This is a nice spacious shop with plenty of parking and a cafe next door! Perfect…read more This shop sells awesome clothing - it has a whole stack of the Federation range (today I discovered a tshirt in a colour that wasn't even listed on their own online store; and which I now can't stop thinking about). Today I discovered they even stock that super cool label Wild Fox here. Lush. One day when I have heaps of money I'm gonna buy heaps of that and wear it to Coachella. I found the staff friendly and they put a clothing item I was wanting to try on in the changing room for me while I continued to browse. I did spot an amazing cat sweater for sale too (brand was Mr Gugu and Miss Go). Basically if you are after some awesome clothing , chances are you'll find something at Laundromat.

This store is a very recent discovery for me and I'm worried that now I've found it, I'm going to…read moreend up spending all of my money in here. They just have everything I've been looking for. Grey sweater: check. Doc Martens: check. Nice colours of Vans: check. They stock labels like Federation and Wildfox that I haven't seen in many other stores around the city, so you know you're almost guaranteed to be the only person wearing anything you buy in here. It's by no means a cheap store but all of the clothes are really well made and they're really different to items you'd find in chain stores. The store itself has a whole warehouse vibe to it and is really spacious with exposed brick walls and concrete floors. I love the fact that it's got a kids section, they've got some really cool printed tees and dresses that I kind of want for myself! Really must try to keep myself out of this place.

For 12 years I was happy to buy American food and things like toothpaste with peroxide and baking…read moresoda not otherwise available in NZ from Martha's. During those 12 years one of the owners frequently went to America to buy the stock. And for many years they got special orders for me. But ever since the pandemic they have lost the plot. They refused to accept special orders and their shelves rarely offer me what I want. I have repeatedly asked them to figure out a new method of getting their supplies which they refuse to do. How they stay in business is a mystery without desirable stuff to buy. They're old and no longer seem to give a damn. I find it remarkable that they stay in business. Not worth the trip.

Ever have the feeling of giddiness as an adult, that makes you say 'get ahold of yourself now?' But…read moreyou can't and your smile is ear to ear. Well that's what Martha's Backyard did to me. I was instantly hit with Americana as the doors spread open for me. No need to trouble yourself with pushing a door American, here let me automatically open for you. Star! Since the owner was clearly using her consumer... ahem marketing skills, the first sight upon entering was a stock pile of Stars & Stripes regalia. All that was needed was the Star Spangled Banner playing in the background. Independence Day is only a few days away, so stock up. Martha's Backyard which of course is a play on words, (think Martha's Vineyard) has many American culinary favorites from candies, seasonings, sauces, cereals, beverages and snacks. I walked out with Cholula, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Lawry's Seasoned Salt, a pack of Lawry's Taco seasoning, mini Butterfingers and 2 boxes of Cap'N Crunch cereal for under $40.00. Not a bad price for imported happiness.

There's this bright pink sign catching your attention on Cascades Road, which immediately signals…read morethis is no mechanic shop along a busy industrial district. What a Girl Wants is a second hand store, but packed with top quality bits and pieces. There are bags, clothes, shoes, books, furniture and ornaments, all geared towards the classy women of East Auckland. I thoroughly enjoyed having a browse, and picked up a nice singlet for a whopping $2! It's next to a coffee place and also an antique store, so your vintage tastes can be quenched, along with a nice spot of coffee afterwards. You can just park on the gravel outside, which is really handy. The shop assistant was friendly enough, and the way things are set out is really eye catching. It's awesome to see some creative thought going into the layout of a thrift store, considering most of the time, you have to rummage to find anything particularly useful. Here, it's all on display, in order of size and product. Good stuff.

What a Girl Wants would be a solid four star shop if it weren't for the staff…read more The two times I've been in I've wanted to stay longer, they have some amazing bargains and a very well organised shop, and overall the quality of their stock is excellent. The problem is, the two ladies who work there were very, very loudly talking politics both times I went in. As there's a dance school directly above them, it's fair enough that they need to raise their voices a little to be heard. But maybe don't stand on opposite sides of the shop? Or don't go on loudly about how much you dislike beneficiary bludgers who just sit around all day doing nothing. I mean, you're running a second hand shop, people...perhaps put two and two together and come up with four?

I have a few Ruby pieces in my closet, which take pride of place over everything else in there. I…read moreguess my other clothing must feel pretty neglected sometimes, the way I take care of my Ruby stuff! No floordrobe for these items! My little sister originally put me onto this boutique, as she's an edgy little hipster who has her clothes bought for her by my sucker of a mother, for those of us who actually have to save up and buy a ruby piece ourselves. It is worth every cent. The clothing is New Zealand made and is truly unique, you can be guaranteed that you won't be looking like every other girl who shops at glassons, though now the secret has been let out of the bag there may be slightly more Ruby aficionado sightings around town!

Ruby is one of my favourite more recently established New Zealand brands. The collection is always…read moreconsistently beautiful and unique, with fabrics such as silk and wool frequently dispersed throughout all the seasons. Ruby Newmarket stocks a range of other tasteful brands, including Tallulah and Cameo, and also Ruby's recently emerged sister brand, Liam. You will also find Ruby's footwear and jewellery lines stocked here too. All the shop attendants I have met at Ruby Newmarket have been quite helpful and chatty, always knowing quite a lot about the garments and making tasteful style recommendations. Although not cheap, Ruby is a classy alternative to the typical dark and black New Zealand design aesthetic you tend to see in some of the more established New Zealand designer stores.

I usually shop at the Savemart in Northcote, but decided to give this location a go. I googled it…read moreupon arrival to see what others have said about the place and to see if it would actually be worth my time. This location was amazing!! I found items from Boohoo with the tags still attached. The items are in very good condition. Of course like many of the locations in NZ there aren't many people asking if you need help finding something or help with anything, but you can always ask a cashier at the front. There were only two checkouts, but if you shop there as soon as the doors open as I do, you shouldn't have any issues or experience long lines. The prices were fantastic in my opinion. The only thing I didn't see much of were belts, hats, purses or shoes, but this is the beginning of the year so I am sure there are loads of new stock. Don't take my word for it. Go see for yourself :-)

This shop made me feel like it wasn't even a recycled clothing shop. It was massive and had…read moreeverything. The moment you walk in you see a butt load of clothes. I found some stuff from Nike and Adidas. The environment was great and had a nice range of stuff. Would recommend!

I may be bias because I am from the shore but this is hands down the coolest department store I…read morehave ever been to! Home to Stephen Marr, Lucy and the Powder Room, Karen Walker, Black Box, TopShop as well as a myriad of rotating NZ designers, this place is nothing short of brilliant. Expensive, but brilliant nonetheless. On my last visit I was delighted to see they now also have a wonderful range of quirky terraniums and indoor plants. Definitely well worth checking out if you are looking to add some greenery to your office or home!

Quite a special place, for a morning coffee, quick lunch and afternoon relax, with greens and…read moreflowers. You wouldn't notice that you are actually in paradise. Yes, Paradise has the meaning of 'Garden'. Top Quality coffee, good cheese scone, caramel chocolate slice. Menu is not too complicated, ease for mind when you just into the sunny mood and some inner peace. Or you can choose just grab a coffee and have a stroll in the department store, finely selected fashion there waiting for the right person. Choose a beautiful day, and amaze yourself here. There is nothing more beautiful with a nice coffee I the warm sun.

This lovely store selling mostly women's clothing and accessories is a relatively new addition to…read moreAvondale. The woman behind the counter has always presented herself with a big smile ready to assist the potential customer. The clothing range predominantly stock bold colours and large print designs. Casual or elegant evening wear to chose from. I am especially taken with her gorgeous bags, casual beach bag styles with lovely designs, mostly modern or ethnic prints - for $10!!! I hope those prices stay the same as I am keen to stock up on some for presents for the many female family members later in the year. The clothing appears to be better quality than anything else I have seen in Avondale retail shops and I hope the business is here to stay. They are situated across the road from the local library a few doors down on Rosebank Road.

Lonely's first stand alone store is small but perfectly formed…read more Clean, modern and minimalist are the words that come to mind, with only two gold racks lining the sides of the room. It wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea but I strongly dislike clutter so I find it to be strangely calming. The dressing rooms, on the other hand, are rather plush and very spacious. The sales assistants even offer you sparkling water when you try something on! Lonely are well know for their playsuits, cute dresses, loungewear and of course, lingerie, which now has a cult following. It's not cheap but which NZ designer is. And to be fair I still wear a dress I bought about 8 years ago. That's value for money I say!

Lovely lingerie and terrific staff. The fabrics and cuts are wonderful. From jewelry to sleepwear…read moreand even a beautifully draping and luscious jewel toned evening dress! I am looking forward to following the Lonely Line as they continue their growth - great stuff.

A new addition to the shopping scene in Mairangi Bay, Gus & Fannie is the first storefront for a…read moreclothing label that began its journey at Matakana Markets. Along with the clothing range, there's also a mix of home decor, baby wear and jewellery. So nice to be able to shop local. I came in for a quick look and left with the perfect gift for a friend, job done!

Scotties is an iconic Auckland women's fashion shop, showcasing a selection of some of the most…read moreexquisite, and expensive, fashion in town. Everything in there is beautiful. It's also the place where the staff give you good look up and down when you walk in (if they bother to look at you at all), and then perhaps, if you're lucky, throw in a purely rhetorical "Can I help you?", delivered in the same tone as you might say "Please drag your sorry, poor arse out of my sight". Okay, perhaps I'm exaggerating just a weeny bit, but it's hardly a welcoming atmosphere. If you want to shop here, either be very rich and well-dressed, or, save up a month's wages, spend it all on an outfit from another upmarket boutique, and then walk proudly into Scotties, head held high. I love the idea of saving up for a special occasion and splurging on something amazing and classic from Scottie's, but I really wish they'd make it a little friendlier. That way I might be tempted to browse more often, and perhaps even head there for a big purchase. For now I think I'll settle for pressing my face lovingly up against the glass of their window display. So if you see lipsticky kiss marks on the panes, you'll know I was particularly taken with the frock on show that week.