We’re regularly sent items and news from brands hoping to catch our (and your) attention. Some we’re happy to shout about; others, not so much. Many are fresh launches, others are cult classics worth coming back to. So, we’re sharing more of what crosses our desks, inboxes and feeds. Some of these products or services may have been gifted, but the opinions are all ours.

Underlena undies, $47-$49

The PR really PR’d with this one, so you’ve probably seen these everywhere by now. But we adore Maxine Kelly of Underlena – she’s supported Ensemble since day one, and we love her dedication to ‘every day sensuality’ and nice underthings. She recently launched her own range to sit alongside the other brands she stocks, after years of perfecting styles and fit on a range of different bums and bodies. She’s started with a (very) high-cut brief, string bikini and thong, in sizes XS to XXL, made from soft Tencel™ Lyocell and all in black. You know: the undies you put on and forgot about because they’re so comfy. We can confirm, they are! The campaign also features her mum, Maggie, as one of the models which we really adore.

Videris ‘Calm Grey’

More cool, and comfortable, local undies! Videris is well-known for its use of colour and the ability it has to change the mood of those who wear it. The purple undies have been featured in Nice Things We Spent Our Own Money On, with Rebecca saying she liked the surprise she got whenever she peed. That said, we truly love a marle grey and are excited that’s the new colour dropping from designer/founder Chloe Julian, who says the colour is designed to evoke presence, balance and ease. Even better.

Zangria Wildberry & Citrus Fizz fruit wine, $23

Though a sangria is better suited to sunnier days, Zangria (lol) is perfect for these windy, wet evenings. Sweet-leaning alcohol might make you think of headaches and embarrassing teenage moments, but Zangria toes the line between dry and vodka Cruiser wonderfully. New Zealand rosé and some of the namesake fruit make for an ideal balance of sweet, tart, and a delightful fizz. At four standard drinks in each bottle, it isn’t too cheeky if you keep it to yourself, but it’s better to share the fun and hear how people describe the flavours; gregarious, exuberant and jubilant.

Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF50 Mineral Glow Serum, $89

We’ve long stanned Emma Lewisham’s Skin Reset Serum but now, after watching the amazing Louise Rae do Morgana O’Reilly’s makeup for our Supper Club using this SPF50 tinted one, a new serum has entered the chat. We’ve been loving it in the mornings, worked in with a foundation brush on top of our moisturiser (or even blended with it). A bit of blush or bronzer on the cheeks and you’re ready to go for the day. Hardworking and doing double duty, our favourite kind of skincare. 

Bio Blends Iconic Iron supplements, $70

We went to the launch of this with vested interests: Rebecca is a longtime Dr Libby fan, and Zoe has a longstanding struggle with low iron. We were intrigued to hear more from the wellbeing icon about her new book Fix Iron First and the accompanying supplements (made from organic peas to support better absorption).

Dr Libby spoke passionately about how iron was a hot topic in the 80s and 90s but has since gone ‘out of fashion’, but that she believes a lot of health issues (including symptoms often attributed to perimenopause) may stem from low iron. To feel your best, Dr Libby says your iron level should ideally be at least 50µg/L (at one stage, Zoe’s was in the single digits…!!!), and supplements are often the only effective way to bring levels up. We’ve been trialling these new ones and been impressed so far: they don’t make you constipated like some iron pills can. We’ll be testing our levels once the bottles done to see if we see a difference to our levels.

‍Shark Stratos Cordless Pet Pro Vacuum Plus with Clean Sense IQ, $950

Rebecca has a golden retriever (hi Taco!) who, while cute, has led to a veritable graveyard of vacuums in her garage. Needless to say she whisked this one home quick smart. A self-cleaning brush roll means it can deal with a mass of long hair without getting tangled; game changing with anyone else with enormous long haired dogs and carpet. It also comes with two battery packs, meaning you’ll never be left without charge, can sense when it’s cleaned an area properly and notifies you to move along, contains odour neutralisers, comes with a stack of different heads and nozzles (hi skirting boards and side of fridges) and folds down for easy storage. So far, we’re in love.

Deadly Ponies wool cashmere blanket, $499

Fancy blankets are a true luxury and at this time of year there's nothing better than wrapping up all cosy in an oversized favourite. Deadly Ponies has brought back their ultra-plush wool-cashmere blankets, now in two earthy shades: ‘fern’ (lush green) and ‘schist’ (moody grey). Released in celebration of one year of their Queenstown boutique, in the historic former Mountaineer Hotel, each blanket features a striking graphic by designer Paul Bergès, nodding to the nostalgic charm of vintage Woolmark care labels.

Yu Mei Utility 'Braidy' bag, $395

The Wellington-based brand’s ‘Braidy’ has become one of those signature styles you spot everywhere, especially on the streets of the capital. Practical, sturdy and roomy, it makes sense that they’ve added it to the Utility range in even more functional ECONYL regenerated nylon. That’s ideal for those who aren’t precious and put their handbags through a lot (and who are after a slightly more accessible price point; though it’s still ‘an investment’). It’s such a simple, chic shape and comes in some fun colours, alongside classic black – a soft green, deep maroon, sunny yellow and a deep navy (in some lights, this looks purple). There’s also a smaller cross-body version, but the medium shoulder bag in brown is high on our wish list.

Whanau by Donavon Te Ahunui Farnham and Rehua Wilson (published by Hachette NZ/Moa Press), $30

Zoe's te reo journey is a complicated one, But this sweet little hardcover book, by teacher Donovan Te Ahunui Farnham (Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe) and illustrator Rehua Wilson (Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa), has been a gentle way back in. Designed for beginners (we’re pretty sure it’s meant to be read with tamariki), it has chapters on 'words of aroha', 'talking about feelings' and 'celebrating and supporting your whānau'. It's a non-judgemental guide, and whatever page you open and land on has a kind and helpful phrase.

Blunt Outdoor and Leisure Club umbrellas, from $139

Do we think fashion’s renewed obsession with leisure and country clubs, and sports like tennis and golf is tied up in the shift to conservatism and idolisation of wealth (see: ‘old money’ and ‘quiet luxury’ trends, the brand Sporty and Rich)? Yes. But we do like a preppy motif, and Blunt umbrellas are our go-to at this time of year. The brand’s new sporty-inspired range is subtle enough with its racquet and golf club motifs and sporting stripes.

They’ve also recently collaborated with Saben, one of our favourite illustrators, Studio Bon, and a very cool collab for Matariki with Tā Moko artist Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Manu).

Flox x Honuka Liposomal 1000 Vitamin C + D3 Mānuka Honey Snaps, $40

These clever (and yum) little packets of golden goodness have helped protect against winter chills and general sickness for a while now. This limited-edition release sees the packaging get a makeover by artist Flox, with cute Mānuka flowers and bee illustration. The collab is part of a wider promotion where five Flox golden bees have been hidden inside boxes sold at Chemist Warehouse stores, and customers who find them win a year’s supply and limited edition Flox print.