Top Store - The Shelter

The Shelter Store must have ticked off everything on my perfect store list. A cafe, designer clothing, and an eclectic mix of homeware. Somewhere you can take the other half and feel quite comfortable ditching him for 20 minutes while you try gorgeous designer clothing on.

The Shelter has clearly been put together from people who have a passion and strong vision to create the ideal space it's customers. Not one inch or one piece of product looks like a compromise.

Located in what is now becoming the best part of Ponsonby shopping on Mackelvie Street, next to Lonely, Workshop and Deadly Ponies. ( there is a whole afternoons playing right here)

The Shelter Store has also just won Best Retail Section at the Interior Awards, and it's no surprise why.

The Shelter stocks a range of international designers Maison Martin Margiela, along with Danish designer, Barbara Gongini, Canadian jewellery designer Arielle de Pinto and local brands like Jimmy D, Monday's Child (from Christchurch). One of the Store owners is Vicki Taylor and the her brand  taylor is featured in the store. 

The Shelter also features a range of Homeware from the Foxes Den and Bikes from Tokyobike.

Find The Shelter at 78 Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby, Auckland.

Barkers Brings It

It is truly inspiring seeing a New Zealand Company not only emulating their international competitors but actually leading the way. Barkers Menswear Clothing has turned it's image around so much so in the last 18 months it hardly compares to it's former self. Known predominantly as "King of the Unisex Trackpant" (no I did not own a pair)

Barkers Newmarket Store Window in collaboration with Koko Classics

The edgey, rustic and homely feel they have given to their stores is even more impressive as this same aesthetic runs throughout the whole brand ethos, and even their websites, making the brand very cohesive and appealing.

Barkers Store Window

Whilst the garments feature all the signature and key pieces you would expect of a leading menswear brand, the added points of differences keep it trendy and fresh and the new completed stores are a pleasure to shop in.

The website has been impressively overhauled as well. But most of all we love that Barkers has worked with talented New Zealand Manufacturers for some amazing woollen blankets, leather products and knitwear... and that is something we absoltuely love. 

Shirt Bar at Barkers

See you soon Barkers.