Julia Gardner is Auckland-born and raised and loves living in a city where the water is never far away. She’s been working at Wallace Cotton for nearly three years now and says it’s a lovely place to work because of the people and the beautiful product itself. “It’s safe to say my linen cupboard is full of treasures now!” Julia covers what Wallace Cotton has in store as we approach autumn and winter.
Channel Mag: Where do you get your inspiration for the new autumn season? Who and what inspires you?
Julia Gardner: Our in-house textile designers are incredible, constantly drawing inspiration from nature. Their office is filled with big pinboards full of sketches, paintings and fabric swatches so that is very inspiring. Also, my mum has the best taste, managing to be both classic and timeless, but with injections of colour and fun. I’m really lucky to be surrounded by inspiration every day!
Describe your perfect autumn day here on the Shore…
An early start with a walk along Takapuna beach. There’s nothing better than a calm, crisp morning. When the sun comes out, a quick dip in the water before heading to a local café for a warm drink and pastry to go.
If you could be anywhere in the world celebrating autumn, where would you be and why?
Arrowtown. The South Island’s seasons are so distinct, I’ve always wanted to visit Arrowtown to see the trees in their full autumn cover.
Do you have any rituals or routines for getting into the autumn spirit post-summer as the months get cooler?
Perhaps the biggest shift comes in what I cook – going from light, fresh salads in summer to more comforting meals in autumn. My at-home wardrobe is basically Wallace Cotton’s entire Cotton Cashmere range, add a great book and a cup of tea and that’s my ideal cosy autumn evening.
Any new products or offers that you would like to share with Channel readers?
Our new Botanic Wonder duvet cover is such a stunning painterly floral, lots of rich tones which makes it easy to style with existing homeware. We’ve also just launched our Maison velvet range which includes velvet quilts, cushions and pillows that complement the duvet perfectly. Now all I have to decide is which of the four new colours to pick from…
2-4 Parkway Drive. Rosedale or 156 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. Visit wallacecotton.co.nz
Dave Perkin is a long-term North Shore resident, having lived locally since 1959 and owning Beggs XL Plus for over 30 years. Dave’s business focuses on quality, selection and style; it’s New Zealand’s leading premium Big Men's Clothing retailer and has been successfully trading since 1933, stocking a huge range of big men's clothing in casual, formal, business, essential basics and branded fashion. They also carry a range of big-size shoes, catering for sizes 11-16. Their plus size men's clothing ranges in size from 2XL to 8XL are sourced mainly from Europe and the UK. The business has recently relocated to 121 Wairau Road. Dave talks to Channel about his perfect autumn morning and some products to love this season.
Channel Mag: Where do you get your inspiration for the new autumn season? Who and what inspires you?
Dave Perkin: As most of our garments are sourced from Europe, I am fortunate enough to travel to Germany, Denmark and the UK regularly and I am a big fan of European fashion styles and quality. Quality, stylish clothing always makes a great statement.
Describe your perfect autumn day here on the Shore…
Walking along Takapuna beach on a cold clear morning for a coffee at Takapuna Beach Café.
If you could be anywhere in the world celebrating autumn, where would you be and why?
Wanaka, which is another happy place. The South Island autumns are hard to beat. In fact, I’m heading down there next week for a 4x4 over-landing adventure.
Do you have any rituals or routines for getting into the autumn spirit post-summer as the months get cooler?
I go through my wardrobe to see what still fits and donate the rest! Then I refresh it with some new fashion styles from our latest arrivals.
Any new products or offers that you would like to share with Channel readers?
Our collections focus on quality clothing for bigger guys and I would invite guys XL Plus, to check out our latest arrivals, and some great deals, either in-store or via our web store at beggs.co.nz
Beggs, 121 Wairau Rd, North Shore or beggs.co.nz
Yarntons has been a well-known clothing store on the shore since 1945! Bob and Beth Yarnton opened their first shop in Mokoia Road and the company is now owned by Bruce Yarnton, son of Bob and Beth, and his wife Karen. They have two stores – in Birkenhead and Devonport. Gabrielle Salazar, Yarnton's social media and marketing coordinator, talks about how she gets into the autumn season and her favourite brand for staples as temperatures drop.
Channel Mag: Where do you get your inspiration for the new autumn season? Who and what inspires you?
Gabrielle Salazar: Movies. Certain films get me into the autumn mood.
Describe your perfect autumn day here on the Shore…
Going out for coffee and book shopping. Either in the city, Milford or Devonport.
If you could be anywhere in the world celebrating autumn, where would you be and why?
Maybe America, just to see pumpkin patches.
Do you have any rituals or routines for getting into the autumn spirit post-summer as the months get cooler?
Packing away the summer dresses and bringing out the coats and jumpers!
Any new products or offers that you would like to share with Channel readers?
We have a lot of new autumn styles here at Yarntons. My personal favourite is Elm; they have such good staples. For example, the Elm Sweat Mill Crew.
Yarntons Devonport, 77-79 Victoria Road, Devonport and Yarntons Birkenhead, 18-22 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead or visit yarntons.co.nz
Cosi Fan Tutte has been a Devonport village favourite since 2010. It began life in the old Milk Depot building on Calliope Road before moving to its current position at 73 Victoria Road. Cosi is a magical place filled with carefully curated treasures and unique gifts for yourself, your home and the people you love. Lise, Cosi’s store manager, talks about two brands that Cosi customers love that highlight the best of autumn in the lead-up to the cooler months.
Channel Mag: What’s new in store for autumn?
Lise: As we head into autumn, we are delighted our next drop from Eribé Knitwear Design of Scotland has landed. This family-run business from Melrose specialises in gorgeous Fairisle and the collection includes mitts, beanies, berets, scarves, jumpers, cardigans
and the exquisite Treeline wrap. The colours are truly inspirational, warm rich tones, clear brights, all colours of the new season in glorious lambswool.
What other autumnal products are you looking forward to sharing with customers?
We also have stunning Klippan Rugs of Sweden in soft earthy tones. It is also a family-run business founded in 1879. Klippan blankets are made from 100% New Zealand lambswool, fully traceable back to the individual farmer. Production is managed from start to finish in their own factory ensuring a high quality and at the same time environmentally friendly. The wool has no pesticides in the finished product, made sustainably and made to last. Such warm comfortable blankets in fabulous colours and patterns are perfect for snuggling under on chilly days.
Describe your dream autumn day:
On a perfect autumn day, all Cosi ladies love a brisk walk, followed by coffee and brunch shared with the ones they love, and a little time spent snuggled under a Klippan rug reading, listening to a podcast or watching a movie. It’s called avoiding housework at all costs!
Visit Cosi Fan Tutte: 73 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland 0624 or cosifantutte.co.nz
