The sound of fashion

Fashion Week Soundtrack. Photo / Supplied.

As we all know, music is a key part of Fashion Week - from the soundtracks that set the mood for each designer's show right through to the after parties. Loop Recordings has, for the fifth year running, put together an uber cool collection of music for the official 2009 Fashion Week Soundtrack. It includes tracks and remixes from the likes of Recloose, Module and Sola Rosa. Viva is delighted to have eight copies of this CD, which is only available at Fashion Week, to give away. Simply send your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope to Fashion Week CD, Viva, NZ Herald, PO Box 3290, Auckland. Entries close September 30. Winners announced October 7.

Cool for kids

We don't tend to feature kids' stuff much here at Viva, but for these sunnies we will make an exception - they're just too cute to not write about! The RayBan Junior summer 09 collection features classic Wayfarer, Aviator and "Jackie Ohh" styles in smaller sizes for smaller faces and has just arrived in store at Sunglass Hut. Prices start at $110, so you may want to save these for the older kids. Sunglass Hut, 0800 607 895.

Get shwoping

No, that's not a spelling mistake - New Zealand's largest clothes swapping event is happening in Auckland this Saturday in the Waitemata Ballroom at The Langham hotel. The Big Shwop will allow women to exchange and reuse clothes, and acts as a sustainable and fun way to bring some new things into your wardrobe. From 11am to 1pm people are encouraged to bring in their unwanted clothes, which will be exchanged for vouchers. These can be used when the doors open at 2pm, up until 4pm. For more information, rules and shwopping etiquette - and to pre-register - visit www.thebigshwop.co.nz. Entrance is $10 on the door.

Gimme Givenchy

Newmarket shoe boutique Runway Shoes & Accessories have received a small selection of footwear from Parisian fashion house Givenchy. Pieces in store now include cage-like black leather booties, high-cut lace-up flats and bondage style buckled platforms. The store also has a new season drop from Emilio Pucci, which feature the signature Pucci print.

They're back ...

Oh Lord... Marc Jacobs sent models down the runway wearing scrunchies at his recent New York Fashion Week show. With any other designer we would simply brush this off as being silly, but Jacobs isn't just any designer - where he goes, the rest of fashion generally follows. And his scrunchies were rather beautiful, covered in pearls. Of course, hipsters have been wearing scrunchies "ironically" for a while now, but now Jacobs has done them we predict they'll hit the mainstream. But if you refuse to go there again, the huge hair bows reminiscent of Heather Chandler in Heathers at Marc by Marc Jacobs may be an easier sell.

Airbrushed skin

For skin that looks airbrushed to perfection, it's no surprise someone thought of using a spray can. Napoleon Boudoir Mist Spray Foundation comes in five shades with a good texture and costs $75 from Farmers. Prep the skin, pull back your hair and then simply hit the nozzle, though you may need to blend around the edges with a foundation brush. We were worried about spraying ourselves in the eye, but managed to avoid it. If you're good with spray tans and hairspray this might be worth a try, but we'd rather a personal makeup artist apply it.

Fresh looks

Home-sale leader Avon has relaunched its cosmetics in smart new black packaging that owes more than a little to Chanel's stylish compacts. Still, if you're going to be inspired, it may as well be by a luxury brand. The new Avon palettes with four shades of shadow cost $29.99 and are the most expensive item in the range, which delivers colour trends to match those on counter. To find an Avon representative in your area call 0508 777 007.

Nutrimetics has also smartened its approach, extending its home-sale business to include online sales. In addition to its New Zealand-made skincare the company is also marketing a new range of health supplement pills, packed in appealing colourful pottles rather than the usual medicinal looking ones seen on health food shelves. Beauty Bloom contains hair, skin and nail boosters, there's a multi-vitamin supplement and another targeted at bone strength. See www.nutrimetics.co.nz