prairie girl musings

Category: Christchurch

How To Stay Sane While Planning A Wedding

With less than four months until our wedding, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about how all the planning is going. There’s no denying I’m excited for the big day to arrive, but it’s definitely an exhausting process if I’m completely honest.

From guest lists to napkin colours, hens party planning and rehearsal dinners, there’s a lot to consider. I’ve been asked to review a handful of itineraries for my Canadian visitors and so wish I had more time to help because trip planning is my ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE THING TO DO.

As a detail-oriented person, all the options can feel overwhelming. And lately, I’ve been finding just how important it is to take time out. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a big event or milestone of any kind, I encourage you to take time out to recharge as well. Not only will you appreciate the day so much more, it will help you avoid burnout. So, here are a few of my tried and true ways of saying sane during hectic times…

Release control
While it isn’t exactly characteristic of me to relinquish control, I’m coming to terms with just how vital it is. There are certain factors of your wedding day (or event) that are beyond your control — the weather, whether your guests will like the food and whether everything will go as planned (newsflash: it won’t!) In the end, it truly doesn’t matter, so move on. Further to this, there are planning elements you should leave to others (including your husband or wife to be…)

Hire a planner
I know I’ve covered this in previous blog posts, but working with a stylist and the planning team at Riccarton House has SAVED me. We’ve had regular meetings to discuss the finer details of the day and it’s really helped ease my fears (I’m definitely an anxious person). I’m also super indecisive, so this helps me bounce ideas off someone else. They know what they’re doing and can come to the rescue with the perfect recommendation to any problem I encounter. They also think of things that wouldn’t even cross my mind, so that’s a win in my books.

Take time out
Taking time out means different things to different people, but be sure you have days where you’re not thinking or talking about the upcoming event. Nick and I have started focusing on our five-year plan because we’ve been so preoccupied with the wedding over the past few months and has become a bit of a barrier. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an exciting time, but don’t allow it to distract you from living in the present and enjoying your relationship as it is now.

Book yourself in for a massage or facial
I’m the first to admit, I love a spa day. I’ve actually just booked my mom and sisters in for a pamper sesh a few days before my wedding. Massages and facials are wonderful investments in my opinion, you can’t put a price on looking after yourself and your mental health. And after being hunched over my desk all day, nothing feels better than having someone work out all the stress.

Exercise regularly
Exercise has always been important to me, but more so in the lead-up to our wedding. I’ve been careful not to focus too much on losing weight, after all I want to look like myself. But exercise is such a good way to combat stress and feel more focused and alert. I find I’m always more productive after a workout class.

Organise a menu tasting
We haven’t yet had our menu tasting, but I’ve been told it’s one of the most fun elements of wedding preparation. Our friends recently had theirs and they loved getting to sample everything and deciding what to serve. Riccarton House is home to the local farmers market, which is extra special to us. Being able to plan an event with a seasonal menu that supports local growers and producers sounds pretty incredible to me.

Spend less
As much as it’d be nice to have millions to spend on all the finer details, it’s more important to plan a fun day that your guests will enjoy. After all, your event should be about spending time with your guests. Personally, I’d much rather have an enjoyable, low-key gathering without draining my bank account.

Site visits
If you live close to your venue, visit often. Get a feel for the space and how you see the day unfolding. I’m lucky in that I can pop by Riccarton House for a coffee or an Aperol Spritz (they do the best spritzes) whenever I like. The grounds are frequented by cyclists, runners, locals and tourists, which makes for a lovely environment. I’m also a regular at the Christchurch Farmers Market, which gives me plenty of menu inspiration.

Well, there you have some of my tricks for staying sane while planning the biggest event of my life (so far). Are you planning a wedding and if so, what’s been your saving grace?

Photos by Malia Rose

November 28, 2018
The Rainy Day Edit

Christchurch isn’t a particularly rainy city. Sure, there are weeks where we barely see the sun, but generally it’s pretty nice. That said, there’s something a bit exciting about having a few wardrobe items you look forward to pulling out on those less than ideal days. Further to that, I love having activities up my sleeve for dreary days that get me out of the house (though days spent curled up reading a book are nice, too.)

Rains raincoats were made for melancholic New Zealand days. I don’t know how anyone could be sad whilst wearing this shade of pink. It’s light, breathable and fits like a dream. I’m not going to lie, there are sunny days where I’d like to put this on…

Catching a flick at Alice Cinema has to be my ultimate rainy day activity. The intimate cinema always has a range of art films on rotation and I love the idea of staying within the central city to see a film. This week, I’m looking forward to seeing On Chesil Beach, which is based on a novella. The shorts look as bleak as the weather forecast (I’m a sucker for sad movies…)

Another favourite rainy day activity of mine is going out to eat. I find it so satisfying to tuck into a pub meal or linger over coffee when the weather’s less than ideal. My ultimate neighbourhood spots for a rainy day include Pomeroy’s (their burger is my favourite in town), Kadett for a flat white and cake (their kimchi toastie is out of this world!) and The Corner Store (home to Smokey T’s BBQ, yum!)

How do you spend rainy days? Do you stay indoors and take a nap or brave the storm?

Photography by Carmen Huter

September 4, 2018
How I’m Embracing Winter This Year

Apparently Christchurch has only seen thirteen hours of sun in the past nineteen days… This seems pretty extreme for a typically sunny and relatively temperate city, but then again, who am I to complain? I’m about to escape to North America for the next two weeks. But let’s backtrack… this post isn’t about escaping winter, it’s about making the most of the season even when the weather is less than ideal. Here are some ways I’ve resisted hibernating until the cherry blossoms decide to bloom in Hagley Park…

Make the most of ski season
I was pretty surprised when I first moved to New Zealand and learnt how popular skiing is here. Arriving from Canada, I knew that a few Kiwis skied, but had no idea the extent of the options available even within Canterbury. A weekend or even a day away to Mt. Hutt or Porters is the perfect way to immerse yourself into the season.

Enjoy a mulled wine or two
Mulled wine is the perfect excuse to peel yourself off the couch. Smash Palace is my go-to for a steaming glass of the cinnamon and nutmeg beverage. Even on cooler evenings, I can sit outside (beside a heater) with my mulled wine and almost forget the temperature is hovering slightly above zero. If you can’t bear tearing yourself away from your latest Netflix binge, it’s also ridiculously easy to make at home.

Holiday in Hanmer Springs
It wasn’t until last winter that I properly explored Hanmer. Nick and I spent the night at Braemar Lodge for his birthday and had the loveliest time. Known for its hot pools and walking tracks, the alpine town is close enough to the ski fields, offering an alternative après-ski option. Stop in at the 1861 Hurunui Hotel on the drive back for lunch or a coffee.

Treat yourself to a staycation
If you can’t get away to the Pacific Islands or Hawaii, a staycation might just do the trick. There are so many staycation options in Christchurch, but two of my hotels are the Crowne Plaza and Hotel Montreal (read my staycation guide here). Both strike the perfect balance between luxury and anonymity (which is ideal for a staycation) and you’ll love their in-house dining options if you don’t feel like venturing outside.

If you’d like to venture slightly outside Christchurch, I love exploring the North Canterbury region and highly recommend Pure Pods. Perfectly situated for gorgeous views and isolation, staying at the Waipara pod offers the ultimate mini getaway.

Book yourself a massage or a facial
Winter takes a toll on the body, so it’s important to treat yourself every now and then. Whether it’s a hydrating facial at Total Body Concept or a luxurious massage at Beauty at the Tannery, you’ll leave feeling so much better than when you arrived. If the funds are a bit tight, you can always treat yourself to a face mask and your favourite book.

Check out a new restaurant
While picnics are out of the question, visiting your favourite restaurant or venturing somewhere new is an excellent way to beat the cold. Cosy up by the fire at Miro in the Midland Building, share a platter at O.G.B. or grab a cocktail at Universo in the art gallery. The central city options are so extensive and it’s nice to get out of the house even when the weather is a bit frightening.

Photo by Nancy Zhou

Invest in some new sweaters
My friend once commented that Canadians must really love turtlenecks after she noticed me wearing them pretty much every day. I’m not sure if that’s true, but Canadians are quite practical when it comes to winter dressing. We’re accustomed to shockingly cold temperatures, so we prefer not to mess around. If you’re feeling the chill, there’s really nothing better than snuggling up in your favourite cosy jumper.

Photos by Nancy Zhou

Sweat it out
Winter is when many of us get into a bit of a workout funk, but it’s actually the best way to keep warm and ward off illness. So, this year I decided to switch it up a bit by signing up for spin classes. Rather than traditional classes, I opted for Cadence Cycle Studio which combines strength training, cardio and cycling. It’s the perfect workout for those of us who need a bit of variety.

Experiment with new recipes
I’m not much of a chef, but winter is the time when I don’t mind experimenting in the kitchen. The days are shorter and the nights can feel long. There’s something so special about preparing a wholesome meal to share with friends and loved ones.

…or order some meatballs!
Meatball Monday is, hands down, the best way to beat your weekday blues. You get the choice of pork and beef balls or white bean and cannellini (vegan is also an option!). You can also add anchovies, which are simply delicious. Even better, Tom delivers to homes and businesses in the central city and nearby suburbs. Oh and he’s recently introduced fennel to his recipes, which is a game changer. Just trust me and order some balls for next Monday.

I’d love to hear your ideas for embracing the chillier months. Leave me a comment below with your tips.

June 19, 2018
10 Christchurch Cafés Worth Checking Out

I’m all about a quality café. Having worked remotely for much of my career, I’m constantly on the hunt for cafés that fit the following criteria:

The coffee needs to be good.
There needs to be a decent food offering.
They need to be okay with me staying a while (and likely taking a photo or two…)
If there’s wifi, even better.

Not so hard, is it? Fortunately, Christchurch has had an influx of new cafés as of late. There are cafés to suit all aesthetics, whether you like something cosy and intimate or spacious and light-filled, I’ve got your back. Read on and I’ll cover my top 10 cafés worth visiting.

Miro
176 Oxford Terrace, The Midland Building
I won’t go into too much detail about Miro because you can read my first impressions here. Let’s just say it fits all the above criteria and it’s in a prime location in the beautiful Midland Building.

Photo by Nancy Zhou

Photo by Sophie Isabella

The Origin
95 Westminster Street, St. Albans
If you’re after a space that’s a bit more open and light-filled, head to The Origin in St. Albans. This mostly plant-based, vegetarian café has free wifi (score) and excellent coffee. The space itself is stunning, mostly white with lots of plants and the comfiest chairs.

West End Stories
93 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch Central
Another beautiful café in the central city, West End Stories has a delicious menu and free wifi to boot. In particular, I’m in love with their pumpkin fritters and poached eggs.

Uncommon
262 Tuam St, Christchurch Central
Uncommon Café on Tuam Street has one of the best menus in the city. Their coffee is C4 and their dishes are always changing. I’m a fan of their hotcakes, which are big enough to feed two, but I usually devour on my own. I also like how close it is to our flat — super convenient for Sunday morning brekkie.

The Anchorage
4 Walker Street, Christchurch Central
Another spot for free wifi and quality brews, The Anchorage is a roastery, café and communal workspace. The coffee menu is the key focus here and it’s ever-changing. They also have simple menu made up of local suppliers, Cakes by Anna, Bellbird and Grizzly Bagel.

Grain
19 Southwark Street, Christchurch Central
Again, I’ve written about Grain in the past, but it’s one of my favourite cafés for many reasons including its expertly poured Allpress coffee, its minimalist interior and healthy menu. The grain bowls are my lunchtime go-to and I highly recommend trying their warm vegan bowl.

Mediterranean Food Company
322 Tuam Street, Christchurch Central
Part grocery store, part café, part restaurant, Mediterranean Food Co. may not exactly quality as a café, but they do serve coffee and the best Mediterranean food in the city. The pizzas are divine, Aperol Spritzes (which originate in Italy) are impeccable and you can have a cappuccino or gelato to top it all off. Oh, and they have instagrammable marble tables, perfect to fit that Instagram aesthetic you’re after.

Ten27
1027 Ferry Road, Ferrymead
Located a bit further afield is Ten27, another spacious café with an extensive breakfast and lunch menu. I haven’t tried very much off their menu, but loved the honeycomb pancakes pictured below. They were absolutely divine. Oh, and there’s free wifi.

Coffee Embassy
107 Fitzgerald Ave, Christchurch Central
Previously Lumes, Coffee Embassy is my local. It’s only about three blocks from my flat and I love sitting outside while sipping my morning coffee. The café and roastery has a surprisingly delicious menu as well, not relying solely on excellent brews. I recommend the avocado toast.

Park Ranger
114 Riccarton Rd, Riccarton, Christchurch
Last but certainly not least, Park Ranger is my favourite café in Riccarton. It’s constantly teeming on the weekends, filled with locals and those leaving the Christchurch Farmers Market in need of an extra hit of coffee. The açai bowl is a refreshing option or try the Goodness Bowl, filled with all those healthy greens and balanced with halloumi and a poached egg for good measure.

Are you a frequent café-goer, too? If so, let me know your favourite spots in the comments below.

May 29, 2018
Miro in the Midland Building

The Brown Bread team has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the downstairs café in our building (Midland Building). Helmed by the folk behind Francesca’s Italian Kitchen (in both Wanaka and Christchurch), Miro is serving up an extensive menu of breakfast, brunch and lunch favourites. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, filling or light, Miro has got your back. Think ricotta hotcakes, breakfast panna cotta, eggs benedict, croque madame and huevos rancheros. They’ve also got matcha smoothies and açai bowls galore in addition to breakfast cocktails like Bloody Marys and mimosas. Their coffee is Allpress, which means we no longer need to leave the office for our morning brew.

When we visit, we sampled a good selection of the menu, the buffalo panna cotta with with citrus granola and seasonal fruit, ricotta pancakes, savoury waffles, the breakfast board consisting of granola, coconut yogurt, dippy eggs with soldiers, a croissant from Le Panier and freshly squeezed orange juice — delightful! Everything is fresh and tasty

For lunch, expect a range of large and small plates. I’ve got my eye on the salmon fillet, wagyu burger and patatas bravas. Oh, and there’s affogatos for dessert. Yes, please!

While the menu is delicious, the space is where Miro truly shines. The beautiful restored café remains true to its original style and I feel like I’ve stepped back in time. Simultaneously relaxing and lively, the café is filled with plants and greenery. With two roaring fires, this is a spot where you’ll want to settle in for the colder months. There are plans in the works to have outdoor seating overlooking the Avon River.

The team will eventually open for dinner, but for now they are open from 8AM to 3PM.
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates and to browse the menus.

Look for the terracotta building (the former Caffe Roma building for you Christchurch locals).

April 30, 2018
How We Chose Our Wedding Venue

Choosing your wedding venue is not an easy decision — at least it wasn’t for us. We originally anticipated having our wedding in Canada, close to where I grew up, before figuring out how much easier it’d be to plan if we had it in New Zealand.

After establishing the country where we’d have our nuptials, we set out to find an appropriate venue. We wanted to make sure our big day reflected us as a couple, so we narrowed our options down to two locations: Christchurch and Akaroa. Christchurch because it’s where we’re based and Akaroa because it’s more of a destination spot that still holds a lot of importance to us. Not only is it where we got engaged but it’s where we spend many weekends, including our birthdays and anniversaries.

We tentatively booked a beautiful venue in Akaroa, but later changed our minds. I felt guilty going back on my decision, but fortunately we hadn’t made a deposit. We both liked but didn’t LOVE the venue. The views were next level, but there were a few elements that weren’t quite ‘us’. We both could’ve lived with these drawbacks had the price not been so steep. If you’re in a similar position, think carefully about your priorities. We ended up going back to the drawing board, this time looking at venues right in Christchurch.

As much as we wanted a destination with dramatic views and breathtaking landscapes, Nick and I are city people at heart. We live and work in the CBD and cycling is our primary means of transportation. It felt like a bit of a contradiction to get married outside the city and make our guests drive 1.5 hours to get to our wedding. I know that probably sounds absurd to most people, but we’re huge advocates for the rebuild and the prosperity of the city. We wanted to support our local vendors who make Christchurch such an attractive place to live. Plus, we had a sneaky desire to cycle to our wedding (or at least give our guests the option).

So, where to start in Christchurch? There are actually several incredible venues right in the heart of the city. We tossed up between Christchurch Art Gallery, The Great Hall and the Centre of Contemporary Art… all three are absolutely stunning options that would fit us perfectly. We then considered a few more historic options. Christchurch’s architecture is such an interesting mix of old and new and we realized how special it would be to get married in a heritage building as they are few and far between.

This is what led us to Local at Riccarton House & Bush. Dean’s Cottage is the oldest building in Canterbury and the thought of getting married in the bush felt pretty special. We hadn’t really considered Riccarton House as a venue despite being regulars at the Christchurch Farmers Market every Saturday. After undergoing renovations following the earthquakes, it’s looking as spiffy as ever. It’s also very spacious with excellent indoor-outdoor flow, and we like the idea of having options for different parts of the day.

So, we planned our visit and were blown away by the historic homestead. I don’t want to give too much away before our big day, but I’m looking forward to getting ready upstairs with my girls and walking down the beautiful old staircase before saying our vows amongst some of the oldest trees in the region, and dancing the night away.

There’s a lot of pressure attached to choosing a wedding venue. It’s usually the first big decision you make after getting engaged. It can be all too easy to blow your budget on an incredible venue (believe me, we almost did…) I urge you to think outside the box, look at restaurants, art galleries, gardens and halls. Friends of ours got married in a modest school hall and it was gorgeous!

New Zealand is a wedding destination, many couples travel from all over the world to get married here. The venues available to us throughout the country can feel infinite, even overwhelming. If you choose a venue that reflects your relationship and identity, you’ve set the tone for your big day.

All imagery by Jillian Miller Photography.

This post was written in partnership with Local at Riccarton House & Bush, but all opinions are my own.

April 22, 2018
Float Therapy: Here’s What To Expect

With constant noise and distraction in our daily lives, it’s increasingly difficult to disconnect. Being constantly tethered to my device, both for work and personal reasons, I’ve often tossed up the idea of a digital detox. Float therapy is another option for those looking to carve out space to think and meditate without external distractions. It involves floating in 500KGs of epsom salts and thirty centimetres of water (heated precisely to our external body temperature).

I was kindly invited to try floatation at Cloud 9 Float Club. Despite some initial hesitation and outright fear, I decided to give it a whirl. I had read all about the benefits of float therapy, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving creativity and memory, and repairing muscles after intense exercise. It would be silly not to experience it for myself, right?

Nevertheless, with 60-undisturbed minutes of sensory deprivation in a seven-foot pod awaiting, I was slightly terrified. Where would my mind go? Would I fall asleep? I’m slightly claustrophobic, so I worried I would freak out as soon as I closed myself into the 7-foot tank…

As the Cloud 9 team explained, everyone’s experience is completely different and you’ll get exactly what you need out of a float. “Some people immediately fall asleep because that’s what their body requires while others’ minds will run wild.”

Fortunately, my fears quickly evaporated and I seemed to lose all sense of space and time while I was floating. Focusing on my breath, my body slowly relaxed and space felt infinite. I decided to have my hands bent above my head (like goddess pose in yoga) as it was recommended for those with tight necks/upper backs. At first, I felt like I was floating along a river, and then through space with the worries of the day disintegrating. Meditation has never been easy for me, but in a flotation tank, focusing was the only option.

To ease you into the float, you’ll hear ten minutes of light music before 45-minutes of silence and five minutes easing you back at the end of your float. After 60-minutes of me time, Cloud 9 has plenty of all-natural bath products to help you wash away the salt and carry on with your day.

Post-float, you may want to write down your thoughts, sit on one of Cloud 9’s comfy chairs to process, or head straight home – again, everyone is different. Rather than give everything away, I urge you to try float therapy for yourself.

I hope I’ve answered any questions (and concerns) you may have about float therapy. Please leave me a comment below if you’ve ever tried flotation, I’d love to hear about your experience!

November 6, 2017
What Fable Brings To The Table

Fable is a local store with a purpose. The carefully curated second-hand shop offers a vintage shopping experience not found anywhere else in Christchurch (or even New Zealand). Owners Sarah Gunn and Meagan Veitch saw a gap in the market for affordable, good quality second-hand items after seeing the incredible level of vintage shopping in America. Rather than simply creating more landfill – the girls wanted to repurpose existing clothing, giving it a new lease on life.

South Town is quickly evolving into the coolest place in town and Fable plays an integral role in that transformation. The pop-up shop won’t be around forever, though there may be plans to relocate to a super cool spot in Sydenham. Fable sells second-hand clothing (including handmade baby knits) and homeware, gifts, and books.

There’s a big focus on giving back to the organisations and charities they buy from: the Salvation Army, Red Cross, St. Vincent De Paul, St John, SPCA, and Lyttelton Community Project to name a few. When selecting items for Fable, Meagan and Sarah shop exclusively at organisations that help the community – where the profits are invested back into what they support.

Pop into Fable on 24 Welles Street to say hi to the girls (they are the loveliest!) And stay tuned for our upcoming collaboration.

All photos by Nancy Zhou

October 18, 2017
In My Backyard

Earlier this year, a man came to the door to inform us that there would be some disturbance going on next door. Apartment units were being constructed for Housing New Zealand and apparently a few of our neighbours were less than impressed that social housing was going up next to their properties. This pervasive attitude is known as NIMBYisim (not in my backyard), whereby someone may not be principally opposed to housing developments, bicycle lanes or public transport infrastructure, schools or playgrounds but simply don’t want them located anywhere near their property. Of course, if everyone held this view, essential public services and infrastructure would never be built and society would collectively be worse off.

We’ve lived in the inner city for nearly two years and are delighted whenever there’s new development in the area. The most vibrant, dynamic cities thrive in spite of NIMBYism, which I aim to explain in my blog post on what makes cities great.

When choosing a charity to support, I looked to issues in my community. What could I offer my city’s most vulnerable? Prior to purchasing our first home, Nick and I lived next door to the Christchurch City Mission. Now merely blocks away, we’re witnessing new social housing units and a women’s shelter popping up right next door.

When I found out about the Christchurch City Mission’s Sunday Lunch, I wanted to get involved. I love food (don’t we all?) and know that access to fresh, nutritious food is a basic human right. I could see the great work the Mission was doing to bring food to those who would otherwise go without. These individuals work tirelessly to support those who need it most. The annual Sunday Lunch is a win-win, offering locals the chance to sample a three-course meal by one of the city’s top chefs. There’s also an auction and entertainment – everyone who’s involved is volunteering their time and skills to the City Mission with all proceeds going back to the community. This year’s lunch raised thousands.

During lunch, Matthew Mark, the Christchurch City Missioner spoke about what a privilege it was to be able to serve the community. Each year, the mission provides a range of services to thousands of people in the community. Yet, it is only through the generosity of the wider community that the work can continue. This paradox stands out as a lens to view what is unfolding in cities across the country. For various reasons, people fall on hard times and require support. Sadly, it’s becoming more common to see this need in our community. In order to make positive change, we need a bit of collective YIMBYisim (yes, in my backyard). To say no to homelessness in our backyard, we need to say yes and be more welcoming and supportive of organisations like the CM.

I used to think I needed to make a certain amount of money or reach a certain age before I could give back in a meaningful way. I’ve since learnt that charity is about awareness and compassion. It’s about acknowledging that it’s a privilege for us to be able to give back to our communities and we can do so in many different ways.

If anything, I hope this inspires you find your cause. Giving is about more than monetary worth, so give your time, your energy, your voice. And if you’re looking for a worthy cause or would like to learn more about the services offered by the Christchurch City Mission, click here.

October 8, 2017
Ballantynes Fashion Week: Clothing with a conscience

With fashion weeks taking place all over the world at the moment, Ballantynes got in on the action and hosted an exciting calendar of events for Christchurch fashion lovers. The weeklong festivities included a runway show, Q&As with New Zealand designers, shopping events and Huffer’s 20th birthday party.

I was lucky to be invited along to an intimate soirée hosted in the Contemporary Lounge with the designers behind Twenty Seven Names and Harman Grubiša. I’ve long been a fan of Twenty Seven Names, particularly for their well-made, timeless garments that eschew trends and stand the test of time. Madeleine Harman and Jessica Grubiša of Harman Grubiša are newer on the scene, but have quickly cemented their role as fashion powerhouses. Since their show at NZFW last year, they’ve been making waves in the international fashion communities, recently winning the prestigious Woolmark Award.

The evening started off with cocktails and canapés before delving into the interview with Rachel, Madeleine and Jessica. Along with viewing favourite pieces from their new collections, they spoke about their friendships (they both went into business with their best friend), finding inspiration and ethical fashion. I loved hearing their stories about finding creativity and beauty in everything and how hard they work. “If it were easy, everyone would do it,” Twenty Seven Names has recently celebrated ten years in business and Rachel discussed how difficult the first few years were as a new business. “It’s nice to now be at a point where we’ve checked off all the goals we set out for ourselves at the beginning,” she says. All three girls were down to earth and easy to talk to, which is always refreshing in the fashion industry.

New Zealand-made garments are often expensive, which can be deterring to those on a budget. However, affordability and cheap clothes come at a cost, not only to the environment but to labourers and employees. Both Harman Grubiša and Twenty Seven Names pieces are made with high quality materials and everyone they employ is paid a reasonable, living wage. Sustainability is integral to both companies and they both use recycled materials and wastage in their pieces. They also design clothes that last for years, which makes the investment worthwhile.

I’ve always loved how Ballantynes, especially the Contemporary Lounge stocks and supports New Zealand designers. Having to save a bit longer and buy fewer items is one way to consume a little more consciously while supporting local makers and creatives.

All photos by Nancy Zhou.

September 24, 2017