Retail Therapy

Karen Walker will be sharing her expertise as a seasoned fashion pro. Photo / Dan and Corina Lecca

Festival of style

Viva is excited to be part of this year's NZ Fashion Festival, with a seminar on February 29 taking you inside the pages of the magazine. "Viva Live" will see the team talk about what's new in fashion, food and beauty, and feature food writer and TV host Nici Wickes, giveaways and goodie bags, plus very special guest Karen Walker, fresh from showing at New York Fashion Week. Wednesday February 29, 7pm, Shed 10, Queens Wharf, Auckland. Tickets $25.

For him

Here are two Valentine gift ideas for the man in your life: a stylish ring or wedding band. A selection of statement rings with a contemporary twist from Schaffhausen-based brand Furrer-Jacot are available from Partridge Jewellers ($3020), while Walker & Hall have launched their new Cobalt Chrome men's wedding ring range. Dubbed "alternative metal", the rings are hypoallergenic and shatterproof. Cobalt Chrome and black diamond ring, $740.

It's love

It may be an "exclusive capsule collection dedicated to lovers" but we're sure singles will love it too. Vogue Eyewear's "Love Vogue" collection features an oversized rounded shape with heart pattern along the inner frame and special packaging. $190 from Sunglass Hut, ph 0800 607 895.

Out and about

Explore some of Auckland's most beautiful gardens as part of the Heroic Gardens Festival, to be held on the weekend of February 18-19. Now in its 16th year, the event allows curious visitors to tour a variety of private gardens - this year will feature 24 located across Auckland, including six large Coatesville gardens and smaller city gardens in modern and traditional styles. The owners will also be present to talk about their creations. Funds raised help support Mercy Hospice Auckland. Tickets are $35 each, valid for both days, from the website above.

In the dark

Pop-up sale concept The Darkroom returns tomorrow with four days of marked down prices from Children of Vision boutique, designers Cybele, Jimmy D, Maaike and Meadowlark, and Papershoes.com. On offer at reduced prices will be current and previous season stock, samples, one-offs and seconds. Thursday February 9, 10am-7pm; Friday February 10, 10am-6pm; Saturday February 11, 10am-5pm; Sunday February 12, 11am-4pm. Shop 18, St. Kevin's Arcade, 179-183 Karangahape Rd, Auckland.

Valentine's treats

A trio of ginger, heart-shaped biscuits, beautifully iced are the perfect Valentines gift for lovers of food. Or try the mini Valentines chocolate cakes. $12, from Hubcap Cafe Ponsonby Rd or quintessentialfood.co.nz.

VIP Viva: Win a day at the polo

On Sunday February 19, Veuve Clicquot will celebrate the social season with its second event of the year, the Veuve Clicquot marquee at the finals day of the BMW NZ Polo Open in Clevedon - and you could be there. It's an exciting event as the international riders and their horses twist and turn with speed and skill. Will last year's winners - the Veuve Clicquot team - be able to defend their title?

Viva is delighted to have two tickets to the New Zealand Polo Open final to give away. The winners will join VIP guests at the Veuve Clicquot marquee at the Auckland Polo Club, Fisher Field, Clevedon-Kawakawa Bay Rd in Clevedon and enjoy an afternoon of Champagne, fine food and entertainment as they take in the on action from a prime location.

To enter the draw visit nzherald.co.nz/vivagiveaways. Follow the prompts on the screen and enter this week's key words "Veuve Clicquot". Entries close on Monday February 13 and the winner will be announced on Wednesday February 15.