Caro D.'s
Go-To Tradesmen
- 16Rag Mama Rag VintageTe AroThis is my favorite new find. I shouldn’t even call it a new find, as I’ve passed Rag Mama Rag dozens of times while cruising up Cuba St. Almost every time I passed, I would tell whomever I’m with that I’d been meaning to go in for ages. Finally last week a beautiful brooch in the shape of a pair of spectacles beckoned to me, and I made it inside the door. From gorgeous dresses and capes, well-aged pocketbooks, and belts up front, to a full repair shop for your worst holes in your wools and trousers in the back, Rag Mama Rag is a vintage-lover’s dream. I left with the brooch, a perfectly worn stamped leather belt, and a promise to come back with all the pieces from my wardrobe I’ve been meaning to get fixed for ages.
- 22The General StoreWellington CentralThe General Store is anything but general, packed with things you might never have even known you needed-- until now. The General Store, which opened its doors just before Christmas, is a beautiful little treasure trove of found objects, all sourced here in NZ and restored and repurposed for your purchasing delight. I dare you to walk in on a rainy day and not get caught up by the colorful typewriters in various shapes and sizes, loads of natural wood, and Nico's dulcet strains playing on the stereo, just as I did. Shelves made from library pigeon holes and a table fitted out from industrial plan drawers will call to you, but if your tiny flat won't fit a new cabinet, leave with a little parcel of hand rolled beeswax candles instead.
- 31Whether you’re in need of new soles or zips for your most well-loved accessories, Dixon Street is the place to go. I brought in a leather backpack with a zip that wouldn’t go any more, and a miracle worker with a hammer and spray can had it working in under a minute at no charge. Speedy turnaround for even the bigger projects (like reinforcing and adding hardware to a purse), leatherwork is the specialty here.
- 44Made MarionTe AroAs their slogan suggests, Made on Marion is a hub for all things crafty in Wellington. Most known for their craft supplies (think styrofoam in all shapes and sizes and a staggering assortment of needlepoint kits), sewing supplies, and classes ranging from making a lampshade to their dreamstress school of sewing, Made on Marion will fill your dreary winter days indoors with fun and brightly colored projects. Check their website for the class calendar-- with an average of six classes per week, many of which repeat in case you miss it the first go-round, and a new shop (Made Marion) open in the CBD in addition to their main branch on Marion St. (called Made on Marion), you'll never have an excuse NOT to get your craft on.
- 52Mandatory LtdTe AroLovely tailor-made pants for the man in your life (or the menswear-inspired lady, one would assume). My significant other is 6’11" and has had two pairs made here, and they’re honestly the best-fitting pants I’ve ever seen him in.
Caro D.'s
Where to Shop for Leather
- 19It's no secret that Recycle Boutique on Vivian St. is pretty great. Their motto, 'Recycled Reloved Repaid!', really sums them up. Bring your old finds, get some cash, use it to buy new old finds. Or skip the first two steps and just add some sweet vintage or pre-loved goodies to your wardrobe. One of the best bets in Wellington, Recycle consistently stocks a solid range of skirts, dresses, knitwear, and vintage pieces, has a great men's section, and can always be counted on for a beanie or beret to add to your collection. I truly can't walk past this place without wanting to stop in, then promptly making time to do it.
- 216Good As GoldTe AroIf I had an endless supply of cash and nothing to spend it on but clothes, I just might spend it all here. Everything in Good As Gold is beautifully made, sourcing labels from around the globe-- some from right here in New Zealand. Not only are all the items GAG has just a little bit unique, but purchasing them helps promote and sustain something really cool. Owner Ruben Bryant is super into growth and evolution (he recently re-fitted the store out to make it look like a treehouse), and customer service at GAG is truly top notch. I've had so many great conversations and interactions with the sales team at the Good As Gold store, and when I tried out their online store for the first time (and missed a 20% off promotion by literally ONE minute) they gave me a couple of extra days to decide on my purchases and then refunded me the 20% I'd missed out on when they saw my order come through.
- 34Emporium WellingtonTe AroEmporium Vintage is a hidden gem for scoring great kicks in Wellington, with an array of vintage boots for both women and men in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles. While Emporium may be known for its stateside finds and epic dress collection, their Americana vibe extends to an entire wall of leather boots. Don't usually buy vintage footwear? Rest assured that Emporium won't leave you high and dry if your perfectly broken in shoes give out post-purchase. They'll work with a cobbler around the corner to make sure your shoes are back to their best in no time.
- 46Rag Mama Rag VintageTe AroThis is my favorite new find. I shouldn’t even call it a new find, as I’ve passed Rag Mama Rag dozens of times while cruising up Cuba St. Almost every time I passed, I would tell whomever I’m with that I’d been meaning to go in for ages. Finally last week a beautiful brooch in the shape of a pair of spectacles beckoned to me, and I made it inside the door. From gorgeous dresses and capes, well-aged pocketbooks, and belts up front, to a full repair shop for your worst holes in your wools and trousers in the back, Rag Mama Rag is a vintage-lover’s dream. I left with the brooch, a perfectly worn stamped leather belt, and a promise to come back with all the pieces from my wardrobe I’ve been meaning to get fixed for ages.
- 57One of the most proper vintage shops in Wellington, Ziggurat is stocked with true vintage and designer pieces from the 1900s to contemporary labels. The price point reflects this, so my visits are appropriately sparing if I ever want the chance to leave home in my glamorous finds.
Caro D.'s
Best Vintage on Cuba St.
- 16Rag Mama Rag VintageTe AroThis is my favorite new find. I shouldn’t even call it a new find, as I’ve passed Rag Mama Rag dozens of times while cruising up Cuba St. Almost every time I passed, I would tell whomever I’m with that I’d been meaning to go in for ages. Finally last week a beautiful brooch in the shape of a pair of spectacles beckoned to me, and I made it inside the door. From gorgeous dresses and capes, well-aged pocketbooks, and belts up front, to a full repair shop for your worst holes in your wools and trousers in the back, Rag Mama Rag is a vintage-lover’s dream. I left with the brooch, a perfectly worn stamped leather belt, and a promise to come back with all the pieces from my wardrobe I’ve been meaning to get fixed for ages.
- 27One of the most proper vintage shops in Wellington, Ziggurat is stocked with true vintage and designer pieces from the 1900s to contemporary labels. The price point reflects this, so my visits are appropriately sparing if I ever want the chance to leave home in my glamorous finds.
- 35An institution in Wellington, Hunters and Collectors on Cuba is a veritable treasure trove of vintage and costume pieces. Owner Chrissy O travels as far as the exotic USA to stock the shop. Go for the sequins, or even just to eyeball their delightfully kooky displays.
- 49It's no secret that Recycle Boutique on Vivian St. is pretty great. Their motto, 'Recycled Reloved Repaid!', really sums them up. Bring your old finds, get some cash, use it to buy new old finds. Or skip the first two steps and just add some sweet vintage or pre-loved goodies to your wardrobe. One of the best bets in Wellington, Recycle consistently stocks a solid range of skirts, dresses, knitwear, and vintage pieces, has a great men's section, and can always be counted on for a beanie or beret to add to your collection. I truly can't walk past this place without wanting to stop in, then promptly making time to do it.
- 54Emporium WellingtonTe AroEmporium Vintage is a hidden gem for scoring great kicks in Wellington, with an array of vintage boots for both women and men in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles. While Emporium may be known for its stateside finds and epic dress collection, their Americana vibe extends to an entire wall of leather boots. Don't usually buy vintage footwear? Rest assured that Emporium won't leave you high and dry if your perfectly broken in shoes give out post-purchase. They'll work with a cobbler around the corner to make sure your shoes are back to their best in no time.
Caro D.'s
Where to Shop for Shoes
- 19It's no secret that Recycle Boutique on Vivian St. is pretty great. Their motto, 'Recycled Reloved Repaid!', really sums them up. Bring your old finds, get some cash, use it to buy new old finds. Or skip the first two steps and just add some sweet vintage or pre-loved goodies to your wardrobe. One of the best bets in Wellington, Recycle consistently stocks a solid range of skirts, dresses, knitwear, and vintage pieces, has a great men's section, and can always be counted on for a beanie or beret to add to your collection. I truly can't walk past this place without wanting to stop in, then promptly making time to do it.
- 23Superette WellingtonTe AroSuperette, originally based in Auckland with a great store open here in Wellington, is a sartorialist's dream. The shop is impeccably tailored, with pops of bright colors amongst the more traditionally dark Wellingtonian palette. Go-to brands like Mad Love and I Love Ugly find a home here alongside Ksubi frames and high top Vans, while a floor-to-ceiling mirror at the back allows for ample twirling space to admire your new finds. With a friendly and helpful staff who seem to genuinely enjoy what they do and an incredible selection of clothes and accessories for both women and men, I find it completely impossible to leave this store empty handed.
- 316Good As GoldTe AroIf I had an endless supply of cash and nothing to spend it on but clothes, I just might spend it all here. Everything in Good As Gold is beautifully made, sourcing labels from around the globe-- some from right here in New Zealand. Not only are all the items GAG has just a little bit unique, but purchasing them helps promote and sustain something really cool. Owner Ruben Bryant is super into growth and evolution (he recently re-fitted the store out to make it look like a treehouse), and customer service at GAG is truly top notch. I've had so many great conversations and interactions with the sales team at the Good As Gold store, and when I tried out their online store for the first time (and missed a 20% off promotion by literally ONE minute) they gave me a couple of extra days to decide on my purchases and then refunded me the 20% I'd missed out on when they saw my order come through.
- 44Emporium WellingtonTe AroEmporium Vintage is a hidden gem for scoring great kicks in Wellington, with an array of vintage boots for both women and men in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles. While Emporium may be known for its stateside finds and epic dress collection, their Americana vibe extends to an entire wall of leather boots. Don't usually buy vintage footwear? Rest assured that Emporium won't leave you high and dry if your perfectly broken in shoes give out post-purchase. They'll work with a cobbler around the corner to make sure your shoes are back to their best in no time.
- 51Fusion Surf SkateWellington CentralAs the name would suggest, Fusion on Cuba St. has a definite skate/surf vibe, with a good selection of streetwear and shoes. Vans and Converse in every color and style at the usual price point, and go-to brands like All About Eve and American Apparel. The staff are friendly and fun. Not just a shop for the boarders.
Caro D.'s
Best Chocolate Cake
- 19Clark's CafeWellington CentralA cafe in Wellington's Central Library? Genius! For those days when you really can't be bothered to leave the library even for a bite to eat, pop up to Clark's for a flat white and a toastie. You'll have to check your book out first if you want to keep reading while you snack. But don't go just for convenience's sake-- their millionaire's are pretty much the best in town.
- 245Sweet Mother's KitchenTe AroSweet Mother's Kitchen is kind of the trifecta: great food, good vibes, and perfect location. And while their dinner menu isn't too shabby either, nothing cures the 'mother' of all hangovers like brunch-- especially when that brunch is served all day (on weekends) and you're free to pull yourself from the depths of your bed as late into the afternoon as you want for as much eggs and potato hash as your stomach can handle. My go-to dish is Flossy's Favorite, which has a little of everything: potato, black beans, mushroom, eggs (poached is recommended), and hollandaise, plus two sturdy baguette halves. The berry waffles have also been known to go down nicely. But a word to the wise-- the slightly chaotic nature of the decor in Mother's extends to their style of seating tables. If a game of musical chairs might set your head aflame, skip the food and grab a Snickers shake to go.
- 336Midnight EspressoWellington CentralWhen I first arrived in Wellington, my new friends raved about the vege nachos at Midnight. They weren't kidding! This plate is so loaded--hummus, chilli sauce, avo slices, and sometimes even green olives complement the more traditional beans, salsa, cheese, and jalapenos no respectable plate of nachos could go without--but it has a surprisingly decent corn chip-to-topping ratio, given the epic proportions of the latter. If you ever get past your craving for these nachos, Midnight actually has a ton of other great vege and vegan options (as well as tasty looking treats for the carnivores in your life), some killer juices and smoothies, and one of the best caramel slices in town. A bite of their gigantic chocolate cake (with yogurt) can also be pretty hard to pass up.
- 41Blondini's Cafe & Jazz LoungeWellington CentralWhether you have some time to kill before your flick or are just craving a cozy yet chic place to down a brownie sundae, Blondini's (located on the upper floor of The Embassy Theatre) has you covered. The cafe's decor fits right in with the deco-modern luxuriance of The Embassy, without the unshakeable murkiness of former orchestra pit-turned-bar, The Black Sparrow, located beyond the futuristic arches downstairs. Though with such comfy chairs, you might be more in danger of falling asleep in Blondini's-- it's been known to happen!
- 549Fidel's CafeTe AroOne of the first cafes I ever visited in Wellington, Fidels remains a favorite. Keep it simple with nachos or fries to share, or suck down a massive Snickers thick shake if you dare. While I haven’t taken them up on it yet, I’ve heard only good things about the pizza and beer deal. If the weather is good, grab a seat outside at one of their picnic tables.
Caro D.'s
Best Muffins
- 19Clark's CafeWellington CentralA cafe in Wellington's Central Library? Genius! For those days when you really can't be bothered to leave the library even for a bite to eat, pop up to Clark's for a flat white and a toastie. You'll have to check your book out first if you want to keep reading while you snack. But don't go just for convenience's sake-- their millionaire's are pretty much the best in town.
- 236Midnight EspressoWellington CentralWhen I first arrived in Wellington, my new friends raved about the vege nachos at Midnight. They weren't kidding! This plate is so loaded--hummus, chilli sauce, avo slices, and sometimes even green olives complement the more traditional beans, salsa, cheese, and jalapenos no respectable plate of nachos could go without--but it has a surprisingly decent corn chip-to-topping ratio, given the epic proportions of the latter. If you ever get past your craving for these nachos, Midnight actually has a ton of other great vege and vegan options (as well as tasty looking treats for the carnivores in your life), some killer juices and smoothies, and one of the best caramel slices in town. A bite of their gigantic chocolate cake (with yogurt) can also be pretty hard to pass up.
- 324Nikau CafeWellington CentralNew Zealand currency may not have a penny, but if it did, the halloumi and salad at Nikau would be worth every single one. If you're hesitating to cross the threshold from the City Gallery into this adjacent cafe, please take the plunge. Prices are high, but so is quality. I let out an audible "Yum" while taking a bite of bare halloumi. If you can fit more into your belly, don't leave without a creamy donut. Coffee and scones are also not to be missed.
- 413Pranah Vegetarian CafeNewtownPranah Cafe is an environmentally friendly haven for vegetarians in Newtown. Entirely meat-free, with many vegan and gluten-free options, choosy eaters will find exactly what they crave. Go for brunch or lunch, as the cafe sadly closes by 4 pm daily. Vegetarians and omnivores alike will delight in the banana pancakes, poached eggs, and smoothies. Check the glass case up front before making your decision from the menu; rotating goodies, including pies and pilafs, shouldn't be missed.
- 54Aro CafeTe AroGreat place to stop in for a bite when you’re roaming through Aro Valley. Try a savory muffin (spinach, feta, and pine nuts… yum!) or the brie and tomato on a french roll from the counter. They make their own Aro Coffee.