Retail therapy: J Lo hearts Gucci

Jennifer Lopez and her twins feature in Gucci's new children's collection. Photo / Supplied

Jennifer Lopez and her adorable twins appear in the campaign for Gucci's new children's collection, which will launch on Universal Children's Day, November 20. The range includes apparel, shoes, small leather goods, jewellery, sunglasses and scarves for kids aged up to 8 years old. As well as featuring Lopez and family in the ad campaign, Gucci has marked the launch of the childrenswear collection by announcing a donation to Unicef's Schools for Africa initiative.

Peter's NZ visit

Pyjama king Peter Alexander will be in Auckland tomorrow, making an appearance at his High St store. Alexander will meet and greet customers from 12-2pm, as well as offering a 20 per cent discount while he's there - an offer that is also available in the seven other Peter Alexander stores in Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. The flying visit will also mark the beginning of Alexander's role as an ambassador for the RNZSPCA, a role he already holds in Australia. The animal charity begins its annual donation drive next week, and Alexander has kicked off the charitable appeal with a $5000 donation. Meet the man himself at Peter Alexander, Shop 2, 43 High St, Auckland Central.

Stocking filler

The Green Guide to Beauty is an informative, locally published, pocket-sized book of tips that will appeal to women wanting DIY ideas, such as using yoghurt to soothe sunburn. It is printed on recycled woodfree materials and publisher Hurricane Press says it will be the first in a series inspired by natural living. Alongside the home-made beauty remedies there are a few plugs for the products from several natural beauty companies which supported the production. This detracts a little, but isn't overwhelming. The guide costs $19.99 from bookstores and selected health food stores and pharmacies.

Blasts from the past

Two perfumes with echoes of earlier eras are spreading their scent. Eighties signature scent Giorgio Beverly Hills is back with a 30-year anniversary edition bottle. The "liquid gold" rich floral fragrance has been described as "Beverly Hills in a bottle". It will be available from Monday in outlets including Farmers and Life pharmacies, priced at $97 for a 50ml eau de toilette spray. For a limited time all purchases come with a collectable teddy bear. And Elizabeth Taylor has a new fragrance out in Violet Eyes, named after one of her most striking features. The fruity floral eau de parfum is made by the same perfumer who came up with her White Diamonds scent. Violet Eyes $101; stockists include Farmers and Life pharmacies

Heritage value

Elizabeth Arden is celebrating its centenary year and continues to bring out special edition products, the latest arriving on counter on Monday when its 80-year-old classic Eight Hour Cream comes dressed for the big birthday bash. The cream, costing $38 a pottle, and a lip protectant stick at $40, are both decorated with heritage images and the famous red door of Arden's Fifth Avenue HQ. Showing the brand is also looking to the future, it is adding to its pioneering Prevage skincare rang with a new eye serum.

We smell Santa

Fans of Jo Malone's annual Christmas fragrance Pine & Eucalyptus best get in early; the range of candles and room sprays has just hit stores and never lasts till December 25th. This year, the English luxury brand has added silver-plated candelabra and candle trimmers to the festive temptation and there's a super-sized room candle for those who like to make a grand statement.

Tempting add on

Estee Lauder has teamed up with the Coach accessories company to offer a cosmetics bag filled with goodies for $99 for customers already buying a 50ml fragrance. The Coach purse, on sale next week, contains lipsticks, a gloss, a gold compact of eye shadow and blush, an eye pencil and powder and shadow brushes, in three colour choices.