Seconds of Style #49: Puma Social Club - Video Arcade with Cocktails

I felt like I spent Saturday night in a different country. As I stepped out of the cab into Wynyard Quarter, the city felt far more metropolitan than I have come to expect of Auckland. The bars with their rustic-chic boat shed feel and open waterfront view, stretched along a softly lit esplanade that buzzed with people and life. The area feels 'cool' and not in a "we're so desperate for something new in Auckland that we'll take anything" kind of way. Downtown Auckland finally feels like a space to proud of.

Feeling excited about the city's newness, I was upping the expectation level in my mind as we headed across the road to the PUMA Social Club. I was not disappointed. As we got closer to the warehouse that houses the PUMA Social Club and steped inside, the space opened up into a pinball shooting, beer pong playing, air hockey slamming, fast food frying, ring-a-ding-dinging entertainment paradise for adults.

The PUMA Social Club is essentially a video arcade with cocktails. No frozen coke on the menu here. Guests were served Jägermeister mules, Red Bull mixes and Mojo Fizz. Burger Fuel served up mini Chook Royals, Pumpkin Koftas and Spud Fries with Aioli.

The Sweet Mix Kids played nostalgic tunes mixed with modern beats in perfect harmony with the arcade bells and whistles. The ping pong tables were a huge hit, as was the beer pong - which I now realise is an art form - and the deer hunting game in the Jägermeister corner.

Open to the public as of this Thursday, Sep 15th, entry is free. I highly recommend you check it out, it's fun, it's new and it's in our City!

FOR MORE INFO: http://www.puma.com/social/events/puma-social-club-new-zealand-917

Jägermeister Corner - Stag Head on a living wall

Beer Pong - Not as easy as it looks

Seconds of Style #42: Karen Walker Raises the Flag

The flagship store has been a standard concept in international retail for years. For me, Topshop on Oxford St in Central London is the epitome of flagship - the collections are the most current, there is more to shop than just own brand and the retail experience is interactive.With the recent opening of Glassons' Flagship on Broadway and Karen Walkers fresh new Flagship store, Playpark, on Nuffield St, I am thrilled that this concept is being explored in NZ. Karen Walker opened her extended Newmarket space yesterday, it houses Karen Walker label of course, a selection of Topshop clothing, footwear and cosmetics, Hunter Wellington Boots and more. The feel is a bit boutique and a bit department store. There is plenty for the eye to wander across and although it's not quite Topshop flagship a leap has been made and for an Auckland girl, it's exciting!

My favorite Karen Walker collection to date

Seconds of Style #22: Ponsonby Rd Welcomes the Delightful Miss Starnes

Myself and the lady of the evening, Ingrid Starnes. Ingrid wears Miss Crabb Dress and her own Silk Lace Cami

Signature print Ingrid Starnes accessories

A fellow photographer, I love the floral/stripe combo

The Boys looking dapper

The label makes it's mark on Ponsonby Road

Myself wearing Ingrid Starnes Bustier, Zara Shorts and Vintage Jacket, my gorgeous sister wearing Ingrid Starnes Cream Pleat Dress and Silk Lace Cami,

Julia Wetzel wearing Ingrid Starnes Lace Bustier under a powder blue tee - a very dreamy combo

Last night both Ponsonby Road and Auckland's fashionistas welcomed new designer Ingrid Starnes with open arms and full glasses of Champagne. Taking her first well heeled steps into retail during her third season, Ingrid Starnes has opened a 'store within a store' in the exposed brick, warehouse style space that is home to well established Auckland label, Miss Crabb. Divided into two sections, the shop took on a department store feel offering a fresh dynamic to the retail experience. The two collections, although uniquely different, blended seamlessly in the space complimenting one anothers feminine draping silks and blushes of colour. The racks were well dressed, the guests were well dressed and the cocktails a sweet shade of baby pink. I can't wait to see this collaboration grow and evolve over the next few months.

Seconds of Style #16: Grey Lynn Park Festival

The day was Grey Lynn Park Festival and the look was all about summer denim. There were cut offs galore, some shorter and some longer but all distressed, vintage and customised. Thrown in the mix were bohemian vintage dresses, cute prints and an array of girly headgear. Here is a little selection of the day. My favourite look is the breton stripes with vintage cut offs and ruby red slippers.

My favourite look of the day. Effortless and cool.