Life + Style - 28 April 2017

21 August, 2015

life+style The Weekend Sun 1

History in every stitch See page 2

THE WEEKEND

Featuring

Fashion | Events | Gifts for Mum | People

2

life+style The Weekend Sun 21 2015 28August, April, 2017

Stitching history into fashion Boutique store’s knitted tale Fashion trends come and go, but there’s rich history stitched into this particular knitwear.

Ebony Boutique

Boutique Boutique

Photos: Bruce Barnard

More than six decades of history drapes elegantly over coat-hangers in Ebony Boutique stores across the country.

Colin and Neil Wakefield founded family-run company Glengyle Knitwear in 1951 and has become synonymous with high quality knitwear throughout its 66 year history.

“Over the years the fashion may have changed, but the legacy remains,” says Ebony Boutique assistant buyer and area manager Amy White.

The first full Glengyle owned retail store opened in Ngatea and quickly grew to eight stores throughout the Bay of Plenty and Waikato areas. These were re-branded as Ebony Boutique in 2012.

Today, Colin Wakefield’s granddaughter Ebony Hessey owns Ebony Boutique and Glengyle, alongside her husband Steven.

Amy says the Ebony stores were established to fill a gap in the NZ market for high quality fashion at a reasonable price, and to provide Kiwi women the opportunity to find new styles and clothing that suits the NZ figure.

“Our boutique can be characterised by its love of colour, comfort and versatility – to help you look fabulous without breaking the bank.”

Behind every welcoming smile at each store is extensive knowledge of NZ fashion and industry experience.

“At Ebony Boutique you will receive a high quality customer service experience, unlike what you get in those big chain stores,” says Amy. “We love to help all our clients find their personal style with honest style support and fashion advice.”

Women of any shape, size or age are welcomed with open arms into any of the Ebony Boutique stores in Tauranga, Waihi Beach, Ngatea, Tirau, Hamilton and outlets in Onehunga and Silverdale.

“We stock a wide variety of fashion labels, which range from size eight to 24, day-to-day essentials as well as statement pieces for special occasions.

“Our labels include Ebony, Luminous by Ebony, Glengyle, Henfry London, Four Girlz, Cordelia St, Libertine, Motto, Marco Polo,

Yarratrail and many more.” What makes this boutique unique, is their wardrobe consultations.

Customers can bring in key items from their wardrobe and the friendly and professional Ebony staff will help create a mini wardrobe made up of versatile fashion pieces that the customer loves to wear.

It’s what’s called a capsule wardrobe. “Perfect for ladies travelling, highlighting how to make the most of out your wardrobe,” says Amy. They also look at what’s underneath – the bra.

“So many women are wearing the wrong size bra without realising it,” says Amy. “Our team in the Waihi Beach store has been trained to fit all shapes and sizes.”

They also offer styling sessions to teach customers how to identify, dress and love their body shape.

Amy says winter is all about layering your clothing to help you snug and warm over the colder months.

“This winter’s colour palette is a juxtaposition of soft tones taken from nature, mixed with bright jewel tones.

“Classic silhouettes have been refined asymmetric hemlines, softening of tailoring and totally decadent embellishments.”

For outfit inspiration and trend updates, visit the Waihi Beach Boutique Facebook and Instagram pages.

Zoe Hunter

21April, August, 2015 28 2017

Rochelle Free

She said ‘yes!’

Planning your big day

It can be hard to pull yourselves away from the magical moment.

But all of a sudden there’s so much to do before the big day.

That’s when the phone rings to Rochelle Free’s office. The experienced wedding and events planner can help the brideand-groom-to-be plan from the moment she says ‘yes’ to the moment you say ‘I do’.

It all started at her own wedding.

“That was the first-ever wedding I organised,” says Rochelle.

Owner of Freestyle Events, Rochelle has 25 years’ experience as the woman who makes it all come together. Next month, Rochelle celebrates her fifth anniversary of the Bay of Plenty Wedding Show – formerly the Tauranga Wedding Show – when it comes to the ASB Arena, Baypark, on May 21.

Rochelle began as an executive assistant to a managing director of a funds management company in

THE WEEKEND

Wellington. She organised events for clients and staff in Auckland and Wellington.

“I just loved doing it. So I thought, well if I can organise my own wedding then I can do it for a job.”

Since then, she’s organised masquerade balls, corporate events and purchased the Bay of Plenty Wedding Show.

Rochelle says each year the wedding show gets bigger and better – and she’s kept up-to-date with new trends.

“There’s all these really fun things that people do now that you didn’t do when I got married. Vintage and rustic are very big still. There’s photo booths and photography sessions to trash the dress – and vintage games that your guests can play out on the lawn.

“Anything goes. It’s not so strict on how the day goes anymore.”

And the cost of weddings has skyrocketed, says Rochelle. “People go all out on their weddings. I think the average wedding in New Zealand is about $30,000. My wedding cost $15,000 that was 11 years ago.”

Rochelle says weddings are booming in Tauranga. “It’s just a great place to get married.

We’ve got beautiful venues, we’re

Photos: Tracy Hardy.

He gets down on one knee and pops the question: “Will you marry me?”

It’s the proposal she’s been dreaming of. They kiss, celebrate and share the news with loved ones.

life+style The Weekend Sun 3

surrounded by beautiful beaches, plus we have such great weather.”

But as the population is expanding, it’s getting busier and busier. “So people who want to get married here are going to want to be organsied and make their bookings as soon as they can so they’re not missing out.”

But where to start? “I don’t think organising is hard. It’s just a question of being organised yourself, being methodical and having commonsense.

“There’s a natural progression as an event takes place. You pick a date, you pick a venue, who you want to invite and then start thinking about what celebrant you want, what photographer, and you hope like crazy they’re going to be available that day.”

But a lot of people don’t feel they have the ‘know-how’ to do that, says Rochelle. “My role is to guide them through the process.

“I’m not a wedding coordinator as such but because I know so many people in the industry here I can guide people in the right direction.

“And if there’s something I don’t know I’ll find someone who does.

It’s a case of connecting people and industries together.”

That’s the purpose of the Bay of Plenty Wedding Show, to connect businesses and bride-to-bes.

And Rochelle’s met a lot of excited couples who are planning to tie the knot.

“Because it’s such a joyful occasion everyone gets very excited – and who wouldn’t you’re talking about one of the biggest days of your life?

“I just loved getting married, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Zoe Hunter

4

28August, April, 2017 life+style The Weekend Sun 21 2015

Mum’s the word Make sure to treat the most special woman in your life – your mum – this Mothers’ Day. Whether it’s something to colour up her home, a new set of luxurious pyjamas or jewellery with a sparkle to match the one in her eye, treat Mum to something special.

Indelible have something special for every mum.

Style X Lab - for unique stylish gift ideas.

There’s something for every mum at Pacifica - from jewellery to homewares - you’ll find the perfect gift.

HOME | GARDEN | CAFE

FRENCH COUNTRY C O L L E C T I O N S

28 2017 21April, August, 2015

Molyneux Jewellers have stunning jewellery and gifts perfect for your special mother.

life+style The Weekend Sun 5

Prestige Framing - for ready framed artwork or get them frame something of your own for mum.

(Artwork by Tracy Stamatakos)

A gorgeous range of sleepwear for mum from Langtons.

Ph 07 578 8707 LO CEN TA CATETRAL UR D LY AN IN GA TH CB E D

ERSY W O FL OR ANSION F AS C OC

ily’ s BEAUTIFUL THINGS

begin here

Find something delightfully different for your mum at Lily’s Beautiful Things

6

April, 2017 life+style The Weekend Sun 2128August, 2015

In the arms of an angel Photos: Bruce Barnard

Feeding others on an empty stomach It was a way of helping others when she couldn’t help herself. A way of filling the bellies of those in need when hers was always empty.

Brigitte Mouat started the meal-delivering charity Arms of Angels because she is unable to eat.

“I have gastroparesis, and my stomach is paralysed; it doesn’t actually do anything.”

Instead of letting the situation get her really down, Brigitte started making large amounts of food and dropping it off at a local koha (donation) centre in Kapiti for people who can’t always afford to put a good meal on the table.

“I started making all of this food to give away.

People started lining up on a Friday when I took the food down and one girl asked how I made the food.”

So she decided to go one better – the next time she was at the centre, she brought with her the ingredients and the recipe for the girl.

“She cried actually. She said: ‘Nobody has ever done something like that for us’.”

That was the first one. The first time Brigitte supplied someone in need with everything needed to prepare the food themselves.

Brigitte isn’t just providing people with food, she’s teaching them to cook for themselves. But she didn’t set out to start a charity.

“It wasn’t deliberate. It was because I couldn’t eat food myself.”

She made the huge quantities to stay connected to food – she could touch and smell and see it, but she couldn’t eat it.

“I mean I have to admit at the beginning, when I was doing that, I would cry sometimes because I would be making it and think: ‘I want to eat this so badly!’.”

Eventually, Brigitte was feeding seven families through the koha centre, all on her own dime.

She would push two trolleys full of food around New World Kapiti.

“One day the supermarket owner said: ‘Gosh you get a lot of groceries’ so I told her and she said: ‘We’ll make all of the packages up for you’.” Brigitte started telling people what she was doing, how much it cost, and people started signing up.

“All of a sudden I had a charity.”

So Arms of Angels started in Kapiti and has now migrated to Tauranga.

Arms of Angels feeds local families in need and is sponsored by local families – a real community mission – and it’s delivering good nosh. Think pork and apple cider sausage bake, mince chow mein, Mediterranean meatballs.

It’s a similar concept to Nadia’s Food Bag but for families in need. Good food, delivered to your door; that you learn to prepare yourself.

“We’re all volunteers, every single cent goes on the food.”

It works through anonymous nominations – people can nominate a family they think are in need, Arms

28 2017 21April, August, 2015

“Arms of Angels feeds local families in need and is sponsored by local families – a real community mission – and it’s delivering good nosh”

of Angels will give them a call and see if they could use a little help, and then somebody sponsors that family for six weeks. But it’s not expensive – six weeks of sponsorship amounts to a $90, or $15 a week.

That $15 a week will provide at least one hearty, healthy meal for a family, and teach them how to cook it.

“My condition is for life, but I’ll always want to eat food because I know what it’s like.

“I know what it tastes like. I’m always hungry so I know what hunger feels like!”

To eat, Brigitte connects up to a feeding tube that slowly drips small quantities of nutrition-packed liquid into her intestines, bypassing her stomach.

“It just drips out at 100ml an hour and I have to do 1000ml.”

“When I get dehydrated, I have to fill a litre bag of water and put it through the machine and that’s another eight or nine hours, so I’m on it for up to 18 hours a day.”

She can’t use the feeding tube lying down because she runs the risk of aspirating, so on long days Brigitte will have to try and sleep sitting up.

“You never sleep, trust me; you’re awake all the time.”

“Every now and again I won’t put a feed through at night; I’ll do as much of it as I can during the day so I can lie flat and sleep.”

A charity that has come at a great personal expense.

Brigitte can’t go out for dinner and catching up for a coffee and a chat is difficult.

But despite all this, Brigitte remains upbeat and positive. She’s thrown herself at the opportunity to help

others enjoy food, even if it means working from a hospital bed at times.

“But I always think: ‘Y’know what? I can get out of bed every day; do my hair, do my makeup and get dressed’ and nobody knows. You just carry on.”

For more information and to get involved, volunteer or sponsor a family, visit: www.armsofangels.co.nz Cayla-Fay Saunders

B i n t h i sr i n g to rec advert 20%d eive a is f o r m oc o u n t o f M a yn t h !

life+style The Weekend Sun 7

life+style The Weekend Sun Beds R Us 36x7

8

21 August, 2015

21 August, 2015

life+style The Weekend Sun 1

History in every stitch See page 2

THE WEEKEND

Featuring

Fashion | Events | Gifts for Mum | People

2

life+style The Weekend Sun 21 2015 28August, April, 2017

Stitching history into fashion Boutique store’s knitted tale Fashion trends come and go, but there’s rich history stitched into this particular knitwear.

Ebony Boutique

Boutique Boutique

Photos: Bruce Barnard

More than six decades of history drapes elegantly over coat-hangers in Ebony Boutique stores across the country.

Colin and Neil Wakefield founded family-run company Glengyle Knitwear in 1951 and has become synonymous with high quality knitwear throughout its 66 year history.

“Over the years the fashion may have changed, but the legacy remains,” says Ebony Boutique assistant buyer and area manager Amy White.

The first full Glengyle owned retail store opened in Ngatea and quickly grew to eight stores throughout the Bay of Plenty and Waikato areas. These were re-branded as Ebony Boutique in 2012.

Today, Colin Wakefield’s granddaughter Ebony Hessey owns Ebony Boutique and Glengyle, alongside her husband Steven.

Amy says the Ebony stores were established to fill a gap in the NZ market for high quality fashion at a reasonable price, and to provide Kiwi women the opportunity to find new styles and clothing that suits the NZ figure.

“Our boutique can be characterised by its love of colour, comfort and versatility – to help you look fabulous without breaking the bank.”

Behind every welcoming smile at each store is extensive knowledge of NZ fashion and industry experience.

“At Ebony Boutique you will receive a high quality customer service experience, unlike what you get in those big chain stores,” says Amy. “We love to help all our clients find their personal style with honest style support and fashion advice.”

Women of any shape, size or age are welcomed with open arms into any of the Ebony Boutique stores in Tauranga, Waihi Beach, Ngatea, Tirau, Hamilton and outlets in Onehunga and Silverdale.

“We stock a wide variety of fashion labels, which range from size eight to 24, day-to-day essentials as well as statement pieces for special occasions.

“Our labels include Ebony, Luminous by Ebony, Glengyle, Henfry London, Four Girlz, Cordelia St, Libertine, Motto, Marco Polo,

Yarratrail and many more.” What makes this boutique unique, is their wardrobe consultations.

Customers can bring in key items from their wardrobe and the friendly and professional Ebony staff will help create a mini wardrobe made up of versatile fashion pieces that the customer loves to wear.

It’s what’s called a capsule wardrobe. “Perfect for ladies travelling, highlighting how to make the most of out your wardrobe,” says Amy. They also look at what’s underneath – the bra.

“So many women are wearing the wrong size bra without realising it,” says Amy. “Our team in the Waihi Beach store has been trained to fit all shapes and sizes.”

They also offer styling sessions to teach customers how to identify, dress and love their body shape.

Amy says winter is all about layering your clothing to help you snug and warm over the colder months.

“This winter’s colour palette is a juxtaposition of soft tones taken from nature, mixed with bright jewel tones.

“Classic silhouettes have been refined asymmetric hemlines, softening of tailoring and totally decadent embellishments.”

For outfit inspiration and trend updates, visit the Waihi Beach Boutique Facebook and Instagram pages.

Zoe Hunter

21April, August, 2015 28 2017

Rochelle Free

She said ‘yes!’

Planning your big day

It can be hard to pull yourselves away from the magical moment.

But all of a sudden there’s so much to do before the big day.

That’s when the phone rings to Rochelle Free’s office. The experienced wedding and events planner can help the brideand-groom-to-be plan from the moment she says ‘yes’ to the moment you say ‘I do’.

It all started at her own wedding.

“That was the first-ever wedding I organised,” says Rochelle.

Owner of Freestyle Events, Rochelle has 25 years’ experience as the woman who makes it all come together. Next month, Rochelle celebrates her fifth anniversary of the Bay of Plenty Wedding Show – formerly the Tauranga Wedding Show – when it comes to the ASB Arena, Baypark, on May 21.

Rochelle began as an executive assistant to a managing director of a funds management company in

THE WEEKEND

Wellington. She organised events for clients and staff in Auckland and Wellington.

“I just loved doing it. So I thought, well if I can organise my own wedding then I can do it for a job.”

Since then, she’s organised masquerade balls, corporate events and purchased the Bay of Plenty Wedding Show.

Rochelle says each year the wedding show gets bigger and better – and she’s kept up-to-date with new trends.

“There’s all these really fun things that people do now that you didn’t do when I got married. Vintage and rustic are very big still. There’s photo booths and photography sessions to trash the dress – and vintage games that your guests can play out on the lawn.

“Anything goes. It’s not so strict on how the day goes anymore.”

And the cost of weddings has skyrocketed, says Rochelle. “People go all out on their weddings. I think the average wedding in New Zealand is about $30,000. My wedding cost $15,000 that was 11 years ago.”

Rochelle says weddings are booming in Tauranga. “It’s just a great place to get married.

We’ve got beautiful venues, we’re

Photos: Tracy Hardy.

He gets down on one knee and pops the question: “Will you marry me?”

It’s the proposal she’s been dreaming of. They kiss, celebrate and share the news with loved ones.

life+style The Weekend Sun 3

surrounded by beautiful beaches, plus we have such great weather.”

But as the population is expanding, it’s getting busier and busier. “So people who want to get married here are going to want to be organsied and make their bookings as soon as they can so they’re not missing out.”

But where to start? “I don’t think organising is hard. It’s just a question of being organised yourself, being methodical and having commonsense.

“There’s a natural progression as an event takes place. You pick a date, you pick a venue, who you want to invite and then start thinking about what celebrant you want, what photographer, and you hope like crazy they’re going to be available that day.”

But a lot of people don’t feel they have the ‘know-how’ to do that, says Rochelle. “My role is to guide them through the process.

“I’m not a wedding coordinator as such but because I know so many people in the industry here I can guide people in the right direction.

“And if there’s something I don’t know I’ll find someone who does.

It’s a case of connecting people and industries together.”

That’s the purpose of the Bay of Plenty Wedding Show, to connect businesses and bride-to-bes.

And Rochelle’s met a lot of excited couples who are planning to tie the knot.

“Because it’s such a joyful occasion everyone gets very excited – and who wouldn’t you’re talking about one of the biggest days of your life?

“I just loved getting married, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Zoe Hunter

4

28August, April, 2017 life+style The Weekend Sun 21 2015

Mum’s the word Make sure to treat the most special woman in your life – your mum – this Mothers’ Day. Whether it’s something to colour up her home, a new set of luxurious pyjamas or jewellery with a sparkle to match the one in her eye, treat Mum to something special.

Indelible have something special for every mum.

Style X Lab - for unique stylish gift ideas.

There’s something for every mum at Pacifica - from jewellery to homewares - you’ll find the perfect gift.

HOME | GARDEN | CAFE

FRENCH COUNTRY C O L L E C T I O N S

28 2017 21April, August, 2015

Molyneux Jewellers have stunning jewellery and gifts perfect for your special mother.

life+style The Weekend Sun 5

Prestige Framing - for ready framed artwork or get them frame something of your own for mum.

(Artwork by Tracy Stamatakos)

A gorgeous range of sleepwear for mum from Langtons.

Ph 07 578 8707 LO CEN TA CATETRAL UR D LY AN IN GA TH CB E D

ERSY W O FL OR ANSION F AS C OC

ily’ s BEAUTIFUL THINGS

begin here

Find something delightfully different for your mum at Lily’s Beautiful Things

6

April, 2017 life+style The Weekend Sun 2128August, 2015

In the arms of an angel Photos: Bruce Barnard

Feeding others on an empty stomach It was a way of helping others when she couldn’t help herself. A way of filling the bellies of those in need when hers was always empty.

Brigitte Mouat started the meal-delivering charity Arms of Angels because she is unable to eat.

“I have gastroparesis, and my stomach is paralysed; it doesn’t actually do anything.”

Instead of letting the situation get her really down, Brigitte started making large amounts of food and dropping it off at a local koha (donation) centre in Kapiti for people who can’t always afford to put a good meal on the table.

“I started making all of this food to give away.

People started lining up on a Friday when I took the food down and one girl asked how I made the food.”

So she decided to go one better – the next time she was at the centre, she brought with her the ingredients and the recipe for the girl.

“She cried actually. She said: ‘Nobody has ever done something like that for us’.”

That was the first one. The first time Brigitte supplied someone in need with everything needed to prepare the food themselves.

Brigitte isn’t just providing people with food, she’s teaching them to cook for themselves. But she didn’t set out to start a charity.

“It wasn’t deliberate. It was because I couldn’t eat food myself.”

She made the huge quantities to stay connected to food – she could touch and smell and see it, but she couldn’t eat it.

“I mean I have to admit at the beginning, when I was doing that, I would cry sometimes because I would be making it and think: ‘I want to eat this so badly!’.”

Eventually, Brigitte was feeding seven families through the koha centre, all on her own dime.

She would push two trolleys full of food around New World Kapiti.

“One day the supermarket owner said: ‘Gosh you get a lot of groceries’ so I told her and she said: ‘We’ll make all of the packages up for you’.” Brigitte started telling people what she was doing, how much it cost, and people started signing up.

“All of a sudden I had a charity.”

So Arms of Angels started in Kapiti and has now migrated to Tauranga.

Arms of Angels feeds local families in need and is sponsored by local families – a real community mission – and it’s delivering good nosh. Think pork and apple cider sausage bake, mince chow mein, Mediterranean meatballs.

It’s a similar concept to Nadia’s Food Bag but for families in need. Good food, delivered to your door; that you learn to prepare yourself.

“We’re all volunteers, every single cent goes on the food.”

It works through anonymous nominations – people can nominate a family they think are in need, Arms

28 2017 21April, August, 2015

“Arms of Angels feeds local families in need and is sponsored by local families – a real community mission – and it’s delivering good nosh”

of Angels will give them a call and see if they could use a little help, and then somebody sponsors that family for six weeks. But it’s not expensive – six weeks of sponsorship amounts to a $90, or $15 a week.

That $15 a week will provide at least one hearty, healthy meal for a family, and teach them how to cook it.

“My condition is for life, but I’ll always want to eat food because I know what it’s like.

“I know what it tastes like. I’m always hungry so I know what hunger feels like!”

To eat, Brigitte connects up to a feeding tube that slowly drips small quantities of nutrition-packed liquid into her intestines, bypassing her stomach.

“It just drips out at 100ml an hour and I have to do 1000ml.”

“When I get dehydrated, I have to fill a litre bag of water and put it through the machine and that’s another eight or nine hours, so I’m on it for up to 18 hours a day.”

She can’t use the feeding tube lying down because she runs the risk of aspirating, so on long days Brigitte will have to try and sleep sitting up.

“You never sleep, trust me; you’re awake all the time.”

“Every now and again I won’t put a feed through at night; I’ll do as much of it as I can during the day so I can lie flat and sleep.”

A charity that has come at a great personal expense.

Brigitte can’t go out for dinner and catching up for a coffee and a chat is difficult.

But despite all this, Brigitte remains upbeat and positive. She’s thrown herself at the opportunity to help

others enjoy food, even if it means working from a hospital bed at times.

“But I always think: ‘Y’know what? I can get out of bed every day; do my hair, do my makeup and get dressed’ and nobody knows. You just carry on.”

For more information and to get involved, volunteer or sponsor a family, visit: www.armsofangels.co.nz Cayla-Fay Saunders

B i n t h i sr i n g to rec advert 20%d eive a is f o r m oc o u n t o f M a yn t h !

life+style The Weekend Sun 7

8

life+style The Weekend Sun 21 August, 2015

NEW ZEALAND’S

LARGEST

INDEPENDENT BEDDING GROUP

50 STORES NATIONWIDE

NEW ZEALAND’S

LARGEST

INDEPENDENT BEDDING GROUP

PROU D TO BE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

PROU D TO BE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED