Retail therapy: Whatever makes you happy

Viva Shopfront: Stripes: Happy Socks, $25, from Playpark by Karen Walker. Photo / Supplied

It hasn't been proven, but we think you would find it difficult to be unhappy in these socks. Fitting then that they're from a brand called Happy Socks. There are various bright colours and patterns available at Playpark, but this week we're drawn to these, for a fresh take on Gallic stripes. $25, from Playpark by Karen Walker, ph (09) 522 4286.

New Zealand's top model

Matamata-born model Emily Baker has been making a name for herself overseas, walking in more than 60 shows including Marc Jacobs, Chloe and Alexander McQueen - and now she has scored a Gucci campaign, shot by famed photographers Mert and Marcus. Baker appears in the campaign images with various other models, including Australian model Abbey Lee Kershaw. It's not the first campaign Baker has booked this season - she has also appeared for Dsquared2 - but Gucci is pretty major. Campaigns are major too: in modelling, that is where the money lies. Baker is signed to Clyne Model Management in New Zealand.

An appointment

Famed for his structured and tailored dresses, including his most well-known, The Galaxy, designer Roland Mouret has been named creative director for French footwear design house Robert Clergerie.

Anna is decorated

Congratulations to US Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who was presented with a Legion d'Honneur award by French president Nicolas Sarkozy last week. Wintour, who has also been given the British title Officer of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, accepted the award wearing a Chanel suit that had been shown as part of the couture show the night before - and in front of the likes of Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld, Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz, Italian Vogue editor Franca Sozzani, and Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci.

Love magazines?

Did you know that it's International Zine Month? As part of the celebration of DIY and self-publishing, the Auckland Zinefest is being held this Saturday, where various zines covering a range of topics will be on display and on sale. July 16, 12pm-5pm, St Kevin's Arcade, K Rd, Auckland.

Cool maps

Heading to Paris, but wanting something a tad more chic than a paper map that's awkward to fold back up and ends up ripped after an hour? We love Crumpled City maps, which are made of special light, 100 per cent waterproof material that makes them easy to cram anywhere you like - your pocket, your handbag, or the carry pouch they come with. There are various cities available, from Paris to Lisbon, Tokyo to Sydney, each with key sightseeing suggestions, information about the city, and 10 "Soulsights" - places "filled with intense emotions that are brought to life by the people passing through or stopping off in them". Ph 0800 743 342.