Retail Therapy: Out and about

Matakana Valley Citrus boxed set. Photo / Supplied

Matakana is already known as a favourite foodie destination for Aucklanders, now Les Floralies is celebrating its bounty in beauty products. Its new Matakana Valley Harvest lineup is set to spread the word across the country in affordably appetising items including a body lotion, body wash and wash (all $18), a hand cream ($17) and soap ($11.90) in four fragrances that celebrate the area's appeal. There's Citrus, Herbal, Marine and Native options, with natural ingredients including extra virgin olive oil sourced from Matakana groves combined with manuka honey. A special wooden harvest box of five products is on sale in Living & Giving and selected pharmacies and department stores at $65 - perfect for Mother's Day giving if you can't fit in a surprise weekend up north.

In the front row

Anna Fitzpatrick, who used to front fashion show The Seen when Alt TV was still broadcasting, is now the editor of a fashion website. Front Row Diary, which officially launched on Monday, will feature video interviews with designers, access to shows, weekly columns from Fitzpatrick and guests and web chats. There will also be party people photography from fashion parties and events, so you can spot what the fashion pack are wearing. www.frontrowdiary.com

Prettify the planet

Elizabeth Arden is planting a tree for each person who leaves a message on a new online site they've set up to make the world a prettier place. The site is part of an innovative campaign for the new Pretty perfume. Go to www.maketheworldaprettierplace.com to add your message and read others.

Karen does vintage

Karen Walker's Newmarket boutique is set to get an injection of vintage style from today, with weekly drops of carefully edited vintage pieces from Je Suis Vintage. Glenn and Amanda Hunt of 1AM Magazine will select the 20 to 30-piece mini collections, with the first drop themed around Studio 54 - so think lots of early-70s, late-80s dresses. Next week's mini collection is called 'Less Than Zero', and will feature taffeta and velvet party dresses.

Blanket Love

If you've been inspired by this week's story on all things handmade on page 4, then get along to the Auckland Quiltmakers Quilt Show and Sale on May 2 & 3. This is a wonderful chance to pick up handcrafted items, new and pre-loved fabrics and books, and to and buy unique, one-off items that could become family heirlooms and definitely add warmth and personality to your bedroom. Entry $5/children free. Jubilee Building, Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Rd, Parnell. aucklandquiltmakers@ihug.co.nzKiwis in AustraliaThe Australian Fashion Week schedule has been announced, and there are three local designers flying the Kiwi banner. Kate Sylvester, Zambesi and Annah Stretton will join Australian designers including Sass & Bide, Wayne Cooper, Kirrily Johnston and more in presenting their spring/summer 2009/2010 collections.

Light up your life

ECC Lighting & Furniture is celebrating its 100th year of operation this year, and to celebrate they are offering 30 to 70 per cent off Flos products. The offer is available until the end of May, and includes an amazing array of lamps that will add some designer chic to your home.

Fresh as ylang ylang

For a natural alternative, Origins has introduced a new deodorant ($38) and talc-free body powder (56) certified organic in America. They have a lovely fragrance from a mix of essential oils including clove, lemon, lavender, ylang ylang, patchouli and ginger. They join nine other organic face, body and hair products. From Smith & Caughey and selected Life and larger pharmacies.

Out and about

The team behind online designer shopping mecca Net-a-Porter.com have finally launched TheOutNet.com. The eagerly awaited shopping site is the cheaper sister site to the flashy Net-a-Porter, with 50 to 80 per cent off the retail price of luxury brands including Marc Jacobs, Luella, Chloe and Miu Miu. Discount shopping never looked so good.

A fine time

Looking for a unique dining experience? Then check out Clooney's Vintage Dinner series, which gets underway next Wednesday. Executive chef Des Harris plans to pay homage to traditional cuisines, but with a modern twist, in a six-course degustation menu. These dishes will be matched with French wines including Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 2000, Hugel Riesling Vendage Tardive 1998, Domaine Hubert de Montille Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Les Caillerets" 2005 and the Chateau Rieussec Premier Cru 2002. There are only 60 seats, at $290 each. To book, phone (09) 358 1702 or email tony@clooney.co.nz.