Eye serums are ultra-lightweight formulas designed specifically to instantly nourish the often neglected under-eye area. And, while we’d never turn our backs on a good eye cream, serums offer a more targeted approach, instantly tackling any specific concerns that you may have.
These hard-working eye-serum formulas are quick-absorbing and designed to combat a variety of issues, from dark circles and puffiness, to fine lines, wrinkles, texture and more.
The craving for a burger has got to be one of the most visceral food-related feelings. Even just thinking about eating one, you can almost taste the components — the patty, sauce, bun, pickles and salad.
Maybe it’s a spicy chicken burger you’re after, a decadent vegan burger or just a good ol’ hamburger. Whatever your craving, there’s no denying that the popularity of the delicious fast-food staple is only rising, further promoted by restaurants and pop-ups offering limited-time-only burgers that are here for a good time, not a long time.
Here are the most insane burgers that have us drooling right now, including some you have to be quick to catch.
This cult burger pop-up laid down permanent roots earlier this year, swiftly going from secret spot to one of the city’s most-loved grab-and-go joints. Baby G specialises in the ‘smash’-style patty, a technique whereby the patty is pressed firmly down on the grill to flatten it, creating even more deliciously craggy edges for caramelisation.
The Store is a Britomart icon and it can always be relied upon to deliver exactly what we need, when we need it the most — like this insanely good, classic Beef Burger, stacked with cheddar, pickles, burnt onion aioli and a healthy side of agria chips. And for a perfectly indulgent brunch option that satisfies any mid-morning craving, add bacon and a fried egg for a fully-loaded take.
There are several among us who could commiserate over the disappointment of arriving just as Parade‘s pretzel burgers have sold out — they are heavily in demand, sometimes disappearing before 7:30pm. And with good reason, for the house-made pretzel buns are truly something special. Should you get there in time for supply to be readily available, we can safely recommend any one of the burgers, and you won’t regret ordering a side of secret sauce fries on the side. With their Ponsonby Road location offering beers, burgers and all the comforts of dine-in, it’s a place you’ll find us time and time again.
When we’re in the mood to really push the boat out, there’s one place we can’t look past: Sneaky Snacky. This popular joint cooks up some of the best fried chicken in town, both in the form of wings and a hot chicken sando. However, it’s the doughnut burger that has become Sneaky Snacky’s decadent signature, a shiny shrine to gluttony that probably shouldn’t be repeated too often, but in the name of balance, we say it’s a must-try.
Auckland’s OG beloved burger joint Burger Burger is a failsafe go-to for those craving comfort food, but don’t want to overdo it. With outposts now in Commercial Bay, Newmarket, Ponsonby, Takapuna, Torbay, and Mission Bay (plus a few out of town outposts), you never have to go far to find the eatery’s stalwart menu of burgers and satiating sides. The Kiwi Classic is hard to pass up — Burger Burger’s elevated take on a Kiwiburger, with NZ grass-fed beef, bacon, aged cheddar, pickles, cos lettuce, tomato, fried egg, beetroot, tomato jam, mustard and mayo, best eaten with a side of charred broccoli.
Luckily, unlike some of the other burgers on this list, there’s usually no shortage at vegan burger joint Wise Boys, which is not to say that they’re not just as in-demand. Saucy and decadent, our current favourite is the Spicy Buffalo Chick’n, which features Wise Boys original recipe Southern fried chick’n with spicy buffalo sauce, tangy apple slaw, jalapeños, pickles and vegan buttermilk ranch dressing — all on a toasted bun, and all with no animal products in sight.
Known for their no-fuss yet full-of-flavour burgers made with premium ingredients, the duo behind the Jo Bro’s Burgers food truck can be found all over the city at various markets, and we suggest you prioritise a visit if you see them parked up. Here, find a variety of flavour combinations from grass-fed beef to Wagyu patties, a vegan Beyond Meat version and a free-range chicken and free-range bacon burger. Follow them on social media to keep updated with where they’ll be next.
This Britomart pub is the perfect location for an easy afterwork knock-off, or a midday drink if the occasion calls for it. What many people often forget is that The Brit’s kitchen also offers a pretty delightful and positively elevated take on traditional pub grub, with their signature smashed Wagyu burger, served in a brioche bun with bacon, American cheese, pickles, mustard, relish and a side of shoestring fries, being one of the best bites in Britomart.
St Kevins Arcade’s resident fast-food-but-better outpost is one of our first ports of call for the ultimate burger thanks to its delightfully decadent ‘sando’ menu. And, while the whole menu is hard to fault, with the Hot Chicken sando, the ‘O-Fush’ and the Macdaddy all strong contenders for our favourite, it is the ‘Old Bae’ that has our hearts. Cornflake free range chicken thigh pairs perfectly with creamy swiss cheese, Old Bay mayo, pickled courgette, and a smattering of iceberg for a touch of virtuous greenery.
Since the minute it opened its doors, Hotel Ponsonby has been known for turning out some of the most elevated pub fare this side of London, and the bistro’s irresistible burgers are certainly no exception. Housed in a supremely tasty potato bun, the crumbed fish burger, with tartare, iceberg, and cheese is a failsafe order, washed down with an ice-cold glass of something tasty, of course.
Hotdog experts Good Dog Bad Dog have proved they also know their way around the flavours of a burger with their double cheeseburger hoagie. Served in a long bun, this indulgent burger features double smashed patties, double cheese, special sauce, pickles and onion.
Both Herne Bay locals and those from further afield know that this Jervois Road neighbourhood chippy is absolutely no joke. While most diners here opt for a healthy helping of the famed fish tacos, we can’t look past the Classic fish burger, which is so soft and incredibly fresh — just what we crave for those moments where you want something a little decadent, but not totally dirty. Of course, it’s best served with a side of the signature chips.
Ever since Schapiro’s flung open it’s Eden Terrace doors to excitement and great need, Aucklanders haven’t been able to get enough of the sports regalia and simple offerings. We praise this spot as being the glue that hold relationships together — offering every sport imaginable for one half, and divine food for the other. The one menu item we can’t look past is the BLT Cheeseburger, bringing the greatness of their humble burger, with the refreshing taste of the classic sandwich. Here, bacon, lettuce, tomato, American cheese, sauce, white onion, and pickles are all stuffed into a delicious, cloud-like bun.
This Dominion Road cornerstone perhaps hasn’t quite gotten the attention it deserves (yet), but we like it that way — it means we’re always guaranteed a mouthwatering burger. The team at Ralph’s specialise in smash burgers, and they’re some of the crispiest patties we’ve found in the city. While we can never look past the classic cheeseburger, exceptions are made when the double is on the menu. With double patties, double cheese, and all the usual trimmings, getting through one of these bad boys is survival of the fittest.
For those seeking a refreshing take on burger night, the newly-opened Burgout offers burgers that are a tasty Korean iteration of the American classic. The menu is concise and carefully conceived, with just five flavours to choose from, but we opt for the Signature burger time and time again. The soft buns are stuffed with a handmade beef patty marinated with Korean BBQ (bulgogi) sauce, crisp iceberg, and onion, which we think is best accompanied by a side of fries with owner Lee’s signature seasoning.
When winter rolls around and the chill sets in, it’s tempting to prioritise staying warm above all other considerations — including aesthetics. Luckily, there’s one piece of kit that never fails to keep us toasty while also imparting a hefty dose of style cred to an ensemble: the puffer jacket.
As designers continue to play with scale, colour and texture, the once utilitarian puffer jacket has found new fashion footing — and here, we explore the season’s most chic (and cosy) options.
Shop The Edit
The Power Puffer
Stella McCartney faux-leather puffer jacket from Farfetch
Long-Sleeved Pillow Puffer Jacket from Louis Vuitton
Nothing says sophisticated quite like a thoughtfully curated art collection. Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding to your cache, these inspiring pieces are sure to be a welcome addition to your walls.
In Return by Loren Marks, 2023, $9,950, Oil on canvas, 1500 x 1200 mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Fiordland Crested Penguin by Fiona Pardington, 2024, $25,000, Inkjet print on Hahnemühle paper, 1760 x 1400 mm From Starkwhite Queenstown
Untitled by Salome Tanuvasa, 2022, $5,500, Acrylic on canvas, 1000 x 950mm From Tim Melville
Untitled (Mask and Throw – Stick) by Graham Fletcher, 2024, $12,500, Oil on linen, 845 x 1070mm From Gow Langsford Gallery
Northern Lights by Kiran Mckinnon, 2024, $2,250, Acrylic on canvas, 430 x 350 mm From Suite Gallery
BOYS OWN by Mickey Smith, 2023, $5,750, Archival pigment print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag, 1200mm x 800mm, edition of 10 From Sanderson Contemporary
Garden Wilding by Molly Timmins, 2024, $8,500, Oil on canvas, 2900 x 1900mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Internal Saboteur – Violet by MAICO CAMILO, 2024, $14,800, Acrylic on Canvas, 1800 x 1700 mm From Parnell Gallery
Maumahara VII by Simon Kaan, 2022, $16,500, Ink and oil on board, 1050 x 1355mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Untitled II by FATU FEU’U, 2021, $8,900, Acrylic on Fabriano Cotton Rag Paper, 980 x 680 mm From Parnell Gallery
Eti — whelm — horomi — shadows — rising — ātahanga — whitia by Heidi Brickell, 2021, $1,600, Cotton duck, cotton thread from painting’s edge, rabbit skin glue, 455 x 350 mm From Kaukau
Gravity and Grace by Natasha Wright, 2023, $14,900, Oil on canvas, 1525 x 1219mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Palette Painting 2 by Richard Maloy, 2022, $3,000, Canvas print in white float frame, 490.50 x 570 mm From Starkwhite Queenstown
As a bastion of Italian cuisine, the humble pizza’s hearty constitution never fails to delight both the eyes and the stomach. While there are many establishments serving up laudable renditions of arguably the greatest gift Italy ever gave the world (followed closely by pasta, Peroni and gelato), we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites.
Despite opening a few years ago, you’d still be hard-pressed to find a table at this Dominion Road outpost — a testament to its divine offering. Here, the wood-fired oven is the method of cooking for most dishes, including a range of utterly mouth-watering pizzas. Ideal for sharing, but the perfect size to keep to yourself too, our favourites are the tomato, garlic and oregano (with added stracciatella, of course), and the lardo with mozzarella, parmesan, honey and black pepper. And be sure not to look past the famed woodfired carrots, served with ricotta and pistachios. We’d eat this all day if we could.
From its cute fit-out to its vast and varied pizza toppings, and pizzas that can be bought by the slice, Pizza Monkey is the perfect place to pop into to satisfy any and all pizza cravings. Located in Ponsonby’s newest hospitality precinct, Rose Alley (surrounded by a variety of other food and drink vendors) this pizzeria is a newcomer that is well worth trying out.
This Jervois Road stalwart is one venue that offers consistently wonderful food, from its pastas to its meatballs, and everything in between. It has been said that you can tell the talents of a pizza chef by their take on a margherita, and Andiamo is no exception. Its pizzette, with Clevedon buffalo mozzarella, Neapolitan tomato sauce and fresh basil is an inspired take on the classic — and is the perfect size to devour in one sitting.
This perennially busy Grey Lynn osteria always draws a crowd for its delicious food and beverage offerings. Its delightfully doughy pizzas are a large part of this appeal. We love the signature prosciutto and grape pizza with parmesan and thyme, as well as the unusual but delicious potato option, served with caramelised onion cream and mozzarella.
While we’d always recommend dining in at the new Jervois Road trattoria, can we just say the addition of the takeaway pizza window to this busy neighbourhood has been a godsend. Squisito’s woodfired manuka pizza is easily one of the best in the City, with topping options that run the gamut from tried-and-true classics (Margherita, Prosciutto, Capricciosa) to more unexpected takes. Here, the Gamberi is a must-try, featuring garlic prawns, chilli, courgette and San Marzano tomato.
Traditional, authentic and fresh are three words we would use to describe Toni’s Italian Pizzeria in Pinehill. Offering simple but satiating pizzas that any native Italian would be proud of (including toppings like hot salami, jalapeño and fresh garlic, and hot salami, ham, sausage, blue cheese, bacon, onion and garlic, as well as a selection made especially for kids) this delicious spot is easy, uncomplicated and hits the spot every single time.
This relatively new Italian eatery has all the makings of a future classic. And while its menu offers share plates, moreish pasta and an impressive line-up of wine, the pizzas are what draw us back time and time again. Authentically made to boast that perfectly chewy base, each pizza here is made with great care and attention. For our part, we can never go past the Funghi. Topped with Ora’s Farm mushrooms and truffle caviar, it’s divine, sumptuous and perfect for sharing.
Since opening with great aplomb in 2022, Bivacco has become a go-to destination for a delicious long Italian lunch. Here, the pizzas here are unparalleled, and are made even more perfect when enjoyed overlooking the sparkling waters of Viaduct Harbour with one of Bivacco’s delicious cocktails in hand. And while you really can’t beat the Margherita here, those craving something more lavish will find it in the goats cheese pizza, adorned with pear, vincotto, fennel cream and rocket. Perfection.
Head over the Harbour Bridge to discover a hidden venue that is so under the radar, you know it’s bound to be brilliant. Here, the woodfire pizza menu is endless, offering an abundance of seasonal ingredients and traditional flavours. If you find yourself torn between options, rally a crew and try the Four Seasons, the Funghi, and a four cheese calzone to share for the ideal Italian indulgence.
Ponsonby Road favourite, Farina, has been an enduring go-to since it opened in 2014, and while its menu of pasta dishes and ‘secondi’ like Gamberoni offers a bevy of delicious bites, it’s the pizza we’re highlighting this time. Whether you dine in or takeaway, Farina’s Napoletana pizzas are all utterly delicious and offer a diverse array of toppings to satisfy any kind of craving.
Led by masterful Chef Nick Landsman, Gloria’s modus operandi has always been taking the easy lunchtime experience to bold new heights. With a focus on slow food made fast, Landsman’s commitment to quality and convenience shines through in every delectable bite, particularly when it comes to the eatery’s pizza al taglio, made with the utmost care and attention to flavour and finish. Our pick? Four cheese and mushroom — with gorgonzola, goats cheese, mozzarella and parmesan pairing with mushroom and a tangy green sauce.
This eatery’s sourdough pizzas hit the spot every time, and we recommend enjoying them on-site for ultimate freshness. Petite enough to eat a whole one to yourself (although, we recommend sharing so as to try more than one iteration) Umu’s exceptional, fermented dough and beautifully fresh ingredients will ensure you don’t feel too full afterwards (certainly an added bonus).
Somm’s Sunday pizza offering is a delicious way to round out the week with friends or family. Every Sunday, the cellar door serves its moreish pizzas in a two-for-one deal, making a relaxed afternoon here all the more appealing. Somm’s mouthwatering pizzas are made with 72-hour poolish dough (a technique that delivers a lighter and more airy texture and a soft but structured crust) and boast toppings that include a simple pomodoro with garlic, fior di latte and basil, an indulgent raclette option, finished with ‘nduja, honey and rosemary, one with flavoursome palermo peppers, eggplant and mozzarella, and a mortadella option with zuni pickle.
As the sister spot to Parnell stalwart, Non Solo Pizza, of course Britomart’s Bar Non Solo boasts a superior offering of pizza, perfect to share over drinks and conversation with friends. From classics like the margarita and the spicy salami (topped with tomato and fior di latte) to more unique offerings like the Gamberoni (with roasted capsicum, garlic prawns, ‘Nduja, fresh tomato and feta), there is a gourmet pizza here to suit every taste.
If you have a sizeable group to cater for and pizza’s are the go, look no further than Ponsonby Road eatery Elmo’s. There’s something for just about everyone on its menu of woodfired pizzas although a few certainly stand out. The Discovery of Honey pizza is a bit of a showstopper, featuring an amalgamation of four cheeses topped with spiced honey and crispy sage, as is the Truffle Shuffle, boasting a white base of taleggio béchamel and topped with mozzarella, wild mushrooms, black truffle cream, pancetta and chives.
One of Auckland’s most beloved Italian stalwarts has long been known for serving some of the best pizza in town. Here, Prego’s hearty selection has something for any craving, although one we can virtually never look past is the Bianca with truffle mushrooms, white mozzarella, ham, rocket and Grana Padano.
Merging traditional Italian flavours with New York’s signature thin-crust pies, the pizza at this Grey Lynn local demonstrates what beauty can be born when cultures collide. The Eastside (artichoke, lemon and parmesan) and On Madison (black olive, roasted garlic and feta) are two of our favourites, though any flavour here is guaranteed to please.
A neighbourhood favourite for 25 years, Non Solo Pizza welcomes all with open arms — and nothing says ‘welcome back’ like one of its delicious pizzas. Personally, we love the Nerrano, with marinated zucchini, chilli, basil and whipped stracciatella, as well as the more classic Spicy Salami with tomato, fior di latte and salami. Both topped with lots of fresh basil, of course.
Helmed by the talented Enis Bacova (who recently took home third place at the prestigious Caputo Cup in Naples — the world’s most renowned pizza championship) Dante’s has long been cemented as one of Auckland’s best pizza spots, and it has the global recognition to prove it. In fact, Dante’s was also recently given the seventh spot on the ’50 Top Pizza’ list of the best pizzerias in the Asia Pacific region for 2023. Pretty impressive. Serving up traditional Neapolitan pizza that combines a meticulously crafted, Italian sourdough base, with a light, chewy crust, San Marzano tomatoes and a range of mouthwatering toppings, Dante’s has been stamped by Italy’s prestigious Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), and has become so renowned that you really can’t call yourself a pizza connoisseur until you’ve tried the offering here.
When the occasion calls for a metre-long pizza (and more do than you would think), there’s no one else we would turn to but the doughy dab hands, known fondly as Toto’s. Whether you go for a half-and-half or a full metre of one flavour, you can dine-in at the Hardinge St premises or take the big box away. We like the never-fail Boscaiola, with truffle and mushroom, or the Parma, with prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato, parmesan and basil.
Boasting one of the most extensive (and delicious) pizza menus in the CBD, That’s Amore brings a dose of Italian flavour to Courthouse Lane. You might have trouble choosing a flavour, but you’ll have no trouble eating these moreish and approachable pizzas.
Chef Ivan Janic specialises in perfectly wood-fired, Roman-style pizza at his Surrey Crescent spot The Master and Margarita. Thinner and wider in diameter than their Neapolitan counterparts, these 15-inch sourdough beauties have a pillowy crust without being super doughy, which lends a welcome lightness to the classic treat. As far as toppings go, there is a comprehensive array on offer here, but we love the current winter special of rosemary roasted potato pizza with gorgonzola, goats cheese, caramelised onion jam and mozzarella. Delicious.
The generous selection on offer at this Parnell favourite can make for a difficult dining decision. But with no bad choices on the inclusive menu, there’s really no going wrong. In our humble opinion, the Napoli hits the mark, every time.
Ecostore has unveiled a sleek new look and a range of hand and body washes, featuring a fresh new packaging design and luscious new scents. And, while the packaging may look different, the formulas within contain the same luxurious plant and mineral-based, skin and planet-friendly ingredients we’ve come to know and love, housed in recycled eco-conscious packaging.
The new, plant and mineral-based hand and body washes feature hydrating harakeke (New Zealand flax) with a soft lather that will gently cleanse, nourish and condition your skin without stripping natural oils. The body wash is enriched with shea butter for a touch of everyday indulgence.
With an alluring array of new scents to choose from, including uplifting peony and guava and sandalwood and amber, these cleansers, which are both gentle on skin and the environment, are the perfect way to wash the day away.
Ecostore is a Certified B Corp and a Toitu net carbon zero certified organisation, with products made in New Zealand; it’s refined new look and elevated new multi-dimensional fragrances only furthering the brand’s standing in efficacious and eco-conscious body care.
Tiffany & Co.’s Blue Book collections are the brand’s highest evolution of jewellery — limited edition or one-of-a-kind pieces that encapsulate every element of the 187 year old maison’s prowess; that of gemstone sourcing from around the globe, a design language that has been in development for nearly two centuries, and a level of craftsmanship that rivals that of the greatest ateliers of Place Vendôme in Paris. (The fact that the collection is named for the original catalogue from the company — the first ‘mail order catalogue’ in the world, first sent out in 1845, is lost on most customers these days.)
Reese Witherspoon and her daughter Ava Philippe
This year, the first of three phases of 2024’s Blue Book collection, ‘Tiffany Celéste’, was launched in Los Angeles at the Beverly Estate, an extraordinary 1930s party palace that was once inhabited by actress Marion Davies and her partner William Randolph Hearst. With its sweeping gardens and cascading pools, the peachy hued property was transformed into Tiffany & Co.’s own home for the evening, with a sparkling guest list that included Reese Witherspoon and her daughter Ava Philippe, Elsa Hosk, Emily Blunt and Suki Waterhouse.
Olivia Wilde
Suki Waterhouse
Elsa Hosk
Emily Blunt
The first phase, like the two that will follow, is inspired by the great Tiffany & Co. designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of all things celestial — from the moon and stars to distant galaxies. Given the vast archives on Schlumberger’s work at the house, including countless sketches and unrealised designs, Nathalie Verdeille, the company’s Chief Artistic Officer of Jewellery and High Jewellery – had plenty to work with.
In the ‘Wings’ chapter, Schlumberger’s beloved wing motif and the winged horse Pegasus of Greek mythology who lives on as a constellation inspire feather and wing-shaped patterns that at times sweep or swirl around larger central stones, with warm, yellow gold accents to highlight all those white diamonds set in white gold, and the occasional deep blue sapphire.
The Iconic Star necklace from the Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Celéste Collection
In the ‘Constellation’ chapter, rare star sapphires — cabochon-cut stones with an ‘asterism’ that gives them a unique reflection — are mixed with traditional sapphires and diamonds in a pair of earrings that could map the night sky, while in ‘Apollo’, the original Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. ‘Apollo’ brooch, pavé-set diamond motifs are all but caged within yellow gold claws across bangles, earrings, necklaces and rings, giving them a retro-futuristic feel only enhanced by the astute placement of gleaming yellow diamonds.
The Apollo earrings, necklace and ring from the Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Celéste Collection
Elsewhere, extraordinary ‘freeform’ aquamarines – stones that haven’t been traditionally cut and faceted but instead tumbled and polished to create mesmerizing limpid, organic forms — combine with sapphires, zircons, mother of pearl and diamonds in extra-terrestrial looking pieces fit for an intergalactic queen, while vibrant red spinel, in luscious raspberry tones, is the hero gem in the ‘Ray of Light Chapter’, which culminates in one extraordinary necklace that transforms into a tiara.
Tiffany necklace that transforms into a tiara from the Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Celéste Collection
Such was Schlumberger’s output and genius during his time at Tiffany & Co., there’s no threat of his work ever ceasing to inspire the contemporary creations — and thank god for that — we earthlings are in awe.
Bringing the whimsy and wonder of Van Cleef & Arpel’s captivating timepieces to life, the maison’s Poetry of Time Exhibition — on now until the end of the month in Melbourne’s Chadstone shopping centre — delves into the storied jeweller’s history, exploring its most emblematic sources of inspiration via a dazzling display of 40 exquisite timepieces.
Here, horologists and novices alike will discover a poetic universe, encompassing three unique worlds the maison holds dear: Love Stories, Enchanting Nature, and Poetic Astronomy. Each theme is enlivened by the bespoke timepieces, with time taking on new meaning as it’s depicted by not dials dictating hours and minutes, but the enchanting, graceful movements of nature, feminine figures, and love stories.
Fairies and ballerinas tick away the hours, while the rhythm of nature meets the cadence of the cosmos, as each timepiece relates a tale of grace and enchantment. At the crossroads of inventiveness and fantasy, VCA’s creations interpret the measurement of time as an invitation to imagine, dream and rejoice.
Beyond gazing at the watches, which is reason enough to visit, the exhibition also presents an opportunity to craft a love story of your own, with the option to write and post a heartfelt letter to a loved one whilst there, with a bespoke Van Cleef & Arpels’ postcard inspired by the striking Parisians cityscape timepiece.
This incredible watch, in fact, is perhaps the exhibition’s most striking feature, and truly a sight to behold. A watchmaking signature of Van Cleef & Arpels since 2010, the Lady Arpels Pont des Amoureux features a tender reunion, depicting two lovers as they move towards each other throughout the day to share a kiss at noon and midnight, set against a backdrop that recalls Parisian streets. The timepiece is revealed in different tableaux, depicting the kiss in daytime, nighttime and seasonal variations, offering an always changing and ever-alluring piece.
Ultimately, what sets Van Cleef & Arpels apart is the maison’s unique and captivating blend of inventiveness and fantasy. A VCA timepiece is not only a work of art in its own right, but a journey through the poetry of time; this exhibition a continuation of that vision.
The Shark HydroVac Pro XL Cordless 3-in-1 Cleaner (say that fast three times) is the new, multi-purpose home appliance changing the face of home maintenance — and we’ve got one up for grabs. An essential chore, yet one we all sigh at the thought of, cleaning the floors has long been a laborious task, and one that requires multiple appliances and some serious elbow grease. Add the fact that, in Auckland at least, a large portion of the homes within which we dwell are villas — most of us have a whole lot of flooring to maintain.
That’s where the Shark Hydrovac comes in — offering multi-surface cleaning, tackling both hardwood floors and rugs with a powerful suction vacuum and hydro-mopping at the same time. The clever, cordless tool boasts powerful suction capabilities, swiftly clearing debris and dust, while the antimicrobial brush roll deep cleans, removing hard-to-lift marks — across both solid surfaces (wooden flooring and tiles) and soft flooring (to spot-clean carpet or area rugs).
Adding further still to its impressive capabilities, the HydroVac’s odour neutraliser technology keeps your home smelling fresh, while the handy self-cleaning mode ensures the unit stays fresh for every use. Win, win.
Given the increasingly busy lives we all lead, between demanding work schedules, kids, and social engagements, a clean and tidy home is often the first thing that is sacrificed — often to the detriment of our sanity. But that needn’t be the case (tidy home = calm mind, after all). Shark’s innovative new all-in-one HydroVac cuts cleaning time in half — its impressive efficacy also reduces the frequency of cleans, meaning more time to spend on the things that count.
It was Audrey Hepburn who famously said “Paris is always a good idea”, a sentiment we wholeheartedly agree with, particularly in light of the upcoming Paris Olympics. So if you’re headed to the City of Light soon, these are the places we suggest you seek out.
Paris has no shortage of iconic landmarks, the Musée du Louvre, La Tour Eiffel, and a glimpse at Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris being some of the most renowned and well-frequented. Yet it is those less-obvious, like Jardin des Tuileries’Musée de l’Orangerie which famously holds Monet’s Water Lilies, and Fondation Louis Vuitton that exists as a museum for this esteemed brand, housing Bernard Arnault’s private art collection, that are worthy of visiting. Both Palais Garnier and Palais Royale should be regarded essential stops for anyone with a penchant for the architecture of the City, and Atelier Brancusi is an intimate gallery space that is an ode to the famed wood-sculptor. If all else falls short, the views from atop the Arc de Triomphe are second to none.
With such a formative lens on the world of fashion, from the legends of Haute Couture to emerging designers and quaint boutiques, shopping in Paris is an essential activity. If this is your first trip back to Paris in some time, Dior’s 30 Montaigne flagshipis a must — offering two floors of shopping, a gallery, patisserie, restaurant, and even a guest suite designed to host the brand’s most loyal devotees. Those seeking a one-stop shop should call into La Samaritaine or Printemps, two of the largest luxury department stores in Paris, as well as Le Bon Marché, a historic shopping temple that needs little introduction. For a more bespoke, boutique experience, The Broken Armand Leclaireur offer a curated selection of exceptional designers, Kiliwatch is a treasure trove of vintage designer wares, and Dary’s and Karry’o are both a must for exquisite vintage jewellery. You’ll be amazed by what you can find at Chez Sarah Vintage and Good Jo. Buly 1803 is an impressive, historic beauty emporium, Marin Montagut is the famed artist’s flagship for homewares, Castor Fleuristeoffers divine florals in Le Marais, should you need them, and literary folk would do well to pay a visit to Shakespeare & Company, a historic beacon of excellence.
More than just somewhere to rest a weary head, these Parisian hotels, both iconic and new, are earmarked for offering the kind of stay that one would expect in the City. Grand old dames like Le Bristol Paris, Ritz Paris, and Hôtel Lutetia stand tall alongside new guard operators, such as the sleek and chic Bulgari Hôtel Paris, an 8th arrondissement darling on the corner of Avenue George V and Rue Pierre Charron and Saint James Paris with its smart new interiors from Laura Gonzalez and idyllic locale next to Bois de Boulogne that makes the stay so enviable. For a convivial stay in a lively hotspot, look no further than Le Grand Mazarin, where you’ll find a vibrant bar and secret cabaret in a camp and impossibly chic locale. Regardless of where you find yourself, you’ll find the old world charm in destinations like Cheval Blanc and Hôtel De Crillon, and a new outlook at Cour des Vosges who’s polished, pared-back interiors stride away from Parisian classicism in the coolest way. While, set in an illustrious palace overlooking the Place de la Concorde, Hôtel de Crillon is a celebration of Paris and the French spirit of art de vivre — timeless, legendary and unabashedly elegant.
No trip to France is worth it without indulging in some Parisian delicacies. From restaurants that offer picturesque views to some of the most delicious and chic under-the-radar spots (that are just as delicious), Paris has something for everyone. Girafe, alongside it’s fine seafood-focussed fare, offers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, whereas Jean-François Piège’s La Poule Au Pot serves typical French cuisine like foie gras and escargot in an unassuming little spot opposite Colonne Médicis. If it’s joie de vivre you seek, Lapérouse has been a proud host of it in the 6th arrondissement since 1766. Elsewhere, Loulou Restaurantand Le Voltaireboth offer truly exceptional European cuisine, the former famed for its stunning outdoor setting within the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the latter with views of the Louvre from its terrace. For something more casual and fun, Clown Bar can always be relied upon with an elevated bistro menu and a bar that keeps one aptly libated, while BB Blanche is a beautifully decorated art noveau restaurant perfect for a leisurely lunch.
From the cute cafés that promise to wet the whistle, to the hotel bars that offer something distinctly more glamorous, to the intimate bars that serve drinks late into the night, Paris has no shortage of places to imbibe. Consider Pavillon Puebla, with its lush garden surroundings in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont when the languid afternoon is calling or Les Ambassadeurs, tucked away in Hôtel De Crillon for a necessary pre-dinner drink. Bisou’s outlook is decidedly Parisian, with tables that flow out onto the footpath and a self-proclaimed ethos of ‘sexy’, and Le Très Particulier brings the outdoors in with it’s stunning greenery-filled atrium and trendy Montmartre postcode. Just steps from Les Marais is Candelaria, an intimate and effortless Mexican restaurant and bar, and from here, head to Dirty Lemon, a little cocktail bar where you can easily while away an evening.
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