KEY POINTS:
Summer stock is hitting stores as we speak. Karen Walker has had her first drop of the season, World's latest collection is available in store this week, and Kate Sylvester's new range will go in store tomorrow. Alannah Hill in Newmarket have had lots of summer stock in
for a while, and Country Road stores are full of day dresses and shorts to get you in the summer mood.
New fashion
Newmarket boutique stenbeck&morse will be the exclusive New Zealand stockist of hip Melbourne label arnsdorf. The label is inspired by the sophisticated style of French women in the 1970s, and features quirky tailoring and grown-up ethereal designs. Ph (09) 520 2110.
Get new shoes
We like the sound of buying a pair of shoes and helping change a life. New Zealand's top shoe designer Kathryn Wilson has teamed up with the YWCA Auckland to hold a shoe exhibition and auction to raise money for the YWCA Future Leaders programme. Ten pairs of Wilson's shoes will go under the hammer at a silent auction, and guests will also have the unique opportunity to bid on a chance to design a shoe with Wilson and have a pair made. The exhibition and auction is for women, and will be held at the Auckland Art Gallery's Art Lounge on Thursday August 14 from 6pm to 8pm. Tickets should be bought direct from the YWCA on (09) 3759242.
Vintage soul
There's a pretty new American label at Ponsonby Rd store Wallace Rose. Glam Vintage Soul is exclusive to the store this summer and includes pure cotton print dresses and tunics with lace trims. Perfect for those with a bit of a fondness for hippie chic. Ph (09) 376 0572.
French is best
Get in quick, Jaimie Boutique has had a new drop of Petit Bateau. The French label is famous for their gorgeous striped tops, which the Ponsonby Road boutique is stocking. They've also got T-shirts, singlets, slouch pants, leggings and wrap dresses - perfect for bringing some simple French chic into your wardrobe this spring. Ph (09) 3614000.
Label alert
Make sure you check out new label Serena Fagence, which will be stocked at St Kevins Arcade store Oui Boutique. The namesake label was set up by AUT fashion graduate Fagence last year, and she has since gone on to create unique outfits for hip bands including The Naked and Famous and Charlie Ash. Fagence's edgy designs, inspired by armour, punk and androgyny, will be part of a fashion show at Craftwerk this Thursday. The show, featuring the new unisex spring range, will start at 7.30 at St Kevins Arcade.
Blinged out
If you're after high-quality jewellery without the massive price tag, check out Secrets Shhh's new store at Westfield St Lukes. The store sells rings, earrings, necklaces and more featuring a high-quality diamond simulant. Visit www.secrets-shhh.com for more information.