With the season’s warmth and festivities around us, the bustling precinct of Newmarket comes alive with a myriad of stylish possibilities and gift inspirations. Being an authority on what’s trending in women’s fashion, beauty and lifestyle, here at FQ we adore beautiful material things. And as ‘convenient’ online shopping has been in the past, shipping costs, delays, and the back-and-forthness with returns has left us jaded. There’s nothing we flock to faster than a stylish flagship or decadently decked out department store – especially at this time of year. When you head to Newmarket you have every option at your disposal: the quaint Teed Street and Osbourne Lane, the bustling Broadway drag, the Westfield’s mecca of retail and hospitality, you can even swing into New World nestled beyond the shaded Nuffield Street to get those last-minute ingredients. There are stores for the partners, for children, for the grandparents, the secret santa at work – you name it. You really do have everything within arm’s reach. And better still, this year you can be in to win your wishlist with a share of over $20,000 in prizes.
For FQ editor-in-chief Sarah Murray and art director Georgia Bramley, Newmarket is sacred place and keeper of precious memories growing up. So, which items are on our editors’ wishlists this season?
Continue reading below…
Sarah Murray, editor-in-chief
“I have always loved wandering around Newmarket. Ever since I was a kid it was our special place to go shopping. Now, with the mall as well as the bustling side streets there are so many incredible places to shop. When it comes to Christmas shopping, it literally covers everything. I often take a day to myself with a long list of presents for a wide range of people, and I can get it all ticked off in Newmarket. In fact, the only problem I ever have with shopping in the precinct, is that I find far too many things that I need (or want!) for myself.”
1. Rebe Strapless Long Dress, $595 from Muse Boutique. 2. Tom Ford Cafe Rose Eau de Parfum, $244 from David Jones. 3. Gucci Lame Papier Hat, $1080. 4. RUBY Cece bodice, $189 and pants, $229. 6. Yu Mei Teresa Tote, $1995. . Saint Laurent Goldie Heels, $1730. 7. Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015 by Paola Paronetto, $POE from David Jones. 8. Guerlain Abeille Royale Honey Treatment Night Cream, $322 from David Jones.
Georgia Bramley, art director
“Newmarket has long been my go-to shopping destination. I have fond memories of weekends spent shopping at the 277 with mum or hanging out in the food court on my school lunch breaks. I adore the convenience of being able to pop in for a nail appointment, enjoy a meal, and explore the diverse range of stores. With its recent makeover, Newmarket is the ultimate one-stop-shop for Christmas shopping and splurging on a few stylish pieces for the season ahead. Every time I visit, there seems to be something new and exciting going on. It never misses a beat.”
1. RUBY Cameron Dress, $349. 2. The Facialist Ice Globes, $79 from Superette. 3. Le Labo Santal 33, $417 from Mecca Cosmetica. 4. Zoe and Morgan Goldie Sword Edge Band, $1200. 5. Matteau Asymmetric Malliot in black, $395 from Muse Boutique. 6. Assouline Villleggiatura Italian Summer Vacation, $185 David Jones. 7. Aesop Istros Aromatique Room Spray, $87. 8. Toteme The flip-flop heel, $649 from Fabric.
Louise Dunn, digital editor
“As I slowly switch out my much-loved winter garments for some lighter, more festive summer pieces , Newmarket is such a great starting (and ending) point to fill in the gaps because it has so many New Zealand and international designers all in one place. Plus, it has the beautifully curated stores combining, fashion, beauty and homewares together, making it easy to collect a few gifts to pop under the tree as I go. Oh, and don’t get me started on the options for mid-shopping lunch. No good purchase decision was ever made on an empty stomach.”
1. Maison Balzac Bordeux Wine Glasses, $349 from Superette. 2. Stolen Girlfriends Club Ziggy Tough Guy Shirt, $299. 3. Bottega Veneta Eyewear BV2285S, $789 from Superette. 4. Le Creuset Cast Iron Round Casserole with. gold lid, $850. 5. RUBY Flora Grace Belt, $179. 6. Sunnup Terra Outdoor Mat, $249 from Father Rabbit Select. 7. Deadly Ponies Kaze High Top Boot, $769. 8. Diptique Cotton Scented Candle, $81 from Mecca Cosmetica.
Amberley Colby, editorial assitant
“Whenever the festive season rolls around, Newmarket is always my first port of call to get my shopping done. Not only does it have a fabulous range of fashion brands to peruse when I want to indulge in a bit of retail therapy for myself, but it’s a great location for ticking off all my Christmas gifting. My Newmarket wishlist this year comprises a selection of sartorial pieces for myself to wear to upcoming events, amongst an array of must-have gifting picks for my nearest and dearest.”
1. Pared Eyewear Hazed sunglasses $299, Superette. 2. Pfeiffer Fenton Twist Dress, $435 from father Rabbit Select. 3. Tom Ford Cherry Smoke EDP 50ml, $640 Mecca Cosmetica. 4. Nespresso Vertuo Advent Calendar, $85. 5. Harris Tapper Sarah Mini Skirt, $499 from Muse Boutique. 6. Aje Temperance Scrunch Sequin Bag, $510. 7. Rebe Bucket Hat in Taupe, $200 from Muse Boutique. 8. Prada Patent-leather Slingback Pumps, $1960.