Oh Lordy! Black Box has an outlet store! Why did I not know of this before now, I ask you…read more I originally first fell for the Black Box brand on my first foray into The Department Store in Takapuna. Now that I know they actually have their own store,and things are actually cheaper than where you would buy them originally I am hooked. It helps that they had a babe'n sales assistant on the day when I went in there, all dark hair and tatts and well dressed and oh my god did I tell you I love this store! He was actually very helpful. This isn't your typical outlet store, they actually have stuff that is being sold at other places at the same time, its not end of lines or just stuff that no one bought. It's cheap AND its not last seasons. As well as great clothes, they also do amazing shoes too. Sales assistant guy: call me!

WARNING, WARNING, WARNING. This place is dangerous with a capital D. It's got all the top brands…read moreyour could ever want at cheap prices. It's so good, but oh so bad. Every time I go there they've got something I desperately want and can easily justify to myself why I should have it. The clothes are good looking, good quality and are a good bargain. I'd go there especially if you want jeans because they have heaps of them and jeans can be really expensive. The staff are really helpful and being in such a good location, the shop is really handy for all those wardrobe emergencies. My biggest recommendation is that you go there before you go anywhere else because there's nothing worse than buying something only to see it way cheaper later on! Save yourself the pain and heartbreak by going there today.

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.

Dress like everyone else. But at least you will be on trend. Cool shop for cool kids. Not for the…read moreimaginative.

Area 51 has a nice even mix of both male and female clothing, making it the perfect place to bring…read moreyour stylish comrades, no matter what gender, without either party getting too bored. However this does not mean there are huge distinctions between the mens and womens areas of the shop - there is actually quite an androgynous feel about the clothing on display, from the beanies to duffel coats, bar the odd Lonely Hearts dress or two. This makes for a nice range of casual, easy-to-wear street gear, perfect for days at uni but easily styled up with a pair of heels or some dress shoes. In terms of the service, I was helped today by a friendly girl who sympathised wonderfully with my proportion dilemma with pants and did a great job at trying to help me what I was looking for (unfortunately it was one of those cases where that 'in-between' size does not exist). I will certainly be back though, as Area 51 is a boutique filled with a great range of some of the best NZ and international brands.

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.

I can't decide if this store has gone downhill recently or it was just abnormally quiet when I went…read morebecause there wasn't a sale. To be honest think it's a bit of both. C.R is a great shop but I think they have somewhat shot themselves in the foot by having too many sales. They've fallen victim to the Briscoe's curse - nobody buys when they're not on sale. That being said, C.Road is still great for high quality basics - slips, t's, flat shoes and those gym bags are total winners. Plus, they have great socks. They other day I bought two pairs of cream socks with navy hearts ($9.90). Adorable. My only other note is that something needs to be done about their changing room curtains - they're material and never close properly, leaving massive gaps, which is not the best in a unisex changing room!

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.