"Vintage inspired New Zealand made clothing...fun, fresh and powerfully feminine!"...powerfully…read morefeminine?!...hmmmmm.... Despite the frown upon my face I really do like this clothing store! There is a cool range of dresses; some bold primary colours making bold statements, spotty red summery styles, cutesy floral fabrics, nice range and variety to suit us all ... if only money was not a barrier ... The décor also had a unique layout with floating shelves filled, but not cluttered, with random objects, it was nice to see some creativity thrown in; a store, like a café or a restaurant can make a statement in more ways than just the items in which they sell. It leaves an impression and can influence the buyer. Visual marketing is what I call it. Can I copyright that? I have since discovered that this range of clothing is made by two young local designers - their success story can be found on their website, worth checking out if you are interested in the fashion industry, keep up the good work girls!

The sale rack at Blush is one of my favourites in Taka. I try to stop myself, but every time I walk…read morepassed I get drawn to it. Sometimes I walk away unscathed, other times I'm heading to the fitting room with a fistful of clothes and then out the door $50 lighter. I just love the colour. All year round Blush has colourful styles, and not just the colours that happen to be in that season; everything. Their clothing is generally feminine and sweet; think sweetheart neck lines, puffy skirts and floral prints. They have loads of summer dresses but then options for hitting the town too. Their collections are individual and cater for teenagers through to middle age I would say. The perfect place if you're looking for an outfit for a special occasion; even the races or a wedding

The Co-op is Trelise Cooper's new(ish) North Shore store. It features her label Coop, which is…read moretargeted at a younger demographic as well as a couple of other designers. What I like is that it's not the same old designers you see all the time, but instead some unique internationals. As for the clothes... The colours are bright and the designs bold, suiting those who aren't afraid of being the centre of attention! They visually appealing but a little out there for me. Oh and the sales assistants are lovely!

I like you, am more than excited to welcome the return of The Last Place Store in its new residence…read moreat 62 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna! They've got some awesome new winter gear in stock, so make sure you come down to check it out.

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.

Thank goodness for Millie! This is one of those shops I always forget about and then when I…read moreremember it exists I say, thank goodness! It's the perfect place to hit up if you are having one of those 'I don't know what to wear' moments as there's always something good to choose from there. The prices are always spot on and really affordable for what they are. You can get a brilliant, individual dress for such a good price. Perfect if it's wedding season or you're having a huge run of 21sts. It's the perfect store for a girl who's just starting out in the workforce - you need to look good but aren't on the salary for super high end just yet. They have heaps of different patterns and styles that are in trend but somehow manage to be really different from everywhere else. And, it's a New Zealand company so you know you're supporting our economy.

Huffer is one of those stores that I almost don't feel cool enough to hang out in. Like I don't…read morehave enough streetwear steez or perhaps it's just aimed a younger/cooler crowd. Anyways the layout of the store is niiiice - boys on one side, girls on the other - and they have some cool stuff. Think oversized dresses, sweaters and tee's. It's funny I actually love their guys stuff (espec. their hats) and would totally buy man presents here, I just probably wouldn't buy anything for myself. Personal style aside, Huffer is a really cool addition to Takapuna and in a good location next to The Commons and Mexico - I hope they absolutely nail it!

Wowza Huffer! Where did you come from?? Huffer has been one of New Zealand's key brands for a long…read moretime, but kind of slipped off the radar awhile ago. I don't know if they just went through a bad patch or were taking a break, but I don't really care - I absolutely love their new stuff. This store is also super cool because it's smack bang right in the middle of Takapuna's coolest new area - The Commons. The store is very cool and chilled, with wooden crates creating some of the display, and a relaxed vibe throughout. The staff are great. Not pushy or expectant, just there to help you and give some recommendations. The clothes are awesome. They do girls and guys stuff and it's all of a high quality. The style is sort of like someone who acres about fashion but doesn't wanna shove it in your face. It's understated cool, effortless style. It's comfort and practicality but awesomeness. Can you tell i'm a fan? What i'm also a fan of are the prices. I always hold my breath when looking at New Zealand designers price tags, but Huffer is really reasonable. Just go and look, you'll find something you like.

Arazzo is Mum & I's go to for gifts. They stock a beautiful range of candles, gorgeous body…read morelotions, silk scarves, jewellery, cookbooks and more. But the best thing about this small shop is that they turn over their stock at lightning speed, which means for a regular like me there's always something new to fawn over. It's obviously as popular with the other Milford locs as it is with our family. The other fabulous thing about Arazzo is that, compared to many other independent home decor stores, it's affordable. I love candles and so they have become somewhat of a price indicator for me and at $40 (they have quite a range), Arazzo's are an absolute steal! Try their beautiful handmade ones from Devonport. I forget the brand name but they come in a stylish black and white box and are stunning. They also currently have some fabulous christmas decorations, which the owner tell me are flying out the door. Cute wee reindeer and fairy lights galore - it certainly put me in a festive mood!

I love this store!! I went here on a whim because I was desperate to get stylish clothing on a…read morestudent budget. I finally found the place. I felt as though the Red Cross and other op shops were too basic. Then there were some that had nice clothes but were too expensive. This store has a great selection. The cheapest item I purchased was $4.99. There may have been things that were less expensive. Don't take my word for it. Judge for yourself.

Savemart has just committed the last slap in the face to its customers by removing the essential…read moretrolleys. There is nothing to put your purchases into! And this is a store with thousands of items and acres of store space. Customers are not important to them, just look at the lack of change room mirrors and hooks. Three items! This used to be an all day fun and serious shopping day for me, now I am boycotting it.