Owned by graphic design graduate Ruben Bryant, Good as Gold has become a Wellington fashion and streetwear institution since its inception in 2004. Head here if you’re into the effortlessly cool vibe. Seriously, I don’t know how they do it. Hyper-fashionable staff with hyper-friendly, helpful, non-judgmental attitudes to match. Damn them. Sign up for the weekly newsletter for a brief LOL yarn that makes you feel like a part of the gang, and a hot look book and new stock to show you how to wear the gear. Every now and then you’re invited to product launches and pretty much any reason for a bit of a party. What’s not to love?

Good as Gold is worth checking out, even if you’re not in a money spending mood, for its treehouse design alone. Yup, there’s a tree. In the shop. Think dream wardrobe inside your childhood dream treehouse, and you’re halfway there. Seeing is believing.

Good as Gold stocks the likes of Beau Coops, Deadly Ponies, Karen Walker and Herschel Supply Co amongst a multitude of other desirable brands. There’s also a lot of New Balance, if you’re on that bandwagon or looking to be. They’ll teach you the chino-rolling, hat-wearing ways, don’t worry. Decked out in Good as Gold clothes, shoes, jewellery and accessories, you’ll be too cool for school.

Photo: Bright Black