prairie girl musings

Category: Fashion

  • Club Monaco and other news.

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    Hi friends!

    A lot has happened in my life as of late. Rather than lament the negative, I have decided to focus on the overwhelmingly positive aspects of my summer thus far.

    I have recently started a job with Club Monaco, which is one of my favourite companies. I’m working at the original store on Queen Street West that opened in Toronto in 1985. It is literally one block from my apartment, and if you know me, you know this is worth mentioning. I love being within walking distance of everything. Since Club Monaco was purchased by Polo Ralph Lauren, they have adopted a much trendier, cutting-edge aesthetic. My older sister, Stephanie was an avid Club Monaco customer since she was five (I’m partially kidding) and through her, I kept up with the company. I fell in love with their visual displays and digital platforms. Their website is spectacular as are their Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter accounts. Their clothes suit the business/professional lifestyle that I will one day attain!

    In other news, I will be attending Osheaga music festival in Montréal again this year! I am beyond thrilled to check out my favourite artists in one of my favourite cities. My sister, Natalie will be joining me and we’ll be meeting up with other friends as well.

    I was also able to spend nearly two weeks at home in Saskatchewan with my immediate and extended family. The circumstances that brought us together were less than ideal, but I’ll cherish these moments regardless. I’ve always been close to my family and these past two weeks have magnified these feelings of gratitude. I am truly blessed to have an abundance of relatives who care about my wellbeing.

    I have a few more exciting things to tell you, but I’ll wait until next time!

    Until then,
    Vanessa

  • Style Influences

    Style Influences

    Moving to Canada, Toronto in particular, has undoubtedly impacted my sense of style. Whether it was the continent hopping or simply transitioning from full-time student to full-time intern, I’ve been forced to relinquish my ‘homeless-chic’ fashion sense (a term so lovingly coined by my dear friend, Adrian.)

    The study of style has always been of interest to me. How we evolve over time and accumulate new life experiences certainly impacts our sense of style. I appreciate the various social media platforms at our disposal. They enable us to so easily chronicle our daily lives in such a visual and powerful way.

    My sense of style has certainly evolved since high school. Whilst in New Zealand, I was obsessed with the quirky, tongue-in-cheek designs of Karen Walker, Ruby and Huffer (more on Huffer later…) eventually embracing the more streamlined looks of Moochi, Country Road and Zambesi. Like most Aucklanders, I wore a lot of black and adopted a minimalistic approach to hair and makeup. I love how my New Zealander friends and classmates mix high fashion with consignment steals and messy hair. Their “I’ll be damned” attitude is conveyed in everything they do and wear, as if they had just spent their noon hour having a dip in the Pacific.

    However, working in an office environment, many of my favourite garments have been stashed away at my parents’ home in Saskatchewan, waiting for the next road trip or indie music festival. Lately, I’m finding my style veers towards the preppier, buttoned-up looks of J.Crew and Kate Spade. Club Monaco is another old standard that can do no wrong in my eyes.

    Who influences your sense of style? Or rather who influences your style? Is it your present geographic region? The current trends in your part of the world? Is it a combination of your travel experiences and the cities you’ve visited? Surely you are influenced by the climate and your friends, but what else drives the way you present yourself to the world every day?

    For me, my style is an accumulation of all my experiences. From growing up in rural Saskatchewan to travelling to Europe for the first time to completing my BA in the Southern Hemisphere, and everything in between. Here are some of my favourite outfits over the past few years:

    xoxo, Vanessa

  • Summer Fashion Trends

    Summer Fashion Trends

    I am officially on a shopping ban.

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    You read that correctly. I’ve made a bet with an undisclosed individual that I will not shop for the entire summer, that is until September 2013. Those who know me know how challenging this endeavour will be. However, it has forced me to go through my closet and work with the already abundant selection of garments I have.

    Without further ado, here are my six favourite summertime trends:

    1. Lace. I have a thing for lace, and nothing beats a white-hot lace top with high-waisted denim shorts, or a vibrant pink lace skirt paired with a denim button-down shirt. Bring it on.

    2. Denim shirts. Yes, I am Canadian and yes, I do love denim more than your average bear. It just goes with everything and it is easygoing, unpretentious and casual. I feel as though anyone can wear denim, which I love. I’ll be rocking my denim shirts and denim jackets all summer long.

    3. Basket-weaver sandals. While I’m not sure the official name for these sandals, but I must say I’m in love. Paired with anything from a floral sundress to a striped t-shirt and shorts, basket-weaver sandals are the way to go this summer. I bought a Steve Madden pair (pre-ban) for $30, what a steal!

    4. Dungarees. Okay, so I could call them overalls, but I much prefer the British term, “dungarees” because it’s more fun to say! Socialites all over the globe have made this a must-try summer trend, and I can’t help but love the effortless look.

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    5. Summer sequins. Who can resist a little glitter? Pair a sequin skirt with a white top or sweater in the summertime for a look that takes you from day to night. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and chic to avoid overkill.


    6. Calf-length skirts. Come on, show off a little calf. I love where these skirts hit the leg, they aren’t quite maxi. No time for a pedicure? No problem, just lace up your boots or brogues.

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    xoxo, Vanessa

     

  • Pinterest: ortynskyv

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    Speaking of one’s social media presence, does anyone else absolutely adore Pinterest? I’ve been using it since late last year, and was also encouraged to use it during my latest internship.

    Follow me: ortynskyv

  • New Zealand: My Spiritual Homeland

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    “I want to go places and see people. I want my mind to grow. I want to live where things happen on a big scale.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Ice Palace

    There are endless reasons why I consider New Zealand my spiritual homeland, many of which I’ve overzealously documented in this very blog. And lately, especially in the depths of winter, these reasons have been amplified. It’s gone so far that I’ve had repeated dreams about Auckland. Attending outdoor concerts with my Converse-clad mates, going for hilly, trail runs with my energetic besties, reading and drinking ciders on the North Shore’s beautiful, sandy beaches, and hosting barbecues and bonfires every other night.  What’s truly been lacking from my life, as of late, is the quirky, somewhat off-beat, sense of style I’ve seen throughout the South Pacific – but particularly New Zealand. While Melbourne and Sydney are considered “style capitals,” I’m partial to New Zealand fashion scene. I find the designers more wearable and relatable to my own style ethos.

  • Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but darling you look so delightful!

    Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but darling you look so delightful!

    Here in Toronto, we’ve just experienced our very first snow day of 2013. On Friday morning, I awoke to my own personal snow globe. Outside the large windows of my apartment, our bustling city streets were calmer than I’d ever seen them and covered in glistening powder. My Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts blew up with photos of snow-packed driveways and people cross-country skiing down Queen Street, which is usually jam-packed with streetcars, vehicles, and taxis. #TOsnowstorm and #snowday started trending on Twitter, and it seemed most of us were set to hibernate for the weekend. By Saturday, everything had pretty much calmed down. Sure, Sorel boots and Canada Goose jackets were still necessities for most Torontonians. However, with the city back in action, we were ready to go about our weekend activities. Because being chic in -10 or even -40 (if you’re originally from the Prairies like me) requires great skill, I’ve been gathering inspiration from my favourite blogs, tumblrs and, of course, Pinterest accounts. Here are my favourite ways to layer up during our cold Canadian winters.

  • Auckland, again!

    Auckland, again!

    Long time, no talk! My apologies for the lack of updates. Since we last spoke, I have been accumulating some air miles, travelling to New Zealand, back to Saskatchewan, and then visiting South Africa. Oh, the excitement! 2012 has truly been an adventure and a half. I spent the last moments of the year on a safari at Kruger National Park, and sipping wine with my family and new international friends. I am incredibly thankful for everything I’ve experienced over the past year, all the wonderful souls I’ve met, and for the beautiful collection of memories. My internship at Ottawa Magazine was a rewarding learning experience, especially since I didn’t study journalism at university. I was able to contribute to both the print and online editions of the magazine, fact-check the most engaging articles, and partake in thought-provoking discussions about the future of the industry and more specifically, our publication. I finished my internship at the end of October, and I decided to venture back to New Zealand (my spiritual homeland and also the place where many of my dear friends and boyfriend reside!) It’s becoming increasingly difficult to stay away from this magical place.

    My visit consisted of many lunch and coffee dates, birthday celebrations, several concerts, (The Black Keys and Coldplay, no less!) a beautiful getaway to Nick’s beach house in Mangawhai, and a yacht excursion! I also had the opportunity to pick up my degree from The University of Auckland and take graduation photos!

    South African photos coming soon!

  • Up & Away: In her suitcase

    Up & Away: In her suitcase

    Yesterday was the last day of my internship at Ottawa Magazine and Where Ottawa, which has got me thinking about the next item on my agenda, my mini-trip to New Zealand.

    I’m spending this rainy Saturday cleaning up my apartment and packing my bags for springtime in New Zealand. Here are a few pieces that have inspired me:

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    Something Else Cactus Shorts: Anyone who knows me, knows I’m slightly obsessed with prints. These caught my eye immediately because of their gorgeous material and cute pattern.

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    Insight Del May One-Piece: For those of us who haven’t been hitting the gym quite as hard as we usually do in preparation for summer, have no fear! This gorgeous one-piece doesn’t demand hours of crunches, just pop on a floppy hat, pour yourself some lemonade, (with a spritz of vodka, perhaps?) and lie down with your favourite summer read!

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    Something Else Silk Panel Dress: Nothing screams “summer” like coral. This dress transitions from a day perusing your favourite gallery, to a lunch date with your girls, to an evening at the ballet. I know I’d live in this dress during the summer months.

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    Ruby Rockette Peplum Top: Peplum is a favourite this season, and I love Ruby’s polka dot version. It’s fitted, understated and navy is possibly my favourite colour as of late (other than burgundy, of course!)

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    Funkis: I’m not exactly sure where to purchase these gorgeous wedges made by Swedish designer, Funkis. I’ve been on the hunt for a pair since I spotted them at Tatty’s in February, unfortunately they were a few sizes too small. These are the epitome of cool Swedish style.

    If you can’t get your hands on a pair of Funkis, check out these gorgeous MINT GREEN Kathryn Wilson wedges available at Ruby stores throughout the country:

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    If I had to narrow down my wardrobe to a few items, these would certainly make the cut. Paired with a simple white sundress, you’re ready for whatever events come your way.

  • Ottawa Fashion Week: In Photos

    Ottawa Fashion Week took place last week in Little Italy at Sala San Marco. As an Ottawa Magazine intern, I was fortunate to be able to take part in the festivities! One of my assignments entailed writing a behind-the-scenes article on OFW’s creative director, Bruno Racine. I shadowed him a week before the OFW kick-off. Leading up to the big event was nothing short of exhausting for Racine. A typical day consisted of endless emails, financial meetings, interviews, TV appearances, outfit fittings, and coordinating the various designers set to showcase their work at the event. Racine also owns his own hair salon, spa and academy, The Loft. He’s ambitious, experienced, and his energy is contagious. When we sat down to discuss his role as creative director, he told me about his interest in banishing Ottawa’s rep as ‘boring’ and ‘worst-dressed’. We also talked about his constant networking at various fashion weeks around the globe. What a life!

    I also tagged along with local designer, Geneviève Lima as she debuted her first collection on Daytime Ottawa.

    Here are some of the photos of my day:

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  • Gumboots, meet your match!

    Gumboots, meet your match!

    Festival season is upon us! This time of year has always been a favourite of mine. Not only am I able to wear rubber boots and traipse around with flowers in my hair, I’m spoon fed some of the best music by my favourite artists, and able to explore new artists not yet discovered. In preparation for OSHEAGA in Montreal, Quebec, I selected garments with the precision of a Ukrainian gymnast (too soon?)  I couldn’t help but peruse archives from Coachella and Glastonbury for outfit inspiration. Kate Moss really set the standard at Glastonbury, when she first donned her Hunter wellies. They are now an iconic item not only for festival goers, but also for students in rainy climates worldwide. I did see one or sixteen festival goers in Montreal sporting these covetable wellies.

    OSHEAGA featured an eclectic range of bands from The Black Keys to Aloe Blacc to Austra. My favourites were undoubtedly as follows:

    Florence and the Machine (I’ve seen her before, she continues to impress and amaze!)

    Yeasayer, they are so very entertaining to watch! The crowd was equally as energetic!

    Of Monsters and Men – why aren’t they more famous? They are wonderful!

    Austra featuring local talent from my hometown, Ryan Wonziak!

    M83, also underrated and incredible!

    Bloc Party because they know how to get a crowd amped up!

    Justice. I never thought I would enjoy them as much as I did! I was D.A.N.C.E.ing the night away. Bonus: a professional hip hop dancing set up camp next to us and her moves accentuated the music perfectly!

    Passion Pit, I couldn’t help but dance foolishly and clap my hands continuously throughout their set.

    Honourable mentions to The Black Keys, I knew they’d be wonderfully melodic and hugely popular. Their set definitely delivered, but I think I’d prefer to see them on their own in an auditorium. The Shins were also amazing. I regret not seeing MGMT and Bombay Bicycle Club, but there were simply way too many shows that conflicted. Next time!

    Here are some of my favourite festival looks, featuring celebrities and non-celebrities alike: