Gift Guide: Tracey Strange

Fashion and beauty editor Tracey Strange on the gifts on her Xmas wish-list.

• Jewellery to sing about Singer-songwriter Boh Runga would have to be one of New Zealand’s most naturally stylish celebrities, so much so that it would be no surprise to see her launch a clothing range sometime soon. In the meantime, she’s happy with jewellery. Made in collaboration with New Zealand Mint, her latest range – called Messenger Stories – is an affordable, covetable collection of delicate necklaces, bracelets and earrings based on native birds. Women – young and older – will love it. www.bohrungajewellery.com.

• Flipflops to fip over It might seem almost anti-fashion to recommend ordinary old flipflops over a pair of perfectly formed (if vertigious) high heels. But Havaianas are anything but run-of-the-mill. Fashionable and colourful, they are so comfortable  you will never go back to wearing traditional rubber on your feet. A new fetish perhaps? For stockists, visit www.havaianasnz.co.nz.

• Luscious lashes Ok, so it’s a little left field... but anyone challenged in the lash department will find heaven in a set of lash extensions – synthetic ‘falsies’ that are attached individually by hand. The result is incredibly natural, will last about four weeks (if you take care of them) and are great alternative – especially in summer – to tinting, curling and mascara. A gift voucher – allow for up to $200 for a set – may make for an unexpected present but it’s a little luxury the recipient will be ever grateful for. Lash extensions are also something you might resist paying for yourself but would welcome as a gift.

• Natural wonder The newest player at the natural-beauty-product counter is thisworks, a no-fuss aromatherapy bath, body and skincare range co-developed by former British Vogue health and beauty director Kathy Phillips. The products, all made with 100 percent organically grown natural plant oils, are gorgeous. The body oils are a favourite. Source them at www.meccacosmetica.co.nz.

• Tamed tresses Conditioning rituals are literally changing the texture of New Zealand women’s hair. The customized in-salon treatments, which offer both relaxation and spectacular results, are no longer a hairdressing rarity, and are now available at Kerastase, Redken, Schwarzkopf and Wella salons all over the country. All make great gift alternatives to facial vouchers.

• Love in the air Scented candles make beautiful gifts. You can’t go better than Sundari’s all-natural soy-based versions. My all-time favourite is the rose-and-honey based Gulkand. For the stockist closest to you, visit www.beautycare.co.nz.

• Fragrance first It would have to be the ultimate gift experience – a fragrance hand-made for you by a French ‘nose’. For between $200 and $600, Auckland-based perfumer Yves Dumbrowsky can create a perfume based on your own scent, colour and mood preferences.  For more information, email: creatyves@xtra.co.nz.

• Body buff The ultimate body treatment involves a lot of pampering and the promise of gloriously buffed and perfumed skin. Some of the best also include Pure Fiji products. The brand, made in the islands, is based on pure coconut oil and refined botanicals. A salon treatment , available throughout the country, will leave you walking on air. But you can also purchase the products individually from www.purefiji.com.

• Old world luxury Personalised stationary is a definitive luxury statement. You can have yours made by Rawlence & Horton, a new company aiming to revitalise the glamour and charm of hand-written letters and notes. www.rawlenceandhorton.com.