If you're after some great New Zealand designers all under one roof, why don't you pop into River…read moreon Remuera Road in the heart of the Upland Road village. Here you will find a large mix of designer women's clothing, accessories such as jewellery and sunglasses, gorgeous shoes and even some other quirky gifts that would be perfect around the home. Whenever I am in the Upland Road village and walk past this store I can't help but poke my head in for a wee look as everything in there is stunning. If only the price was just as nice. River is definitely on the more expensive side. But it's here you are paying for quality of the goods. Originally starting in Keri Keri they still have a store up there selling the same fabulous designer clothing. There is plenty of street parking in this area. Just watch out for when it's a clear way, you wouldn't want to miss out on a new dress because you have to pay to get your car out of the pound.

I really love this store, it's such a great place to come for Australian and NZ designer clothing…read more They stock brands such as Cybele, Kathryn Wilson and Trelise Cooper as well as my personal favourites Lonely Hearts, Ksubi and Nom'd. Purchasing from this store feels like much more of an occasion, it feels special because it has a really boutique feel and everything is beautifully displayed. The staff here are really great and they help to create the friendly relaxed environment that this place has, I always feel comfortable talking to them and asking any questions they may have. I don't feel looked down upon here like I sometimes get at designer boutiques. The free street parking makes it very easy to spend a long time in this store as well as all the racks and tables full of absolutely beautiful clothing.

Made is a beautifully merchandised shop, stocked with a wide range of international and New Zealand…read moredesigner brands from Vivienne Westwood to Karen Walker. However, this immediate attractiveness of the shop does not really make up for the less-than-average service you receive. Although Made is never terribly hectic or busy, every time I have entered the shop, I have failed to be acknowledged by any of the shop attendants sitting at the counter or walking around the shop. Perhaps I look too much like a poor university student to afford any of the clothes? Anyway, after not being able to find the pants in the window I liked (and not really being assisted in this matter) I left Made feeling rather dissatisfied, and subsequently went on to spend money at one of boutique's neighboring shops. A tip for all shop assistants - you snooze, you lose.

There are a few stores over Auckland that I go to when in need of something a little bit fancy or a…read morestaple piece that could be a bit of an investment. Made is one of them. Located on the outskirts of the awesome Britomart area, it is often forgotten, but this can add to it's appeal. It is stocked with heaps of great designers both from New Zealand and abroad. There are crazy pieces that will definitely make a statement, down to everyday casual items that are of a high quality. The layout of the store is really cool, wh a sort of old warehouse vibe. There are also lots of accessories, like scarves, socks and laptop covers that add to the mish mash vibe andmakes it a good stop off for gift-buying. The service ws good when I went in. Although I prefer my service to be quite stand offish and to leave me to my own devices. Quite expenny, but its really cool stuff so ya know.

Beautiful, beautiful store full of locally made goodies for the home. Candles, terrariums…read more(obviously), lingerie and artwork. The store isn't huge but you can tell that they've carefully selected everything that is in there and it appears to be up-and-coming brands as opposed to the well-known ones, which I love. They also seem to have a good relationship with all the makers. The lovely lady behind the counter knew about each of them and they've got their business cards on the countertop for you to take home. I spied these two incredible dog portraits, one of a labby and the other a bulldog (?), and being a new doggie mum myself wanted to know if she was based in Auckland and did commission work. The lady informed me that she did and gave me a business card to take home - brilliant!

Love places that support NZ products! Some things they stock include beautiful leather handbags and…read morewallets, Mackinven&co candles (which are my absolute fav), art (amazing dog photography) and then of course an array of terrariums. Great spot to pick up a present and the girls who own the place are so helpful!

I'm from Christchurch we wear a lot of wool down there. Mainly because theres also a lot of sheep…read moredown there. So that being said I am always rather partial to having nice Woolley garments on my body. 'Woolly for you' caters to all your woolen desires. It sells real NZ Merino products (the best wool in the world in my humble opinion); products ranging from sweaters to scarves and hats. I bought my favourite ever pair of sheepskin slippers from the store and do they ever keep your footsies deliciously warm! Come at me winter! One of the great things about the store in particular is that they provide duty free and post orders anywhere in the world. So you can buy your special NZ gifts and then send them on to the bound to be stoked receivers, while your still in the store and forget all about it and continue on your travels without having to lug extras around with you.

The Shelter is a beautiful new concept store in the heart of fashion central, just off Ponsonby…read moreRoad. The store features a beautifully curated collection of clothing and accessories, homewares from Foxes Den and Blend Café. I haven't bought any clothing from here (...yet) but I did buy some beautiful Turkish towels that I gifted to my Dad's partner for Christmas. She loved them so much she's already been back in store to buy more. The café is also a treat. The coffee is strong and rich - best black in my opinion - and the owner, Drew is a delight. They also sell Tokyo Bikes at the café (the only stockists in NZ) and some really cool leather bike accessories! If only I was confident enough to ride a bike around Auckland! If you haven't been to The Shelter it is well-worth checking out and even though it's high end all of the staff are lovely - no snobbery here!

I was pulled into this store by the defiant pops of color I could see from the street itself, so…read moreeven though I was running late for an appointment I had to go in and take a quick look. I kinda both wish I had and hadn't, if I hadn't I wouldn't have discovered such an awesome design aesthetic but now that I have I wouldn't still be sitting here craving everything in the store. When you buy from Pia, you can guarantee that you will be only one of a few fashionistas Auckland wide with the same piece. The clothes in these shops are irreverently fun. And the prints mad, but in a totally good way. I have to give props to the cute male shop assistant who set me up in a the changing room and picked out a few different peices for me, who was just chatty and friendly and well dressed himself. Get in here girls, now!

Finally seeing her name up in lights, Pia is putting her graphic design degree to use alongside her…read morepassion for fashion. What started off as an online business eventually made it to the suave streets of Parnell. Located next door to the Chocolate Boutique, this gorgeous store is not hard to find. With one of a kind garment's, Pia has made the effort to make her works of art truly unique. From coming up with the beautiful patterns, to printing them onto fabric and assembling the garment, this beautiful, feminine clothing line is all New Zealand made. I came here the day Pia Boutique opened their store and purchased one of her stunning Neon Aztec Frill Dresses. Florescent orange, back with a funky black and white pattern at the front, I just know this dress is going to be perfect for both summer and winter seasons to come. I cannot recommend coming into Pia Boutique enough. The store is glamorous, the garments are stunning and Pia herself is absolutely lovely! The entire Pia experience is one of a kind. Its young designers like this that will remain on the fashion scene for years to come. Pop on down to Parnell and start supporting this fresh New Zealand designer!

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.

Pocket is like the Newmarket branch of MADE in the city. Both stores are owned by the same people,…read moreso it makes sense. It's kind of off the beaten track, behind Rialto cinemas in that little area on Kent Street that seems to be growing more and more popular by the day. It's standalone and the layout of the store is quite nice. They stock similar things to MADE - notably APC. They also do Karen Walker, Standard Issue, House of Holland eyewear, etc. There's men's and women's clothes and accessories, and as well as new, they stock some vintage. The staff were nice, friendly without being overbearing. I tried on a few things, walked out with a pair of really stonewashed 90s Levi's. I'd say the store fits somewhere inbetween Area 51/Black Box and Fabric in terms of prices and brands. My fashion/shopping expert friends thought I should give the place three stars but I think it's a bit above 60%, and extra points because I bought something. Worth a visit.

Another new discovery of mine and new favourite, I left this store with my wallet a little sore me…read morethinks, but who cares I got such lovely things! This is a brand new store which is part of the new street complex in Newmarket. It's a really lovely place, laid out beautifully and stocks labels such as Status Anxiety, Louis Vuitton, APC and Karen Walker as well as boasting a pretty awesome vintage section! Their prices were really reasonable and that is what I loved so much about this place, they hadn't conformed to the Newmarket trend and overpriced everything. I purchased a lovely leather bag for only $150 which I though was a real bargain, as well as one of Karen Walker's new season key-rings for only $29! The two staff working there was so nice to talk to and I felt really comfortable with them, not looked down upon which is sadly common in upmarket boutiques. I knew instantly that I had found my new favourite shop and I'm probably going to have to go back tomorrow and get those boots....yay!