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...

Last Friday my wife and I was out and about shopping for gifts, when I came upon a boutique store…read morethat will forever change the way my wife shops for clothing. This store is everything that chain stores are not. The fashion within was unique, and the style absolutely stunning. The people of Warkworth is now the envy of all Auckland shoppers not prepared to make the way up the Northern Motorway. Katya Maker stocks a unique range of shoes imported from Bulgaria, and provides a personalised service that is missing from so many stores these days.

Every time I walk passed Dianne's that sale rack outside draws me in. The colours and the vibrant…read morefabrics...the big SALE sign; I just can't help it. I once thought Dianne's was just for 'mums', but these days I usually find myself heading to the fitting rooms with a fistful of clothing (perhaps I'm just getting old). Some of it is an older style but there are also many funky, individual items that are pretty contemporary. There is a great variety of fabrics and all good quality. They have a great range of 'special occasion' items; a perfect place for a summer wedding outfit or a special piece of jewellery.

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.

It's hard not to! (Love this shop that is). I love the idea behind this store... it's mostly local…read moredesigners and its all handmade clothing and jewellery. There are some beautiful and unique items in here and the love behind them (and the store) is obvious. The stock varies quite a bit, and although sometimes there's not too much in the store, I always find something new when I pop in. Debbie (who owns it) is such a vibrant lady and always greets you with a beaming smile. It's hard to categorise the age group 'Love this Shop' would appeal too, there really is such a mix. But I think anyone that is after something special, made with care and individual would appreciate what they're trying to do here

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.

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.

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.

While Beach Hut at Takapuna specializes in swimwear/ beachwear, the main reason I go there is…read morebecause they are one of the only stockists of the Australian fitness and activewear brand: Lorna Jane in New Zealand. I had just been buying all my gear off their site online but when I found out that they actually had a physical store in Taka, I raced down there to get my hands on this finely constructed work out gear. They have a good variety of this range available in store and there always seems to be some dealio or sale going on at the Hut! The shop is family owned and has an awesome vibe going on. I always feel good when I purchase things from these guys as I know I am supporting the local Takapuna community in turn. Warm n fuzzies!

I HATE buying bikinis. I can't buy a matching pair because I'm different sizes top and bottom. I…read morerefuse to spend huge amounts of money because they're tiny bits of fabric that are to be destroyed by salt and chlorine. I've managed to find a few decent bikinis at Beach Hut. At first I thought it was only going to have 'old lady' swimwear but was surprised to see one or two bikinis I quite liked. The sales assistant was incredibly helpful in finding different styles and sizes to best fit my body and when I went to the counter with my two purchases I received a HUGE discount as part of some crazy sale. All in all... great experience at the Beach Hut!