We know how much you love a genuine, personal recommendation - and what better recommendation is there than someone spending their own, hard-earned cash on that something special? Each month we look back on our bank statements to see what nice things we’ve bought ourselves and enjoyed. Like these below!
Sweet treats from local bakers
I’ve been obsessed with old-school, kitschy decorative cakes for a long time (they inspired by wedding cake), but found it hard to find them locally outside of cake shops in the suburbs. Of course trends always come back around, and now there are various Auckland-based Instagram cake makers who are offering these twee sweets. Like Zi! The Auckland-based bakery was served to me as an ad on Instagram (thank you algorithm), and I immediately ordered a pink and red heart-shaped treat; no occasion, just because.
The result was this dream cake that looked like it belonged in a cartoon. I have to be honest, I stared at it for a long time before I could plunge a knife into it. It has a lot of icing, and so is very sweet (even for my sweet tooth), but I highly recommend.
My other favourite local sweet spot right now is Atelier Shu in Parnell, a small but charming spot that serves dainty pastries and tarts. If you’re lucky, they’ll have the seasonal Japanese style strawberry shortcake on offer. - Zoe Walker Ahwa
Kate Sylvester beaded necklace, $129
I was inspired to get this necklace, in candy pink, after reading Tyson’s accessories edit, where she described the green version as serving “Marge Simpson chic, gumballs and Harry Styles”. What else could you want? I like that it’s a cartoonish take on the classic pearl necklace; it also has an unexpected iridescent finish. (Note: model Tia Woods is wearing two layered here) - ZWA
Kowtow black T-shirt, $79
I stand by my assertion that Kowtow does the best white T-shirts, and they’re also very good in black. The ‘Classic Tee’ is made from a mid-weight organic cotton jersey which feels nice to wear, but it’s the cut of the sleeves and the crop that I like most about this style. I’ve always tended to stay away from black T-shirts as I think they give me flashbacks to my West Auckland childhood, but this has me convinced to give them a go again. (I also bought the brand’s maths book grid print dress with frills and oversized collar; a piece that I had been waiting to land in store all season) - ZWA
Wynn Hamlyn chunky vest, $395
This vest is proving the ultimate transeasonal and multi functional piece in my wardrobe. It’s so easy to throw on over a slip dress to make an outfit more autumnal (or a little more casual if need be) and of course I’ll layer it up more as the weather cools. I saw a young guy wearing it at the Grey Lynn Market, with faded jeans and a white tee and it looked amazing. I might have to keep it away from my eldest son! - Rebecca Wadey
Facial from Āla Skin, $179
This is a nice thing I bought for someone else, not myself. But I just saw it when going through my bank account to write this and thought ‘I want one of those too!’ I bought this for a work colleague who got stuck with a big work project when I got Covid. Christel from Ala has such a wonderful attitude about skin and beauty that really resonates with me. Plus she’s now based out of Tonic Room in Kingsland which is one of my favourite places to browse, dream and spend. - RW
Apostle Mango, turmeric and ginger hot sauce, $12
I’ve been trying to temper my desire to support the local hospitality industry with my desire to not bankrupt myself. No easy feat when you work in Ponsonby. I’m very proud that I ‘ve been bringing my lunch more often than not lately, and this yummy mango hot sauce, made in Paekakariki, makes last night's leftovers a little less saddo. - RW
Elle + Riley cedar blocks, $25 for a pack of three
My flat is currently being besieged by pantry moths. My poor flatmate lost an entire afternoon to a deep pantry clean out and our kitchen currently houses no less than four extremely ugly yellow traps ($6.30 for a pack of two from Bunnings) but they appear to have been only emboldened. I'm willing to give them the kitchen as long as they promise to stay away from my cashmere jumpers. These cedar blocks from Elle + Riley supposedly act as a natural moth repellent, they smell lovely and at this point I’ll try anything. - Tyson Beckett
Alexa Chung ‘Cosy Town’ cardigan, $330
I'm a longtime Alexa Chung superfan but hadn't actually purchased anything from her fashion line. So when it was announced the brand would be wrapping up at the end of March I knew it was now or never. A 'Cosy Town' cardigan is now on its way to me so I can show my face in the fan club again.
Next on my list, once the moth's are under control of course, is a custom made mohair knit from local brand Dorothy.
