To help you get through the cold winter months looking fabulous and feeling great!

Plus, SophieBoxer is giving you the chance to win the Ultimate Winter Survival Kit worth over $1,200!* To enter and for information visit www.sophieboxer.com/winteradvice.html

“Keep warm and feel fabulous with luxury lightweight cashmere this winter. Cashmere is four times lighter than wool, four times warmer and 1000 times more fabulous! Our beautiful 2012 colours are all about making complexion enhancing, stylish choices for your Winter wardrobe. Not only will our limited edition cardigan and pullover collection keep you looking great, but we also have some beautiful scarves to keep you toasty warm right up to your ears!”

Caroline Miller, SophieBoxer
www.sophieboxer.com | facebook.com/SophieBoxerCashmere | twitter.com/SBcashmere

“Winter can play havoc with our skins overall condition. Humidity decreases, cold temperatures and winds increase and this in itself can cause our skin to lose essential oil moisture and water hydration, which can leave our skin feeling mildly tight and uncomfortable or extremely dry, rough, red and irritated. Antipodes Avocado oil & Rosehip Divine Face Oil is the perfect fix. It is a nutrient-rich face oil that gives a lift to tired, stressed skin and helps to deliver antioxidants and essential nourishment for fresh, healthy skin. It’s also scientifically shown to stimulate synthesis of collagen production in human skin cells by up to 51%”

Beauty Expert, Antipodes Nature
www.antipodesnature.com | facebook.com/AntipodesSkincare | twitter.com/AntipodesNZ 

“Keep showers at moderate temperatures. Hot showers wreak havoc on dry winter skin & lips. Keep the temperature lukewarm. Apply moisturiser or even better a natural oil to the skin immediately after your shower. This is the best time to hydrate your body. Don’t forget your lips, I use my Karen Murrell Moisture Stick on my lips and on any dry areas that need extra attention.”

Karen Murrell, Karen Murrell Organic Skincare and Make-up
www.karenmurrell.com | facebook.com/karenmurrell | twitter.com/ karen_murrell

“My winter survival tip would have to be comfort, warmth, and practicality. My Jasmine Slippers are my staple go-to pair of flats in all seasons, but are particularly useful in the winter months when I need to dash in and out during cold wet weather. Being snakeskin they naturally repel any water so i don’t need to worry if I accidentally get them wet. They are so versatile and can be worn with any type of clothing giving you practicality, comfort, and luxury.”

Sarah Riley, Shoe Designer
www.sarahriley.com | facebook.com/SarahRileyDesigns | twitter.com/sarahrileyshoes

“Nothing makes us smile more than seeing lots of colour in the middle of winter. The monotonous grey, dreary days of winter need not leave you feeling flat and dreaming of a tropical island holiday escape – although that is always lovely. Introducing lots of happy chic colours to wardrobe can do wonders to your spirit; especially if those colours are your most harmonious. You’ll feel better, look fresh and be complimented wherever you go. Plus, by wearing more colour you will make others feel happy too. We say never shy from colour it’s one of the best ways to visually communicate with everyone!”

Samantha Hannah, Style Consultant
www.samanthahannah.com | facebook.com/stylistsam | twitter.com/stylistsam_nz

“Keep yourself hydrated and look after your skin by regularly using good Bath and Body. Use our Therapy range Body Oil, made in New Zealand with pure essential oils and Sweet Almond Oil, to naturally rebalance your mind, body and soul”

Sarah Townsend, The Aromatherapy Company
www.thearomatherapycompany.co.nz | facebook.com/thearomatherapyco

“Your hair can be left dry and damaged in the miserable winter weather. Louise Baker from Ainsleys Hair Design recommends using Pureology Shampoo and Conditioner for serious haircare
that moisturizes and protects hair colour while adding an incredible shine.”

Louise Baker, Ainsleys Hair Design
www.ainsleys.co.nz | facebook.com/Ainsleyshair

Budding fashionistas and eco-tycoons step right up for the chance to learn the tips and tricks of running a fashionable business with style with a Coffee Break with Laurie Foon.

Laurie Foon’s Starfish fashion label made its mark through thought-provoking ranges and campaigns with a community focus. Inspired to create fashion reflecting her values, Laurie designs ranges with locally manufactured fabrics where possible, and a strong environmental ethic. In 2007 Starfish was the first fashion label to win a New Zealand Sustainable Business Award.

By taking part in Oxfam's Biggest Coffee Break 2012 and bidding on Oxfam's Fair Trade Me auctions you will be given the chance to have a one-on-one mentoring session with Laurie, who’ll be happy to share her experiences running an eco-friendly, ethical company. The lucky auction winner will also receive an eco-bag full of Starfish goodies.

“Fairtrade keeps us connected and thinking about those that produce our clothes and food etc. We can't afford to be disconnected.” - Laurie Foon

All proceeds from Oxfam's Biggest Coffee Break 2012 auctions will support Oxfam’s work with struggling growers in the developing world, helping them to get a fairer and better deal and empowering them to work their way out of poverty. For your chance to win the Oxfam Coffee Break with Laurie Loon Fair Trade Me auctions click here.

And don’t forget to register to host your own Coffee Break with your friends or workmates this Fair Trade Fortnight. Go to OxfamCoffeeBreak.org.nz to sign up today and Oxfam will send you a free pack of Fairtrade Certified goodies and a bunch of great materials to introduce you and your friends to fair trade. Don’t miss out – limited packs available and registrations close April 20, 2012.

Retail does not exist without the replenishment from the designers, and our cool little style capital is home to some exceptional designers. The range of output is stupendous. It covers all bases from the avant garde art-performance-garments of Hermione Flynn to the delightful inventions of Starfish and the fluid silhouettes from Philippa & Alice. These designers export: both their garments and their design stories. Many Wellington designers regularly show in the long-established fashion shows of Dunedin, Auckland, Melbourne and New York. Their works are featured in the international press, both magazines and online, and many overseas boutiques make room for a showing of local labels. Such international applause is not given to the sleepy.

For established and emerging designers, Wellington’s being home to Massey University’s fashion design school is simply treasure, and many well-known names like Alexandra Owen have been through their courses. The school’s curriculum, access to professionals in the trade, and its annual show more than hint that this part of the economy has weight. The fashion school pinpoints Wellington as a destination where things are happening --  a fact supremely buttressed by the city also being host to the World of WearableArt competition and extravaganza.

So many factors support Wellington as a fashion hub, and this year’s Wellington Fashion Week will promote the city, the region, and all who take part in its exuberance. In particular, the week’s runway events will exhibit a number of new labels who, in spite of economic sluggishness, have emerged because they are driven by inspiration and accomplishment.

The label Kelsey Genna, established last year, will show her work which is very limited (editions of ten), and predominantly sells online. We will get to see her trim use of mouth watering colours like berry fruits mixing with the peaceful marzipan shades of cream and pink. We will see Silence Was, established in 2011 with an emphasis on a romantic and bespoke tailoring ethic. And we will see Nouveau, a range from Pixel Ink which promotes an urban, street-wear graphic thrust – quite often eccentric and quizzical like their Tourist Box T-shirt showing a tui seemingly using an old Victorian bellows camera to take our photo. Wonderful.

- Article by Wellington Style TV

We love the buzz...

Wellington plays centre stage for its first Fashion Week.

From Wednesday 18 to Sunday 22 April, runway shows and networking events will see the energies of designers, retailers, promoters and media mix and sparkle. These will be brilliant days.

The major draw cards are the three designer shows. In total, three hours of vibrant runway. The collections of eighteen designers, from the hauntingly gorgeous Trelise Cooper through to the zesty emerging labels of Kelsey Genna and Silence Was, will exhibit with all the excitement of styling, lighting, hair, makeup and music. These shows will take place in the grand hall of the old museum building.

As well as these anchor shows, the Wellington Fashion Week crew have developed other events which will bookmark the event. A photo competition along Lambton Quay is a neat idea. A High Tea for designers and delegates will be a sumptuous platform for networking. A Couture Bridal capsule will highlight the best of design and fabrics, and a downloadable app is a savvy piece of technology for navigating your way through all the treasure.

Wellington Fashion Week will showcase the city, its great talent of designers and its superb range of shops and amenities.

We love the buzz of Wellington Fashion Week.

- Article by Terence Hodgson, Wellington Style TV

BREAKING NEWS: New Zealand Fashion Fesitval 2012

An exciting addition to the New Zealand Fashion Festival line up; iconic label Nom*D will be showing their latest collection at Tuesday night’s Collections Show, Ruby’s sister brand Liam will showcase their Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection on Friday night, and widely-loved designer Karen Walker will be joining the team on Wednesday nights Viva Live, just one of the week’s scheduled seminars.

Nom*D at Collections #2
Nom*D will be showcasing their Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection ‘Do Not Disturb’, which celebrates a ‘murky, hidden world with a concise collection of oversized layers and intricate contrasts’.

It will be ‘something crazy, something twisted, something beautiful’ - and definitely something you don’t want to miss!

Liam at Collections #5
Ruby’s sister brand Liam will join the Friday night line up showcasing their Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection. For its debut season, Liam looks to the symbolism of daily rituals, and examines the ideas of modern day ceremonial dress.
Playful, strong, and distinctly modern with classic touches – you will be intrigued by the creativity of Liam and the stories behind what women choose to wear - this collection in the finale show is not to be missed!

Karen Walker at the Viva Live Seminar
Having just returned from New York Fashion Week and London, celebrated designer Karen Walker will be fresh and ready to talk all things fashion with the Viva girls – and you can be there!

This New Zealand born fashion designer has a reputation for original, effortless and unpretentious style, and her designs have firmly cemented an international presence – so you don’t want to miss what Karen has to say!

Check out the line up for all of the seminars on the OFFICIAL NZFF SCHEDULE, there is so much on offer, and all are a must-see!

The ticket that keeps on giving!
Never before has such a fashionable ticket given so much!
Your New Zealand Fashion Festival ticket not only gives you entry to see the latest trends from some of New Zealand’s best designers, but it also gives you a chance to redeem the FULL price of your group ticket back:

1. $40 discount or gift-with-purchase in-store at many participating Fashion Festival labels (see www.nzfashionfestival.com)
2. A FREE drink after the show at participating bars (see official schedule)
3. Plus Britomart Carpark is offering $5 overnight or weekend parking for all festival goers!

All MAC seminar tickets are also redeemable in store, so you can scoop up some new make-up and try out the latest trends the very next day!

But wait there’s more - Fashion Fine Dining at Roxy
Fashion Fine Dining at the Roxy is a fusion of fine dining and a sample of five designer’s collections, in a fabulous fashion experience on Saturday 25 February. Contact Gary Olasz 09 929 2701 or visit the website http://www.roxy.co.nz/ for more details.

With all of this of on offer you don’t want to miss out, so make sure you get your ticket and head on down to this fresh fashion extravaganza!

Find out more here >>

NZFD is thrilled to announce the newest addition to the NZFD team - beauty editor Imogen Shephard. Imogen is passionate and knowledgeable about all things beauty and will bring you a wealth of beauty news, reviews and best kept secrets.

If you have a beauty dilemma or question you would like to ask Imogen, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Welcome to the team Imogen!

View Imogen's profile here >>

The just-released campaign imagery for the Stolen Girlfriends Club AW ’12 collection, Here Lies the Bones, captures the irreverent, cheeky and punk rock attitude the much-loved Kiwi label has become renowned for.

The collection, which debuted at NZFW 2011, is inspired by a globe-trotter who finds herself in some of the darker corners of the globe, and has a signature rock ‘n’ roll edge.

The stunning campaign shots feature model-of-the-moment Georgia Fowler, and were shot by Derek Henderson.

Here are a few of my favourite images. I love Georgia’s attitude in the campaign – she captures the edgy yet free-spirited essence of the collection. Edgy New Zealand fashion at its best. As a Sydney-based Kiwi, collections and campaign imagery like this remind me that more often than not, the Aussies don’t do it nearly as well. The collection drops in-store 1 February – 30 March.

-    Natalie Cosgrove

Stolen Girlfriends Club A/W 2012 Campaign

Photographer: Derek Henderson
Makeup: Corrina Lyon
Hair: Shontal Healy
Model: Georgia Fowler
*Images courtesy of studdedhearts.blogspot.com

Looking to create what she believed was a gap in the market, Kylie Simpson – founder of Allure Jewellery wanted to launch a label that epitomised high end fashion jewellery, but wouldn’t break the bank.

Forever searching for the ‘signature’ accessory, Kylie wanted to find fashionable jewellery that was unlike anything sold in New Zealand.

Kylie states that is was all about exclusivity: “The great thing about Allure Jewellery is that we only sell a maximum of three pieces of each item. This way you know that what you are wearing is exclusive – it is unlikely that you are ever going to see someone else wearing you favourite accessory!”

Allure is only sold online to capture an audience that likes to spend time searching for their fashion jewellery from the comfort of your own home. We wanted to give consumers a change to take time on finding their signature piece and nowadays it is hard to find the time to do this.

Kylie believes that Allure Jewellery is value for money for quality exclusive fashion jewellery, unlike anything else available in New Zealand.

Find your own signature piece of Allure Jewellery online – www.allurejewellery.co.nz

WIN your very own necklace from Allure Jewellery!

Enter the competition to win a “Knotted” chunky rose coloured linked necklace with large circular rose, black and cubic zirconia feature, valued at $54.95 online with NZFD.

Enter competition here >>

Who are the next generation of fashion bloggers to make their mark on the ever-expanding Fashion social media scene?

FashionsBlogs.com, a self proclaimed Social Fashion Blogging community has decided its time to let a new breed of fashion bloggers rise to the top and gain their 15 minutes of fame. With a twitter hashtag #iamfamous, fashionsblogs.com has been striving to expose young fashion blogging talent  through its fashion centric blogging platform and networking community for nearly 2 years now.

The Top 20 "Up & Coming" fashion blogger search of 2012 is FashionsBlogs latest attempt to bring media attention to the rising stars of Fashion Blogging. Jerry Mckinish, the founder of FashionsBlogs says, "Its not going to be a popularity contest. We have selected esteemed industry professionals to act as our guest judges to help make a legitimate, fair assessment of who the next big bloggers will be in the fashion blogosphere." The guest judges that Mr. Mckinish is speaking of include Jed Wexler, Co founder of FMG, Lesley Scott founder of http://fashiontribes.com  and Samantha Lim Editor in Chief for FashionIndie.com

This fashion blogging event is set to launch on New Years day 2012. It will be a 20 week event, where entrants can apply throughout the 20 week period or nominate a favorite up and coming blogger that they know of. Each week the judges will confer and decide upon a winner who will be given FashionCash which can be redeemed from online retailer http://r-chameleon.com, as well as a badge of accomplishment to be posted on their blog.At the end of the 20 week period the judges will review all of the winners and choose a grand finale winner. This victor will receive an Ipad2, courtesy of fashionsblogs.com  an $8000 editorial spread in Runway magazine http://runwaymagazine.co , and an interview on Runway Fashion TV, courtesy of James Buccelli, the magazine’s founder. Did we mention that this top blogger will also give $500 in FashionCash that can be redeemed at R-Chameleon?

To apply or nominate a fashion blogger for this event go to http://fashionsblogs.com/up-and-coming

Coucou is the newest boutique store in the heart of Auckland city where you will find adorable vintage fashion, hand selected from around the word, by its owner.

The store welcomes you with a warm vibrancy and trinkets selectively placed around the room to keep your eyes wandering. You will find an eclectic display of feminine vintage clothing, accessories and jewellery in blazing varieties of colours sure to amaze. Even a few Topshop and ASOS items can be spotted.

My favourite items in the boutique are an array of bangles on the front counter that, like the rest of the store, come in a selection on bold colours and are embellished with gold detailing. They are sure to add a tribal touch to any summer outfit!

Coucou is located at 30 Custom Street in the Britomart precinct, Auckland city. Make sure you drop in and experience the wonderland of vintage boutique clothing.

The bright colours of Fran's vintage floral dress embodies a natural youthful look perfect for spring. I love her beaded bracelets which pick out the colours of her dress.

REUTERS STYLE QUEEN: Designer Collette Dinnigan (centre) has been showing at Paris Fashion Week since 1995.

A-list fashion designer Collette Dinnigan jets into Wellington this afternoon for the first time in 26 years.

Dinnigan is one of four alumni to be inducted into the Massey University College of Creative Arts Hall of Fame at a black tie gala dinner tonight.

Born in South Africa, raised in New Zealand and now based in Sydney, Dinnigan has gone on to build a fashion empire since her time at Massey.

Five years after establishing her self-titled label in 1990 Dinnigan became the first Australasian designer to show at Paris Fashion Week. She has continued to show twice yearly in Paris since 1995 and remains the only Australasian designer to do so.

Her gowns are regularly worn on the red carpet by celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, Pink and Kate Hudson.

Last month she was in London to meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

She regularly returns to Auckland to visit her father, Des, but hasn't been to Wellington since she left New Zealand for Sydney in 1985.

"I can't wait to get back there. It will be fun, though I remember the airport always being a horror to fly into," Dinnigan said. "I hear Wellington has great coffee too."

She said she was "flattered" to be one of four esteemed design and fine arts alumni Hall of Fame inductees.

"One of them is Mark Elmore who designed the Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer. Everyone has one of those," she said.

Graphic designer Joseph Churchward. whose fonts are used the world over, and Wellington School of Design founder Arthur Riley are also being honoured. Previous inductees include Sir Richard Taylor, textile designer Avis Higgs and fashion designers Rebecca Taylor and Kate Sylvester.

Source: stuff.co.nz

Press Release – DHL, the world’s leading express and logistics company, is pleased to announce the finalists of the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship for 2011.

The 2011 finalists are:

• Blak (based in Auckland)
• Lela Jacobs (based in Wellington)
• Nyne (based in Hamilton)

The winner of the scholarship will receive international freight to the value of NZ$10,000 and coaching in freight and logistics from DHL Express; as well as a tailored export mentoring package from Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ) and an annual FINZ membership.

In a new addition to the scholarship this year, all three finalists will also be invited to join the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) Path to Market programme for apparel exporters, which aims to improve the rate and speed of market entry to Australia.

The winner of the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship will be announced Wednesday 30 November.

Entrants were invited to complete an official application and submit a design portfolio, which was judged by fashion and exporting industry leaders.

The judges were:

• Margarita Robertson, creative director and co-founder of NOM*D; one of New Zealand’s most iconic and enduring fashion brands
• Erica Crawford, prominent New Zealand entrepreneur and exporter; co-founder of Kim Crawford Wines and managing principal at Tentpole Holdings
• Megan Wildermoth, national strategic account manager (fashion and textiles) at DHL Express
• Mapihi Opai, executive officer at Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ).

Megan Wildermoth says the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship enables DHL to continue to support the fashion industry, which is such an important sector of the New Zealand export market.

“We’ve had some great entries this year, but the finalists selected are impressive designers in the New Zealand fashion scene. They’ve demonstrated strong export potential in terms of design and strategy, with all three trading positively. We are very excited to be working with them to help them realise their exporting potential and achieve international growth.”

Quotes on the finalists from the 2011 judges:

Margarita Robertson – “It’s wonderful to see the return of irreverence with this year’s finalists. Each of them has a strong business approach but without sacrificing creativity. The result is a very sharp, design-led product.”

Erica Crawford – “I’m pleased with the combination of design aesthetic and commercial insight shown by this year’s finalists. It’s very encouraging to see the balance being struck, between strategic business goals and their commitment to creativity.”

The DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship is in its fourth year, and is designed to identify New Zealand’s hottest up-and-coming fashion exporter and assist them in achieving international growth. It is open to New Zealand fashion designers who have been exporting for less than four years.

“FINZ has enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with DHL Express. Over the years, they have provided untold support for the industry and continue to forge ties with a whole new generation of New Zealand fashion exporters,” says Mapihi Opai, executive officer at Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ).

“It’s also great to have New Zealand Trade & Enterprise involved in the scholarship this year, which presents new opportunities around export training for our three finalists,” says Mapihi Opai.

Stolen Girlfriends Club won the inaugural scholarship in 2008, and Lonely Hearts was awarded the scholarship in 2009 and Twenty Seven Names won in 2010. The scholarship was launched in Australia for the first time in 2010 and Sydney based label bec & bridge was awarded the scholarship.

Event Partners:

Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ)
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)
M.AC Cosmetics
RYDER Salon
The Langham Auckland

About the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship

The scholarship was developed as a joint initiative between DHL and Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ) in 2008. DHL went on to launch the programme in Australia in 2010.

DHL– The Logistics company for the world
DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and “The Logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 275,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 51 billion euros in 2010.
www.dhl.co.nz

Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ)
FINZ is the voice of New Zealand’s fashion and apparel industry. Established in 2002, the non-profit organisation was founded by the industry to provide professional representation and support for the industry. “Our mission is to ensure the future growth and development of the fashion and apparel industry. And, to see it valued for its economic, creative and cultural contribution to New Zealand.”
www.finz.co.nz

New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)
NZTE is New Zealand’s economic development and trade promotion agency. The Path to Market programme seeks to improve the rate and speed of market entry for new to export companies. It bundles existing NZTE tools and services into coordinated programmes targeting specific sectors and markets.
www.nzte.govt.nz

Content source: scoop.co.nz

High Street is about to push its reputation as the cultural hub of Auckland shopping one step further this Friday.

The shopping district is about to launch Black Fridays, destined to be the best late-night shopping in town.

Starting this Friday, and held on the last Friday of every month, except December, Black Fridays will mean retailers stay open late, the area's bars and restaurants stay open even later and there will be drinks and entertainment specials throughout the night.

And as well as eating, drinking and shopping, organisers at the High Street Guild say each event will be different.

One thing that will be constant though is the starlight cinema that will operate in Freyberg Square showing films in under the stars.

And to make it all the more attractive, all purchases from participating businesses made on Black Friday go into the draw to win a High Street Experience - a day exploring the district worth $1500, including breakfast and lunch, an art appreciation session, clothing vouchers and a night at a High St hotel.

This week keen explorers can also take part in the High Street District Treasure Hunt. Starting from now, shoppers can pick up a treasure hunt card from anywhere in the area and on the night, if they get four stamps from any participating bar, they will get a $60 bar tab.

Black Friday runs from 5-9pm this Friday.

Article source: stuff.co.nz

Jarred looks cool in his casual attire, taking basics and creating style. His backpack and khaki pants are what make this look (I must say it is a little refreshing to see a male who is not wearing his girlfriends skinny jeans)!

The quirky Give It Up for Hospice campaign which is running throughout the country and is designed to raise awareness of their Hospice shops has been deemed a huge success. Designer and labelled items of clothing have been pouring into local Hospices from the public and New Zealand celebrities.

Celebrity New Zealanders who grace our televisions providing designer items from their closets are TVNZ's Breakfast combo Petra Bagust and Corin Dann, TV3's Paula Penfold and husband news presenter Mike McRoberts and TV3's Target presenters Brooke Howard-Smith and Jeanette Thomas. Brooke Howard-Smith says he is a bit short on designer gear and is giving up his prize Dan Carter autographed boot, worn by him in the 2011 season.

"The crew at Hospice are amazing, they hold a very special place for anyone who's ever come into contact with them, when you need them, and many of us will, they do an indescribable and often thankless job. Hundreds of staff and volunteers chipping in to make life easier for those in need."

Not to be out done New Zealand's most talked about media celeb Paul Henry is giving up one of his pairs of Converse shoes.

"I adore Converse shoes in fact I only wear them so choosing which ones to actually give up for Hospice was quite tricky but it's a great cause and I'm happy to help. I think their campaign is very clever."

National MP Nikki Kaye and candidate for North Shore, Maggie Barry are also involved. Ms Barry's connection with Hospice has been over a long period of time.

"I've been involved with Hospice since the death of my father 15 years ago and I understand on a personal level how valuable their support and wisdom can be. As Patron of Hospice New Zealand I know first-hand the outstanding work they do in our communities, supporting people to make the most of every day. Please help Hospice keep this valuable service free to all comers by supporting the excellent Hospice shops in their latest 'Give it up' designer gear drive. It's the best reason I can think of for a spring clean of the wardrobe."

The campaign now leads into its second phase which aims to encourage particularly younger people to go into their local Hospice shop and check out what designer bargains are on offer.

Recent New Zealand's Next Top Model winner, Brigette Thomas is the face of the campaign which is also being supported by New Zealand singer songwriter Gin Wigmore who is motivated to get involved through her own family experience using Hospice services.

Gin has recorded messages of support for Give it Up for Hospice which are being used on radio and as the voiceover for a TV commercial which goes to air on 21 November and has donated concert tickets as prizes for an online competition.

Brigette is a keen and experienced Hospice shop customer and has some tips for those just starting out.

"There are plenty of bargains to be had but the secret is to drop into your local Hospice shop regularly as they are constantly turning over items and bringing more out, so a couple of times a week is highly recommended."

Ms Thomas also says not to go in looking for a specific item of clothing.

"Don't go in looking specifically for a summer dress, it's always best to keep an open mind and just look through the racks for something that catches your eye. That way you'll be pleasantly surprised as you can always find something, even if it's a pair of earrings, a belt or a scarf."

As an added incentive anyone purchasing clothing from a participating Hospice shop between 21 November and 10 December can enter the online competition to win two tickets to one of Gin Wigmore's concerts that are part of the Classic Hits Winery Tour over February and March 2012. Winners will also receive backstage passes to meet the star as part of their prize.

All you need to do to enter is complete the entry form, scan or photograph it and upload to www.giveitup.co.nz along with a photo modeling the purchased Hospice item. Competition winners will be determined by the greatest number of "likes" on Facebook or You Tube.

Phase two officially begins on 21 November when Hospice shops will display the influx of designer and top labelled gear that has been donated.

There'll be something for every fashion and price conscious woman; from those who have grander tastes than their budget will allow; to those who love vintage or retro; to those who just want to create a totally unique style, all of their own.

And everyone knows how much women love clothes and getting them for a bargain is a bonus - but buying knowing you are helping a charity has to be the ultimate - it's guilt free shopping!

For more information and participating Hospice shops please log onto www.giveitup.co.nz

The horses and jockeys are waiting for the starting gun at tomorrow's Melbourne Cup but the celebrities have been getting in early as the fashion field jostle for the best run.

Celebrities have been flocking to Australia for the glamour race and many have already hit the Flemington course as the spring racing carnival reaches its zenith.

Burlesque performer Dita Von Teese has been adding some colour and style with a series of glamorous outfits, while Sex and the City's Sarah Jessica Park and reality TV stars Kim and Khloe Kardashian were expected trackside, Qantas flights permitting.

Liz Hurley and her fiance, Australian cricketer Shane Warne, are in town and expected to join the long list of stars tomorrow.

Models Jennifer Hawkins, Anthea Crebbin, Rebecca Judd, and social superstar Brynne Edelsten have already been seen on course, where the marquees for the royalty of popular culture are going to be more extravagant than before.

Mumm champagne brand manager Julien Marteau said: "It's all about people who excel at what they do, not celebrities for the sake of it."

Aerial ballet artist Leanne Kelly, known as "L'Ange de Mumm" or angel, will be suspended from the ceiling.

In "Millionaire's Row", the Emirates marquee is styled on St Petersburg's Catherine Palace with the Zhivago restaurant and powder room for ladies, and a Jo Malone perfume stylist demonstrating how to "accessorise" with 23 fragrances.

Myer's "Butterfly House" features fluttering laser-cut butterflies, to show off the "social butterflies".

At Swisse, stylish J'Aton designers Jacob Luppino and Anthony Pittorino designed a day-spa theme with sculpted horses dangling from the ceiling. Being a vitamin company, there are healthy cocktails with ginseng and spirulina but for those who end up tired and emotional from the bubbly, a gift on departure is Liver Detox tablets.

Lexus ambassador Jamie Durie created a "vertical garden installation" in the three-level marquee and VIPs won't have to endure a squishy train because they'll be chauffeured to and from the track.

Article source: www.stuff.co.nz

Kathryn Wilson is supporting young women's leadership at the YWCA Auckland with an VIP personal fitting auction that will be auctioned off to the highest bidder on Trade Me. The experience includes a VIP  shopping and  personal fitting experience at the Britomart show box with Kathryn Wilson herself, as well as a pair of Kathryn Wilson or Miss Wilson shoes up to the value of $300!

The YWCA is a society that has been empowering women to reach their full potential throughout New Zealand for 125 years and are part of a global network of women leading social and economic change in 125 counties worldwide. They continually work as a voice for women; lobbying and advocation on relevant issues. To find out more about the YWCA and how you could be involved visit www.akywca.org.nz

Show you support for the YWCA and make the Kathryn Wilson VIP personal fitting experience yours by bidding on the auction here.

Our hottest up and coming fashion design graduates will be on display, showcasing their collections to the public as part of their final year as a fashion student at this years AUT Rookie show. The event is to be held at Shed 10, Queens Wharf on November 11, 2011 with tickets available from Ticketmaster. This is one event not to be missed!

How gorgeous is Olivia Palermo's outfit! This is one girl that certainly knows how to dress and never ceases to amaze us with chic style.

What makes this look work so well is the way the colours tie in together and the contrasting textures complement each other. And with strappy heals and the sheer skirt she makes this look feminine.

I know who I will be turning to this spring for style inspiration!