KEY POINTS:
Sale time! Jimmy D, Jaeha, Salasai and online store General Cucumber have joined forces to open a pop-up sale store in Auckland's St Kevins Arcade on K Rd. The store, inside Shop 16, will be selling past season's stock, samples and one-off pieces from some of the country's top designer talent. But get in quick, the store is only open this Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
Jewellery at your fingertips
Meadowlark Jewellery have launched an online store, so jewellery lovers around New Zealand can purchase quirky pieces from the brand, including current and past ranges. At the moment there is everything from a fang brooch to serpent cocktail rings. To shop at the store, visit www.meadowlark.co.nz/shop.
Old favourite
Elizabeth Arden's classic Eight Hour Cream and lip protectant is out from November 10 in cool retro packaging reminiscent of the 1950s. Launched more than 70 years ago, the formula is still going strong for good reason, it really does work as a terrific barrier moisturiser. Both items will sell for $36.
Elizabeth Arden is doing its bit for charity, donating lipsticks to the Heart Foundation's Go Red for Women campaign. Unlike many products, where just a cut goes to the nominated charity, this is a straight-out donation to the foundation to use in its own fundraising. Go Red ($35) at www.goredforwomen.org.nz
The Rare & Unusual
Those stylemeisters at Marvel Menswear on Ponsonby Rd not only create innovative garments for guys looking for a sharp point of difference in their wardrobe, they also collect ceramics. And this Friday, they plan to offer up for sale their rare "Black" collection of unusual and highly-sought-after ceramic heads, statues, black original Crown Lynn and Wedgewood pottery - among other things. Definitely not to be missed. Marvel Menswear, 143 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby. Ph: (09) 376 4202.
Brooch Art
Unique luxury brooches by artist Christine Robson are available exclusively at Mt Eden store Salvage. The feminine, one-off pieces are made up of vintage jewellery, Swarovski crystals and textiles, and will also feature in a window installation, with a torso completely covered in the brooches. Salvage, 537 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden. Ph (09) 630 4054.
High stakes
Would you pay $895 for a facial? Well, around a dozen people have booked in since Crown Casino spa in Melbourne announced it was offering Australia's most expensive facial. The hotel, which hosts plenty of Kiwi visitors, especially in the upcoming Melbourne Cup season, is promising the works in a two-hour treatment plus access to the spa's sun-deck, pool and steam area. If you're wondering how all this adds up so fast, guests get a great goodie bag to go home with. The Pearl of Beauty facial uses French Carita products and includes special anti-ageing massages and eye treatments. To find out more: check out www.crowntowers.com.au.
Both the new Crown Spa and the Langham Hotel, both on the South Bank of the Yarra, offer first-rate spa facilities if you're looking for a little pampering during a visit to Melbourne.
Political fashion
There's the small matter of an election this Saturday, and the team at The Cool Store have managed to give it a unique fashion twist with quirky printed political slogan T-shirts, $49. One tee features a hand-drawn image of Helen Clark, with the slogan 'Helen is my homegirl', and John Key's T-shirt says 'Vote Key: he has the beer money!'.
All you have to do now is pick a side. And if you're not in Auckland, don't panic: The Cool Store will do phone orders for those who can't get to the shop. But get in quick: they have made a very limited run of tees. The Cool Store, 1 Pompallier Terrace, Ponsonby, Auckland, Ph (09) 378 4528.
Key to my heart
New in at Newmarket boutique stenbeck&morse is a very cute jewellery range from Auckland jeweller Mia Straka. The range features vintage key and lace-embossed porcelain bird necklaces, all handcrafted and unique to the store. Ph (09) 520 2110.
Hair heads up
Tresemme is a salon-style product at supermarket prices. The European range of shampoos, conditioners and stylers includes a family-sized bottle (just $13.90 for 900ml) that won't run out every other week and there are six types of shampoo for everything from coloured to weak hair.
Clairol says such has been the customer demand, that it is now marketing its Nice 'n' Easy Colour Seal intensive conditioner separately from its colour at home products. Customers were so keen on getting more of the after-colour conditioner that it is now available in take home tubes from supermarkets and pharmacies, priced at $5.99.
