I think the days of shopping at surf shops are behind me. Whenever I walk into one I get a wave of…read moreform 1 socials and trying wy to hard to impress boys. Still, for the odd thing, it doesn't help to look. I really like Amazon Takapuna because it's on the road, meaning not in a mall, meaning 100x better. I often waltz into here when i'm walking down this street, just to have a wee lookie. The staff are super friendly and chilled in the way you'd expect from a surf shop and leave you alone until you start to look like you might need some assistance, which i really like. There is a good range of boys and girls surf stuff in the fron and a pretty massive surfboard selection out the back. Theer are also wetsuits, shoes, sunnies, beanies and other surf and skate stuff. plus a few gears for the snow. The store is fun and vibrant and is perfect for the products. Being just up the road from Takapuna beach, it always feels pretty summery and relaxed in here which sets the scene nicely for the place.

This shop is crowded, stuffy and smelly on a hot summer's day, but it makes up for all that in it's…read moregreat range of stunning ethnic clothing and accessories. The racks out the front instantly draw me in with their bold contrasting bright colours and shimmering bling. There is a very large range to choose from and if you need any help staff are more than willing to assist. There is no website so go check this store out for yourself, easily found at the end of Parkway Arcade in popular Takapuna. Beads and Baubles also specialize in clothing for the larger built women. The wide range of pashmina's are also worthy of a mention.

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.

Collect Living is a hidden gem on the Shore. The staff are…read morevery helpful and they stock a nice selection of items that are different from the usual brands. I particularly like the linen sheeting in natural colours - seems a bit warmer than cotton for winter. The owner is great - I recently bought a great sideboard which required a bit of logistics to get out of the shop and to pick up. She was very accommodating even coming in to open the shop on Sunday so we could load into our wagon. If you need something for that special little gift they have merino throws in good colours and a selection of jewellery and silk scarves. Definitely worth a visit

One of my favorite shops, an iconic NZ ladies fashion brand…read more Max has a very good VIP rewards program: $50 voucher for every $500 spent ($1 = 1 point). Points accumulate for a year & any unused points revert to zero at the end of the year (June 30). Spend $2000 in a calendar year and get upgraded to VIP Gold status, where your points never expire & occasionally get invited to special events.

The quality of Max NZ has gone right down - Glasson is better quality now days. Recently (July 14)…read moreI got 2 x M2 hoodies. I wore one and it pilled badly in days. And it was only lightly worn. The same thing happened with a padded vest, after a few wears the Dacron started coming out through the weave. And finally their silk Camila cami pulled away from the seams (even though this was an 'oversized garment so no pressure on seams). Appears Max is using cheap fabrics. Fortunately I was able to get exchange (but refunds were refused). But I was made to feel it was my fault, even though I had proof of purchase. Maxshop.com and Max outlet Onehunga & Max St Lukes.

Want to buy a gift for somebody and have absolutely no idea what to get them? Flying Saucers could…read morehold the answer. Every time I walk into this shop I find something that I could not have imagined there was a use for, but not in the way of the $2 shop, something kind of cool and funky that people won't look at you funny if you give it to them. There are also always the old staples like smellies, jewellery etc. The only thing is that everything costs about double what you think it will. If you spend $40, the gift recipient is likely to think you spend $20; $100 and they will likely think $50 etc. So it will be an expensive gift-giving excersize.

Yusssssssss. This is usually what you will hear me say in Wild Pair. Yus, sweet deals and even…read moresweeter dresses. They are renown for cheap dresses that are on trend. They may not hold out for a few seasons, but at least for a few months you'll have an awesome outfit that everyone will love. Some stuff is a little weird and tacky but if you just cull those you'll be bound to find something great for that next party, family event, or just because you need a bit of a pick me up. And don't even get me started on the shoes. Delicious. They have great sales too where clothes can go from as little as $20. This is the perfect place to shop if you're a Uni student or if you're just starting out in the workforce. And since it's open late on Thursday and Friday, you can pop in after work and have a brilliant outfit for that same night.

Wild Pair Albany is one of my favourite clothing stores in Auckland. Yes Wild Pairs have popped up…read moreeverywhere and are in most shopping centres, but I always seem to have the best luck in Albany. It gets manic busy in there but the girls are always super helpful (and surprisingly honest) when you're trying things on. If I'm after a pair of killer heels Wild Pair is my first stop. They are usually right on trend and selection ranges from rather conservative to outright mad. It's also perfect for party dresses. They have a range of quirky and fun pieces. My only moan gripe would be the price; new items in particular can easily be around the $150 mark. If you haven't fallen in love with an item wait a few weeks until it's on sale. As their stock turnover is quite high you don't usually have to wait long.

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.