Retail Therapy: By appointment only

Diamonds at Partridge Jewellers. Photo / Supplied

Naomi Campbell might consider diamonds a handful of dirty stones, but at Partridge Jewellers on Queen St, they take things a lot more seriously. Four million dollars worth of seriousness actually. Yes, next Tuesday and Wednesday Partridge will have a collection of Argyle pink diamonds in store, worth four million dollars. If you would like to see these rocks up close you will need to make an appointment. How fabulous is that? Partridge is the only select atelier in New Zealand for Argyle pink diamonds so this is a unique opportunity. Ph (09) 309 8925 for your own exclusive showing.

Passion for print

Celebrate the printed word - and image - we say here at Viva. That's why we love the Auckland Zine Fest which is being held at St Kevin's Arcade on K Rd this weekend. Now in its second year, the festival is a get-together for independent magazine makers and includes creative workshops on everything from screen printing to paper making, along with guest speakers. In the evening local bars The Wine Cellar and Whammy Bar will come alive for the after-party with a performance by poetry troupe, the Literatti, and local musicians. Sat 14 August, from 11am, St Kevin's Arcade. For more info go to aucklandzinefest.org

French flair

On the lookout for something that's chic and unique, but doesn't cost the earth? The chain of fashion stores Identity, which can be found across New Zealand and stocks brands such as David Pond, Verge and Vamp, has started regular drops of limited edition pieces from Paris. In the latest drop there's a cute leatherette jacket with a detachable faux fur collar and an Ink striped tunic top, both of which retail for $199.99. There will never be more than 15 pieces of each design. To find your nearest Auckland Identity store ph (09) 580 0563.

Undercover aid

Two new natural deodorants may appeal to those looking for some underarm odour protection without the full blast of an anti-perspirant. The Body Shop has launched DeoDry Cool and Zesty Roll On, a citrusy smelling product without aluminium salts, which it says won't leave white marks on clothing. DeoDry uses an ultra-fine volcanic mineral powder to absorb wetness and its fragrance comes from essential oils. It costs $20 and also comes in a stick version. Avalon's Clary Sage and Lemon Deodorant Spray also contains essential oils, with lemon adding a fresh scent and helping neutralise bacteria. Avalon makes its sprays in several other fragrances and they can also be used as room fresheners. They cost $15.99 and are available from Smith & Caughey's and selected health food stores and pharmacies; for stockists ph 0800 118 311.

Travel companion

Like a passport for your appearance, Stila's handy fold-out contains just what you need for touch-ups. The light-weight cardboard covered Road to Radiance Across the US palette contains four mauve-neutral eye shadows and a creamy blush/lip tint plus a mirror. It costs $32 from Mecca Cosmetica, Ponsonby Rd, or meccacosmetica.co.nz

Spray away

Comvita's Olive Leaf Complex Oral Spray is a new powered-by-nature way of maintaining mouth freshness and soothing your throat. This antioxidant rich plant extract has antibacterial properties and a peppermint and lemon flavour. Sage, used traditionally to ease mouth soreness, is also added. The spray costs $18.60 and uses olive leaf grown specially for the New Zealand company at the world's largest specialist olive leaf estate in Queensland. Comvita has also just repackaged its winter wellness range which features manuka honey.

Fit for it

A few weeks ago we featured the art-filled home of Kirsty Wilkinson. Well, her new boutique health and wellbeing centre, reab on Selbourne, has now opened. Once the Grey Lynn Cameo Theatre, the centre offers pilates, physiotherapy, massage, yoga, podiatry, Breathing Works and training. To find out more, go to reab.co.nz.