mary: clover design store
showcasing the people, places, inspirations and musings behind what makes moochi, we bring you my moochi style; mary from clover design store
in the heart of mount maunganui (and a stone throw away from moochi main), mary invites us into the second iteration of her design store lineage, where we chat about her beautifully curated space and lifelong love affair with fashion
tell us about yourself and what you do
my daughters and i own veranda, a homeware store located on waiheke island, and we have recently opened clover design store in mount maunganui, where i am to be found most days. i moved to the mount to be part of clover just before christmas after living on waiheke and managing veranda for ten years. i never move far from the ocean – i need my beach walks!
in my day-to-day, you can find me merchandising (playing with pretty things), assisting customers and bouncing ideas around with my daughters, rana and emma. we love to travel internationally in search of both products and inspiration, which is so much fun as we share a love of innovative design and architecture, as well as good food, wine and shoes!
your store is beautiful, tell us about how you got here and your inspiration
rana, emma and i believe our lives our greatly enhanced by homes (and wardrobes!) that are stylish, well designed, comfortable and functional. we source products both locally and internationally that are an expression of our values around sustainability and craftsmanship, and are beautiful as well as uncomplicated, classic and destined to give joy for a long time. we are drawn to high quality textiles and materials that are timeless, as well as ceramics and pottery - some of which is made on waiheke
we purchased veranda ten years ago when it operated as a small gift type store. we've since morphed it into a homeware/lifestyle brand that nods to both its coastal location overlooking the stunning oneroa bay and the slightly bohemian vibe that is waiheke
rana and emma lived at the mount and felt the mount village needed us, so clover design store was born. it is constantly evolving and high-quality kitchenware is on our radar, as well as increasing our range of timeless linens and exquisite home fragrances, some of which have not yet been available in nz – exciting stuff!
in three words, how would you define your style?
classic, stylish and comfortable
how did you discover moochi?
i discovered moochi when the first store opened at the mount. i remember purchasing both a black and white tee shirt with button detailing on the shoulders – they were excellent wardrobe basics. moochi has been my go-to for quality, stylish wardrobe builders since
what does fashion mean to you, and how does it play into your day to day?
a thoughtful collection of quality wardrobe staples in great fabrics takes the fuss out of dressing. when you have pieces that are comfortable together you can play with accessories to add some fun. i love my moochi blazers, pants and tops – classic styles often with an interesting twist, designed to be loved and worn on high rotation
what are your favourite moochi pieces from this palette?
the manner pinstripe blazer, furthered jean and contrast spin dress have recently found their way into my wardrobe, and i have a beady eye on the new tempo trench – love it. the pinstripe blazer is so versatile - laid back with jeans or more ‘corporate’ teamed with black pants and my much-loved grid boot to toughen things up a bit
Quick fire questions
drink of choice?
a good coffee and oaky chardonnay – need both in my life
cold or warm weather dressing?
i am a summer sunshine girl
if you had to live somewhere other than NZ, where would it be?
the mount ticks a lot of boxes – great beaches (and my favourite moochi store), but southern france would work!
Mary's picks
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do you have a favourite piece from your moochi archive that is a consistent reach for you?
i have built quite a collection of moochi dresses, particularly from the 6&7 range which form the basis of my warm weather wardrobe - so easy, comfortable and stylish. i will be pairing them this summer with the moochi ballet flat I had a sneak preview of – it is adorable!
anything exciting to come in the next year or so?
my daughters and i are planning a trip to europe next year to source both product and inspiration – exciting! there will be lots of moochi pieces in the suitcase – perfect for travel