Retail therapy: Sweeney toddlers

Little Sweeney kidswear. Photo / Supplied

Wellington based designer Deborah Sweeney has launched a childrenswear range, aptly named Little Sweeney. The line will target under 2-year-olds, with pieces made in New Zealand and available online. The first collection has retro influences, reflective of Sweeney's mainline vintage inspired aesthetic, with a palette that references a set of Crown Lynn cups and fabrics that include organic cotton, 100 per cent pure New Zealand merino wools, enzyme-washed Tencel denim that is soft against babies' skin. We love the indigo shift dress with leopard print bow, sweet lurex hoodie, grey and yellow striped tee with owl print and the cute little Tencel romper. Get shopping now at deborahsweeney.com/main-shop/little-sweeney - today is the last day for orders to ship in time for Christmas!

Cupcake treat

Lara Parker's Newmarket boutique is celebrating the party season with some sweet treats. The designer is offering customers who make a purchase worth over $150 a cupcake voucher for Newmarket cupcake store Petal - but shop now for your sweet treat, as the offer is only until Friday December 24. Lara Parker, 7 Remuera Rd, Newmarket, ph (09) 522 1432.

Egging on charities

Egg Maternity has released a quirky slogan T-shirt to raise funds and awareness for postnatal depression. The "Hotel de bebe" print was designed by Fleur Cahill from Hamilton, who was inspired by her own bump and feeling like she was a "temporary hotel" while pregnant. Her print will feature on Egg's popular Mama tee, with $10 from each tee going towards the Mental Health Foundation in New Zealand, and Beyond Blue in Australia.

Somebody to love

Kingan Jones has added a new line, called Somebody, to its stable. The collection features simple wardrobe basics, with simple V-neck tops, tees and knit slips. Prices start at $55 for a classic tee, and a slip will cost you $89. Shop the line or find out where to buy at kinganjones.co.nz.

Play it again

Barkers has teamed up with Flying Nun to produce a range of T-shirts recalling some of the record label's best early bands, including The Clean and the Gordons. For $59 you'll get the top featuring a record sleeve image and a unique code allowing you to download a high quality MP3 version of the EP from the band you choose. There's also a design featuring the Flying Nun "fuzzy" logo which hasn't been made for more than a decade. Available from Barkers stores nationwide or online at flyingnun.co.nz.

Why wait?

Scotties is beating the Boxing Day sales rush by starting theirs early. Get into the Lorne St or Blake St store to bag an early bargain from imported and New Zealand designer labels. Or check out the online store, scottiesboutique.co.nz

LA look

Fans of Ed Hardy can get that label and more in the Branded store in Nuffield St which expands the LA rocker fashion look with new labels including Smet, Rock & Republic and Sinful.

Cult classic

From Boxing Day and throughout January, Elizabeth Arden is celebrating its Eight Hour Cream heritage. The original skin protectant was made in 1930 and now there's a range of moisturisers, hand and body creams, sunscreens and lip balms and tints all based on the original cream made by Miss Arden herself. Buy any two products from the range and receive a collector's edition Lip Protectant Pot.

Frontwomen

Natalie Portman has been chosen as the new face of Miss Dior. Look out for stunning black and white advertising imagery shot by Tim Walker in which she has a 60s gamine quality. The Oscar-nominated actress will appear soon in Black Swan by Daren Aronofsky, and the romantic comedy, No Strings Attached.

L'Oreal has also picked a new face with Jennifer Lopez joining a long line of its global ambassador spokesmodels. The singer-actress will take on another new role soon as a judge on American Idol.

In New Zealand, Maybelline has signed up all-girl band Ivy Lies to work its new eye makeup looks on their School's out for Summer tour with chart topper Dane Rumble. The band's debut album is due out in March. Originally from Christchurch, Ivy Lies moved north in 2008 after being signed to a development deal by SonyBMG which took them to Los Angeles to record. Maybelline's new products are out next month and one to watch for is the Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner, at $19.99, bringing a fashion favourite eye gel product to mass market.

Foot it

For the impossible to buy for person, how about this gift box of soothing foot products. Let's face it, even the woman with everything probably neglects her tootsies from time to time. The Bridget Black pack comes nicely boxed - in black, of course - with a little white towel and jars of peppermint foot balm, scrub and soak. See bridgetblack.co.nz

Get lippy

Lip balm is an ideal stocking filler and you can be democratic by giving everyone at your Christmas present opening their own little tube or tin. Have fun finding the perfect match for each person. There's plenty of balms to choose from and with prices starting from around $5 you won't break the bank. Pay a little more and shop around and you'll find salves in decorative tins or made from natural ingredients like these ones which we'd happily give - or receive. Jurlique's Rose Love Balm makes a lovely little token of affection for $20 and comes in a pretty tin. Burt's Bees has just brought out a giant tin housing three of its honey lip balms flavoured with peppermint. Pacifica Skincare has a little hanging box containing its Tropical Lime and Coconut Lip Balm which you could suspend from the tree. Or for the outdoors types you could try the Aroma Gardener's SPF15 balm, in tropical pawpaw and mango, $12. The Great Barrier Island Bee Co's balms come in various versions including attached to a lanyard and with a clip and a floatable coating, suitable for trampers and surfers. The Body Shop has balms in Christmassy cranberry and spiced vanilla flavours and a man-friendly hemp version. And that's just for starters.

Handy hints

Handcreams are another sensible solution to present buying woes. These ones are pretty and practical. Fans of British interiors designer Cath Kidston will love the look of her rose handcream, which comes in floral print packaging for $31.50 (from Redcurrent stores). MOR's new Black Currant Iris range comes in in a smart purple tube at $19.95, with a matching body lotion pump for $24.95.

Jurlique's handcreams are somewhat pricier, but make lovely gifts, the rose one is twinned with the Love Balm in an attractive Christmas gift box for $68, or splash out on the hand cream collection which includes small sizes of the rose, lavender, jasmine and citrus natural skincare in a set for $109. (For stockists ring 0800 604 604).

Man up

Newmarket shop Menon Clothing is offering men a half-hour one-on-one styling consultation. A gift voucher for the session which offers tips for work or casual wear, is available and the $70 cost is fully redeemable on any purchases. Ph (09) 520 5245 menonclothing.co.nz.

Hair help

Kevin Murphy has a new gift pack out that's ideal for holiday hair. It contains a bonus trial size of his Dry Shampoo Fresh Hair as well as the Deeply Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner Hydrate Me Wash and Rinse. The set costs $88, ph (09) 525 1075 for salon stockists.

VIP Viva

Win a table for yourself and nine friends at the Boxing Day Races

Running for more than 150 years, the Boxing Day Races have become an institution in their own right. This event is the beginning of The New Zealand Herald Christmas Carnival and is always a magnificent day of high fashion, entertainment, socialising and premier thoroughbred racing.

Viva, in conjunction with Auckland Racing Club, is delighted to offer one lucky reader a table for 10 people in the Viva Fashion Village. Located right beside the Viva Fashions in the Field catwalk, this is the best place on-course to experience the ultimate in fashion and glamour!

The prize includes: racecourse admission, a glass of Methode-Traditionelle or Stella Artois on arrival, racebook and pen, private totes, cash bar facilities, access to reserved seating, cash bar and cafe-style food available for purchase.

To enter, simply text 'FASHION' to 422. Entries close 12pm tomorrow, December 23; the winner will be notified by phone tomorrow afternoon.