FASHION FEATURE

Loobie’s Story Spring/ Summer 2022 brings vibrant colours and striking prints inspired by travel to exotic places.

The world has opened up again; our minds are up again; our minds are free to travel, daydream, free to travel, daydream, and conjure fantasy and conjure fantasy destinations. From the destinations. From the delicate blooms of delicate blooms of Provence, the wildflowers Provence, the wildflowers of the Cotswolds, the of the Cotswolds, the bustling markets of bustling markets of Marrakesh and Ubud, Marrakesh and Ubud, and the batiks and woodcuts of Seminyak, Uluwatu Seminyak, Uluwatu and Angkor Wat. The olde world charm of Brittany, charm of Brittany, the vibrance of Seville, Sorrento and the romance of and the romance of the Cote d’Azur. Styling is supremely Styling is supremely feminine with gorgeous feminine with gorgeous detailing, embroidery, detailing, embroidery, a variety of feminine a variety of feminine cotton trims, tassel ties cotton trims, tassel ties and belts, mini ru les, and belts, mini ru les, and delicate yoke and delicate yoke shirring. This season, shirring. This season, take a trip with Loobie’s take a trip with Loobie’s Story, be inspired by Story, be inspired by travelling to exotic travelling to exotic places, and daydream places, and daydream about destinations you’re about destinations you’re yet to explore.

APT Collections is fast becoming a local favourite, and it’s easy to see why. With Spring fast approaching, we’ve caught our eye on a few new season favourites you can find in-store. Here’s our favourite, and it’s easy to see why. With Spring fast approaching, we’ve caught our eye on a few new season favourites wishlist of this season’s must-haves. wishlist of this season’s must-haves.

Blouse with cap sleeve, $139.90, Cargo jogger, $139.90

Dress with tie sleeves, $169.90

Midi rouche detail, $159.90

Smocked neck blouse, $129.90, Jean/bow, $129.90

Relaxed t dress, $129.90

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to ditch the winter woollies and start to feel those summer beach vibes. A few summer essentials:

Alfie & Evie $199.90

79 Picton St, Howick www.shoesonpicton.co.nz

JH17659

Nothing screams summer like a pop of colour, and the Doti Sandal by Los Cabos colour, and the Doti Sandal by Los Cabos represents everything we love about the represents everything we love about the sunny season. This slip-on sandal has a sunny season. This slip-on sandal has a contoured footbed for maximum comfort. contoured footbed for maximum comfort. Ideal for resort escapes, beach walks or Ideal for resort escapes, beach walks or an everyday go-to option. Doti by Los an everyday go-to option. Doti by Los Cabos $69.90, available from Cabos $69.90, available from Shoes on Picton. Shoes on Picton.

As the layers come o , the Bondi Sands 1-Hour Express Self-Tanning is the perfect way to achieve that sunkissed glow. Available in a body Foam and Face Mist, perfect for a quick pick-me-up post-winter reveal. From a subtle light bronze to a darker hue, this duo is made to develop anywhere between 30 minutes to three hours. Available from Farmers and Pharmacies nationwide.

At Howick Village Optometrists we are ecstatic to welcome our newest brand – Albert I’mStein. We are so excited to bring punchy colours, bold acetate frames and fabulous unique designs. These frames bring the ‘wow-factor’ and we can guarantee compliments! Albert I’mStein is a premium eyewear which dedicates itself to the luxuriously smart, highly confidently portrayed, smart individuals, with a touch of elegance. Don’t just see it, feel it

Come in and see the range today!

Inspired by the beauty and culture, Maui Jim sunglasses are not only stylish but they are polarized and protect from 100 per cent of UVA and UVB rays. In addition, Maui Jim sunglasses protect from intense glare and harmful UV for those who appreciate the sun. Available exclusively from Howick Village Optometrists.

If you are looking for stylish contemporary swimwear that provides more cover, you will love Covertogs. Covertogs are the perfect swimwear for women of all shapes, sizes, and ages. Great for those who are active at the beach and want more freedom and comfort. Covertogs are sun safe (UPF Rating 50+) and perfect if you want more beach cover. Available from www.covertogs.co.nz. There is nothing like a good haircut and colour to make you feel confident and look good. Bridgette Young from Off the Fringe Organic Hair Studio, Howick, shares mood-boosting hair trends.

When it comes to hair, we are seeing a large movement towards embracing natural texture and movement as clients are choosing cleaner products with less chemicals and silicones. It is more about using products with no nasties and loving the feeling of natural hair. Following natural hair shape and movement is important for low maintenance and easy to-do styles.

Spring/Summer hair trends brings so textured styles with bangs and fringes that will refresh your look.

Think, heavily layered cuts with a modern take on ‘the Rachel’ recently worn by Hailey Beiber. The `Friends’ chop is back in a modern, gorgeous way!

A shoulder length ‘shag’ haircut spotted on models and celebrities recently, including Kaia Gerber, bring the curtain bangs high on the style barometer.

It’s also the return of the classic, clean bob for a sophisticated and elegant look. Easy to maintain and style, the bob comes back with a slightly longer front and so er internal layers for texture.

Pixie haircuts have made a comeback, with maintaining some length on top for volume and movement. For this season’s colour palette, a lot of clients are braving the challenge of returning to their natural colour, be it silver or grey. For those who are not quite ready to embrace the natural look, there are always shades of gorgeous blondes, with pastel tones running through. Think so pink, so peach, light lilac, and honey tones running through creamy blondes for dimension and change. A simply stunning look.

Darker chocolate warm tones with caramels are gorgeous but making them pop with a sweet statement piece, pastel somewhere underneath, always works wonders.

Keeping these beautiful colours and shapes do take a bit of home care and maintenance. Ensuring your coloured tresses are well nourished with protein and moisture treatments is essential to gorgeous looking and feeling hair.

O R G A N I C H A I R S T U D I O SPRING HAIR DETOX SPECIAL

Refresh your hair this Spring. Leave your hair feeling fresh and revitalised with an in-depth hair analysis, hair detox, prescription treatment hair cut and finish.

(09)5353974 info@offthefringe.co.nz

Mention this ad when you book in September 2022 to get 20% off any product purchased.

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www.mardell.co.nz

In this month’s Fashion Five, we speak to the designer behind her namesake brand Anne Mardell. With over four decades of designing and creating beautiful clothing, Anne Mardell has thrived in the New Zealand fashion industry since 1981.

A. It’s no secret. Having a stable A. work/life balance enables enduring relationships with customers, sta , and suppliers. Good things flow from this.

A. Inspiration is limited to and inspired by fabrics. We source material from France, Holland, Japan and Korea. Manufacture of garments is undertaken in Aotearoa, and this adds to our point of di erence along with the continued use of the bust dart in most of our garments, creating feminine shapes.

A. Summer 22 is chock-full of colour, airy pastels, like honey and petal, to rich spices, sumac and pimento.

A. For this Summer season you cannot go past a wide-legged pant, a linen gauze blouse and a timeless viscose print dress.

A. Shop at independent stores that will o er good honest advice and try new styles and colours that you have not worn previously.

Lily Whyte Fine Lingerie & Gifts stock high quality lingerie, sleepwear and hosiery. Our stylish products are carefully chosen for you and the highest level of customer service ensures perfect fit. Lily Whyte is located in Howick Village, Auckland and is locally owned and operated. We look forward to welcoming you into our luxurious haven. Visit us online at lilywhyte.co.nz or in store.

SHAKE IT OFF

Yes, shake o that stigma of second-hand clothing. These days, op-shops are so much more than the musky, dumping ground for items that have seen better days. Today, thri stores are a treasure-trove of designer brands, nearly new and sometimes brand new, pre-loved clothing.

Don’t forget second-hand clothes are great for sustainability. By giving pre-loved items another cycle of wear, you are minimising the amount of clothing being thrown away. It may not seem like it would make a huge di erence, but every bit counts.

THERE ARE BARGAINS TO BE HAD…

With the cost of everything increasing, it’s the perfect time to change our shopping habits and take advantage of a few bargains. ... BUT DON’T EXPECT EVERYTHING TO BE $5 There are varying degrees of op-shops and the items they sell. A $5 price tag doesn’t necessarily determine a bargain. If you nd something you love, but feel the price may be high, do a quick search of the brand; what are they retailing garments at full price? You’ve got a bargain if you nd a jacket for $60 from a brand that usually retails them for $350.

HAVE AN OPEN MIND

You’re not going to nd racks of clothes in every size, so if you pick something up that doesn’t t, sadly, there is no secret room for a sales assistant to ‘check out the back’, So take the loss and keep shopping around.

SET SOME TIME ASIDE

Op shopping takes patience, and a good rummage through takes time. If you are new to the experience, start with a few smaller stores rst, big stores with racks and racks of clothes can be overwhelming.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, BUT BE FLEXIBLE If you are shopping for something in particular, be prepared to be flexible. For example, if you want a pair of jeans in a speci c colour, With the EastLife team buzzing with their latest buys from local op shops, we thought, what better way to share some tips for those who have yet to embrace the art of op shopping.

cut, or style, you may not nd them. Look at all the options and have a try-on. If you are prepared to compromise, you may walk away with a better option.

MAKE A DAY OF IT AND HAVE FUN

Being thri y doesn’t have to be boring. We are lucky to have some great stores on our doorstep. Invite a friend, grab some lunch and make a day of it.

The Charity Boutique opshop carries a great range of quality new and preloved clothing, including designer labels and other fashion accessories.

Cara Marris the shop manager is looking forward to welcoming you and helping you find that something special!

HOWICK - Rices Mall, 61 Picton Street PAKURANGA HEIGHTS - 114 Reeves Road PAKURANGA- Hospice Megastore, 42a Ben Lomond Crescent www.hospice.co.nz

If you are more prominent around the hips, bottom, or thighs than you are up top – you’re a Pear! Work that womanly gure by adding more shape and structure above the waist.

Balance out your curvy bottom half with details around your shoulders and top half: bold, bright tops, tops with large collars, lapels, or sleeves, and of course, accessories! Wear darker coloured skirts and pants and trousers that are slightly tapered.

Styles to avoid are tube, pencil, and shtail skirts, that emphasise your hips and behind.

The Heart shape is de ned by being bigger up top than on their bottom half – think broader shoulders and bigger breasts with a smaller waist and hips.

Opt for fuller skirts, wide leg trousers, bold textures, and horizontal stripes worn below the waist will balance out your body shape beautifully. Don’t be afraid of bright colours on your bottom half either! Instead, choose styles that work for a bigger bust, like open necklines, V-necks and wrap styles, vertical stripes, and singlebreasted jackets. Style by body shape is a tried and tested method that can make a difference in how you look and feel the next time you hit the stores. Thanks to our friends at Zebrano, here are some styling tips for everybody.

Curvy Hourglass girls go in at the middle and o en have a fuller bust/ bottom in contrast to their smaller waists. If you’re an Hourglass, you’ve got a classic shape – don’t drown it in baggy clothes!

Your best bet includes wrap dresses, waist-cinching belts, and flared or wide-leg jeans and stay away from shapeless, baggy jumpers or anything oversize that hides your fabulous waist!

If you’re evenly proportioned and may carry your weight around your midsection, then you are an Apple. Dressing the Apple shape is about showing o those best bits and avoiding added volume around your middle.

Bring out your best with an Empire line, and longer-length tops will look great on your gure! Low-ish necklines will add de nition to your shape. Throw on some high-placed accessories to draw the eye upwards. Apples should avoid short, boxy jackets and pleated or tiered skirts.

Brave & Be is Howick’s latest fashion hot spot. As the temperature creeps up, this season is all about keeping cool in light dresses, quality cotton tees, linen and denim, focusing on natural, breathable fabrics. Must-have pieces are cute matching sets in bright colours or natural tones.

Hi, we are Jules and Emma, owners of Brave & Be.

Visit us in-store, and you’ll find a carefully curated selection of New Zealand and Australian brands, a range of personal gifting, accessories, candles and more. We have a wealth of experience in colours and body shapes, so we know how to find the right pieces to maximise your style. Pop by, see us and enjoy the warm, friendly vibe, personalised service, and beautiful products. We look forward to seeing you here! Jules & Emma

Having proudly partnered with Loobie’s Story and sister brand, Madly Sweetly, they o er an extensive collection in the south and eastern suburbs. Synonymous with quality, detail and t, they certainly know how to make a woman feel and look beautiful.

The Clevedon Woolshed is full of thoughtfully The Clevedon Woolshed is full of thoughtfully curated fashion, jewellery, souvenirs, gi s and curated fashion, jewellery, souvenirs, gi s and homeware, and the famous felted wool slippers homeware, and the famous felted wool slippers – Glerups. They love supporting NZ designed– Glerups. They love supporting NZ designedand-made, stocking international labels, and and-made, stocking international labels, and providing a personal, in-store experience. providing a personal, in-store experience. Why not make an a ernoon of it, grab lunch at the Why not make an a ernoon of it, grab lunch at the Corner Kitchen & Bar next door, and treat yourself at Corner Kitchen & Bar next door, and treat yourself at Clevedon’s one-stop fashion shop?