Standard Issue has held a very dear place in my heart since I spent way too much of my student loan in the brand’s long-closed Kitchener St store in the ‘90s.

Having finally paid off said loan last year (the one bright spot of 2020), it seems a fortuitous time for the local heritage brand to announce it's opening a new flagship store.

Standard Issue opens in Auckland’s Newmarket on April 9, and to celebrate is offering Ensemble Members an exclusive 20% discount in store and online from Thursday April 8 - Sunday April 11. Become a Member by clicking here, and receive access to this fantastic offer.

(For more on our value-laden membership program that helps fund our work and offers discounts, VIP access and events in return, click here)

Opening in time to ensure we enjoy a cosy warm winter, the Standard Issue Newmarket boutique will bring to life the brand’s core values of regenerative agriculture, sustainability and circular, no-waste fashion.

All many of us have wanted to do for the past year is cocoon ourselves in soft knitwear, and here we can do so knowing that every piece of merino, cashmere, alpaca, and cotton has been ethically sourced and lovingly handled.

Herewith, some of our favourite pieces that we’ll be considering shopping on opening weekend.‍

Alpaca coat in peppercorn $499 ($399.20 for Ensemble Members)

We’re very fond of a sweater blanket; something soft and cosy we can wrap ourselves in whenever we need a warm embrace. Even better when it doubles as luxurious outerwear. ‍

Merino hat in lavender $69 ($55.20 for Ensemble Members)

This practical-yet-cute beanie has a ‘90s vibe, and this shade of lavender will brighten up any day.‍

Balance track pants in amethyst $369 ($295.20 for Ensemble Members)

We attended a yoga class to mark the launch of Standard Issue’s new Balance range recently and couldn’t get over how cosy these cotton cashmere pants looked to work out in. But we’d just as happily wear them to work.‍

V-neck slouchy in marble $219 ($175.20 for Ensemble Members)

Because you can never have too many slouchy V-necks in your wardrobe. We’d wear this layered up and maybe even tucked for a great workwear look, then let it all hang out on the weekends.‍

Funnel neck jumper in blue sky $349 ($279.20 for Ensemble Members)

Because this pop of colour will help with the Seasonal Affective Disorder we’re inevitably going to get this winter.‍

Cashmere cropped sweater peppercorn $679 ($543.20 for Ensemble Members)

Hygge. The definition of.

Want to support the work we do and receive 20% off Standard Issue’s new range? Become an Ensemble Member by clicking here. ‍

Standard Issue opens in the Osborne Lane Precinct in Newmarket, Auckland on April 9