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!

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.

Purchased a sweater from Hartleys online which was $269! Wore it twice and it looked terrible due…read moreto "pilling". Returned it and requested a refund. However the sweater was returned with a battery operated de piller. This cuts the fibres. I would have expected a jumper at this price to last the whole season. Hartleys did not want to know about the issue. I will never purchase another item at Hartleys or from Loobies Story.

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.

Great stuff, good prices. Really like that that they have a pick up service too for unwanted…read moreclothes which is different.

From the owner: New & Pre Loved Clothing Boutiqueread more

At the beginning of winter 2012 - you might not remember because there was no summer to help…read moredifferentiate the seasons - I popped along to the icebreaker outlet store for one of my bi-annual shopping sprees. While it does have a good selection of stuff, I'm not sure that it's much cheaper than a regular store. That seems to be the case with most outlet stores these days. Anyways, despite that I did manage to get a few items that kept me insulated through the winter. Icebreaker stuff is pretty hardy so I shouldn't need another trip until 2014 now :) If you're on the North Shore and like a bargain it's worth a visit as there are four or five other outlet stores in this strip of shops.

This is one of my favourite Kookai stores because it's always SO quiet compared to other Kookai…read morestores. Here you can escape the chaos of the mall and be left to find that perfect party dress. This is also very helpful when trying to squeeze into the tight, tight, tight dresses at Kookai. There's nothing worse than popping out of the changing room to get another size to find a whole crowd gawking at your bottom poking out of a super tight dress. Yes. You know what I mean. It can be mighty awful. But at the Albany store it's way down the end of the mall and it's probably so quiet because you have to walk a marathon to get there! But it definitely helps me to feel comfortable when trying on not-so-comfortable, but totally awesome dresses. Kookai Albany, you get a thumbs up from me!

Up until this weekend just gone, I was a pretty big fan of Kookai. So when I went to find something…read morefor the weekend, I popped into the store to see if they could help. Before I'd really even looked around I found myself thinking 'meh'. It is a good place for staple items, although these staples can be pretty expensive. They have A LOT of tight stuff, in pretty much every shade. And it is all in that sort of tog material stuff. There is a good selection of dresses and tops, and is always a number of things on sale. The store is pretty massive so there is a lot of choice. The service is very attractive and friendly, often in that slightly over the top, 'hi hun!!!' way, but hey, they're perky and helpful. As it is an Australian brand, the sizings are Australian, namely sizes 1 and 2. Size 1 is 6-8, and 2 is 10-12, i'm not sure they go any higher actually. I will still definitely pop in every now and then, because they do get some really nice stuff, but it isn't my first choice.

A great place to shop and could add a lot more shops including Zara home and H&M to make it more of…read morea shopping destination.

Pretty decenly laid out Westfield mall. You can find the usual ammenities here such as the big…read morescreen cinemas, food court (with the standard food court offerings), indoor playgrounds on both levels, the parking lot 'while you shop' carwash & various cafes littered throughout the complex. Also a few restaurants just past the foodcourt on the outside. Three stars for the very limited under cover car parking. A mall this size needs more covered spaces for the erratic Auckland weather.

What an innovative way to have a business in the new millennia! Browse online, select what you want…read moreto try on and have it waiting for you at the bespoke fitting room, 'The Aviary' when you arrive! Having a Sustainable Stylist there to help you out with ideas, fit and advice is so unique. The whole set up is perfect for such and AMAZING collection of authentic true vintage clothing. Click on the menu selection for The Aviary on the website to learn more about it and start adding to your Wishlist!

From the owner: Painted Bird evolved from a passion for the 'hard to find' piece; bespoke styles, cuts and textiles…read morefound in premium vintage clothing from the 1940's to the 1970's. These styles are easily incorporated in to our current looks. In days gone by, individuals chose patterns and fabrics, tailoring garments that created a story by infusing garments with personality, identity and occasion. These designs enhance existing body form, swathe natural beauty and produce a signature 'statement look.' Carefully handpicked pieces from France, Italy and other parts of Europe ensures our collection is Grade A Vintage, High End Wearable Art. On buying trips, we only select classic and unique garments of the highest condition; with the philosophy that all pieces must be distinctly wearable. These past creations are carefully curated to be an addition to our present day wardrobe. It is almost guaranteed that you will never see another garment like it - anywhere. Visit our curation, enjoy, and try on the artwork at The Aviary for Painted Bird Vintage. We would love to see you!

I've always come in ehre with my mum as it is a shop for women in her agve group. But I secretly am…read morein love with this store and always find something that I really, really need. Ok, really, really want, but you know what I mean. It's really classic, chic, and has everything from shoes, to homeware, to dresses, to gloves. There's so much nice stuff in the store and would be the perfect place to head if you've got your mum's birthday coming up or Mother's Day. My favourite thing to look at there is their knitwear range. I'm one of those people who go around feeling the clothes. Weird I know. But here you can totally tell the difference between a chain store. They feel like they're so well made and are of a good quality. Why not take your mum there. Sure it may be just for her at first, but I'm sure you'll find something for yourself too.

Fantastic shop and amazing service! I had never heard of this brand and seldom go to Albany so…read moreimagine my delight to spend at least an hour in there with a brilliant sales attendant bringing me mix and matches and all sorts of gorgeous clothes. I had to buy a fair few items for a new job and she was right on the money helping me out. I love experiences shopping like this. Well done Blue Illusion... I will definitely be back!