Content created in partnership with Dress Smart
There are obvious reasons why we like visiting our local outlet centre. Aside from its convenience, and sense of community, the rising cost of living means shopping for a bargain feels like the only shopping we want to do these days.
For us, the biggest allure of Dress Smart Auckland is that you don’t know what gems you’ll find. Like that time Lara scored an adidas Jamaica football jersey designed by Wales Bonner for $42 - not the first time the mall has come up in our Nice Things series. Every time we make it out there - even on the busiest Sundays - we return to the office on Monday bragging about our bargains. It’s an underrated fashion destination - and here are ten reasons why we love it.
1. It has all the mall classics. Is it a trip to the mall if you’re not armed with a giant bubble tea? Start your trip with a caffeine hit from Gong Cha - the iced Japanese matcha with milk foam and the grapefruit green tea (with lychee pearls!) are team favourites. Bubble tea in hand, head to Vina Nail Studio on Arthur Street for a gel mani - they do amazing nail art if you need a fun pick-me-up.
2. You can stock up on the basics. A visit to the Bendon outlet and the Calvin Klein store is a must - if not for the comfy bralettes and seamless underwear, then for the life-size posters of Jeremy Allen White (JK). There are always ridiculously good deals (like three pairs of Calvin Klein underwear for $40) so you can stock up on all the basics you love. If we’re feeling generous, we’ll check in with the males in our lives to see if they need a new pair too. Bed Bath N’ Table have excellent deals on sleepwear - we found luxurious hotel-style bathrobes (the plush terry cloth kind) for under $60.
3. It’s serving tennis-core. If watching Zendaya in Challengers hasn’t inspired you to pick up a tennis racket, surely you’ve been tempted by the preppy fashion. Visit the Lacoste outlet for the cute polos, pleated miniskirts and tennis dresses in every colour (including Ensemble purple!) and Coach for sporty luxe sneakers and bags. On the jewellery front, we have spotted some classic tennis bracelets and necklaces at Michael Hill, akin to the shimmering versions Law Roach has styled Zendaya in for her press tour.
4. Also, corp-core. Chic and affordable workwear is everywhere at Dress Smart Auckland. We’re hitting Seed Heritage for elevated essentials, Max for quality merino knitwear and hard-working blazers at a bargain, and Cue for sheer layering tops and office-appropriate dresses. If you're shopping for unisex styles, we’ve found simple 100% merino jumpers at Working Style for under $200. Then there’s House of G. Glassons may have changed a lot since we were teens hanging out at the mall, but it’s still a rewarding visit. Where else can you find the perfect white singlet, cat eye sunglasses for $10 and fun claw clips to add to the collection?
5. And gorp-core. Ok, this is the last TikTok style trend we promise! High-tech outerwear lovers, get ready to find some gold. Those Merrell Hydro Mocs all the cool influencers (including Julia Fox) were spotted running around in between Fashion Weeks? You’ll find them at the Merrell outlet on sale. The North Face has endless options of puffers and Gore Tex jackets for streetwear drip at a discount. Also of note, the lightweight New Balance Rainers in suede were massively on sale the last time we looked. Last but not least, you’ll find hi-tech watches for a bargain to finish the look.
6. Fitspo attire. As fashion girlies, workout gear is not something we want to spend a lot of money on, but obviously aesthetics matter. There are always some cool retro-inspired colourways to be found at New Balance and adidas at a bargain, and great deals on sports bras and yoga gear at Lorna Jane.
7. Cross off the admin. Have you been meaning to replace your cracked phone screen protector for literally six months? Same. Pop in to Mobile Planet and get that sorted for less than $20. Other life admin things to tick off the list: clothing alterations at The Tailor or even getting a spare key cut at Hi-5 Services.
8. Little treats. Come 3pm, our stomachs are growling for a sweet treat. Tucked away in the corner of the mall we found Taste Cafe’s Portuguese-style egg tarts with a buttery, flaky crust that we love almost as much as Bella Baxter in Poor Things.
9. All are welcome. At Dress Smart Auckland you’ll always see a diverse crowd: in cultures, ethnicities, size, age, and gender. This is reflected not only in the inclusive clothing and footwear sizing, but in the variety of eateries on offer too: from Chinese dim sum at Fong Kee, to Indian curries at Spice Traders, Japanese donburi at Katsubi and Turkish-style Kebabs on Queen.
10. It’s a solid rainy day activity. Even if the only thing you leave with is a tummy full of bubble tea and custard tart, killing a few hours on a rainy day with some people watching and window-shopping is always a good vibe - plus you get your steps in.
Dress Smart Auckland is located at 151 Arthur St, Onehunga. For more information check out dress-smart.co.nz and follow them on Instagram
