A Very Short Guide To Shopping in Wellington
[ 15 April 2007 ]
“Ms Darling,Next weekend I am off to Wellington for the first time ever. As well as joining you for afternoon tea, I plan on celebrating my trip with a pair of far-too-expensive jeans (and possibly a fantastic new coat). I know nothing about the stores in Wellington however. What are some shops you would recommend for a girl after her designer-fix?”
Before I respond, let it be known that I haven’t set foot in Wellington for over a year, so it is quite possible that a multitude of new places have sprung up. However, I have the utmost faith in the Wellingtonians who read this, & I am sure they will be able to provide you with a lot of help in the comments!
My best denim experiences — which have bordered on the religious — have always happened at Area 51, on the corner of Dixon St & Cuba Mall. From my knowledge, they have a wide selection of stock & sizes. My faaaaaaavourite pair of jeans, by Sass & Bide, were purchased there.
My advice when it comes to buying jeans — if you need it — is to always buy good quality. I once purchased a pair of Lee jeans (ugh, I rue the day), which fit like a glove when I bought them. However, after a couple of months they had stretched so much that they looked ridiculous. I threw them away. You really do get what you pay for, so (unfortunately) I would always advise you to spend as much as you can on denim. (The good stuff lasts forever.)
I have to admit that most of my wardrobe was bought in Wellington. I grew up there (18 years of hard time!) & I visit (read: shop there) regularly. My absolute favourite shops are: Starfish (128 Willis Street), World (98 Victoria Street), Workshop (Corner Customhouse Quay & Hunter Street) & Ricochet (Old Bank Arcade). Their staff are fantastic, the clothing is exceptional (both in quality & design), & you will always, always be pleased by your purchase. I cannot recommend these places highly enough.
Kirkcaldie & Stains, often referred to as Kirks, is on Lambton Quay & is Wellington’s only department store these days (I miss the days of James Smiths!). They have a M.A.C. counter (hooray!), as well as a good selection of hosiery & underwear.
You’ll also find Frutti & Spacesuit on Cuba Street, & they’re worth checking out. They often have interesting stock but the quality can be very hit-or-miss, so make sure you’re paying what it’s worth. If you’re after strange secondhand pieces, spend some time browsing the racks at Ziggurat & Hunters & Collectors (both on Cuba Street).
If you want something truly beautiful (& expensive), have a look in Scotties — 4 Blair Street — stockists of Issey Miyake, Comme Des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto, Dries Van Noten etc.!
Other advice for Wellington:
Bring warm clothing (a hat, coat & scarf at the very least)
Make sure you sample the hundreds of cafes (my favourites were Fidel’s, Midnight Espresso & Espressoholic)
Beware the emo kids! ;>
Good luck with your shopping, & I’m looking forward to meeting you!
Super-love & cupcakes,
Gala
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Thank you so much! I plan on dropping around $1000 into the Wellington economy so the advice will be so helpful.
I will admit that I am scared that I’ll be the only person at your afternoon tea who isn’t an old friend, but 2007 is my year of going outside my comfort zone and I’ve enjoyed myself so far!
Don’t sweat it babycakes! There are going to be plenty of people there who I have never met before, but who know each other in a roundabout way! The good thing is that this website seems to attract really awesome, positive people… so I’m sure it will be a great experience!
Hey Amy,
I’m planning to go, and I don’t know anyone else going (although I recently realised that I may have met Ms Darling once a long long time ago….)
Good to know there is others in the same boat. The only person I know in Wellington is my brother, who has lived there all of 3 weeks, so I don’t have anyone to drag along with me
I had to say even though it may be advertising ( eep sorry ! ) that at nzgirl we have the most amazing micheal pattison coats in store ..
I think Lucky brand jeans are the best, though at around 190 a pop they’re not that popular. I think I got mine at Just Jeans, even. But definitely try lots of pairs on. I have two pairs, both mid-rise cause I’m a belly girl – “Sweet ‘n low” bought in Welly and then I picked up a “Classic hipster” pair in NYC. They’re awesome!
oh an article dedicated to jeans would be so great! I have finally got a few pairs but they are all good with chucks etc… I really need to find a pair that look good with heels. I like styles that are the skinny side of boot legs… anyone have good shopping suggestions?
oh and I am in Wellington :)