prairie girl musings

Category: New Zealand

  • {Mini} Wellington City Guide

    {Mini} Wellington City Guide

    I know I say this about every city I travel to, but Wellington is my favourite little capital. Vogue even declared it the coolest little city in the world, with their guide of 15 things to see and do in the capital. There’s no denying Wellington is hip, it’s home to many of New Zealand’s greatest writers and artists. Catch a Wellington Phoenix game and visit Parliament, or the Beehive as its commonly known. All these personalities make for an interesting, vibrant city. Walk along Cuba Street and you’ll immediately understand what I mean.

    Nick’s sister, Catherine was in her last year of high school when Christchurch’s two major earthquakes struck. It makes sense that she and many of her cohorts decided to attend university in Wellington. Nick, Annie, and I flew down to Welly to spend three days visiting friends and attending Cat’s 21st birthday party. Let’s just say, I’d return in a heartbeat.

    Here are some of my favourite spots in Wellington:

    Hangar by Flight Coffee: Can we all just agree that the flat white originated in New Zealand, not Australia? You haven’t tasted a flat white until you’ve visited Hangar. Annie had a tasting flight (haha!) and was seriously impressed.

    Lambton Quay: Annie and I were on a shopping mission during our first day in Wellington, and Lambton Quay was the ideal place to start. Right across from our hotel, the plaza features all New Zealand’s major designers – Moochi, Ruby, Ricochet, Kathryn Wilson, and the list goes on…all designed and made right in New Zealand.

    Fidel’s Café: I’m probably the last person I know to dine at Fidel’s. Even my sister and cousins raved about the food when they visited Wellington (and I stayed home to study for exams) a few years ago. I finally dined at the Wellington mainstay (twice) during my most recent visit. The cuban burrito is pretty amazing. Whatever you do, please make sure you order the house made sea salt caramel milkshake, and share it with your first ever uni friend who you happen to bump into (for the second time) on Cuba Street. What did I tell you, Wellington is small!

    Te Papa Museum: One of my favourite museums, Te Papa seamlessly combines New Zealand’s rich history with beautiful works of art. And it manages to cater equally to people of all ages, which is not an easy feat. We attended the Air New Zealand exhibit, which commemorated 100 years of the award-winning airline, and it did not disappoint.

    twenty-seven names: Tucked away, just off Cuba Street is twenty-seven names’ original store. Another Kiwi staple, the brand is more tailored and streamlined than other designers. I couldn’t afford anything here, but I admired the classic shapes and styles, which are reminiscent of Parisian designs and of the highest quality.

    Wellington Chocolate Factory: A theme is already taking shape in this blog post, and that is SALTED CARAMEL. I don’t know what it is about the sea salt in New Zealand (maybe the proximity to the sea?!) but man is it ever amazing! I purchased a handful of chocolate bars in an assortment of flavours (see photo below). This place seemed a bit hidden to me, but thankfully Annie’s friends made sure we stopped in! The owners were friendly and let us sample a myriad of flavours.

    A few other spots to visit if you have some extra time in Wellington:

    Midnight Espresso: yummy food, great espresso, fun atmosphere
    Southern Cross: where Cat had her 21st birthday, they have a lovely garden patio.
    Scorch-o-rama Café: Right on the water overlooking Scorching Bay (hence the unusual name), this is a beautiful spot to sit down for a delicious brunch.
    The Library: I always make a point of stopping here for a drink whenever I’m in Wellington. It’s definitely one of the coolest bars I’ve ever been to.

    Other city guides:

    Auckland
    San Francisco
    Winnipeg
    Boston
    Amsterdam
    Paris
    Barcelona
    London

  • Auckland City Guide

    Auckland City Guide

    I’ve talked about my time in Auckland on this blog before, but have failed to recap my most recent trip to the South Pacific. After starting our big boy and girl jobs in Toronto, Nick and I didn’t have the chance to return to NZ until March this year. Our three-week trip (which included stops in San Francisco, Auckland, Wellington, Waihi Beach, Sydney, and Los Angeles) was a whirlwind, to say the least. With several friends and family to see, and work to complete, the trip seemed to fly by. In the end, we only spent one full week in Auckland. Our friends, Annie and Andrew put us up, and they were the absolute best hosts!

    Auckland remains one of my favourite cities, which is why I’ve decided to put together a list of some of my must-visit spots. This list features places I frequented both as a student and new places I discovered this time around!

    Please note that public transport in Auckland isn’t the most reliable way to get around. If you’re covering a lot of ground over a few days, it’s best to rent a car.
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    Cafés and Eateries
    Unlike North America, New Zealand has managed to achieve the perfect balance of café and restaurant. All restaurants are fitted with espresso machines, and all employees seem to know how to pull a decent shot. Similarly, all cafés also serve delicious, healthy eats rather than just cookies or pastries. These are some of my favourites:

    The Return of Rad – Mount Eden
    Rad is really the best way to describe this coffee shop. The baristas are passionate about coffee, and the food on offer is equally delicious.

    Dizengoff – Ponsonby Road
    Straight off the plane, Annie took us to local favourite, Dizengoff. I had a bite of her creamy mushrooms, and they were out of this world. The flat whites are worth writing home about as well.

    Moustache Milk and Cookie Bar – Wellesley Street West
    Dangerously close to the University of Auckland campus, Moustache is the best place for an afternoon treat. With freshly baked cookies and homemade milkshakes in a variety of flavours, you’ll find it hard to stay away.

    Best Ugly Bagels – City Centre
    I wish Best Ugly had been around during my university days. The Montreal-style bagels reminded me of home, and were hand-rolled and baked by wood fire right before my eyes. There’s an assortment of toppings to choose from, and coffee is from Havana in Wellington.

    Craven ‘A’ – Symonds Street (University of Auckland campus)
    A staple for the hungry student, the coffee and breakfast at Craven ‘A’ are always on point.

    Charlie and George – Mount Wellington
    When meeting my uni friend, Ashley for lunch, we were both craving something healthy and wholesome. Fortunately, Charlie and George truly excels in this department. I was a big fan of their Green Goddess smoothie that’s filled with spinach, mint and kiwi fruit, apple, banana, honey, and spirulina. All the good stuff!

    Shaky Isles – Britomart, Kingsland, and Auckland Airport
    The food here is remarkable, especially their hearty breakfast options, but their space on Customs Street East is really what drew me in. I love the high ceilings and brick walls. Also, the branding is particularly on point. I could spend hours here writing an essay or catching up with friends.

    Restaurants and Bars
    We didn’t eat out for dinner too much on this trip as we were fortunate to spend our evenings with close friends. For an updated list of must-visit restaurants and bars, check out Gather and Hunt.

    Sightseeing
    It feels like Auckland is completely surrounded by water. Wherever you are, you are never more than 20 minutes from the ocean. Having lived in land-locked cities for most of my life, this feature was all-the-more appealing to me. It’s also worth mentioning that Auckland’s beaches are beautiful, the water isn’t too cold (even in early autumn when we were there). You won’t regret packing your togs (which is Kiwi for swimsuit) and spending a few hours at any of the many beaches. That being said, here are some more ‘urban’ must-sees:

    Auckland Art Gallery
    This gallery was one of my favourite places to spend an afternoon after classes. The architecture is breathtaking and there are always a lot of exhibitions on offer. I personally enjoyed when they featured Dalí and Dégas.

    Auckland Art Gallery

    Auckland War Memorial Museum – Auckland Domain
    One of New Zealand’s most important museums with collections that focus on Auckland’s history. Constructed in the neo-classicist style, the museum is one of Auckland’s most iconic buildings in the Domain, a public park close to the CBD.

    The University of Auckland campus
    I may be biased, but I think my alma mater is one of the most stunning university campuses. The combination of lush greenery and interesting architecture make it a must-see Auckland destination. During my visit, I spent a few hours working from the campus library and the rest of the day sitting in Albert Park, which overlooks the university clock tower. 

    Shopping
    New Zealand fashion is always innovative and fresh. While I love the simple elegance of Parisians and the wacky, cutting-edge looks donned by Londoners, nothing compares to my love of Kiwi designers. Perhaps being so far removed from Europe and North America has positively influenced the way New Zealanders dress. The beach and surf culture certainly influence New Zealand fashion, but not to the extent they do in Australia. Aucklanders tend to wear a lot of black in the winter, but it’s never boring. The following are must-visit shops in Auckland.

    Moochi – multiple locations
    I always passed by High Street while walking from campus to the bus, and almost always popped my head into Moochi. The designs here are simple and no-nonsense, easy to wear from daytime to night. The transeasonal pieces can be worn by students and professionals alike, and are made from high quality materials and fabrics. 

    Twenty-Seven Names – multiple locations
    Twenty-Seven Names is out of my budget, but I love perusing the racks, and dreaming of adding a piece or two of the whimsical yet professional items to my wardrobe one day.

    Ruby – multiple locations
    I was most enamoured by Ruby when I first moved to Auckland. Quirky and whimsical, I obsessed over the bright prints and interesting colour palettes that appeared in their shop window, season after season. While my style has become a lot more practical and basic post-university, I still feel giddy when stepping into my pieces from Ruby.

    Made – Customs Street East
    Made is a treasure trove for those who love fashion and design. The store itself retains much of the original detailing of the old warehouse space. Raw brick walls and distressed woodwork are offset with lush cut-glass chandeliers and vintage furniture: the perfect backdrop for MADE’s eclectic, ever-changing line-up of beautiful, colourful and offbeat pieces.

    Neuw Storeroom – Customs Street East
    Located right beside Made, is Neuw Storeroom, the best place for all your denim needs!

    The Department Store – Takapuna
    Located on Auckland’s North Shore, the Department Store is a one-stop shop. Want to purchase racks filled with New Zealand’s top designers, and then settle in for a hair appointment or facial? This is the place to do it. Three storeys-high, you’ll encounter a coffee bar, Coffee General surrounded by lush botanicals by Annie O on the ground floor. This floor is also filled with classic Kiwi favourites. Climb the winding staircase to the second floor where you’ll want to stop in to Lucy and the Powder Room for a manicure, facial, or eyelash extensions. Finally, the third floor is chock-full with Stephen Marr, my favourite place to get a haircut, Topshop (it was the UK brand’s first foray into the New Zealand market before opening their Queen Street flagship) and covetable designers. For more details on specific retailers, click here. 

    Auckland has so much to offer, and this guide only scratches the surface. Please let me know your favourite spots in the comments sections, and I’ll be sure to make additions in my next guide.

    Stay tuned for my mini Wellington and Sydney guides next!

  • Six Years Ago

    Six Years Ago

    People often ask me about my connection to New Zealand, and my answer always varies. It’s difficult for me to express my thoughts towards New Zealand. It is a small country I hold very dear: it was where I both found and lost myself many times over. As I prepare to return for the first time in two and a half years, I thought I would attempt to summarize my thoughts into (semi) coherent sentences.

    I starkly recall my first few days in Auckland, where I would be studying for the next six months. I had arrived wide eyed via North Dakota, which didn’t differ too extremely from my small hometown in Saskatchewan. As I unpacked my things in my sunny flat, I broke out in tears. My flatmates wanted nothing to do with me and I had yet to make a single friend. Everyone could smell my awkwardness, my fear, I was certain of it. It wasn’t until about day three, which felt like a lifetime, that I finally ventured to one of the nightly residence parties. We all lived in a quaint student village (it seemed idyllic in contrast to my all-female dorm in Minot) and two glasses of wine in (what can I say? New Zealand wine is simply the best!) I was connecting with both domestic and international students. My shyness and inadequacy faded away. (Alcohol will do that to ya!)

    Confidence is a funny thing. You have to decide you have it. You can’t wait around for the urge to strike rather you must seize the moment. My first few days in Auckland were miserable because I allowed my insecurities to control me. We were all in the same boat, focused on our own issues rather than observing the beauty that was unfolding around us. By the end of the week, I had made friends from all over the world. Yet I really connected with the New Zealanders next door. One of them being my now boyfriend.

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    Dating while you’re studying abroad is probably the silliest thing you can do. But logic and youth don’t always go hand-in-hand. As I started to fall for this boy, I knew my world would forever be altered. We began spending more and more time together, but luckily I still made time for my studies (okay, not really), friends and adventure. I extensively explored the South Island and ventured to Australia twice, first with three close friends and secondly with my mom and sister. Let’s just say those first few days crying in my room were a distant memory.

    Leaving New Zealand was the hardest decision I ever made, and I soon returned to complete my studies. Long distance love is heartbreaking and arduous, and I missed the ocean terribly. Both leaving and coming back were devastating for different reasons, but I vowed to cherish every moment in Aotearoa. My decisions were anything but practical. I changed university programs, deciding that life’s too short to study subjects that don’t make your heart sing. I began reading and writing again, and lived near the beach. I swam and ran as much as possible, and the endorphins kept me sane whenever I missed my family.

    I made friends that I still talk to every day, I lost friends, I lived in a flat with six other people, and learnt more about myself than I had in the previous twenty years combined. Nick allowed me to flourish on my own, but offered unconditional love and support whenever I needed it. I sat next to a different person in every lecture I attended during my first week at uni despite how nerve-wrecking it was. I refused to let anything hold me back. I learnt that I don’t ever want to feel too secure, and immense change begets great discovery.

    Thanks for reading!

  • Displacement and Chaos

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    I still recall my very first lecture and my very first assignment at The University of Auckland. After transferring from a practical, secure science major with abundant job prospects to an arts degree in English Literature, many people probably thought I had completely lost my mind. And who could blame them?

    However, as I sat in that large lecture theatre, a gazillion miles from home, I remember being overcome with emotion. I was in a creative writing course with hundreds of other students (both domestic and international), many of whom are probably spending their days at so-called dead end jobs, stringing together paycheck after paycheck, while our engineering and commerce peers surely have the last laugh. Nevertheless, there is something to be said about being able to write. It’s a skill that many well-educated individuals fail to possess. This article in the New York Times sums it up quite nicely: “No one has found a way to put a dollar sign on this kind of literacy, and I doubt anyone ever will. But everyone who possesses it — no matter how or when it was acquired — knows that it is a rare and precious inheritance.”

    While at home in Yorkton, I came across this exegesis I had written as part of my first creative writing assignment. We were required to assemble a portfolio of work encompassing the four genres of writing we had studied (poetry, multimedia, short fiction and screenplay). My multimedia, due to its personal relevance, never fails to reconcile my belief that I made the right decision to pursue an arts degree.

    Anyway, I’ll include my original draft. Sure, it’s not perfectly written. There are gaps. But this was my first assignment, and my justification for leaving home:

    “The experience of living abroad has substantially transformed my goals and perspective. Being a Canadian in New Zealand is simultaneously rewarding and frightening, as I aim to communicate through ten paintings (four of which are present before you now.) I have photographed (and attached images) of the six additional paintings in places that demonstrate my familiarity with displacement. They are not being presented to you in one piece (or at the same time) because they are relentlessly in transition, much like myself. I have not settled in one country, but regularly travel back home while continuing my studies at the University of Auckland. Keeping the paintings together would contradict their fundamental purpose of illustrating my longing for each country, and the chaos I endure when absent from either.

    As I embark on a lengthy journey, I hold a painting depicting Saskatchewan’s wheat fields that extend along each highway. Following twenty-four hours of travel time, I will land in Saskatoon on Saturday afternoon. Shortly after emerging from the airport, this art work will be photographed at my destination.

    The painting featuring a runway and an airplane taking flight will be photographed from outside a window at the Auckland International Airport prior to the first leg of my travel itinerary. This canvas is peering out at a world of possibility, establishing its place on this earth. Geographically, Canada and New Zealand sit exceedingly far from one another. In my heart, however, they are intimately connected. While I do not have family here, I have developed close relationships with many New Zealand citizens and fellow travellers who share my love for this place.

    The physical separation of these paintings is comparable to my personal displacement. Half of my heart will always remain in Saskatchewan, alongside my family and childhood friends. The other half belongs in New Zealand, representing my desire of not being confined to what is familiar and recognizable. The displacement began in 2009 when I initially visited New Zealand on a study abroad exchange.

    The graffiti exercise presented during tutorial inspired the use of placement and exposure in my work. I decided to photograph my paintings across two continents to demonstrate the extent to which an idea can travel. With each kilometre travelled, the paintings evolve, and develop new and exciting connotations. The mapping exercise conducted in tutorial was equally effective. It enabled me to expand on the idea of a traditional map. Scattering paintings throughout the Southern and Northern Hemispheres manifest distance and displacement on a realistic and larger scale. Additional inspiration came from Allen Say’s Grandfather’s Journey, one of my favourite pieces of children’s literature. Many of the themes present in this story, cross-cultural experiences, intergenerational relationships, and family history are personally relevant.

    Following the migration of my Ukrainian ancestors to Canada, my extended family is grounded in Saskatchewan. My love for New Zealand’s vast beauty has stirred perplexity amongst my relatives who feel resiliently connected to their homeland. While I thoroughly enjoy my visits home, I have never regretted this decision to live in another distant country.”

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How to Dress for University Graduation

    I’ve finally received my official application to graduate! Needless to say, I’m extremely excited that I will soon transition from ‘graduand’ to ‘graduate’, and possess a university qualification. As an English major, my first concern was that my name would be spelled and pronounced correctly. My second concern is definitely WHAT TO WEAR. I’ve been on a rampant search for the perfect dress that won’t compromise the goofy baby pink hood we Arts students must wear!

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    Things to keep in mind when choosing a dress for graduation:

    There will be dozens and dozens of photos being taken! Don’t forget to wake up a little bit earlier than usual to shower, and put on something conservative (no cleavage on graduation day!) but flattering. You’ll want to look like the mature adult you’re about to become, but still age-appropriate! Take extra time to curl your hair, but keep it natural – you still want to look like yourself, not a beauty pageant contestant! Maybe put on a little concealer and mascara, and make sure your pearly whites are flossed and brushed! Keep it minimal though! Trust me — you’ll be thankful you did once those photos hit Facebook (or, are framed and placed over the fireplace at your parents’ house!)

    Here are some (high-collared) options that could potentially work:

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    J.Crew

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    Is this print too busy?

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    Mellow yellow could be quite a flattering option!

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    Polka dots would enable to me stay away from any clashing colour combinations yet not blend into the black robe.

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    While this photo isn’t the best quality, colour and collar-wise, it’d be a viable option! It’s from Ruby’s 2012/13 Summer Collection.

    I’ve also come across several options from Anthropologie and have pinned them to my Graduation ’12 board on Pinterest. Follow me for more inspiration: Vanessa Ortynsky

    Shoes will be a whole different ball game to be deliberated upon at a later date! xxx

    V.

  • Aotearoa

    Aotearoa

    It appears I have the attention span of a goldfish.

    After starting a travel blog at the end of 2010, following my first semester at the University of Auckland, I discarded la vie en tie-dye after two pitiful posts. Two posts. It’s not that I haven’t had a lot to write about. In fact, even I can barely keep up! This is probably what I have desperately needed over the past two years while living in New Zealand and travelling the world. I have had multiple requests from friends living overseas who wanted to stay in touch. So, here goes attempt no. 2 (or fourteen, but who’s counting?)

    Upon departing the ivory towers of university (albeit temporarily) last month, I’m ready to set foot in the real world. At least this is what I am perpetually telling myself. Self-doubt somehow always seems to cloud my thoughts, rendering me insecure and fearful. How will I ever fill the three-inch Louboutins of a big, working girl? Moving to Auckland was a challenge in itself due to both the distance and unfamiliarity. However, having already completed a semester abroad in 2009 – the leap felt natural. I told myself I would thrive in a big(ish) city and Auckland’s  1.5 million seemed like the perfect fit for my small-town, prairie girl troubles. Indeed it was, and my two years as an English major (after transferring from MSU) flew by. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts, and a eclectic bunch of amazing friends who intrigue, inspire and perplex me, it is now time for life’s next big challenge. I rather rapidly decided this meant leaving New Zealand for the more abundant job market of North America. Clearly, I’m still deciding whether this was the right decision for me.

    While I ruminate this decision, I’ll leave you with a few of my favourite Auckland memories and things. As any Kiwi-implant can tell you, New Zealand has a FANTASTIC and refreshing design scene. Wellington, the arty capital of cool, features amazing cafes and boutiques frequented by the country’s best artists. Auckland (despite its sprawl and public transport issues) possesses some the most diverse, well-heeled suburbs I have ever encountered. Obviously, I have developed a fascination with New Zealand’s small, but incredibly distinct fashion scene. Oh, if I could but spend another semester in Auckland, I would have my Nikon permanently strapped to my shoulder in order to capture some of the looks of the moment. Kiwis are a daring bunch, and university life in Auckland provided me with some of the best style moments in my twenty-three years.

    Here are some of my favourite local looks: (courtesy of Auckland Street Style)

    I’m in love with these Ruby stretch cords, she pulls them off on fashionable High Street in Auckland.

    Karen Walker is a hit for all ages, especially when paired down with Converse sneakers.

    Aucklanders are known for wearing lots of black, especially in the cold, rainy months of June, July and August. I love the billowy long skirt with the casual jumper on top.

    It is true, nobody does knitwear like Ruby and nobody looks as fabulous in Ruby as Nicole Warner from Gary Pepper Vintage.

    More to come on Saskatchewan summers.

    V.