Cody is perhaps the best high-end fashion store around the Vulcan Lane/ O'Connell St for sharp,…read morediscerning gentlemen. The service, the selection, the quality- it's stunning and just-so. In a stroke of genius, the coat hangers are marked with what sizes are available, instead of chaotic racks and cluttered shelves. Already they are stocked with some great Autumn/ Winter numbers, especially shirts from the Italian Poggianti brand. The staff member was so astute, and yet casual in his demeanor, I couldn't fault him. I forgot we had service like that in menswear stores in Auckland. Well worth the short walk from Queen St to experience the premium fashion of this exceptional little store.

A little store that's been around for a long time. Cody's is an owner run affair that stocks a…read morecolorful range of European fashion for men who like something a little different. Due to its size, only one or two garments are pieces are available in each size. The service is always friendly and as a result it's fun to shop here.

Smoove Reworked Vintage is the sister store of Smoove and just a few steps away…read more Smoove Reworked Vintage is exactly that - masses and masses of reworked women's vintage. It's great that you can rock in and pick out a shirt, skirt, or dress that's been altered enough to give it modern fit (and modern comfort). The prices are reasonable too, the dresses are around $80, and they do a two-for-$130 deal. Plus, top marks for sustainability. I always feel a bit sad when I look across the racks though - it reminds me of a vintage graveyard. All the tags with the original make on them are gone, and I think we miss out on something in this way. Call me a vintage purist, I just can't help myself.

I came across the work of Smoove Reworked Vintage at Silo Market when I was getting my market on. I…read morewas impressed by the items they had at the stall as they ranged from tshirts to hats to glasses and dresses, they had a little bit of everything. The guy who was running the stall was absolutely he was genuinely happy to be there! He was one of those rare retail assistants who actually love their job and are passionate about the merchandise. My favourite rack was the $40 rack, it had items that had been slashed in half, and by that I mean the items were originally $80 but were reduced to $40. I walked away with a beautiful dress which I will be wear far too many times.

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.

I didn't actually realise it was called the Neuw Storeroom until now, I thought it was just The…read moreStoreroom. So if you see The Storeroom, that's the one. I used to walk past here everyday on my way to work and was always very impressed by the outfits they had on the mannequins. If this styling was anything to go by then I needed to go visit the people that worked here. I was not disappointed. The place is really cool and is full of really unique and quality stuff. The service is really great. I think as a whole, New Zealand retail service and hospitality service actually, is pretty average. But the people I have encountered here are true fashion lovers and seem like they really do like their jobs. There are plenty of simple staple items from brand like Neuw (obviously) and numerous other Kiwi and international ones. Even if you're just having a browse, it's a nice experience. And get inspired by the mannequins!

What generally draws me into Storeroom are the well styled outfits on the window mannequins (and I…read morehave to admit, I often end up going home with at least one piece I have seen on those said mannequins). However, what I think will bring me back next time is the incredibly good service I received at the shop today. Not over-bearing and in your face, but also not completely ignoring you - the shop dude has his customer service skills down, and I walked away with a top on lay-by because of it. In terms of the stock available, all the clothes at Storeroom are relatively well-priced, and come from brands such as the popular New Zealand label, Huffer, and also the Australian brand, Neuw. The stock is generally well merchandised and the shop is consistently tidy, which makes browsing fairly easy. Storeroom - ya did good.

This store is strangely not normal, despite what the name indicates…read more Walking into Strangely Normal is like glimpsing into the wardrobe of Hunter.S.Thompson from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas fame. Eccentric, retro, psychedelic, you name it. Floral or paisley business shirts that make you stand out from the normal, quirky cuff links that make you wanna laugh, funky hats, imagery t shirts that you won't find on Queen Street. The men's footwear in this store also rocks the casbah! Holy cow! Its crazy cool! As any guy with confidence I'm sure you could pull off looking like Mr it in these glorious original pieces. The accessories are cool and retro, and the short sleeved men's shirts are amazingly original with unique imagery, my two favourites are the Island Life and the Tattoo short sleeved collared shirts. The prices are not cheap at Strangely Normal, they have since 1977 paved a name in men's fashion and put New Zealand on the map internationally so they deserve much praise and award which they funnily enough have received. Please check out this delightful store tucked away on O'Connell street.

Jet is a great store if you have a brother or boyfriend who is awful when it comes to shopping. You…read moreknow the ones who go in buy whatever they see first and then get out of there. You're left dazed and confused standing next to someone who's got an awfully ugly shirt on. With Jet, this won't happen. They can do their 'quick-fast-get-me-out-of-here' shop but the clothes are fashionable so they'll be looking hot to trot. And what's better is they have great sales. There's always a $20 or $50 rack out the front with some good stuff on it that won't hurt your bank balance. The staff are onto it and are really willing to help you, which is a rarity these days. I'd definitely be taking your next male shopper here next time you go out. And you might even find something for you too.

With so many suit retailers to choose from it is great to find one with a point of difference…read more Entering Crane Brothers suits on High Street is like walking into a different time. The decor, the service, and if you get so far as to make a purchase the hand-written receipts create an ambiance that quietly emanates permanence and quality, even though they have only been around since 1999. If you come here you will be welcomed upon arrival, and if you are shopping for suits or shirts you will in no time have a tape measure under your armpits and in the case of a suit your inner thigh as well as waist. Once your sizing has been narrowed down then a few more measurements will be made before your suit is packed up and sent off for tailoring. Don't expect any change out of $1500 for a suit, in saying that my partner tells me that his Crane Brothers suit is the best suit he owns, and if he could justify the expense he would get all his suits there. The suits fit and sit beautifully, tapered and tailored in all the right places and make a man look his best.

If you are in Auckland and you need a good suit, you go to Crane Brothers. They're not the only…read moretailored menswear retailers in the area, but they are at the top. Crane Brothers specialises in suits. You can get off the rack and have it altered within the Crane Brothers workroom, or you can go made to measure. As a female, I can't comment on the suit-purchasing process, but having narrowish hips and a penchant for menswear I have actually had two pairs of pants made to measure from the High Street store. The first was a navy wool/cashmere blend with jet pockets and a button fly. They are quite special to me, partially because of the high price (which varies based on the cloth you choose) and obviously because they are made to fit me. The second is a beige cotton pair based on the first - just for casual Summer days, but equally as valued in my wardrobe. And in that is the crux of it all: Crane Brothers makes and sells special clothes and accessories for men. They stock the Gubb & Mackie range for those looking for something less formal, and a nice range of ties, boxers, socks, wallets, fragrances and the like. The service is impeccable - you'll never see staff leaning in there, and they only use black pens) and they all look great. Make the effort to visit.