While Beach Hut at Takapuna specializes in swimwear/ beachwear, the main reason I go there is…read morebecause they are one of the only stockists of the Australian fitness and activewear brand: Lorna Jane in New Zealand. I had just been buying all my gear off their site online but when I found out that they actually had a physical store in Taka, I raced down there to get my hands on this finely constructed work out gear. They have a good variety of this range available in store and there always seems to be some dealio or sale going on at the Hut! The shop is family owned and has an awesome vibe going on. I always feel good when I purchase things from these guys as I know I am supporting the local Takapuna community in turn. Warm n fuzzies!

I HATE buying bikinis. I can't buy a matching pair because I'm different sizes top and bottom. I…read morerefuse to spend huge amounts of money because they're tiny bits of fabric that are to be destroyed by salt and chlorine. I've managed to find a few decent bikinis at Beach Hut. At first I thought it was only going to have 'old lady' swimwear but was surprised to see one or two bikinis I quite liked. The sales assistant was incredibly helpful in finding different styles and sizes to best fit my body and when I went to the counter with my two purchases I received a HUGE discount as part of some crazy sale. All in all... great experience at the Beach Hut!

This is a gem in Browns Bay. The clothes are fashionable and pretty unique. There's a small…read moreselection of sizes in each item so you can almost be sure you won't turn up to a party in the same outfit as someone else. I've recently done a few trips down in an attempt to find something awesome to rep to the 21sts I have coming out of my ears. I've yet to be so lucky. This is the kind of place you need to sift through the racks and you're either going to find something great that happens to be in your size or find nothing at all! I always head down to the back where the sales racks are! There are pretty darn good prices on some of the dresses. But there are also pretty horrendous prices on other things. Again - you have to search and find. My sister just bought a great bikini from here and a friend of mine was looking stunning last night in a blue peplum dress she found hiding in the sales rack!

My all time favourite lingerie store! As a girl with big boobs and a pretty small rib cage I've…read morealways found it really hard to find pretty bras that also provide the support you need, but my anguish and disappointment came to an end the day I discovered Avokado! Located on Nuffield Street in Newmarket, Avokado has been gaining a reputation as the number one store for women with bigger boobs. Instead of just catering to older women, as most stores lingerie stores (like Bendon) have tended to, Avokado stocks young, funky, sexy and supportive lingerie for busty women. Regardless of whether you're a size 6FF or a size 20K, Avokado will have something for you. And, unlike other stores, Avokado only stocks products that both look and MAKE YOU FEEL FABULOUS. I now adore going lingerie shopping thanks to Avokado - their products make you feel like a supermodel, they're comfy and fun and vibrant - exactly what all 21 year olds want with their lingerie. Freya is my favourite brand that Avokado stock. They do super cute and sexy sets, and thanks to Freya I recently purchased the first bustier I've ever found that fit properly. Dusty pink with little black flowers and lace, it's incredibly pretty and the top along with matching bottoms only set me back $160 - not bad considering you'd pay at least that in most lingerie stores, and it wouldn't fit half as well. Tip: Avokado also stock swimwear, so finally you can look and feel great at the beach too without having to worry about falling out of those silly drawstring-type bikini tops. If you are busty and sick of worrying about it, get your ass to Avokado! NOW!

On Nuffield Street in Newmarket this great lingerie store caters to a big busted girl or just…read moregenerally curvaceous or pregnant woman. They stock swimsuits (sold as seperates), sports bras, nightware and lingerie. The staff are very helpful and know how to fit you properly. The changing rooms are plush. Its my new place. I have to accept that I will be spending big $$$$ now I'm not a regular size.

I like to head north of Auckland to visit the beaches of our great region on the beautiful east…read morecoast. If I am ever lacking a pair of Havaianas I shall not have to search any further than The Bach surf shop in Matakana village. They have such a sweet as range of different colours and styles that I would be put to the test to decide on the right one. Other than those famous Brazilian jandals loved the world over, I really like the range of Sanuk shoes in store- so comfy and for the eco conscious shopper. The Bach Surf shop has been present in Matakana village for many a year since the early part of this millennium. I love the brands they offer- my faves are Billabong, Quicksilver, Sea Folly, Dragon and Havaianas. So remember if you have mistakenly left your sunnies or hat at home on your way north, pop in to The Bach and they will provide you with style and quality.

Bach in Matakana is the best surf shop in the region. It's a bit pricey, like most surf shops, but…read morehas a good selection of gear. The women's section has all the usuals; Roxy, Billabong, Ripcurl etc. you can find some pretty beach dresses and summery tops. They also do a good range of summer hats and sarongs. There is a good selection of guys boardies, it's good for those forgetful fellas who didn't pack there's for the beach (been there a few times). I was a bit shocked to find my Havianas cost nearly $40 for the pair, but apparently that's the going price! The sale rack out the front is a good 'stop n browse' you can definitely bag a few bargains there

Teresa is an expert in lingerie and fitting. you won't be disappointed. I have recently been…read morerefitted and so happy with my bras. as is my mum. Recommend using her bra fitting service, my size has changed and my new bras fit perfectly.

The service given at Rich Lingerie is amazing. The owner is lovely and her knowledge in this field…read moreensured my daughter came away with properly fitting Sports bras and daily wear Bras, this as always been so difficult to achieve due to my daughter needing a FF cup. I couldn't recommend Rich Lingerie enough. Great quality and choices.

There aren't many places where it's summer all year round, but La Madu is one of those places. The…read morestores are devoted to resort wear, beach wear and just general summer stuff. This includes clothing, swimwear, hats, shoes, Jewelry, some homeware and other accessories. The décor of this store provides the perfect canvas for the products. It's clean and white setting emphasizes the beautiful colours and fabrics. They get new stuff in from Australia nearly every week so there's always new things to see. It's a great place to go obviously during summer, but also if you are visiting somewhere warm during our winter. You get the feeling most of their clientele are the type of women who get to escape every year - the service can be a bit pretentious. Which is surprising considering the clothes aren't of the very best quality and they're not expensive. (One of those is a good thing). A good place to get some cute and cool summer fashions.

A trip to the island isn't complete without browsing the shopping strip in Oneroa. Waiheke's Zola…read moreResortwear has a stylish range of summery dresses for every occasion including as the name suggests, resort wear. No matter what your age bracket there really is something on the shelves which will take your fancy, my mum whose in her 70s liked the look of quite a few frocks, same for me, the middle-aged mum, and as for the teenager girls, they were spoilt for choice in the bikini and bathing suit department. In fact best friend of daughter number two chose to spend her Christmas money on a darling little bikini which was promptly changed into for the afternoon swim.

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...