Retail Therapy: A touch of Paris

Chuan Spa at the Langham Hotel. Photo / Supplied

Shoppers at Smith & Caughey's may have noticed changes going on in the cosmetic area and the rather flash black lacquer box being erected in the middle of the department store's ground floor. It's the new Chanel counter and its unveiling reveals state-of-the-art displays and enlarged consultation areas, complete with a white leather couch. This is the first of the new-style counters to be seen in New Zealand, designed to let you "step into the world of Chanel". Included is lighting that lets you see the effect of makeup in daylight and night light.

Popping up

New online fashion boutique Something-Epic.com has opened a pop-up store in Newmarket - but get in quick, because it's only open until April 5. The store will stock cute pieces from designers including Jessie Hill, Bec & Bridge, Illionaire, 1984 and more. Alisha Daya is the brains behind the Something Epic concept, and she says though it may not be the ideal climate to be starting a business in, she believes that "if you find a dress that makes you gasp, and gives you that shot of excitement as soon as you put it on, that dress is something epic and you have to have it". Her pop-up store, which is open from 10am to 7pm with cupcakes and tea every afternoon, is at 9 Teed St.

Stock up soon

Sadly, the lovely Origins brand is withdrawing from the New Zealand and Australian markets, but not until the end of June. As a niche player, the brand decided that without significant investment it could not expect to expand its presence in department stores and selected pharmacies Downunder in the current economic conditions. Origins' natural plant-based products, with their wonderful aromas, have a devoted fanbase and the emphasis on wellness is a breath of fresh air. We'll keep you posted if a review of other means of distribution comes to anything, but there's some good news if you shop in the CBD, Origins will be available at DFS Galleria, Customs St, Auckland, for retail buyers as well as duty-free travellers.

Even more minerals

Estee Lauder joins the march to minerals, which Viva has been signposting for some time. The top brand has just introduced a liquid foundation and a loose powder that can be worn as a base or as the finishing touch to makeup. The Nutritious Vita Mineral products retail at $74 and include skin-boosting pomegranate extracts as well as gentle minerals. L'Oreal and Bare Minerals have also expanded their ranges, with mineral top-seller L'Oreal adding a mattifying powder ($44.99) and a concealer ($26.99) and the highly-rated salon-range Bare Minerals launching new tinted and translucent veils ($72).

Lets hear it for the boy

WitcheryMan is now available in New Zealand! Shoppers will be able to buy the autumn/winter collection, available from the Witchery store on Featherston St, Wellington and Smith & Caughey's Queen St, Auckland. But if you can't get to either of those stores, the collection is also available to buy online, at www.witchery.co.nz.

Spa-me nothing

Auckland newest luxury spa has quietly opened at the five-star Langham Hotel. The Chuan Spa, already a feature of Langhams overseas, promises to set a new benchmark here, with its cosseted retreat-style atmosphere and Zen-like approach to restoring balance and energy in its customers. More than 30 treatments are available, some for couples, and the facilities include herbal steam rooms, sauna and an ice experience. We're shivery with anticipation. If you're looking to treat yourself check out www.chuanspa.co.nz or try the Radiant Revival treatment, at a special opening price of $130. This gets you a complimentary 30-minute signature mint and ginger scrub on top of the 60-minute massage of your choice, plus valet parking.

Liz hits Ponsonby

Liz Mitchell has opened a new store at 68D Ponsonby Rd. It will sell Mitchell's new winter collection as well as limited edition pieces especially made for the store and selected pieces from the Tailored by Liz Mitchell lingerie range.

Bright note

Specialist hair colour salon Hue has opened a second salon, in Franklin Rd, Ponsonby, having found a willing market for their no-fuss approach after Jenny Aitken first opened in Mt Eden. Average appointments take under an hour, they offer a pregnancy-friendly organic dye range and prices are competitive. Hue doesn't offer cuts or blow-dry (but it does provide dryers for DIY). For details see www.hue.co.nz

Get fitted

Full-cup lingerie experts Fayreform have recently launched the new Profile Perfect Allure collection, sexy bras that provide support and smooth lines for women with cup sizes D to J. They are also travelling the country, encouraging New Zealand women to be properly fitted for a bra, as part of the "Fayreform Fitting Tour". Bra expert Carol Rashleigh will visit Dunedin (April 7/8, Arthur Barnett), Auckland (April 23/24, Smith & Caughey's) and Christchurch (April 30/May 1, Ballantynes).

For the boys

The Cool Store just got cooler with new stock from G-Star. Included in the autumn range from the Dutch label for men are denim, casual shirts, T-shirts and jackets. The Ponsonby store will also be the only store in Auckland selling pieces from Obey. You can find the Cool Store at 1 Pompallier Terrace, Ponsonby, ph (09) 378 4528.

New in store

Jaimie Boutique has had a new drop of interesting pieces, including amazing ankle boots and heels and skinny jeans. We love the new stock of books, like the special edition Proust Questionnaire with pink cover, Annie Leibovitz At Work and a photographic book of women in Hollywood called The Allure of Beauty. 270 Ponsonby Rd, Auckland, Phone (09) 361 4000.

Annah wins big

Designer and businesswoman Annah Stretton has been announced as the 2009 New Zealand recipient of the Veuve Clicquot Award. The award aims to acknowledge the work of women around the world who are achieving amazing things in business. As the winner, Stretton will join other winners at the Veuve Clicquot Businesswomen's Meeting in Reims, France in October. She will have a vine christened in her name, and will receive a bottle of La Grande Dame Champagne.

Butter me up

The Body Shop have teamed up with MTV to raise funds and awareness for the Staying Alive Foundation with a special edition lip butter. The foundation provides grants to young people to work on HIV prevention efforts at a grassroots level, and will receive all proceeds raised from the sale of the lip butter. The Tantalising Lip Butter, $15, is preservative free with extract of dragonfruit, and smells yum. Get it from The Body Shop stores. For more information on the Staying Alive Foundation, visit www.staying-alive.org.

Sunglass Hut's happy Easter

It could be a good time to update your sunglass wardrobe - Sunglass Hut is having an Easter sale. Selected stores will have discounts of up to 50 per cent on luxury brand designer shades, until April 19.

Nood opens

Interiors store Nood (which stands for new objects of desire) has opened a new store in Auckland's Britomart precinct. The store, in the old Eon space, is selling furniture, ceramics, homewares, gifts and more. Visit it at 16-18 Customs St, Auckland.