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May I highly recommend The Fitting Room, 188 Featherston Street. I had also been dependent on Kirks to fit me properly, and after years of ordering disappointing bras online, had given up hope of finding any that fit and looked good, and lasted longer than two washes. I also got my first decent swimsuit there. The women are lovely, the changing rooms warm and softly lit. They offered me matching undies but I'd already blown my budget on the top half, so I will return for those another day. Also LOVE your yellow door!

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The yellow door is an absolute winner for me too!!!! I love the cheeriness of yellow and used it in my kitchen in the last house I owned. Probably the last house I will own now sadly.

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A yellow kitchen! There's nothing more cheerful. I lived in a London flat with a buttermilk kitchen and it was my favourite room in the house

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This is EXCITING to me! Thanks heaps, Catherine

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This is too funny Leah. My better half and I went to 'the basement' a week ago, stocking up on essentials for the walk. We managed to escape with undies, socks, and quick dry shirts. No kidnapping at the makeup counter.

And, I have been meaning to apologize for the hug. It was very forward of me, but I was so overtaken with your stardom. Thanks for the kindest words. It brought a tear to my eye. Waiting in departure ready for our flight to Barcelona. Camino starts in 10 days! Eek!

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Oh wow, you're on your way! I'm in awe of you both for doing something so darned COOL.

And your hug made my day. Dammit, my month.

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This is wonderful writing Leah. I'm a guy and I can relate !!!

Perhaps you could also write for we men under another byline - like Leo (if that's a man's name nowadays - or probably Leon.

We don't buy undies anymore because they're all shiny and have rocket ships or yachts sailing off Days Bay all over them. Gary McCormick.

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Gary McCormick, it's high time YOU had a Substack!

So kind of you to message x

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Loved all of this! You do Welly weather so well, Leah (the Sprite can last week!) Three Salons looks amazing, too. Yellow door's a win. Happy Spring!

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And to you, Dan! Wellington might not have much going for us, presently, but we have a ton of weather. Snort!

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Thanks for this Leah. My Substack feed can be really heavy going sometimes. But like the outpouring of native birds from Zealandia we have received here in the western suburbs, the warming glow of your yellow door has reached us. But also how you turn what could be a grim shopping expedition into a hilarious adventure.

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What a lovely thing to tell me. I'm so, so glad!

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Lol Leah! I recall my go-to undies used to be five pack Brazilian boylegs from Victoria Secret now they're five pack Lyric briefs from Farmers!

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Jane, you are one of the most stylish women of my acquaintance. If you're reduced to a five pack of Lyrics, there's no hope for the rest of us.

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Ha ha I did not say full-over-the-belly-button-brief! Mine have cotton lace around the legs so no vpl on ze derriere in any outfit - jean, skirt, activewear.

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Where would I be without Leah McFall. That is not a question.

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Deborah, it's terrifying hitting send without having an editor. TERRIFYING.

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I love your funny experience of getting your face done! Hard relate! I remember getting a “makeover” at John Lewis and looking unrecognisable as I also rarely wear foundation. And omg what a cute description of the old ladies in the 90s. 😅🫶🏻

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I suppose the more products they slap on your face, the more chance of a sale. My problem is I feel guilty if I don't buy something!

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Still laughing

You must be thrilled the end of the reno is in sight and just in time for a spring 'ahhhh'

What a very very gorgeous door and pooch

Mine is red - door not pooch - and both have somehow withstood years of sea air.

During walks, when we are the only ones mad enough to be out on the dog beach in the eye-tearing southerly wind, I often think 'there goes another decade of expensive moisturising and hydration - and what, dear god, is the difference'?

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Chortle! The one good thing about these endless southerlies is that we'll all have very good lungs. The air's as clean as a whistle.

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The yellow door looks fabulous. Good work.

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Oh goody! I had a little turn when it first went on, but I'm growing in confidence now

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Love your writing Leah. Hey my nan is also Gladys!

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Isn't Gladys the perfect name for a nan? Thanks, Gene

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Love love love this. Sharing immediately to friends in the UK and NZ.

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(In Hilary's voice) Ee, you are a duck, Lorna.

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