It’s winter (?!) and welcome to our Capsule Collection! Here’s our eclectic collection of new things we love this month – from events and restaurant openings, to the best of new products in fashion, beauty, food and lifestyle – you’re welcome!
DO
Love your local!
Norma Taps
You’d have to be living under a rock to not know that it’s a tough time for hopso right now – so while times are tough, when you are heading out for a treat, think about calling in at your local! If you’re in Auckland, check out some of our favourites if you’re in need of some inspo – The Corner in Remuera has a new winter menu, a raging fire and super-friendly staff who won’t judge you for ordering another rosé; Norma Taps is a new-ish pop-up in City Works Depot that is now doing bottomless dining (not even during brunch times!) where you can have one pizza and as much beer (amongst other beverages…Sandra Bullock would approve) as you want for an hour and a half; and everyone’s favourite neighbourhood eatery Andiamo in Herne Bay has a $40 set truffle menu AND an impressive $8 drinks menu for Otto Hour (happy hour) between 4pm and 5pm daily.
HANA Parnell – Did someone say unlimited infrared saunas?
HANA have opened a second branch of their wellness studios in Parnell, and are celebrating with an introductory offer of two weeks of unlimited infrared saunas, contrast therapy and PBM light therapy from $99 – and trust me (Kelly) it’s an absolute experience. I deal with Fibromyalgia (yay the joys) and the infrared saunas definitely seemed to help some of the sharper pains and honestly just to have 45 minutes to yourself watching your shows (there’s an iPad in there if you’re not a woo-woo meditation person like me) is worth it. I looked forward to every appointment!
Aperitivo Hour at Commercial Bay
If you’re looking for something to do before dinner or a show, check out this awesome offer at Commercial Bay – The Aperitivo Hour Menu is available from 5.00-7.00pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11th July – 3rd August (although can we make it longer, please!) with Burger Burger, Ghost Donkey, Kome, Gochu, and Gemmi all selecting their own offering that showcases mouth-watering menu items: Burger Burger: Potato skins and 2x Aperol Spritz for $32; Ghost Donkey: 2x beef or black bean tostadas with a hibiscus chili margarita for $25; Kome: Chicken karaage, Tokyo chicken wings, and skinny fries for $30; Gochu: 2x fried chicken sliders with a house beer or wine for $25; Gemmi: Cacio e pepe fries and 2x tap beers for $29.
Synthony Pride
Synthony in the Domain earlier this year was probably my (Kelly) most favourite concert… ever!? – so the Pride version of the hugely-popular mash-up of classic EDM tunes with classical, orchestral scores is bound to be an absolute cracker! An all-new set list of 30 Pride-inspired tracks covering music by Kylie Minogue, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Sam Smith, Martin Solveig, Madonna, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Calvin Harris, and more will be an extraordinary experience for the 10,000 people who will attend on August 3 at Auckland’s Spark Arena.
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A… gateway Croc? The Dylan Platform Clog
I’ll tell you right now, I was NOT a Crocs gal and I held out as long as I could… until I actually tried one on and damn it, they’re a comfortable shoe. However these bad boys – the Dylan Clog – have a little more refinement than you stock-standard Croc in sports mode and there’s a large part of me that really wants them and I don’t know why but DAMN these are cute!
$149.99
Celebrate the NZ Olympic Team in Style with Villa Maria
Our pals at Vila Maria know a thing or two about making the perfect wine to celebrate life’s big moments, so it tracks that they’ve partnered with the New Zealand Olympic team as their official wine supplier and trust us (you know we’ve tested it) the stunning Cuvee Brut is a gorgeous choice to have on its own, or made into a French 75 (surely the perfect Paris 2024 cocktail).
$17.99
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – the phone that harnesses AI
Samsung has launched a game-changing ecosystem of devices, including this cuuuute Flip 6, with some actual jaw-dropping AI features that seamlessly promises to level up communication, productivity and creativity. We’ve got new features such as:
- Interpreter and Live Translate – to speak and translate 16 languages in real-time without internet (even on a phone call)
- Generative Edit – for pro-level photo editing
- Note Assist – to summarise text and format to your liking
- Suggested Replies – to draft copy based on the tone of your previously sent messages
- FlexCam – automatically optimise photo zooms and frames
It wouldn’t be Galaxy Z Flip without a variety of ways for you to customise the phone either – with the AI-powered Photo Ambient, a wallpaper can change in real-time based on the time and weather. You can also easily create a unified look and feel with suggested screen layout options by analysing your wallpaper — such as moving the clock and changing the frame colour to ensure the background image stands, and with the new Auto Zoom FlexCam automatically finds the best framing for your shot by detecting the subject and zooming in and out before making any necessary adjustments. That way, you don’t have to choose between your friends or an incredible backdrop being in the shot – and it’s all hands-free.
$2099
Red Bull but make it watermelon
We love it when Red Bull come out with new flavours because for some of us, the Jagerbombs of our youth are just too hard to get past – and this watermelon version is an actual slice of summer and perfect for any Dry July cocktail making (try it with some Lyre’s White Cane spirit, lime and mint for a non-alcoholic mojito!). Also the Pear and Cinnamon edition is a cracker, even if you’re like me and you’re not a pear fan. Or, if you’re F1-obsessed like me (Kelly) and my partner, it’s a perfect race-watching accompaniment especially if you’re team RB.
$2
Lorna Jane elevates with a chic new collection
I (Kelly) am a new convert to Lorna Jane after this chat with their eponymous founder, and this new LJC collection, which celebrates 35 years of the brand, is stunning. It’s a mix of activewear, streetwear and leisurewear (do we wear anything else these days?!) and goes strong with clean lines, a slight vintage vibe and the ability for all the pieces to be mixed and matched together (we love a capsule wardrobe, go figure!). I especially love this Tie Back Shirt, an oversized throw-over shirt that ties at the back for a more tailored but effortless look (I haven’t stopped wearing it since I got it!).
$150
Batched Pineapple & Chilli Margarita
Turn away, Dry Julyers! (Or just store this one away until August!). If you’re a spicy marg fan and you like a fruity kind of boozy drink, this bad boy is for you. It’s not too sweet or too strong, but just the perfect tipple where everything has already done for you – the dream!
$49.99
Ecostore’s new look
All of us at Capsule are big fans of ecostore and we’re loving their new look – and the gorgeous range of body care fragrances that you can feel good about putting on the old bod. The vanilla bean and coconut is an absolute vibe and if you shut your eyes in the shower you can almost pretend you’re in Fiji, or else the sandalwood and amber is a more sensual, deep experience that relaxes and recharges.
From $7.99
Le Creuset x Pokemon
Gotta have them all? Le Creuset have announced a collaboration with a slightly unexpected franchise, Pokémon – and look, while I’ll still be coveting my dream cast iron casserole dish in a more classic cream hue in the first instance, my God this is a fun collection! It’s only releasing in five countries, the Pokémon collection is expected to sell out across Aotearoa in a matter of days following its launch on July 30th. The eight-piece collection was designed for both families with young children and those seeking premium kitchenware with a twist, making cooking more fun for everyone, kids and adults alike, and includes this cute yellow Cast Iron Rice Pot with Poké Ball icons on the Knob and vessel.
From $110