If you're looking for a bargain and a great day of shopping then Dressmart is the place for you!…read more Dressmart is a mall that houses over 100 stores and offers up to 70% off the normal retail price, all year round. No need to wait for end of season sales to be able to spend up large! My last trip to Dressmart I was looking for work clothes and ended up buying three dresses, a blouse, and a singlet top for $60 - a feat that just wouldn't happen anywhere else. However, my real find of the trip was the chunky wedge sandals I found in Glassons. Down from $59.99, I ended up purchasing them for $10, and when I took them to the counter found out accessories were buy one get one free, so ended up walking away with a great black flower hairclip for free as well! Talk about a happy shopper! Though predominantly a clothing outlet, Dressmart also houses eateries, sports shops, shoe shops, health and beauty stores and book stores. The only thing that is missing is a jewellery store, but when you're saving so much money on everything else I guess paying full price for jewellery isn't so bad! Located near Auckland transport stations and with lots of customer parking and a free shuttle service operating Monday-Friday between the mall and Auckland CBD, despite being in Onehunga Dressmart is easily accessible.

You can get some real bargains here I've found. I love my Nike running shoes and shorts which I…read moregot from the Nike shop. The shorts were about $30 and the shoes, I think were not much over $100 and are so comfortable. Since I've had them, I've kept up regular running which is an achievement! My flatmate also got a really good new outfit for a wedding at Working Style and saved a lot of money on good quality clothes. The service here was also excellent. Also Dress smart Onehunga is home to the only outlet shop for Peter Alexander in New Zealand! Dress Mart really is the place to visit if you want to save money on branded items. It gets really busy on weekends though, so either be prepared, or come early. Sometimes I find myself getting a bit disoriented inside trying to find a particular shop, but that might just be me!

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.

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...

I generally love Superette's bags, shoes and jewellery and there are quite a few pieces of clothing…read moreI would want to add to my wardrobe that come from quirky designers. However, I can not get over the snobby attitude of the unhelpful staff in this store and can't bring myself to make a purchase. Would much rather nip across to the Posonsby store where I found the staff to be helpful and smiling or to other stores such as Made or Black Box just to avoid dealing with stand-offish characters.

A mildly interesting store which stocks an impressive range of local and international designers. I…read morefeel like I wouldn't get along with people who shop here. I've bought a few Deadly Ponies handbags from this place but mostly because I can't be bothered to find out who else stocks them. In general I find the pieces here to be a mixed bag.. either cool designs from up and coming labels or overpriced basics. Which is a shame because I remember a few years ago thinking that Superette used to stock the coolest stuff, or maybe it was just labels releasing cooler clothes. Now whenever I think of Superette I just think of it as the place where EGGS girls come to buy their party dresses. This place stocks 'unique' stuff for the masses of bunheaded girls who want to spice up their Glassons outfits.

Now I haven't found a set of 'favourite' clothing stores in Auckland yet, since moving here just…read moreover a year ago, however India Kraft will be up there as a contestant. They are listed under the 'Gift' section in the Lynmall centre directory, so they must sell that stuff too, but honestly I have only ever been drawn in by the clothing on offer. I have bought one item here, a lovely crotched cardi, lime green, a regularly stocked item I have noticed, and in various colours. I have a real penchant for Indian clothing, I have often declared that out of all the cultures in the world they understand beauty the best. The stunning colours and patterns, a little bit of bling occaionally, ankle length billowing skirts, cotton three button long-sleeve shirts, lots to be found here. Unleash your inner hippy. Prices are pretty good, despite the fact I have only bought one item (my lack of spending has nothing to do with them, I am just not good at letting go of money). I will be back!

I really love everything about this store. This is Australian designer Lisa Gorman's only store in…read moreNew Zealand and it sells some really gorgeous pieces of women's clothing. Gorman specialises in dresses, tops and trousers in really cool, funky prints. I think the great thing about it is that the clothing can really be worn by anyone of any age. Nothing in there is ever too short in the hem or low cut on the bust, which is perfect for older customers, but the cuts and patterns ensure that the clothes still look really trendy and hip enough for a younger crowd. My favourite things though are the shoes and boots. I've got a pair of little Chelsea boots from here and they are so comfortable and really well made from real suede. They have lasted for ages and I wear them all the time. The store itself is really spacious and is all wooden floors and walls, making it feel really organic, which complements the clothing perfectly. It feels very light and airy in there, so you can really browse for ages and the staff are always really friendly and give great advice as they clearly know the products inside out.

I absolutely love this store. Located on Nuffield St in trendy Newmarket, this store fits in…read moreperfectly. Everything in Gorman is beautiful. The boots are gorgeous - real leather, buckles, thick comfy heels - I was transfixed by them. Not to mention this great knitted clutch bag that was on display. And all that is before I even started flicking through the racks of clothes. How I wish I was a millionaire and could spend up large in Gorman!!! Every single garment was delightful; Gorman have managed to stock their store with items that are classic yet chic, fashionable and have a certain alternative, funky flare. This combination of styles means that Gorman is a shop that would appeal to a really wide age group. Both my mother and myself love their stock. It's just that great. The quality of the fabrics and the sewing means that even though items from Gorman may set you back a few hundred dollars, it's worth it. The garments and accessories you find in this store are the kind of pieces you can create multiple outfits around - they're staple pieces for your wardrobe, so spending a little more on them isn't too bad... Or so I tell myself! Bonus: One of the things that stands out the most about the stock in Gorman is the fabrics that have been used. They are amazing - really textured, bright and great quality - you'd feel like a million dollars in one of the pieces from this store.

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.

WORLD (fashion) brand is NZ made! Recently, I attended a morning event at the Britomart store which…read morewas enlightening & engaging. WORLD have 6 stores across NZ: 3 in Auckland, 1 in Wellington & Christchurch. I have purchased key garments from here over the years, however the collections are bold and brave - so not for the introverted! Fashion tees are priced from $149 up to $699 for a 'Prado' blazer. WORLD also stock Men's fashion, accessories, fragrance (from $245), candles (from $80) & Aesop (exclusive) body & skincare. Delicious, high quality, glamorous everything is WORLD. They do lay-by too, which is fabulous! Fantastic customer experiences, always.