A series in the fashionable Napier CBD
Activities
One winter’s day, one of the CBD’s resident fashion lovers, Lizzie Russell, explores the chilly season’s
offerings around town, and finds some sweet surprises amidst the layers and knits.
Print your own at Emporium Streetwear
That cool-looking store next-to and in the same building as Georgia on Tennyson? It’s a treasure trove of band and auto merch, graphic tees, Americana classics like Von Dutch and Playboy, and so much more. But an extra cool surprise? These friendly folks will print to order! Pop in for a hunt through the racks and a chat about your ideas for bespoke tees, hoodies, caps etc. Plus, there’s some elite leather jackets and New Zealand stuff too.
Daywear at Decorum
If you thought Decorum (once upon a time in Herschell Street, in recent years in the wee alleyway off Emerson) was just for Art Deco costumes, you were mistaken. Linda and Barry have decades of experience and are experts in vintage clothing across eras, styles and persuasions. The waistcoat collection might be the best in the country, the quality day dresses and the mountains of fabulous and unique hats and accessories mean this is a perfect spot for finding the little extras. Plus, for winter coats and jackets, there’s just something about the quality and weight of a vintage piece.
Warming welcome at Old Flames
Warm winter outer layers are a highlight at Old Flames too. The vintage store on Dalton Street is a mecca for anyone who loves their fashion sustainable, pre-loved and vintage. At Old Flames, you’re welcomed by the gorgeous Lilith, who has her own great personal style and excels at putting a whole look together. This time of year, the coats and jackets are plentiful and varied, and the dressing room is a maximalist joy.
Gumboots Ahoy at Footloose
When you run into Pip from NCBI at Footloose, it’s dangerous. The selection of winter boots is a delicious array of colour, style and length, and I surprise myself by falling in love with my first pair of gumboots since childhood. Yellow, not mellow, maybe sold out by now, but what a joyful winter addition. Pip and I talk each other into two purchases each, and leave ready for cold days with warm toes.
Kuske Eyewear – so much more than spectacles
Have you noticed over the last year and a half, more and more glasses-wearers around town are looking super slick and stylish? I think it’s on Kuske. At the corner of Hastings and Tennyson Streets (diagonally opposite Tennyson Gallery), Kuske is also for those of us who don’t need specs. The range of sunglasses (with or without prescription lenses) is edgy and fashion-forward. The service is so attentive, brainy and lovely, and I have officially fallen in love with the Anne et Valentin collection.
Stay tuned for Lizzie’s next ramblings about rambling around the shops of the CBD….
Writtten by Lizzie Russell, Style legend and owner of Tennyson Gallery
Own your own business within the CBD? To have access to all the membership benefits, register today.
Address: The Mailroom, 1/14 Dickens St
Post: P O Box 526 Napier, 4140
Phone: 0210515427
Email: pip@napiercbd.co.nz