Retail Therapy

So tasty

There are certain things you can always rely on: the sun rising, a new issue of Vogue being released each month, and a daily announcement of a new fashion collaboration. One that caught our eye recently was the partnership between Japanese designer Tsumori Chisato and French tea house Laduree, to celebrate their 150th anniversary. Chisato produced a special cherry-blossom themed set of macarons, with a scented candle to match. Yum. Although this isn't the first fashion macaron collaboration: World teamed up with local macaron producer J'aime les macarons in 2012 to produce a yummy limited edition black forest-flavoured treat.

Eco-friendly shoes

It's your last chance to get a pair of Terra Plana shoes, as it's the final season that the popular eco shoes are being produced. Made using traditional stitch construction, recycled materials and vege tanned leather, the new, and final, season range has just arrived in store at Starfish, including this beautiful multi-quilt heel ($299). Called the Juniper, it comes in random prints and each pair is unique. Ph (09) 523 2659 or buy online.

Shop 'til you drop

To celebrate the launch of the New Zealand Fashion Festival later this month, Viva presents First Light, with the inner city High St precinct transformed for one night. New season autumn/winter collections from local designers and retailers will be unveiled, plus the area will be transformed with music, food and wine. And if you make a purchase on the day, you'll go in the draw to win the Viva Lucky Shopper Prize package. For more details, visit highstdistrict.co.nz, and save your pennies to get shopping at Viva presents First Light, Friday February 24.

Made to order

Recent AUT fashion graduate Emma Gleason has turned her hand to creating special made-to-order trousers. The style featured as part of her graduate collection, and have a slim relaxed leg, elasticised waist, front pockets and hand-finished hems. "Pants are one of the most functional and freeing garments one can wear, and a well-cut pair of trousers is hard to find," says Gleason. Because of the elasticised waist and looser fit through the top, she says the style is sympathetic to various shapes and proportions. Various fabric and print options are available, including a mustard and white stripe cotton, a tan, navy, brown and blue cotton check and a classic black and white check. To further the personalised approach, it is also possible for Gleason to source a particular fabric. Sizes 6-12 are available, and prices start at $120 for a pair made in cotton, $140 for silk and $160 plus for specially sourced fabric (depending on the selection). To order, or for more information, email emma.gleason@hotmail.com.

On the move

Fans of the Mt Eden PPS Gifts & Homewares store will be devastated that owner Rosalind Kaczmarek is closing its doors. PPS has always been full of fabulous, fun and tasteful products that make the perfect present. The good news is the store is having a closing down sale and there are lots of bargains to be had. Rosalind is now going to put all her energies into her cute new sweet and gift shop in Oneroa on Waiheke. PPS, 430 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden, ph (09) 623 2666.

Green gong

The Langham, Auckland, has become the first business hotel in Australasia and the Pacific to win rigorous EarthCheck Gold certification for its environmental management. The hotel had to show over a period of five years that for each 12 months its operational data met an audited internationally recognised standard of best practice. This meant adjusting energy and water consumption and reducing waste, with managing director Jeffrey van Vorsselen crediting staff for their efforts.