"Zambesi" is a trustworthy NZ brand, having worn their clothes (with pride) for sometime now. Sort…read moreof like the NZ equivalent of Vivienne Westwood in the UK. Quirky, timeless pieces that last the distance! The shop in Newmarket is conveniently located in Teed Street (just off Broadway), with ample parking in a stones' throw. Only $1.50 for 30 mins! They also stock menswear, footwear, glassware, accessories etc. Service is first-rate. I went in to buy a dress today (that I had my eye on) and the sale had only finished 3hrs before I arrived, however I can still have the garment for the sale price!!! Smiling - ear to ear! Yelping down Teed Street!

A Kiwi designer fashion label with some great creations. There stuff ranges from very wearable to…read moreperhaps a bit weird. This is coming from somebody who has a reasonably conservative fashion sense, I am not out there to make a fashion statement on a daily bases. But Zambesi does cater for us fashion noobs with clothes that do not look to far out of the ordinary, yet do have edge of something a bit different. A while ago I bought a pair of corduroy pants from Zambesi, beautiful soft black material with a fitted cut. I loved those pants. I made the mistake of wearing them to a concert one day and they stretched in all the wrong places, that followed by piping hot machine wash completely ruined them, $350 down the drain YOLO.

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.

Nicholas Jermyn is one of the more exceptional shirt stores in Auckland due to the fact that they…read morestock such a large range of shirts with French cuffs. Nearly every menswear store now stocks cuff-links, but not matching shirts, or at least not a decent range. Nicholas Jermyn does tend toward a plainer style shirt (plain, stripes or checkers) but this makes the shirts slightly more versatile in the wardrobe. They also have more casual polo's and accessories. The service is a bit lackluster but for a crisp, fitted shirt made out of good quality material and at reasonable prices, I can suffer through.

What a breath of fresh air! A shop with NZ made clothing that doesn't cost the earth. People are…read moreoften deterred from sustainable shopping due to the often exorbitant price tags that come with it but Kilt bucks the trend. The quality and design of their clothing is fantastic too! I dress like a bum or a boy most of the time so having to go to a formal engagement party made me nervous to say the least. I shopped high and low through NZ made and second hand stores but nothing was quite right. I was really impressed with Kilt and will definitely be going back there any time I need to dress out of my comfort zone again. Onya Kilt

I'm always one for supporting locally made and sourced clothing and that is exactly what Kilt…read morespecialise in but I have to say, this store bores the life out of me. For starters, I should probably state that I am not Kilt's target customer. Their clothing is definitely geared towards the older generation of Ponsonby dwellers as it stocks a wide range of to-the-knee dresses, flattering diaphanous tops and well cut trousers in a variety of prints and styles and lots of bags, jewellery and belts to go with them. Some of the clothes are actually really lovely; they have some gorgeous prints and it's obvious they are very well made and designed. I just hate the way all of the clothing is displayed side-facing in two long lines from the front to the back of the shop. It gives the place a real op-shop vibe that does absolutely nothing to showcase the items of gorgeous clothing hidden in the queue. The same applies to the stark white walls and lack of any sort of character in the shop. I just wish the décor reflected the clothing more and did a little bit more to entice you in there.

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.

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!

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.

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.