Retail therapy: Christmas spirit

Meadowlark skull box. Photo / Supplied

Here's another Christmas present idea: local jewellery brand Meadowlark have made a skull jewellery box, with two separated compartments. The skulls ($379) come in black or white, and are presented in a wooden box with shredded lilac paper and letter-pressed gift card and envelope inside. Limited boxes are being made, and are available to order from meadowlark.co.nz/shop.

Congratulations

Wellington based label Twenty-seven Names was named the winner of the 2010 DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship on Monday. As part of their prize, Twenty-seven Names designers Rachel Easting and Anjali Stewart will receive international freight to the value of NZ$10,000, which will help towards a recent order from British online store Asos.com. The pair will also receive coaching in freight and logistics from DHL Express, export mentoring and membership to Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ). Salasai and Blak Luxe were finalists in the awards, acknowledged by judges that include designer Kate Sylvester for their strong growth this year.

Pleasure principle

Pieces from high-end Australian lingerie brand Pleasure State were chosen to appear in the Victoria's Secret fashion show. It's a coup for the brand, as the show is much-hyped, and watched worldwide and it's the first time a non-Victoria's Secret brand has been featured in the show. Pleasure State is available to buy in New Zealand from Farmers stores.

Flash sales

St Kevin's Arcade boutique Little Black Crown will be having random, one-day sales throughout December. Each day the sale will feature a different designer; find out which label will be on sale via their Facebook page. Meanwhile, Lonely Hearts is also holding a sale this Saturday at its Takapuna studio. This will include samples, seconds, one-off pieces and past seasons' stock. Cash only. 10am-4pm, Studio 2, 13 Barry's Point Rd, Takapuna.

Mystery gifts

High St shops have joined together for a lucky dip-style Christmas shopping charity fundraiser for the Auckland City Mission. A special Christmas shop is open underneath Paris Texas. It stocks mystery gifts donated by neighbouring businesses which shoppers can buy with the feel-good factor of knowing 100 per cent of sales proceeds go towards the mission, which every year helps makes Christmas a little kinder for thousands of people in need. Get along and support this initiative of the High St Guild for some feel-good, do-good shopping.

Storm polish

Retail chain Storm has teamed up with Orly for a second collection of mini nail polishes in cool colours, costing $XX. Team the silver, blue and dark red shades with the store's on-trend long block colour party dresses for a dramatic look.

Quick fix

The 30-minute Runway Touch Up service at Lucy and the Powder Room in the Department Store at Takapuna has proved so popular it has been extended to the Powder Room at Stephen Marr's Newmarket salon, which is now also opening on Mondays. For $45 you'll get your hair, makeup and nails all sorted for a night out. The Marr Lab in Takapuna has also introduced a new service called the One Hour Health Farm, where clients can book in for a one-on-one workshop to receive advice on anything from how to get clearer skin, higher energy levels or better makeup results. The session costs $50, redeemable on product and is available Thursday and Fridays only. Specialised massage therapist Rebecca Greenough has been added to the staff. Ph (09) 488 0585. Both Powder Rooms are offering Fun in the Sun, a 60-minute deal for an organic spray tan, mini pedicure and sunscreen ($115). lucyandthepowderroom.com

Makeover deal

Servilles has launched a summer makeover package that would make an indulgent Christmas present. The recipient will get a voucher which entitles them to a consultation and hair diagnosis, a cut and colour, in-salon hair treatment, plus take-home Kerastase products. The package is worth more than $500, but costs $350, and is valid until the end of January, with conditions including designated stylists and close-out dates before Christmas and at weekends. servilles.com

Hell of a heel

The quirky shoe above is a Fluevog ($369), an unusual Canadian creation with a following overseas for comfort and colour combinations. Fluevogs are now being imported by Unique Soles whose founder, Viv Heslop, owns 15 pairs. Styles include Mary Janes, boots and slingbacks. An early stockist is Kristen, at 537 Mt Eden Rd. The range can be seen at uniquesoles.co.nz.

Cybele pops up

Cybele has opened a pop-up store in Ponsonby, with limited edition garments and accessories on sale until Christmas Eve. The Cybele Xmas store will be open daily from 10am to 6pm at 62 Ponsonby Rd.