Rebecca S.'s
Homeware heaven
- 124I could spend hours in this store. I love kitchenware and Milly’s has it all. You’ll find yourself leaving with things you didn’t even realize you needed (but now that you’ve seen them, you don’t know how you’ve possibly gone this long in life without!) One of my favourite purchases is my banana protector. I run to and from work and my banana used to always get all squished and bruised in my backpack. Banana protector – genius! They’ve got great cookbooks and seasonal items as well (check out the Halloween display right now!)
- 23Everything in here is gorgeous with an old-fashioned country feel to it. They always have beautiful wooden dining tables and chairs. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to redecorate your entire home immediately. I bought some copper serving dishes here, which I love!
- 33Redcurrent PonsonbyPonsonbyI love all the cute, quirky little knick-knacks and decorative items available from Red Current – like hooks and knobs, photo frames and vases. They also do great beach bags and they carry the ‘MOR’ body products and ‘Glasshouse’ candles – my fave! I bought one of the vanilla-scented Glasshouse candles and not only does it make my entire house smell like freshly-baked cookies, it has lasted for about a million years!
- 47Father Rabbit LimitedGrey LynnI always thought this would be a great place to have a wedding gift registry, since they sell pretty much everything you could ever need for your home and have soooo much cool stuff. From vintage bottles and teapots to cushions and mirrors.
- 53Republic HomePonsonbyLove. Just LOVE. They have the coolest and most unique furniture, like a purple patchwork sofa and a teal, chipped “boatwood” coffee table. It’s definitely not cheap, but even if you don’t buy anything it’s worth visiting just for inspiration.
Rebecca S.'s
Where to shop for women
- 14Cue Queen StreetAuckland CentralCue is my go-to for work clothes. Stylish, trendy, cute – yet professional. Because I work in a creative office, I can get away with most outfits as long as they’re chic. But Cue also sells staples like pencil skirts and blazers. They’re a bit pricey but the clothes are great quality.
- 24Peter Alexander Auckland CentralAuckland CentralI just love this shop. It always smells like freshly-baked cookies when you walk in the door (thanks to the Glasshouse candles, which you can also buy here!) and everything is just so girly and cute and irresistible. It’s purely a pyjama shop, but considering any time I’m lounging around the house I’m always in sweats or pyjamas, I have quite a collection in my wardrobe. This shop will make you want to host a pyjama party for the first time since you were 12 years old.
- 313Lululemon Athletica BritomartAuckland CentralThis is a Canadian shop (woop woop!) that is slowly taking over the world. Even if you’ve never been to Lululemon, you’re probably familiar with the little ohm-looking logo adorning every second person you see in your spin class. Lululemon sells AH-MAZING workout clothes. They are expensive, but the quality is unparalleled. I’ve had a pair of their long yoga pants since early university days (when I literally wore them every single day to class) and they still look brand new.
- 46Country Road Queen StreetAuckland CentralCountry Road has a great mix of casual, work and formal-wear. Everything is super on trend and their window displays always lure me inside. They have great, comfy ballet flats that will last ages. If you see something you love but can’t afford, hold tight and you’ll always find it on sale a couple of months later.
- 52Mi Piaci - NewmarketNewmarketWhat women’s clothing shop list would be complete without a shoe store? Mi Piaci has great shoes in every style. I have a pair of knee-high winter boots from here that I absolutely adore and wear almost every single day in the winter. They literally go with everything! The shoes are a bit on the pricey side but definitely worth it in quality.
Rebecca S.'s
Best bridal salons
- 11Vinka DesignAuckland CentralThe gowns are stunning and unique and it’s a small boutique with helpful and friendly staff who show a genuine interest in your big day and helping you look your best. I have two friends who have found their wedding gowns here and both said they were beyond happy with both the gown and the service.
- 25Natalie ChanParnellThis beautiful, girly boutique in the heart of Parnell is an amazing place to get either your wedding gown, bridesmaids dresses, accessories or all of the above. Natalie and the girls are super bubbly and helpful and the store itself is gorgeous and will provide plenty of inspiration for your wedding. You can have gowns and hair pieces custom-made, and Natalie is involved in every step of the process to make sure you get your dream dress. I bought two silver, Swarovski crystal adorned flowers for my wedding hairstyle and have received countless compliments on them!
- 34Astra Bridal - AucklandEden TerraceAstra Bridal has lots of beautiful but affordable dresses as well as shoes, accessories and other formal wear. It’s a large store with lots of options and no consultation fee! A great place to start.
- 41Felicity's BridalAuckland CentralI almost bought my wedding dress from Felicity’s. They had so many I loved, and the staff were incredibly nice and helpful. The girl assisting us seemed to know exactly what would suit me best and brought me a few options I never would have even considered, but ended up loving.
- 51Modes BridalNewmarketI never went to Modes myself, but I was absolutely captivated by their website. I fell in love with almost every single featured dress! I also have a friend who got her gown here and said it was a wonderful experience. They seem to really keep on top of the trends and my friend said they helped her find a dress that totally flattered her body type and that the lady who assisted her was "just lovely!"
Rebecca S.'s
Friday night with friends
- 119The Classic - Comedy & BarAuckland CentralCheck out a comedy show at The Classic - there’s nothing better than a night of drinks, laughing and camaraderie! The comedians are kind of hit or miss, so do your research before going. On that note, be sure to check out as many shows as you can during the annual Auckland Comedy Festival - which features hilarious NZ and international acts.
- 211Grasshopper Modern Thai CuisineAuckland CentralThis is a great place to come for dinner and drinks with friends. It’s a central, convenient location in Auckland CBD, it feels classy and grown-up, but offers cheap (and good-sized) meals, and best of all it’s BYO. The restaurant is huge and spacious, so they can easily accommodate large groups.
- 35Believe It Or Not Quiz EventsGreenlanePub quizzes are guaranteed good fun. It gives you something to do on a Friday night besides just drinking (but still involves drinking, of course), gets your brain working and builds friendships through team bonding!
- 427Northern SteamshipAuckland CentralSuch a cool bar, with its upside down lamps and library decor. It’s a great location in Britomart, has fun music, good food and lots of space for dancing or just hanging out with some drinks.
- 56Sachie's KitchenParnellTake an Asian cooking class at Sachie’s Kitchen. It’s something a bit different to do and is sure to have you feeling like a proper grown-up. It’s a fun group environment and you’ll learn how to make delicious Asian fare using authentic ingredients and flavours.
Rebecca S.'s
Coolest cafés
- 129Zus & ZoHerne BayThis cute little spot in Herne Bay has some amazing food and drink. I was blown away by their fresh mint tea with honey and the to-die-for croque madame. There’s also lots of delish dutch baked goods for morning tea.
- 25Wai KitchenBig OneroaI absolutely love this place. Amazing views over Waiheke’s Oneroa Beach, creative and delicious brunch options, perfect macarons (my fave), and a yummy rhubarb shake to finish things off equals perfection.
- 345The Baker's CottageKingslandThis is the second time this café has made it onto one of my lists - I just couldn’t have a best cafés list and not mention my favourite one. Amazing, freshly made pies and salads, delicious pastries and expertly crafted cakes plus a warm and homey environment.
- 421Good OnePonsonbyI’m not much of a coffee-drinker myself, but I’ve been told on numerous occasions that Coffee Supreme has the best in town. I personally love it for its quirky decor, including ceiling high stacks of old National Geographic magazines, free Wi-Fi, friendly staff and heavenly hot chocolate.
- 524Olaf's Artisan Bakery & CafeMt EdenThe smell of delicious home-baked bread wafts through the doors, enticing you from a mile away. A cool location with a view of Maungawhau out the front windows and some truly tasty European treats. The open kitchen gives you a peak at Olaf, the German baker, hard at work and makes you feel like you’re in a friend’s living room.
Rebecca S.'s
What to do on a rainy day
- 1162Auckland Art GalleryAuckland CentralGet a dose of culture by checking out the art gallery, which houses an extensive collection of national and international art. You can often catch travelling international exhibitions too, and it’s a great way to get your creative juices flowing. Even if you don’t know anything about art, you’ll still be able to appreciate the talent and hard work that goes into some of the pieces.
- 21Paint & Create Ceramic PaintingMeadowbankAfter a visit to the Art Gallery, you might be in a creative mood and want to try your hand at some art yourself. Being a crafty person, I love these ceramic painting studios. You can choose your ceramic piece and decorate it however you like, then the studio will glaze it for you. It’s fun to do at any age, but especially if you have kids.
- 390When I first heard about Kelly Tarlton’s when I moved to Auckland in 2010, I didn’t get what the big deal was. It’s just an aquarium? But after checking it out for myself to see what all the hype was about, I have to admit that it’s actually pretty cool. It’s a huge aquarium with all kinds of crazy creatures. You can also do shark cage diving or an on-the-ice penguin experience.
- 431Auckland Central LibraryAuckland CentralIt might sound old-school, but visiting the library is one of my favourite ways to spend a rainy day. I love to read, and you can spend all day here just browsing through the books and then curl up in a comfy chair and read the day away. Best of all, it’s free!
- 58Starbucks Symonds StreetAuckland CentralOkay, so it might not be the most original idea in the world. But who doesn’t love to spend a rainy day catching up with friends over a hot drink and a tasty treat (or five). It doesn’t necessarily have to be Starbucks, I’m just a sucker for their yummy flavoured lattés and cozy armchairs.