Retail Therapy: State of Kingsland

Megan Fox and Giorgio Armani get together for a good cause. Photo / Supplied

State of Grace has opened a new store in Kingsland, their first retail outing in four years. The store, on 509 New North Rd, is selling State of Grace's summer 2010 collection, inspired by the dreamy photos of David Hamilton. Think pretty white slip dresses and girlish ruffles.
509 New North Rd, Kingsland, ph (09) 846 4333.

Swish it
Swishing is so hip right now and a new site is set to make it even easier. But first things first - what the heck is swishing? It's a fancy word for swapping clothes, shoes and accessories, enabling you to be eco friendly, clear your wardrobe of unwanteds and get something new at the same time. Aucklanders Victoria Penney and Karin Sjosten have launched the iSwish website, with a "mirror match" tool that helps people connect and swap clothes with their body doubles throughout the country. The best thing is that joining is free and easy -see www.iswish.co.nz.

Hello kitty
We think this is cute - but a little bit creepy, too. United Bamboo have released a 2010 calendar featuring kittens dressed in miniature versions of their collection. To get your cute fix and see the photos, visit www.unitedbamboo.com.

It burns, burns, burns
Check out these great candles, new in at Design 55. They're from Keith Haring and come in a range of quirky designs and fragrances, including ginger tea, citrus fruits, sandalwood and caramel. Yum! $78 each, ph (09) 308 9455.

Support it
Want to be one of the first in the country to see My Sister's Keeper and to support a good cause? The Max Foundation - a charity that gives grants to applicants whose actions or efforts enhance the wellbeing and advancement of New Zealand women - is holding screenings in Auckland and Wellington on Monday, November 2, with $37 from each $45 ticket going to the foundation. But it won't just be a movie screening - there's also a Max fashion show, goodie bags and drinks. Get your girlfriends together and buy tickets now from SkyCity cinemas or at www.skycitycinemas.co.nz.

Horror show
Real Groovy in Auckland is having a special party and fashion show this Saturday to acknowledge Halloween and the end of Breast Cancer Action Month. Proceeds from the event will go to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. The Checks and Dane Rumble will perform, with models from 62 Models showcasing ranges from Lee, Levi's, Wrangler, Insight, Stussy, Converse and more. Pieces from vintage store Peachy Keen, which will also be celebrating its move into the Real Groovy retail space, will be part of the show. There will also be a competition to see who attends in the best Halloween-themed outfit, free horror makeovers and a charity fashion auction at 2pm. The event raising funds for the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation is especially significant, as former host Helena McAlpine herself was diagnosed with breast cancer. Edge FM announcer Sharyn Wakefield has now stepped in as show host. The Fashion Show of Horrors, Real Groovy, Queen St, Saturday October 31, 12.30pm.

Eye to eye
Specsavers stores are now exclusively stocking eyewear from designer Karen Millen. The range of glasses feature delicate hues and structured frames - and you can get two pairs of frames for the price of one.

Who's the winner?
Waikato University student Marcelle Te Huia has been announced as the winner of the annual Alpha D-SLR Photography competition. The contest saw 15 up-and-coming photographers showcase their talent behind the scenes at Air New Zealand Fashion Week last month, with 23-year-old student Te Huia winning a Sony Alpha D-SLR Camera Package worth more than $2500 and a $3000 scholarship for a course relating to fine arts, design or photography in 2010.

Foxy lady
Actress Megan Fox has been announced as the new face of Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani Underwear - replacing Victoria Beckham. Fox has been photographed by renowned fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott for the campaign, which will no doubt play up Fox's sex bomb reputation.

Calendar girls
Doing their bit for the animals is the team from Phoenix Cosmetics, who have come up with a 2010 calendar displaying their makeup artistry as a fundraiser for the SPCA. The calendar features images of local identities made up as a pre-Raphaelite Goddess, to a 20s Clara Bow "It" Girl, to a 50s Marilyn Monroe bombshell. It's on sale now through Trade Me, from Phoenix in Kingsland and Takapuna and online, and from the SPCA. All proceeds go to the SPCA, which in Auckland alone cares for more than 15,000 animal a year and receives no Government funding. "We really appreciate what Phoenix are doing to support the society. The cost of rescuing, treating and rehabilitating [the animals] is simply enormous," says SPCA marketing manager, Martin Mackenzie.

Think pink
There's still time to do your bit in this Breast Cancer Awareness month by choosing products carrying the pink ribbon, ensuring some proceeds supports the research work of the Breast Cancer Foundation. From Dove Pink beauty products in supermarkets to limited edition ghds there's something for everyone. Beauty companies including Estee Lauder, Clinique, Jane Iredale and Bobbi Brown are chipping in.