Retail Therapy

In tune (with fashion)

The transformation of Taylor Swift from country singing sweetheart to stadium-filling crossover pop sensation is all but complete. The touring star who plays Auckland's Vector Arena on March 16, 17 and 18 is also getting the celebrity makeover in a fashion sense, appearing on the cover of US Vogue dressed in Rodarte. Inside she displays a savvy sense of style, matching designers to other stars, suggesting Prabal Garang's splatter floral dress is "very Katy Perry" and that Alexander Wang should send a black leather dress Jada Pinkett Smith's way.

With record royalties not what they once were, it is no surprise that this career-minded 22-year-old is building up her capital in other areas. She's shopping for a good movie script and has the obligatory perfume to promote. Wonderstruck is making a market impact with its distinctive fruity-floral fragrance and teen-friendly purple bottle now available in a smaller 30ml eau de parfum for $79. From Farmers and selected pharmacies.

Don't miss ...

Degas to Dali - A Modern Master. This exhibition, now on at the Auckland Art Gallery, is truly inspirational and a rare opportunity to see up close the major movements of modern art. From the energy of Van Gogh's Olive Trees, painted when he was institutionalised late in his life, to the gentle curves of Rodin's Young Mother, this exhibition oozes with greatness. Viva's favourite (well, one of many) is Scottish painter James Cowie's The Yellow Glove - a powerful portrait of a strong, defiant woman. Painted in 1928, we love that the work reflects a time of change which saw the rise of confident modern women. Auckland Art Gallery, Kitchener St, City.

Jewellery club

A selection of new pieces from local jeweller Jessica Aggrey has arrived at Grey Lynn boutique Dalston including these lovely "Lady Liberty Gem" earrings made of sterling silver with amethyst or garnet stones. $149 from Dalston, ph (09) 378 0578. We also adore this sweet daisy ring from another local label, Eyes of Common. The sterling silver ring features a smoky quartz "healing stone", $199. For stockists see here.

The classics

Time to start thinking about autumn coat purchases. We think this jacket, a sweet twist on the classic trench, would be a perfect trans-seasonal piece - and it's only $99.99, from Glassons. Ph (09) 520 8520.

Now open

One of our favourite online stores has opened a physical studio space in Auckland. The Everyday Needs studio will offer their complete selection of interiors and simply beautiful things, and is open each Friday during March from 10am-2pm. Find it at 6a Kirk St, Arch Hill, or continue to shop online.

Charity screening

One of the highlights of the French Film Festival is Hunting & Gathering, a romantic comedy starring Audrey Tatou which will screen in special sessions across the country to raise funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. The Auckland event is next Wednesday at Rialto, Newmarket. Attendees will get a glass of champagne and a bumper gift bag valued at more than $200 from festival sponsor L'Oreal Paris. Tickets cost $30 with all proceeds going to help the foundation fight this tricky-to-diagnose disease. For bookings go online or phone 0800 842 538. Festival information here.

Fit-out

Just opened at Victoria Park Market, as part of phase one of the market's redevelopment, is the new Platinum Sports Co. store, which offers top fitness brands like adidas, Asics, Nike, Puma, Reebok, Speedo, Casio G-Shock and more in one boutique space. The new store inside the market's original 100-plus year-old Destructor building is a bigger space than the shop's original premises. Ph 0800 645 3746.

Welcome back

Line 7 is now available through selected Farmers stores. The winter range from the iconic New Zealand brand looks back to its nautical heritage, with classic pieces perfect for layering to protect against the elements - like this hooded anorak, $119.99. The full Line 7 collection is available from selected Farmers stores nationwide.