Going back to to the office doesn’t have to mean forgetting about your personal style. There are plenty of work-ready options that marry elegant, timeless design with interesting details, and if you ask us, most of them can be found at Muse.
From crisp shirting and flattering trousers to subtle accessories and bags that fit all the essentials, we have pulled our favourite pieces from Muse to see you back to the office in style. Shop our essential edit below.
While it has been glorious to bask in the warmth of summer for the last few weeks, the sun exposure that comes with long days by the pool can lead to a trove of seasonal skincare issues. From sunburn and irritation to dryness and pigmentation, the sunnier season can wreak havoc on our skin. But not all hope is lost, with just a few simple product changes it’s possible to both combat and prevent the sun’s damaging effects. Here, we outline the best way to switch up your skincare regime for the season.
When searching for the right summer-ready cleanser, try opting for one boasting soft, soothing ingredients that will gently remove makeup, without stripping the skin of its moisture even further. The brightening Cleansing Cream from Sothys smoothes onto the face before gently cleansing and eliminating impurities — all while boosting radiance.
Keeping makeup firmly in place during summer’s high temperatures is no easy feat, making a quality primer an essential. Try to find a multi-purpose primer like this Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer from Charlotte Tilbury, not only will it keep your makeup from slipping, but it also gives a hydration boost to sun-worn skin and helps prevent future damage by incorporating Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen.
One of the first places to fall subject to the suns wrath is our lips, and it pays to keep them protected. Ecostore’s Beeswax Lip-Balm blends natural beeswax and sweet almond oil to deeply hydrate and nourish lips right when they need it the most.
While it’s important to find a cream that replenishes moisture and helps restore skin’s natural barrier, it’s especially essential that you find a daytime moisturiser with UVA protection in order to prevent new damage, too. Emma Lewisham’s Skin Shield Take On The Day Crème with SPF30 and UVA/ UVB, pollution and blue light protection is a multi-shield formula to dramatically slow down the visible signs of ageing.
There’s an array of face masks on the market that are capable of deeply hydrating the skin, but none are as lightweight as Noble Panacea’s The Exceptional Chronobiology Sleep Mask. Ideal for those humid evenings, when the last thing you want is a heavy product on your face, this treatment uses its highly concentrated formula to restore moisture levels, strengthen the skin’s barrier function and reduce irritation all while allowing your skin to breathe freely and comfortably.
In a bid to protect against environmental stressors, especially the damage caused by the sun, it’s important to invest in a quality Vitamin C Serum. Codage’s No.3 serum, available from East Day Spa and Spring Store, is especially formulated to detoxify and restore brightness to lacklustre skin dulled by the elements.
A quality night cream is a year-round necessity, but during summer it pays to amp up protection against dehydration and damage from the climate. The Superdefence Night Recovery Moisturiser from Clinique focuses on strengthening the barrier to diffuse environmental aggressors, all while spurring on cellular recovery come sundown.
What should be a summertime no-brainer is still often overlooked by many, in order to keep skin fully protected against future damage sunscreen is an absolute must — whether you plan on being in the sun or not. SPF infused moisturisers, primers and oils are ideal for those days spent mainly in the office, but for those containing longer sun exposure we recommend Skincycles DNA Defence Sun Shield with SPF100+.
While we’ve all just had a wonderful summer break, the effects of sun, saltwater, sand, sunscreen, makeup and other happy hallmarks of holidays well-spent can wreak havoc on the skin. This means that now is the perfect time to book in with the experts at East Day Spa to ensure that your skin is looking ship shape for the year ahead.
At this inner city sanctuary of calm, the East Day Spa team offers a raft of treatments designed to address any and all concerns, where each practitioner can tailor their approach according to what one’s skin might need. From deeply rehydrating products to rigorous gua sha techniques to micro-needling and more, there is something here to suit everyone.
All that said, East Day Spa’s newest treatment, the Codage Paris Deep Pore Cleansing Facial, is one that we find hard to pass up. Here, the spa’s expert facialists will lather your skin in luxurious serums from Codage Paris before harnessing magnetic pulse therapy by using the celebrity-endorsed Facify wand to smooth your lines and help activate lymphatic drainage. After this, a warming compression treatment and a blissful scalp massage will be applied to leave you feeling revitalised and entirely renewed.
So, if you’re looking for a facial that will give your skin a fresh start for the year ahead, one that will rid your pores of imperfections while simultaneously giving it a boost of hydration, this is the treatment for you. Book now and give your skin some of the post-holiday care it’s been craving.
Forget flowing caftans and laid-back linen, this summer, adopt a more active style with sleek, sporty pieces that marry athleisure with beachwear in a cool, sporty hybrid. Whether you’re taking the boat out for a day of adventure, or are setting out for the nearest beach, these essentials will have you ready to spring into action. Shop our summer style edit now.
Making an unexpected comeback in our most design-led spaces, yellow is trending again and is inspiring us to let the light in. Here we consult the experts at Resene to understand how to do the trend justice.
In the ever-evolving world of interior design, one colour is staging an unexpected comeback, and it’s set to make our homes feel decidedly suitable for the season ahead. We’re talking, of course, about yellow, the sun-kissed hue reminiscent of warm rays and optimism. This colour brings with it an air of positivity and happiness and now, versions of it seem to be making their way back into the homes of discerning design-lovers who want to cultivate something different in their spaces. As always, any dramatic decisions pertaining to colour are always best made after consulting the experts at Resene, who offer a vast array of yellow hues which can be tailored perfectly to suit any kind of space.
From the subtle appeal of tones like Resene’s Sidecar and Popcorn, perfect for those seeking warmth and colour albeit in a more understated way, to brighter options like Resene’s Half Moonbeam and Melting Moment, offering unmistakably vibrant and lemon-like colours that will lift the vibe of a space, there is a veritable spectrum available for those wanting to dabble in yellow as their next interior hero, with Resene serving up the perfect shades for every aesthetic vision.
So why not prepare for the sunshine of the season ahead by inviting its warm tones inside? If you don’t quite know where to start, call on Resene’s experts. Not only will they help you tailor your palette to find the ideal yellow hue, but their expertise will see you transform your home into a masterpiece.
If you (like us) want to start your 2024 off in a strong sartorial style, look no further than Faradays‘ exquisite offering. The luxurious Parnell department store, known for its line-up of sought-after labels like Celine, Alaïa, Loewe and more, continues to welcome a raft of new pieces, and we are simply chomping at the bit to add them to our wardrobes.
For those looking to shake their style up this year, or for anyone who wants to start investing in forever pieces that promise serious staying power, we have rounded up a selection of our most wanted pieces, available to shop at Faradays right now.
Now that we’re in the midst of summer and the good times are rolling, it’s time to let your hair down with friends. From sun-soaked rooftop bars to lively gastropubs, quaint wine bars and more, Auckland has more than its fair share of impeccable watering holes to park up at for a drink and a bite.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best convivial cocktail spots to frequent this summer and beyond. Salute!
Set on the 50th floor of Auckland’s most iconic landmark, SkyBar takes after-work drinks to a whole new level. A luxurious hideaway promising an exceptional culinary offering, inventive cocktails and a multi-sensory experience.
Bringing the spirit of Parnell’s stylish Non Solo Pizza to Britomart’s glittering nightlife, newcomer Bar Non Solo is a convivial and sophisticated space for a catch-up.
Sunset is a sleek, elegant space nestled on the top floor of the Sudima Hotel taking happy hour to new heights. Here, satiating drinks and tasty food collide in a sumptuous setting — the perfect place to park up for an after-work drink or a weekend jaunt.
Set in the midst of Ponsonby’s Three Lamps, Annabel’s wine bar is an elegant osteria-esque address where you can while away an afternoon at one of the street-side tables or perch in the cosy atmosphere indoors enjoying a delightful glass and snack.
Take in the sea air from Parasol & Swing’s breezy balcony, set up above the Viaduct Harbour. Both original and classic cocktails are expertly mixed by award-winning staff.
With views across Viaduct Harbour, Saint Alice’s elevated position is the ideal spot to watch the world go by with a drink in hand and some tasty food on the table.
It may have a dimly lit ambience, but a drink order at Caretaker is sure to enlighten. Trust the bartenders at the classic underground Britomart spot, and you’ll find a new favourite.
With the spirit of gastropubs in Sydney and London, Hotel Ponsonby is a go-to meeting place where friends, families, groups and couples come together over a drink amidst a convivial, relaxed atmosphere.
There is simply no better place in the city to enjoy a long lunch or convivial night with friends than Soul Bar & Bistro. A spot that never fails to deliver on vibes, lively libations and delectable fare.
With its cosy, neighbourhood feel, well-chosen wine list and friendly team, Three Lamps wine bar Beau is a charming spot to wander to for an easy nightcap.
While it might be modelled off a ship’s bar, and specialises in sips with seaworthy rum, Captain’s is a masterful waterfront stop that meets the Park Hyatt’s polished standards.
With panoramic views across the harbour and an extensive cocktail menu, the Rooftop at QT Auckland is a prepossessing place for a nightcap above the city lights.
While it may have opened literally in the shadow of its namesake restaurant, Little Culprit stands out as a chic yet casual inner-city cocktail bar and wine lounge.
As much a place for long, indulgent lunches of flavourful Italian fare as it is for a late-afternoon drink, Viaduct Harbour favourite Bivacco is one of the city’s most atmospheric spots.
For wine and food lovers alike, paradise is found at Princes Wharf’s Somm, which offers a stellar lineup of iconic wines and a food menu that is sure to delight.
Worked up an appetite or a thirst while perusing Faradays’ stunning retail space? The store’s in-house bar is just the thing for it, with an extensive Champagne list and ever-changing, seasonal menu to refill your cup after a day on your feet.
With all the makings of the perfect spot for an easy drink or a bite with friends, The Terrace is an intimate, exquisitely-appointed new oyster bar and restaurant opened in the space alongside Viaduct Harbour’s Oyster & Chop.
For anyone who is already back in Auckland after their summer break, there are plenty of beautiful walks just outside the city that each offer the perfect excuse for a day trip. Why not extend the wonderful summer holiday feeling by taking in some fresh air with a gentle stroll in nature? Or if you’re up for it, a more vigorous hike. Here, we round up the best walks and hikes around Auckland.
(Before you embark on a trip, be sure to check the Auckland Council links below, for updates and guidelines.)
Distance: 4.3km / 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
With spectacular 360-degree views taking in the Hauraki coastline, picture book Kiwi farm scenes and serene beaches, this easy walk is a favourite with families and people with photographic aspirations that extend beyond iPhone selfies. Make sure you make a diversion from the Farm Loop along the Whakakaiwhara Pā Walk which winds its way out to Whakaiwhara Point where walkers climb a small mound for photographs that will score the most likes on social media.
Distance: 3.5km/1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Making the most of the unruly forest that is the Hunua Ranges, this scenic stroll is easily one of the best walks in Auckland and will take you on a loop that winds up to a stretching lookout over the Wairoa Reservoir. An ideal early-morning walk that can see you home in time for lunch, it is steep in some places, but nothing too treacherous to note. Be sure to follow instructions to prevent the spread of kauri dieback while undertaking your walk.
Distance: 4.6km/ 1.5 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
This one and half hour loop, nestled between the mouths of the Pūhoi and Waiwera rivers, is a fantastic way to get your body moving if you’ve found yourself particularly sedentary of late. The easy track takes in the pretty gardens of Coudrey House, before offering revealing views of the Te Akeake sand spit and the Puhoi River. The headlands of Mahurangi Harbour can be spied in the north while islands pepper the ocean out to Kawau. Consider it a spectacular and simple starter walk.
Distance: 6.2km / 2 hours
Difficulty: Suitable for all fitness levels
Your first experience getting back to nature here will involve checking the tide times, with this North Shore favourite requiring mid-to-low tide to access beaches and best appreciate the fossil forest. Start at the Takapuna boat ramp on The Promenade and take in the 200-year-old pōhutukawa and the iconic Mon Desir. Then there’s the checklist of White Oaks, Hurstmere Homestead, Algie’s Castle, Mirror House, Firth Cottage, the Giant’s Chair, and the Fossil Forest to keep your eyes occupied while your legs do the hard work.
Distance: 5km / 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Lying right at the tip of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, this versatile walking and mountain biking trail lies on a wildlife reserve. Leading outdoor enthusiasts across sand dunes, farmland, beaches, camping grounds and a Māori settlement area, the Tiri Tiri track makes for an entirely unique escape.
Distance: 6km / 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate-hard
Luring you into a false sense of confidence with its relatively easy beginning, this trail quickly shows walkers its darker side with steep stairs, tricky-to-navigate sections and trip-inducing tree roots. Don’t be discouraged though, because for all the huffing and puffing, the view — a sprawling lookout across a lush kauri grove — is worth it. Be sure to follow instructions to prevent the spread of kauri dieback while undertaking your walk.
Distance: 10km / 4 hours (but you can do smaller sections)
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
A versatile outing, the sprawling Waikōwhai Walkway offers bush trails, beachfront and more. With an extensive map that covers the entire area and the different trails available for download here, Hillsborough’s coastal walkway is an adventure for all.
While the sun is shining, the barbecue is in frequent use and fresh seafood is always on the menu, why not try your hand at making these delicious spicy BBQ prawn tacos? Resulting in wonderfully tangy morsels that everyone will love, this recipe is super simple to make — especially if you have guests to impress.
4 tsp Sriracha, divided
4 tsp Lillie’s Q Hot Smoky BBQ Sauce, divided
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bag frozen prawns, peeled with tails removed
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp honey
1 tsp sesame oil
2 limes
Pinch of Himalayan salt flakes
2 cups shredded purple cabbage
1/4 cup coriander, freshly chopped
1 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil
8 corn tortillas
1. Stir together 2 teaspoons of Sriracha, 2 teaspoons Lillie’s Q Hot Smoky BBQ sauce, soy sauce and minced garlic in a large bowl. Then add prawns and mix until well coated before setting aside to marinate.
2. In a Ziploc bag, add sour cream, the remaining 2 teaspoons of Sriracha and Lillie’s Q Hot Smoky BBQ sauce before closing the bag and keeping in the fridge until ready to serve.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine sesame oil, honey and the zest and juice of one lime with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add the cabbage and coriander and lightly toss, then set aside.
4. Pour extra virgin olive oil into a large pan on medium to high heat. Add the prawns and marinade and lightly pan fry until caramelised, then flip. Cook for approximately 3 minutes, or until firm before transferring onto a plate. (The extra marinade can be poured over the tacos at the end).
5. In a separate, dry pan place the tortillas on medium heat. Once warm, transfer to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
6. Assemble the tacos with a handful of cabbage slaw and a few pieces of shrimp. Snip a corner off the Ziploc bag and drizzle the tacos with the Sriracha-sour cream sauce. Garnish with a wedge of lime and serve immediately.
Adapted recipe by Judy Kim.
Image credit: Judy Kim
Did you ring in the New Year by pushing the boat out a little too far last night? Never fear, in our opinion, a good Bloody Mary can be the difference between surviving a hangover and promising you’ll never drink again. That said, you really don’t need to be hungover to enjoy this Bloody Mary recipe in all its savoury, spicy glory, it’s just as perfect for a refreshing, New Year’s Day brunch with your crew, or as a drink to make on repeat throughout summer.
2 litres of tomato juice, chilled
2 Tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 Tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
2 tsp celery salt
Dash of salt
Dash of pepper
4 dashes of Tabasco (or to taste)
15ml Fire Tonic
1 ½ cups vodka
1. Combine all ingredients except vodka, ice and celery sticks in a large jug. Adjust the mix to taste depending on how salty, spicy, or citrus-y you like it.
2. Add a tablespoon of vodka to stabilise the mix while chilling. Just before serving, add the rest of the vodka.
3. Serve over lots of ice and garnish each glass with a celery stick.
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