High-end hosiery is a non-negotiable as we prepare our wardrobes for winter. Not only will a good pair of tights extend the lifespan of your favourite summer pieces, but it will also prove one of the most useful accessories in your sartorial toolbox. This is how we’ll be wearing ours.
With sandals Worn with a pair of tights, our favourite sandals no longer need to be relegated to the back of our wardrobes over the winter months.
Under a mini Hair-raising hemlines are here to stay. We will be wearing ours with some sophisticated stockings for a look that feels entirely season-appropriate.
To add some pizzazz An outgoing mood might call for tights that are a touch bolder than the traditional styles. To change things up, we will be reaching for coloured, patterned or monogrammed hosiery.
Left to right: Saint Laurent black floral-jacquard tights from Net-A-Porter, GG Pattern tights from Gucci, Marine Serre black crescent moon fishnet tights from Browns Fashion, Falke pantyhose from Smith & Caughey’s
If novels or non-fiction aren’t quite piquing your interest, why not turn your attention to these memoirs? Spanning tales from Hollywood royalty to an intimate examination of identity, these books make a compelling read.
The Beauty of Living Twice by Sharon Stone After a massive stroke stopped her career in its tracks, one of the world’s most recognisable actresses had to undergo a slow and arduous journey back to health. Set against the backdrop of a notoriously unforgiving industry, this memoir is a tale of triumph in the face of life-changing adversity.
Everybody Else is Perfect by Gabrielle Korn In this collection of deeply personal essays, the former editor-in-chief of Nylon offers a behind-the-scenes peek at what many would have said was a ‘perfect life.’ Touching on topics like internet feminism, commercialised body image and sexuality, this memoir is as darkly funny as it is achingly authentic.
Aftershocks: Dispatches from the Frontlines of Identity by Nadia Owusu Abandoned as a baby in Tanzania, Nadia Owusu has inhabited many languages, homelands and identities in her life, drawing on this to pen a moving and timely memoir. It is the intimate story behind a hot-button topic — immigration and the division it seeds, as much in one’s own identity as in our contemporary discourse.
Consent: A Memoir by Vanessa Springora A powerful memoir from the woman who, thirty years ago, was the young teenage muse of one of France’s most celebrated literary figures, this story is one that explores how the relationship between a 13-year-old girl and a man in his fifties (who happened to be a notable writer) could remain so unexamined. Searingly honest and devastating in its revelations, this book is Springora reclaiming her story, shattering the silence of complicity.
Whether you’re commuting, cleaning or simply chilling out, a good podcast never goes amiss. From fashion and comedy to current events and pop culture, these picks are sure to find a place on your playlist. You never know, you may just discover your new go-to.
Chanel Connects
A new podcast from the legendary Parisian fashion house, this series focuses on culture by uniting a number of inspiring, creative minds from the arts, fashion, architecture, design and film to engage in interesting conversations around topics such as portraiture, heroines and untold fashion stories. An homage of sorts to the brand’s founder Coco Chanel, whose love of culture and of creative minds was well-documented and whose own innovative mind changed the landscape of fashion, this series taps into the house’s uniquely creative community.
Meeting Tom Cruise Actors Jeff Meacham and Joel Johnstone are obsessed with Tom Cruise. But they’ve never met him. On a mission to make it happen, the two have launched a podcast in which they speak to celebrity guests who share their own funny and incredibly personal stories about when they met the legendary actor — never losing hope that one day, it will happen for them too.
Your Broccoli Weekly While news and current affairs move at such a pace that it is often impossible to keep up, this podcast offers a welcome simplicity. Taking three of the top stories from a week and giving them each a brief but thorough run down, this is the kind of pared-back news we need right now.
Invisibilia An exploration of the invisible forces that shape our behaviour, this fascinating podcast combines stories with science to tackle subjects like hacking, biological anomalies and immortality.
Back Issue Telling the stories behind formative moments in early 2000s pop-culture, hosts Tracy Clayton and Josh Gwynn dive into nostalgia to explore and dissect the Zeitgeist asking ‘why do we still love this?’
The Treatment Film critic Elvis Mitchell hosts in-depth conversations with a range of impressive, influential figures in the realm of movies and entertainment. A master at extracting insights and delving into the minds of his guests, Mitchell has created a truly fascinating show.
Dare To Lead with Brené Brown Based on her New York Times bestseller of the same name, Brené Brown’s new podcast offers a guide for leaders at every level and comprises a mix of solo episodes and riveting conversations with change-makers and innovators.
Things You Can’t Ask Yer Mum Best friends (and social media influencers) Lizzy Hadfield and Lindsay Holland host this laid-back, relatable podcast in which they discuss the topics you really don’t want to bring up with your mum and offer sage, friendly advice.
As autumn’s inclement weather sets in, we turn to food to make us feel good. And in Auckland, we truly are spoiled for choice when it comes to dishes that inspire a change in mood (particularly when grey skies are getting us down). From melt-in-your-mouth meat to perfectly-charred vegetables to moreish sweet treats, here are eight dishes offering us the kind of comfort we need right now.
Sticky Date Pudding from Hotel Ponsonby There’s sticky date pudding and then there’s this sticky date pudding — an unapologetically indulgent take on the dessert we all know and love. Served with custard designed to be poured over the top, this sweet and warming dish is the perfect end to any meal at Hotel Ponsonby, although we would argue that it’s good enough to go for alone.
The Lodge Bar & Dining’s Gunner Game Pie.
Gunner Game Pie from The Lodge Bar & Dining
Is there anything better than a hearty pie on a cold day? We don’t think so. Neither does The Lodge Bar and Dining at Commercial Bay, whose Gunner Game Pie is not only a signature dish but is quite possibly one of the best iterations of the classic meat pie we have ever had. With a rich and decadent filling of game meats, delivered in a mouthwatering casing of house-made flaky pastry, this pie is comfort food at its finest and is best when enjoyed with a glass of pinot noir.
Euro’a Spicy Pork Bo Sam.
Spicy Pork Bo Sam from Euro Bar and Restaurant
Set to add some spice to your life, this slow-cooked, smoky barbecue pork belly is served with a line-up of tasty accoutrements, crisp lettuce and warming rice. Designed to share with friends and best ordered slightly ahead of time, this exquisite rendition of pork has our tastebuds tingling
From left: Culprit’s Brussels Sprouts and Green Onion & Goat Feta Souffle.
Green Onion & Goat Feta Souffle (and Brussels Sprouts) from Culprit
We know that this is technically two dishes, but they’re both part of Culprit’s ever-changing Trolley Derby menu and equally as comforting in our books. The souffle is twice-baked and served with a reduced cream sauce with toasted walnuts, shaved pear and quince jelly to make it savoury tasting and texturally intriguing, while the Brussels sprouts (nothing like the ones your mum made you eat) are charred to perfection and served with jalapeno yoghurt ranch and Lowbrow’s ‘O.G spice’ vinegar.
Candela’s Burnt Basque Cheesecake.
Burnt Basque Cheesecake from Candela
Even if you aren’t a cheesecake lover, this delicious iteration is honestly one of the best things we have ever eaten — browned on the outside, smooth and creamy with every bite and served with a tamarillo sauce that cuts through the richness of the dish. Despite arriving in a portion size that lends itself to sharing, don’t be surprised if the next time you dine at Candela, you order one to yourself. We certainly aren’t judging.
Wagyu and Pork Bolognese from Non Solo Pizza
House-made, al dente pappardelle is slathered in a mouthwatering First Light wagyu and pork bolognese to create a dish that never fails to hit the spot. Warming, satiating and with some superbly balanced flavours, this reimagining of the classic bolognese has become our antidote to autumn.
Grand Harbour’s Dim Sim.
Dim Sum from Grand Harbour
When it comes to Grand Harbour’s famous Yum Cha, it’s impossible to whittle it down to a single dish. There is something so comforting about heading into this Viaduct Harbour favourite on a crisp day with friends and family and ordering towers of dim sum until you feel like you can barely move. The more the merrier, we say.
Siso’s Lamb Shoulder.
Lamb ‘kleftiko’ Shoulder from Siso
Taking the idea of a classic roast and giving it a tasty upgrade, Remuera’s hottest new spot is serving up expertly-cooked lamb shoulder, served practically falling off the bone alongside preserved lemon and garlic baby potatoes. An enticing prospect on any day but particularly in this blustery, autumnal weather, this is one dish we’re prepared to cross town for.
Founded in Switzerland in 1860 and still family-owned today, Chopard is a jewellery house of immense pedigree. Its clients, over more than a century, read like a who’s who of historically and culturally significant figures — from members of royal dynasties to members of Hollywood’s glitterati — and it’s a history that has made Chopard’s jewellery and watches some of the most sought after in the world.
Recently, Chopard announced a new ambassador for its Happy Sport watch, and in our opinion, the pairing solidifies the brand’s status as an undisputed icon. In shoulder-tapping renowned actress Julia Roberts to be its new face, Chopard is not only speaking to its own, deep-seated attachment to cinema but has found the perfect person to embody the spirit in which this watch was created.
First conceived in 1993 by Chopard’s Co-President and Artistic Director, Caroline Scheufele, the Happy Sport stands for joie de vivre and a free-spirited charm, both qualities that Roberts has in spades. (Lest we forget the actress’ unforgettable red carpet moment at Cannes Film Festival in 2016, where she walked the carpet in an elegant black dress, an eye-catching 52.76-carat emerald necklace and matching ring by Chopard and no shoes.)
As Scheufele herself said, “it could be nobody else! Julia Roberts was the only person I felt could convey the spirit I see in Happy Sport.”
Having matched icon with icon, Caroline Scheufele has launched new versions of the watch that has endured for decades, even pairing Roberts with inimitable film director Xavier Nolan to bring the campaign for ‘Happy Diamonds’ to life. It really is a testament to the timelessness of Chopard that its pieces can speak to the same level of luxury this brand has stood for since its inception, while still feeling entirely at home in a contemporary context.
Available locally from Partridge Jewellers, Chopard is a mainstay for any lover of jewellery or arbiter of luxury. And whether Julia Roberts’ new role has inspired the desire for a watch upgrade, or you would simply like to experience the irresistible energy of Chopard for yourself, we highly recommend a trip into Partridge, where we promise you’ll fall in love with the simple, enduring elegance of this historic brand.
In a post-Coronavirus world, technology that streamlines consumer experiences — emphasising contactless systems over those that might have previously involved shared payment facilities or queues — will prove invaluable. And if Kiwi tech entrepreneur Will Chomley’s recent triumphs are any indication, it would seem that demand is already starting to heat up.
The Founder and CEO of New Zealand-based tech company Imagr, Chomley is making waves globally with technology that is promising to revolutionise the grocery shopping experience.
An idea initially born from Chomley’s distaste for waiting in line, Imagr’s seamless system of smart carts utilises the world’s most advanced image recognition tech to offer an adaptable and user-friendly end-to-end autonomous system. And it’s a world first.
Simply put, the Imagr technology creates models of products using lightning-fast imaging. Those products are put into a store’s database. A shopper will then connect their phone to one of the store’s smart shopping carts, which will use Halo technology to register every item placed in the cart, connected to a running list on the shopper’s phone.
Imagr’s smart cart.
When they’re finished, the shopper can skip the traditional checkout by paying through an app. No lines, no card-swiping, no barcodes. And while Chomley’s original incentive for creating Imagr still holds (after all, who wants to queue?) his technology has been imbued with a whole new meaning in light of the conditions this pandemic has placed on people’s daily lives.
“The pandemic has put more pressure on retailers to provide low contact solutions for checkout,” Chomley says, “and with Imagr, retailers get to own, operate and scale the solution themselves.”
Recently, it was announced that Imagr had partnered with Japanese H2O Retailing Corporation to implement its technology in one of the chain’s Osaka supermarkets. The 9,000 square foot store was equipped with Imagr’s smart carts, and instantly became the largest, vision-only, autonomous checkout deployment of its kind in the world.
At the moment it’s just one supermarket, but all going to plan, Chomley hopes to have Imagr implemented in more of H20’s 152 stores.
Beyond its implications for social distancing, Imagr’s technology is unique for the way that it is encouraging rapid innovation in a sector where systems have remained largely unchanged since their inception. If Chomley’s vision is to be fully realised, it will mean a complete overhaul of the way we shop — and if you ask us, it’s about time.
Now seeking to raise $25 million through a private investor pool, Chomley has his sights set on further international expansion, a promising horizon for this Kiwi trailblazer.
When you really think about it, your bed is the piece of furniture on which you will inevitably spend most of your time. Too often, we wax lyrical about the importance of a sculptural sofa or an eye-catching coffee table when really, we’ve been neglecting the piece that (because it’s usually hidden away in a bedroom) is given far less attention. And it’s a crying shame.
In considering which bed to buy, practicality is (of course) an important factor. After all, a comfortable slumber is crucial if you’re to tackle your days with aplomb. But it’s not the only thing to think about. Here, we would like to argue that alongside comfortability and structure, style should be as high on your list of bed criteria as anything — and these impressive beds from Sarsfield Brooke are proving why.
Sheila bed by Opera Contemporary.
As the central piece of the bedroom, a well-chosen bed will set the tone of the entire space. For those with more decorative tastes, beds like the 9639 model by Angelo Cappellini of Italy with its ornate, geometrically patterned headboard will prove the perfect piece to rest weary heads.
Whereas those wanting something more contemporary might instead opt for a piece from the Opera Contemporary of Italy range, like the Alba bed with its sleek double headboard detailed with leather cords, or the Dorothy, with its unmissable, quilted headboard that extends beyond the bounds of the bed’s structure.
If you’re after something that combines sumptuous details with a more modern feel, look no further than Opera Contemporary’s Sheila bed, with its subtle diamond quilting and bold, unapologetic shape.
Whatever your taste, Sarsfield Brooke boasts a wide range of unique, carefully designed beds to suit any kind of space, with most available in a variety of fabrics and finishes. So if you’ve been considering a bed upgrade, don’t sleep on it.
From the work of an iconic writer to the exploration of a seminal decade in a person’s life, these fascinating non-fiction books will have you turning pages long after the lights are supposed to be out.
Let Me Tell You What I Mean By Joan Didion A collection of mostly early works, penned between 1968 and 2000 and brought together for the first time, this new compilation offers up a number of moments of journalistic gold from the American who launched her career in the 60s after winning an essay contest sponsored by Vogue magazine. Her writing in the 60s and 70s engaged audiences in the counter-culture of the Hollywood lifestyle.
The essays in this new book exemplify Didion’s unique foresightedness, which has seen topics she discussed in the last century still feel as prescient to today’s reader. (Alicia and The Underground Press addresses the inherent biases in mainstream media — particularly poignant in today’s landscape.)
Addressing a range of topics, from her admiration of Ernest Hemingway, to her rejection from Stanford University, this fascinating book paints an early picture of what would become Joan Didion’s iconic oeuvre.
But You’re Still So Young: How Thirtysomethings Are Redefining Adulthood By Kayleen Schaefer Questioning why we measure adulthood by markers established 50 years ago, Kayleen Schaefer explores what being in your thirties means today. Through the stories of a number of thirty-somethings, Schaefer discusses the challenges that many face in their third decade, and underlines why it’s never as bad as it seems.
The Panic Years By Nell Frizzell Renowned journalist Nell Frizzell delves into the period of a woman’s life when every decision she makes seems coloured by the underlying question of whether or not to have a baby. Refreshingly honest and deemed ‘vital reading’ for any millennial woman, this book is as informative as it is reassuring.
A Swim in a Pond inthe Rain By George Saunders In the pages of this new work by The New York Times best-selling and Booker Prize-winning author awaits a literary masterclass. Examining what makes great stories work and what they can tell us about ourselves, Saunders looks deeply at four iconic Russian writers, whose work he uses to explain great writing, its effect on the mind and how creating and consuming stories lies at the heart of how we all connect.
Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why it Matters and How to Harness it By Ethan Kross Forcing us to think about how we talk to ourselves (hint: it is usually not very nice) award-winning psychologist Ethan Kross explores the hidden power of our inner voices, and how they can be harnessed for good. Meticulously researched, this compelling read will have you completely rethinking everything you say, even if it is all in your head.
The Curve was an idea conceived by Victoria Harris after she started taking note of the number of friends approaching her for advice around finance and investing — an industry in which she has worked for over 10 years (she is currently a portfolio manager at Devon Funds Management).
Launched last year with the help of her business partner Sophie Hallwright, this platform — now comprising an Instagram and a website — has cultivated a fast following for the way it offers clear, concise information and advice around investing, skewed specifically to a female audience.
“The Curve came about to provide a platform for women to learn more about investing in a non-scary environment,” Harris explains. “I wanted to create a forum where people could ask questions without feeling judged and where there wasn’t any confusing industry speak or intimidating jargon.”
So far, The Curve’s growth has been organic, driven by a groundswell of interest from women of all backgrounds and experience levels who want to up their financial literacy.
Harris has done a few speaking events (which proved hugely popular) and reveals how off the back of that reception, she and Hallwright are now gearing up to launch a podcast. Speaking about her decision to use The Curve to target women specifically, Harris explains how passionate she is about encouraging diverse participation in a space that has historically been dominated by men.
After all, if women earn less (on average) than men, take time out of their earning careers to have children and statistically live longer, it is clear that theirs is a demographic that should be thinking harder about making money work in more efficient ways.
Sophie Hallwright (left) and Victoria Harris.
But where to start? For most, investing feels a world away, but as Harris points out, it’s actually about listening to the world around us.
“What I often say to people is look around you,” she explains, “there are so many investable companies that we use every day, and when you actually stop and observe, you’ll start noticing those big trends that can drive investor behaviour. Think about when we all started converting to iPhones, or the rise of certain products and services because of the recent global lockdowns… if you’re seeing those trends, then it’s likely that everybody else is too. So next time you find a product that you love using, look it up and see if it’s listed and start doing some research around whether you want to dip your toe into investing.”
This cuts to the heart of The Curve’s success so far, capturing the way this platform grounds finance and investing in the real world, addresses its complexities in a conversational way and gives women not only the confidence but the practical tools to start.
Looking forward, Harris reveals that alongside events and the launch of The Curve’s podcast she has been running staff education workshops for various corporations — demand for which, she tells me, has been growing. “I would also love to run in-person courses with small groups,” she says, “and potentially speak to girls in schools”.
With a clear mission, Harris’ work with The Curve is undeniably important for the financial empowerment of everyday women and is something we will continue to follow with interest.
Following the announcement of a long-awaited trans-Tasman bubble, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Kiwi who hasn’t considered skipping across the ditch when it opens. The prospect of travelling beyond the bounds of our two wee islands is undeniably appealing, as much for the chance to see all the people we’ve missed as for the opportunity to immerse ourselves in something that feels new, whether that be food, culture or, indeed, shopping.
Recently, Louis Vuitton announced the opening of its exclusive pop-up at Australia’s famous Pacific Fair shopping centre, and with it, the release of an exclusive new bag that is transporting us to one of our favourite places — Byron Bay. The ‘Byron Bay’ OnTheGo tote combines the square silhouette of that style with a Monogram Giant canvas, rendered in a deliciously summery pastel gradient, over which has been printed the name of the popular beachside town. From its woven raffia gussets to its specially-designed bag charm, the Byron Bay OnTheGo tote evokes the same kind of warm, by-the-sea vibe as its namesake, and will prove an eye-catching addition to anyone’s collection.
Louis Vuitton’s Pacific Fair pop-up
Part of Louis Vuitton’s wider Summer 2021 collection (that saw the famous French house create a fantasy, summertime dreamscape with sorbet tones, relaxed silhouettes and beach-day accessories) this exclusive bag is only available from the Pacific Fair pop-up and has had its production limited to a run of 50. So whether you’ve already booked your flights or are still um-ing and ah-ing, the opportunity to snap up one of these rare beauties is making a trip to Australia feel all the more worth it.
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