Category Archives: Fashion

SmartBuyGlasses – Floral Frames for Spring

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As ever London seems to be teasing us with a taste of Spring. The blossom is out and the sun’s occasional appearance means there is an excuse to buy yourself a seasonal pair of sunglasses and a new bikini. SmartBuyGlasses are my go to website for the cheapest designer glasses and contact lenses, and this year they are showcasing a range of pretty floral frames to get you in the mood for warmer weather.

With over 30,000 pairs of designer sunglasses to choose from there are styles to suit all, and with their shopping guides and Virtual Try On feature, SmartBuyGlasses help you find the right pair quicker than any other site. I love the unique collections from Woodys Barcelona, Matsuda and Adidas Originals, as well as classics from Ray-Ban, Prada and Tom Ford. 

These sophisticated Dolce & Gabbana frames have a lovely light pattern that will look great with a tan. The feminine shape will compliment a pretty Springtime look, and the good quality frames will outlast the sunshine.

Maui Jim Silk Orginals

Make your sunglasses more effective than ever with the SmartBuyGlasses prescription lenses, which are anti-scratch, anti-reflective and UV protective. Or if you prefer, wear contacts with the normal lenses to give you versatility in temperamental weather. I love these Maui Jim Silk frames with floral arms, great for men or women.

For a sportier look, go for a pair of Adidas Originals with wacky tropical floral design. These casual frames will look great for a game of volleyball on the beach or for sundowners in the city. Priced at just £81.95 on SmartBuyGlasses, they are as affordable as they are chic.

SmartBuyGlasses have the largest selection of designer eyewear online, and you can trust that their collections are always up to date with the season’s latest trends. Shop online now here.

Where to Eat, Drink and Shop in Auckland

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On first look Auckland is ugly and uninspiring, but discover the hidden corners of creativity and you will have a great time. I particularly loved Ponsonby, an up-and-coming hipster neighbourhood with characterful coffee shops, independent fashion boutiques and forward-thinking eateries.

To Stay

The Langham Auckland – Despite its grandeur and prestige the pretty-in-pink Langham has rooms that are affordable yet luxurious. While you are staying treat yourself to the delectable Afternoon Tea in the Palm Court.

To Eat

Coco’s Cantina – a characterful and welcoming Italian restaurant in Ponsonby. This little neighbourhood eatery was opened in 2009 by two sisters and has become one of Auckland’s most popular dinner spots. The menu offers comforting rustic pasta dishes and homely meat and fish recipes.

Burger Burger – there are two branches of this celebrated burger chain in Auckland. I visited the small outlet in Ponsonby Central, and tried a classic beef burger. Made with Savannah Grass-fed local beef, a secret patty mix, mayo, mustard, tomato jam and homemade pickles, it was a juicy and flavoursome burger, finished within minutes.

Orphan’s Kitchen – the recipient of numerous awards Orphan’s Kitchen delivers on all accounts. The décor is simple and stylish and the food is innovative and delicious. On the first Tuesday of every month they hold a ‘test kitchen’ with a four course set menu to experiment with new recipes.

Geeks on Sainsbury – A recent addition to the food scene in Auckland, GOS is already a favourite with hipsters living nearby. The coffee is supplied by Wellington Roasters Red Rabbit. I sat outside and enjoyed a seriously good brunch and can recommend the BLT ‘best ugly’ bagel with chunky bacon hock, or if you feel like something sweet order the freshly made banana and granola waffles.

To Drink

Golden Dawn – often the most inconspicuous bars serve up the best drinks. This is true of Golden Dawn, the black run down corner shop in Ponsonby… open the front door to reveal the top cocktail bar in town. Try a ‘La Traviata’ cocktail from their winter menu, made with an alluring mix of Saffron gin, lemon, homemade raspberry & rose syrup and cardamom tincture spray.

Camper Coffee – serving up, without doubt, the best coffee in Auckland this tiny hole in the wall in the Newmarket district of town is a must for coffee lovers. I tasted a delicious flat white made by Lee with Rocket beans, strong but smooth, creamy and rich.

The Return of Rad – this trendy café opened in 2014 and is great for brunch or just for a good cup of coffee (using a house blend of Flight beans). The family-run venue is found in Mt Eden Village and is always busy thanks to the friendly atmosphere.

To Shop

Deadly Ponies – perhaps the most prominent designer to come out of New Zealand in recent years, Deadly Ponies (by Liam Bowden) presents high quality leather handbags and purses. All the products are cut and sewn in the heart of New Zealand, and are made to last. The deer nappa leather is soft and durable, and the accessories come in a range of timeless styles and colours.

Miss Crabb – Kristine Crabb designs and creates beautiful and ethereal silk garments. Choose from the range in store or order a bespoke, unique piece. When in store look out for the Curio Noir scented candles in hand blown glass vessels.

Commoners – Founder and designer Jae Mills created the NZ-based label Commoners in 2009. He aims to offer a clean unbranded range of luxe wardrobe staples. 

Everyday Needs – a little boutique stocked full of homeware, stationery and other practical aesthetic items from around the world, with a particular focus on Japanese products. Carefully curated by Katie Lockhart, it is a treasure trove of goodies for collectors.

To Escape

Waiheke Island – Just 35 minutes away by ferry this idyllic region has beautiful golden sand beaches, art galleries to enjoy and plenty of excellent local wine to try.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled around New Zealand with the Kiwi Experience, find out information here.

Things to do in Portland

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The recent satirical TV series Portlandia portrays this Northwest American city as a hippy hangout where the ‘young go to retire’. A community of bicycle-riding, source-obsessed eaters; a bunch of liberal creatives who spend their days reading niche novels and making music. I’m pleased to report that in reality it is pretty accurate interpretation, but there is much more learn about this characterful city.

To stay

Ace Portland – The hotel that everyone wants to stay at in Portland. The standard room I called home was decorated with great vintage artifacts, stocked with Malin + Goetz toiletries and Wings & Horn dressing gowns. Enjoy fresh cookies from Maurice (a nearby cafe) on arrival and make sure you pop into the lobby photobooth for a black & white snapshot of your stay. If you are not lucky enough to be sleeping here, visit the hip café and cocktail bar Clyde Common for a happy hour snack, or stop-by Stumptown Coffee Roasters for your morning caffeine boost.

To eat

Beast – Brunch is the most popular meal of the day in Portland, and it is at Naomi Pomeroy’s Beast that the ultimate four-course brunch banquet is served. She originally ran an underground supperclub called ‘Family Supper’ before opening Beast in September 2007, one of the first on the fine dining establishments in Portland. Despite the finesse and artistry of the food here, the communal dining room has a comfortable Farmhouse chic feel. It was, without a doubt, my favourite meal in the Portland.

Ava Gene’s – setup by the founders of Stumptown Coffee this neighbourhood restaurant serves a menu of delicious Italian fare, and has won numerous awards since opening in 2013. Highlights for me were the bread topped with nduja, zucchini and lilies and the Sagna Riccia pasta with pork ragu and peppers.

Pok Pok – this Thai mecca by chef Andy Ricker began its life as a food cart and now has eight venues including two outposts in New York and two in LA. I visited the first eatery in SE Division and devoured a selection of treats from the menu. Don’t miss the legendary fish sauce chicken wings.

Salt and Straw – this ice-cream phenomenon was founded by cousins Kim and Tyler Malek in 2011 and has grown enormously since thanks to its successful innovative flavours. Try the truly unique and surprisingly tasty pear and blue cheese flavour.

Voodoo Doughnuts and Blue Star Donuts – everyone has their favourite donut place in Portland. For indulgent novelty cult donuts queue up with the crowds at Voodoo and order a bacon – maple bar (topped with a real rasher of crispy bacon). Foodies may prefer the more sophisticated Blue Star which offers culinary concoctions like the blueberry, bourbon and basil.

Food carts – in the short time I spent in Portland I managed to sample quite a few of the plentiful food carts. These are a few of my favourites with their signature dish:

Pyro Pizza – fennel sausage, basil and oregano pizza, with cherry phosphate soda

El Taco Yucateco – speciality panuchos

Dump Truck – Mr. Ma’s Special (pork dumplings) and Bacon Cheeseburger dumplings

Wolf + Bear’s – falafel wrap

Nong’s Khao Man Gai – poached chicken and rice

To drink

Stumptown Coffee – If you travel down the West Coast of America you will find Stumptown coffee beans in many of the best coffee shops and hotels. The brand was born in Portland over 15 years ago and the Ace Hotel are privileged to have a Stumptown coffee shop adjoined to the lobby. The coffee is wonderfully smooth and flavoursome, definitely the best I tried in Portland.

Coava coffee – the moment you walk into one of the huge Coava warehouse spaces you can see this team are experts in their field. Pouring precise cups of complex flavoured beans you will always get a great coffee in this speciality café.

Heart Coffee – this independent café is a favourite coffee stop with locals. They provided me with the perfect pick-me-up after lunch, a lovely strong but balanced flat white.

Angelface – this cute little bar has hand painted flowers on the walls and is always full… we were lucky to find a few empty seats. Open for dinner, but known more for their tailormade cocktails (there is no menu). Sit at the central bar to watch the bartenders at work.

Clyde Common – Connected to Ace Hotel this cocktail bar is a must especially at happy hour (3-6pm) when a selection of cocktails are just $6 each. I loved the Spelling Bee (reposado tequila, agave syrup, absinthe, bitters, grapefruit peel). If you are feeling peckish order a tasty Clyde Common Burger.

To do

Evergreen Escapes – I highly recommend booking a city tour towards the start of your trip to Portland, it is a brilliant way to understand the city culture and get your bearings. Everygreen Escapes offer the ‘Explore Portland’ tour, a three and a half hour trip through the eclectic neighbourhoods of the city. A few of the highlights were the stops at Pittock Mansion, The International Rose Test Garden and Mount Tabor Park.

Food Cart Tours – It is no secret that one of Portland’s most obvious attributes is its thriving food cart scene. Local foodie Brett Burmeister has been offering comprehensive and exclusive tours since 2008, giving an insight into the history of the food carts and tastes from four of his favourite vendors.

Fingerbang – this fabulously wacky nail bar opened in the last few months and is already revolutionising the nails of Portland’s coolest kids. Open 12-12, make a booking with super talented Asa, and let her adorn your nails with her imaginative ideas.

Brick and Mortar – a trendy new barber set up following the dissipation of the popular Modern Man salon. Ask for owner Mikey or Calen and let them restyle your hair so you fit in with the Portland crowd.

To shop

Frances May – a chic modern boutique with a carefully curated selection of designer clothes and accessories for men and women. Started up by a very stylish grandmother and granddaughter.

Nike Factory Store – Nike began its life in Oregon, just outside of Portland in 1964. So their factory outlet store is one of the best places to pick up a Nike bargain. Items can be up to 70% off the original shop price.

Milk Milk Lemonade – I loved this quiet little shop in South-East Portland. It is the work studio of OLO Fragrance, a lovely range of perfumes made by shop owner, Heather Sielaff. The most famous scents are Lightening Paw and Bark Wave, though my favourite was Valens.

To Escape

Multnomah Falls – If you fancy venturing out of town, the amazing Multnomah Waterfall is just 20 minutes’ drive from Portland and entry is free. The fall is 190 metres tall, surrounded by beautiful forest. Admire from the ground or take a short walk up to Benson Bridge for a closer view.