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NZ-made winter clothes, on a budget

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By Sarah Marquet

Sarah's live-NZ-made challenge gets expensive, with the search for locally made winter clothing and shoes.

Made in New Zealand stampAs I feel autumn starting to kick in, and knowing winter is just around the corner, I have been on a desperate search for warm New Zealand-made clothes. Unfortunately, everything I stumble across is so far out of my budget that it's becoming rather depressing.

I decided to hit up Trade Me. I searched the site for New Zealand-made and actually found a lot of stuff. Unfortunately, there wasn't really any warm stuff in my size.

I like to try on my clothes before I buy them, too. It's okay if a website has a sizing guide, but Trade Me doesn't—it would be impossible with all the different brands sold. Sometimes the sellers include vague measurements, but I'm never sure if I should trust them and I don't want to waste my money on something that could be the wrong size. Tops are okay, it doesn't matter so much if they're a bit big, but trousers need to be just the right size.

So, it's a trip to the second hand shops this afternoon I think! I really need some winter shoes too. I have actually bought a couple of pairs off Trade Me before, and have been happy with them, but I figure I should check out some New Zealand-made shoes before resorting to secondhand. Anyone got any tips? I can't seem to find any!

Sarah has challenged herself to buy only New Zealand-made products for one year. She also blogs at livenzmade.blogspot.com

Comments

Tara
 
Wed March 24, 2010 @ 12:19 PM
2 sites that are great for clothing are felt.co.nz (for both adults and kids) and littlekiwisnest.co.nz (for kids). Felt is also terrific for gifts
Annabel McAleer
 
Thu April 01, 2010 @ 12:12 PM
Here are some tips from the Good Facebook page (& I second the Kilt recommendation, they do great basic bright coloured tops!):

Kari Beaven: "Glowing Sky" is an excellent label, inexpensive because they make and sell themselves so you don't pay sales mark-up, and fiercely NZ made (started hand-printing t-shirts here on Stewart Island in late 90's and now do superfine merino in a range of weights). Best part is they are all very high quality, so you don't need to replace them. They have a shop on Waiheke if that's close enough to Auckland? Website too www.glowingsky.co.nz to check out their range. Good luck with your quest.

Becks Butler: Merino tops and pants from local designer Kilt, not so budget friendly if starting out, but their clothes are hard wearing and beautiful.
Last Edit: April 01, 2010 @ 05:00PM by Annabel McAleer 
Mardi Neumann
 
Thu April 01, 2010 @ 08:27 PM
If you are looking for NZ made shoes - that is much easier to find than clothes - I discovered Minnie Cooper shoes earlier this year. If you like funky shoes - these will be down your alley...they have summer, everyday and winter shoes to choose from.

Chalkydigits is a fabulous new clothing company on the block. Not sure how they are going with sourcing the knitmachine for their merino clothing range, though they have some great styles and range for both the girls and guys. Dual clothing in Lyttleton is another great clothing company made in NZ - they even fit the styles in their shop to make sure the 'fit' is just right.
Kelly
 
Tue April 06, 2010 @ 10:57 AM
I got some great sandals from Soul Shoes (made in Raglan) that are going to last forever! They also do a range of shoes and boots, priced between $100-190.

Here's the website: http://www.soulshoes.co.nz/products.php
Annabel McAleer
 
Mon April 12, 2010 @ 08:19 AM
I just discovered Aduki -- not super-duper budget-friendly, but all their summer gear is on sale at the moment! (I got a pair of made-in-NZ black trousers yesterday for $132, down from $189). They're stocked all over NZ.

Also, Obi and Catalyst are NZ-made labels that have mid-range pricing.

I know Starfish can be a little expensive, but their clothes are really well-made, they last forever and never seem to date, so are a good investment for long-term wear.
Huia
 
Wed April 21, 2010 @ 07:28 AM
Ricochet (Made in NZ) has excellent sale racks. Sorry your trade me experience has not been the best - mine has been! Sellers are usually more than happy to lay the garment flat and measure across shoulders / hip / bust / inside leg etc - you can then measure yourself and get it exactly right.
I've got some beautiful things, and also sold lots of lovely NZ vintage.
Also op-shops are always GREAT - choose the ones in random suburbs and in a shop full of worn things you will often find a few real treasures. Try the Hospice shops as lots of wealthy people donate there for the cause. Glen Innes is good.
If you travel down the line at all you will find amazing vintage in Foxton, Hawera, all the little op shops in the little rural towns. 
Happy shoppin!
Shoota Ballinger
www.support.school.nz/
 
Mon May 17, 2010 @ 07:56 AM
Hi Sarah

I too make the effort to search for NZ made items.  When I needed shoes I bought from River Road Footware.  They were solid, well made and not expensive.  However they don't seem to have alot of women shoes.

http://www.riverroadfootwear.co.nz/

Good luck with your project.

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