Retail Therapy

Get in quick if you want a pair of these quirky needlepoint loafers - they feature lobsters or sweet fox faces in a laurel wreath - available in Kate Sylvester stores. Photo / Babiche Martens

Loafer love

If you're lucky there'll be a few of these needlepoint loafers left in store at Kate Sylvester boutiques - although we suspect if they haven't sold out already, they soon will. Two styles are available in store, including black with sweet fox faces inside a laurel wreath, and a quirky pair featuring lobsters - each hand-stitched in petit point. Simply adorable. By Paige needlepoint loafers, $220, from Kate Sylvester stores. Ph (09) 524 8872.

Max-imum support

The Max Foundation has announced its latest round of grants to a few inspirational Kiwi women. The charitable trust, established by Max in 2008, aims to support those whose actions "enhance and inspire the wellbeing and advancement of New Zealand women", with this year's recipient's ranging from a mother of four to a Paralympian. Yasmin Morris, the mother of four who works at the Wellington City Mission, received $5000 to complete a Level B Social Work qualification and help her extend her contribution to the community, while Frances Dick will receive a grant of $3000 to go towards her dream of riding for New Zealand at the 2012 Paralympics. The third recipient is a trust; $2000 is going to the TYLA Trust to help cover the costs of their Nga Mana Wahine - Women with Strength girls programme. Applications for the next round, for winter 2012, can be accessed online.

World of difference

All eyes are on the Britomart right now as a bevy of top New Zealand fashion labels open shop. First to open its doors is World with a flagship store that brings together the World women's and men's collections, the World luxurious beauty range of French brands, plus there is an eclectic collection of art and designer products. Step inside this store and you step inside a mind-altering shopping experience. World, 60 Tyler St, Britomart, ph (09) 373 3034.

VIP Viva

If you're heading to Derby Day at Ellerslie on Saturday look out for Elizabeth Arden makeup specialist Lidean Erasmus and make like a VIP with an on-course touch up. She will also be sharing the secrets of the trusty Eight Hour Cream and its value as a beauty allrounder. Eight Hour Cream has a rich racing heritage: the original salve was made by horse-mad Elizabeth Arden to help soothe her thoroughbreds' skins. Over the years it has developed into an all-in-one beauty wonder cream which you can use for glossing lips, adding shine to cheeks and eyelids, taming brows and flyaways, moisturising dry heels and buffing nails. It is compact enough to fit inside the smallest clutch bag, making Eight Hour Cream a raceday essential. Elizabeth Arden's modern miracle cream is Prevage, an advanced skincare range, which the team will also be sampling at the races. Be one of the first to try new Prevage Hydrating Fluid or New Prevage Triple Protection Daily Shield SPF50.

* We have two prize packages containing Prevage Hydrating Fluid and the Triple Protection Daily Shield SPF50 to give away. Each package is valued at $388. To go in the draw to win visit online, follow the prompts on screen and enter this week's keywords, "Elizabeth Arden". Entries close March 2, winner announced Wednesday March 7.