Things I'm Liking: Spring '13

Things I’m Liking: Spring ’13. Here’s some of the new things that have come across my path…

Things I’m Liking: Spring ’13. Here’s some of the new things that have come across my path…

Mophie Juice Pack – a phone charger that you take with you – means my phone won’t be dead so fast at fashion shows! It’s a phone-charging battery case that doubles my phone’s battery life. Juice Packs come in a variety of colours and styles for iPhone, Galaxy, Samsung and HTC phones for around $100 from www.mophie.com
Why I like it: This really works!

Mi Piaci Genesis Boots have a cutaway heel and toe and side zip with a contrast medium-height heel. They’re available at Mi Piaci stores and online at www.mipiaci.co.nz retailing at $270.
Why I like it: It’s perfect for in-between seasons when you don’t want to wear a full boot from winter, but it’s not quite warm enough for sandals. Bonus – you can see your toe nailpolish!

Structure Pigment Pencils: Draw on your hair with blue, purple or pink then wash it out. Pigment Pencils by Structure, Joico’s fashion-forward salon-only hair brand. $34 set of 3 with sharpener available from salons; phone 0800 456 426 for stockists.
Why I like it: Commitment-free hair colour!

Igloo TV On Demand movie channel with new releases and a massive back catalogue of older films (at a lower price)
Why I like it: I don’t have to leave the couch to go to the movies – or even the video store – to access loads of new and older flicks. Am currently having a bit of an action sci-fi thing going on.

Bridget Jones Mad About The Boy by Helen Fielding has had worldwide commentary on the author killing off Mark Darcy, in this, the third instalment of Bridget Jones’s diary, which is set when the heroine is 51 with two young children.
Why I like it: I was nervous about reading it as I’d liked Darcy so much, but I have to admit, having her widowed is a clever way of having Bridget single again, without having her leave her perfect husband. It’s a lively and engaging read, and is hilariously funny. Out now for $36.99 from Random House Publishers.

THOR The Dark World is the sequel to the Marvel film of 2011 again starring Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Natalie Portman as his human love interest Jane Foster, and Tom Hiddleston as adopted brother Loki.
Why I like it: It’s bigger, funnier and better than the first one, and totally entertaining. Bonus – Chris Hemsworth, Asgardian eye candy.

ABSOLUT Originality follows on from last year’s ABSOLUT Unique with four million individually designed bottles released worldwide.
Why I like it: They drop cobalt blue into each bottle’s glass as it goes into the mould at 1100 degrees to create a one-off pattern inside that shows up as the bottle glass cools. RRP $55.99 from November 2013.

Venice Men’s Shoes from Number One Shoes
Why I like it: I got these for my man and he likes the hi-top suede look style. They’re smarter than a sneaker, but still super comfortable. Priced at $59.99 from www.numberoneshoes.co.nz

Persol sunglasses from Luxottica.
Why I like it: You can actually feel the handmade Italian quality of these frames, they are gorgeous. Bonus – tortoiseshell goes with everything. Instant classic. Available at OPSM and Sunglass Hut branches.

DVDs Revenge, After Earth and Scandal. In Revenge season two, Emily has discovered her mother is alive, postpones her revenge plan and sets on a journey to find her mother. That can’t be good! We will find out all the sordid details.

Scandal is a new quality drama from the creators of the fantastic Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, so it has an excellent heritage. Kerry Washington plays Olivia Pope, a super crisis management consultant ‘fixer’ who uses her gut instincts to make the most salacious scandals disappear (many mayors need her right now!)

Father son duo Will Smith and Jaden Smith re-unite – after having worked together previously in The Pursuit of Happyness – in scifi action adventure, After Earth, directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The military father and son crash land on earth 1,000 years after everyone has abandoned earth to another planet. The son must journey to a recsue beacon to save himself and his dying father. It’s more of a father-son relationship movie than a true scifi despite being set in the future.

Why I like it: I’m in for a movie marathon of sitting at the edge of my seat!

Donovans Chocolates is a New Zealand-owned company that has released dark peppermint delight chocolates in a pound weight box.
Why I like it: It’s perfect-for-sharing or as a gift, and they taste amazing. Available now at supermarkets for $9.99.

Megan Robinson 7 November 2013