There’s something about the first signs of spring that completely changes my mood.
After what felt like an exceptionally cold Auckland winter, I’ve been noticing all the little things. The bulbs starting to appear, the fresh growth on my lavender turning lush and green again, the evenings stretching out ever so slightly, and that first hint that warmer days are finally on their way.
It always gives me a bit of a reset.
Spring feels hopeful. It makes you want to open the windows, clear things out, make plans, say yes to more things and start thinking about the months ahead. Fresh beginnings, new memories, long lunches, weddings, weekends away, holidays and those spontaneous days that somehow become the ones you remember most.
And naturally, all of those plans require something fabulous to wear.
I have always believed that the right outfit can completely change how you feel. There is a kind of confidence that comes from putting something on and instantly knowing it works. You stand a little taller, you feel more like yourself, and suddenly the day ahead feels a bit more exciting. Clothes can do that. They can hold memories, change your mood and give you that tiny bit of extra courage when you need it.
That feeling is a big part of why I love what I do. I’m always looking for pieces that have something about them, whether it’s the cut, the fabric, the print or simply the way they make you feel when you put them on. The best finds are the ones that instantly make you start imagining them as part of your wardrobe.
Summer dresses are probably my favourite thing to source. I love how easy and transformative they can be. A great dress can feel polished with almost no effort, and it is often the piece you reach for when you want to feel instantly put together.
I am always drawn to dresses with personality. Beautiful prints, interesting shapes, colour, gorgeous fabrics and those little details that make a piece feel special. I want there to be something for everyone, whether your style is feminine, bold, minimal, playful or somewhere in between.
The shop is already starting to shift into that lighter spring and summer mood, with plenty more still to come. I am constantly sourcing and adding new pieces, so the collection is always changing. That is one of my favourite things about Poppy’s. You never quite know what you might find.
Some days it might be a beautiful New Zealand designer piece, another day something international, something vintage, or something completely unexpected that you never knew you were looking for until you found it.
I source and carefully choose every piece that comes into Poppy’s, and it really does have to speak to me. I am not interested in filling the racks just for the sake of it. I want everything to earn its place and to feel like something worth discovering.
After such a busy few months, I am genuinely excited for what the next season brings. There is something really lovely about seeing the shop evolve with the weather, watching new pieces arrive, meeting new people and imagining where all these clothes might end up and what memories they might become part of.
So here’s to spring, warmer days, fresh starts and getting dressed for all of it.
Now I’m just praying Auckland gives us the weather to match, because these outfits deserve to be worn!
