Most items are unisex – so you can pick up a gift and a little treat for yourself, too. Stop by Paddington's the Intersection for a peek at Ferguson's handiwork, as well as a selection of art pieces, tiles, fabric accessories and more. 

Where: 128A Oxford St

It's no secret that Paddington stocks the cream of the Australian designer crop, but if your fashion outlook is a little more internationally minded, look no further. Di Nuovo is a long-standing independent boutique that stocks old-season, pre-loved high fashion: from old Celine, to velvet Manolos to Acne leather jackets from their heyday. Stock is sold on a consignment basis with new products arriving daily. Pop by for a browse, and if you're loking to make a morning of it, stop in for a flat white at Alimentari next door.

Where: 92 William St

Originally in Double Bay, the store has made the leap to Paddington's William Street, and now you can experience the magic of Puddleduck Toys in the Inner East. Stocking a range of handmade, artisanal stuffed toys, dolls and woodens games, it's a cornucopia of childhood delight: maybe leave the kids at home if you're not ready to fend off their advances towards everything in sight. Puddleduck is a far cry from your average commercial toy store: swing by for tailored advice and guidance on gift-giving for the little ones in your life. 

Where: 70 William St

Breathe in, and breathe out. The Frankie General Store wants to help its clientele craft their lifestyle into a more conscious one with its selection of ethical, small batch products. Earthy tones, natural fibres and textural complexity are key: think macrame baskets, bamboo cutlery containers and chic glasses by New York brand Yunizon Eyewear. There's actual weight behind Frankie's sustainable ethos, too: it partners with brands like Knitting Expedition, which sells jumpers made by women who also take care of rice terraces in the Philippines.

Where: 70 Oxford St