Retail Therapy: Seafood and eat it

Auckland Seafood Festival. Photo / Dean Purcell

If you haven't got your tickets already, hurry. This weekend is the Auckland Seafood Festival down at Halsey Wharf at the Viaduct. The Stellar Trust, whose stated objective is 'A P-free NZ', is the principal beneficiary of the event, so while you're gorging on the freshest of kai moana and being entertained by the live music and cooking demonstrations, you'll know that you're also helping out an important cause. Saturday 30 January to Monday 1 February, from noon-7pm each day. See aucklandseafoodfestival.co.nz.

Dressed to the nines

Max is holding special screenings of Nine, the new film from the director of Chicago with a stellar line-up of stars including Marion Cotillard, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren and many more. As well as the movie screening, there will be a fashion show of Max's autumn collection, drinks, nibbles, goodie bags and spot prizes. Tickets to the events in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton on Monday 8 February are $45 from skycitycinemas.co.nz - with profits from ticket sales going towards the Max Foundation, a charitable trust set up by Max to support New Zealand women.

Sell it

Barkers stores around the country are in sale mode, with up to 70 per cent off everything - including Little Brother! This means it's the perfect time to get something for the special man in your life.

Derelict fashion

Remember in Zoolander when a character releases a fragrance inspired by the homeless and vagrants? It's meant to be a parody of the ridiculousness of fashion, but the film came to life on the runways of Milan last week when Vivienne Westwood sent out a collection inspired by the homeless. Think a catwalk made up of old cardboard boxes, models walking with shopping trolleys and sleeping bags and artfully dishevelled hair. Needless to say, the collection has been deemed controversial, with Guardian fashion writer Hadley Freeman saying not only is it tasteless, it's also unoriginal: John Galliano already did homeless chic in 2000.

Stud me

The first drop from the new season collection of Kumfs has gone into stores, including glamorous heels with stud detailing that are actually comfortable. Each shoe has a gel contoured insole and platform, making them look higher than they feel.

Designer water

Taking the trend for designer water one step further is Evian with its annual limited edition of bottles created by leading fashion designers. In 2008 it was Christian Lacroix, last year Jean Paul Gaultier transformed a simple glass bottle into a collectors' piece, and this year it's British fashion designer Paul Smith's turn. The bottles come with five different coloured collectible lids and are adorned with Smith's signature stripes. $132 for a case or $11 a bottle from Aquadeli, Shop 4/66 Mt Eden Rd, Auckland, ph (09) 638 7347 or see aquadeli.co.nz.

In store now

Just when some stores are threatening to bring out the woollies while we're still sweltering, Kate Sylvester has sensibly brought out four new high summer designs - three cute dresses and a top that are just right for now. Especially like the cobalt blue dress, with a ruffle down one side of the button-through front. See katesylvester.com.

Hollywood hit

Multi-tasking balms are a great beauty standby and Weleda's Skin Food has some high-profile fans in the likes of Demi Moore, Rihanna, Brooke Shields and Helena Christensen. It's their backstage beauty secret to help soothe stressed skin and can be used all over to protect and rejuvenate. Best of all, it's in reasonably priced tubes at $21.90 and $12.50 for a trial size. See weleda.co.nz for stockists.