Retail Therapy: Linda moves in

Linda Davidson (right), with fit model Louise Tulloch, at new store Sergeant Pretty. Photo / Babiche Martens

We've found your favourite new store: Sergeant Pretty in Grey Lynn. Designer and stylist Linda Davidson is behind the boutique, which will showcase her own designs alongside a range of vintage pieces all selected with Davidson's expert eye. Davidson is passionate about vintage, having once run a small vintage market out the back of Scotties, and has a strong fashion background (she has worked with Marilyn Sainty and Liz Mitchell) - so unsurprisingly the charming space is jam-packed with lots incredible things.

Sergeant Pretty, 505 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn. Tuesday-Friday, 11am-5.30pm; Saturday, 12-5pm; Sunday 12-4pm.

Stolen samples

Stolen Girlfriends Club is having a special sample sale this weekend, with lots of past season garments and more. The store is open Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm - and located at 54 Ponsonby Rd.

Gallery of fashion

If you're a fan of American Apparel, then you should visit The Gallery boutique, which opened recently in Auckland. The store, on the increasingly popular Cross Street just behind K Rd, is owned by Amelia Pain who has selected a range of labels from Sydney, where she used to live. These labels include Sunny girl, Lily Whyt, Mika&Gala, Luka and Lioness, which sit alongside a large range of American Apparel. The Gallery, 27 Cross St, Newton.

State of Grace's markdown

State of Grace is in the last few days of their winter sale, with past season samples and winter garments with up to 70 per cent off. The new season collection arrives in store early next week, so it's your last chance to get your hands on winter pieces. 509 New North Rd, Kingsland, ph (09) 846 4333.

She's a minx

Cushla Reed of Minx Shoes is launching a new label, with eight new styles for spring/summer arriving in stores. Called Cushla Reed: The Minx, the collection features more fashion forward designs that are slightly different to the mainline Minx Shoes collection. For the first season, pieces have a sculptural feel with higher heels and more detailing and texture - cute floral print wedges, hot pink pumps with sculptured heel, and more.

Win with Viva

Be super-organised for Father's Day and win tickets to see the uber cool surfing movie Catching The Ultimate Wave Tahiti which will screen exclusively at Event Cinemas during the first week of September. The 3D documentary follows iconic surfer Kelly Slater and famed Tahitian waterman, Raimana Van Bastolaer in their quest to find the perfect wave. We have two double passes to each Event Cinema (Queen St, St Lukes, Westcity, Albany and Manukau) to give away. To go in the draw, simply write your name address and phone number on the back of an envelope and send it to Event Cinema Competition, Viva, NZ Herald, PO Box 3290, Auckland. Entries close 25 August. For more info on the movie, go to eventcinemas.co.nz

Tee and coffee

Online T-shirt store Parinto has collaborated with Kokako coffee, designing a special limited edition tee and poster. "The story of Kokako" has been illustrated by designer Stephen Richardson in a retro 1950s storybook style. And if you buy one of the T-shirts or posters, you'll also get a specially designed postcard. Visit parinto.com for more details - and visit the Kokako Project pop-up cafe on the corner of Federal and Wolfe Sts in Auckand City.

Fashionable field

Get your best racewear ready; this Saturday is Verge Fields of Fashion at Ellerslie Racecourse. There is a range of sections to enter, including best ladies' racewear, best hat, best accessorised race-goer and more. Registration opens between 11.30am to 12.30pm, and judging begins at around 1pm - it's worth entering with main prizes including two BMW cars courtesy of Coombes Johnston BMW, a night's luxury accommodation at the Hyatt, fine dining at Bracu and more.