We know how much you love a genuine, personal recommendation, especially one we spent our own hard-earned cash on. 

This month we look back on our bank statements at the purchases that brought some joy to our mid-winter blues- a sartorial ode to fungi, something Barbiecore, a trusty footwear staple and more…

Mezcla by Ixta Belfrage, $64

I learnt how to make Biang Biang noodles via Ixta's Instagram during lockdown and I've never felt more accomplished in the kitchen, they’re easy and delicious (they’re in her story highlights). I emailed Unity Books to pre-order Mezcla, her first solo cookbook, the day she announced it like a true stan. I'm already working on convincing my family to add her roasted Strawberry, Cinnamon and Chipotle Chocolate Layer Cake to our Christmas table. - Tyson Beckett

Rodarte oversize tie-dye mushroom T-shirt, $240 US

I’m a little embarrassed about this impulse purchase as I usually try to buy local and this is, well, a T-shirt. That said, the Mulleavy sisters are independent artists who deserve to make a living from their art as much as anyone. Plus I’m an absolute sucker for mushrooms. I have iterations of them powdered in my morning smoothie and on toast; I also highly recommend the mushroom sandwich at newish Auckland spot Swings. I really wanted the Rodarte mushroom cape as worn by Kiwi model Jordan Daniels at NYFW so really I’m saving money with the T-shirt. -Rebecca Wadey

Dip Candles charcoal dip claw candle, $30

I’m obsessed with these witches' claw beeswax candles, handmade in the Wairarapa by Alice Bourdôt (who also runs the cutest bar & restaurant Mesita in Martinborough with her chef partner Hayden). I opened the box as soon as they arrived and was hit with the most delicious waft of mānuka honey. I’m a hoarder of fancy candles, but I haven’t seen anything quite like Alice’s whimsical one-off creations. - Lara Daly

Vans slip on sneakers, $120

I’ve worn these for years, both plain black and checkerboard, but it was time to finally get a fresh pair this month. I’d been targeted by a TikTok video about elder millennials binning their Vans for comfy New Balance (cringe), and was almost influenced by a comment that recommended Vans’ Comfycush styles for those with aching ‘older’ bodies. But it was seeing Mary Kate Olsen enter the Balenciaga after party in Paris wearing a dirty scuffed white pair that really did it for me. I got black, again, but the next pair will be white like MK. - Zoe Walker Ahwa

Parra pink signature logo drink bottle, $50 (on sale)

I'm not proud of spending $50 on a plastic water bottle this month, but anything that encourages me to exercise in the middle of winter I'm calling a health investment. I love the Barbie goes to the Olympics vibe - artist Piet Parra did design the Nike team uniforms for the skateboarding Olympics, so that part checks out. It's also giving Kath Day Knight on her way to Squash practice - a mood I’m trying to channel on my morning power walks around Grey Lynn park in my $8 purple windbreaker. - LD

Loco Love black cherry raspberry chocolate with schisandra, $7

Schisandra is an adaptogen that also serves to promote sleep and support your liver. So this is practically a health food. I’m a dark chocolate addict (milk chocolate and oat milk chocolate are not my jam) and this is so deliciously rich and lush - if you’ve spent all your money on a T-shirt and can’t afford to go out for a nice meal it still feels like a special treat. - RW