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You’re The One That I Want

In addition to being a cinematic and musical masterpiece, Grease is also arguably a fashion film. With iconic costumes designed by Albert Wolsky, the characters’ wardrobes are as important as the hugely popular songs and dialogue. The lead character’s style evolution from full circle skirts and Peter Pan collars to a tight leather pantsuit is one of cinema’s best transformations. The confidence that came with changing her look permeated into other aspects of her life. Sandy shed her squeaky clean demeanour and rejected her good girl reputation in favour of something more authentic. Whatever your motives, there’s something truly significant about changing your style as you grow up.

With New Zealand Fashion Week kicking off today, I can’t help but reflect on my personal style journey. As a youngster, I favoured books over clothes and lived in oversized t-shirts and shorts. I remember spending an entire day begrudgingly trying on dresses for a wedding and hating the way I looked in every single one. I spent my teenage years dancing and saw how costumes could transform and accentuate my features. It wasn’t until uni that I developed a love for fashion, wanting to support local, independent boutiques. I attended music festivals wearing bold prints and clashing colours. Working retail, I fell for black (groundbreaking, I know) for its versatility and flattering qualities. Now, a few years into my professional life, I feel like my style is a combination of all the above – melding together the various aspects of my life so far.

How have your tastes evolved over the years? Do you think fashion has the power to change your perspective and maybe even your life?

Images by Jillian Miller Photography

August 28, 2017
Christchurch’s Best Vietnamese Eats

Vietnam To Go recently opened in central Christchurch among the other St. Asaph Street container restaurants and cafés. The eatery is serving up authentic and flavourful Vietnamese staples.

It’s been almost two years since my travels to Vietnam and I was seriously missing the freshly prepared pho and bánh mì joints that lined every street. As soon as I leave a place, I suddenly crave all of the food!

Nancy and I happened upon Vietnam To Go by chance, whilst on a midday coffee mission. Distracted from our flat whites, we stumbled upon this small eatery. The menu at Vietnam To Go isn’t overwhelming, rather it focuses on the essentials: pho, bánh mì, bún trộn (vermicelli salad), fresh spring rolls and Vietnamese coffee (hot or cold). We couldn’t make up our minds, so decided to share a pork bánh mì and chicken bún trộn alongside Vietnamese coffees (complete with sweet condensed milk). All items are made fresh to order, perfect for a quick lunch. Needless to say, we’ll be back again soon!

Vietnam To Go doesn’t have a website yet (as far as I can tell), but you can find them just behind Steampunk Laboratory on 270 St. Asaph Street.

Photo by Nancy Zhou

Photo by Nancy Zhou

August 21, 2017
24 Hours In Brisbane

With only one day in Brisbane on my way back from the Whitsunday Islands, I still was eager to get a good sense of the city. If you’re looking for ideas to explore this sunny Queensland city on a tight timeframe, read on.

After flying into the Brisbane Airport, catching the train is super straightforward. I headed to Central Station, located 200 metres from my hotel. Speaking of hotels, I checked into the New Inchcolm Hotel, the most beautiful boutique accommodation I’ve ever experienced. The small property has 50 rooms, all elegantly designed in relation to the neighbourhood’s rich heritage. My suite featured a bookcase, a spacious workstation and a gorgeous table overlooking the city. Ordering room service is done via an iPad, so I didn’t have to leave the comfort of my bed. The New Inchcolm is home to an intimate restaurant, Thomson Reserve and Socialites Bar. If you’d like to venture further afield, downtown Brisbane is only a short walk away or they have bikes available for hire. Nothing is too hard for the team and they went out on a limb to accommodate my requests (including a late checkout, so I could shower before my evening flight!)

After a restful night’s sleep, I was ready to take on the day. First off, I walked along the bridge to New Farm, a trendy neighbourhood full of cafés and shops. I was excited to try breakfast at newly-opened Miss Jones. The minimal interior features pastel pink furnishings accentuated by lush greenery and an eye-catching neon sign. The menu is quite extensive. I tossed up the eggs benedict on potato waffles, but ultimately decided on the green option – poached eggs, halloumi and sweet potato on a bed of legumes and leaves. It was the best way to begin my day of exploration (and walking!)

There are so many cool shops in the New Farm neighbourhood. Wander along James Street and you’ll discover plenty of Australian and international designers, Calexico, Wolf & Ordnance, Zimmermann, Mecca Cosmetica, Aesop and Dinosaur Designs, to name a few!

After breakfast, I was ready for a coffee and ventured to Greenhaus Coffee. The takeaway coffee shop of dreams, I swear the tiled floor, pink door and pink espressomachine were designed for Instagramming purposes.

After a bit more shopping and walking, I stopped in for a light lunch at Nodo Donuts. Along with baked (not fried) treats, they have some of the best smoothie bowls. I opted for their winter specialty, a dragonfruit variety and it did not disappoint! The corner café issurprisingly spacious with lots of outdoor seating. I lingered here for a while in a sunny spot on the terrace.

After lunch, I was determined to cover a few more kilometres and decided to walk along the river to Eagle Street Pier. Recently revamped by the city council, the boardwalk is a great place for people and boat watching. It offers the best views of the Story Bridge and access to a plethora of other neighbourhoods. Ferries run throughout the day to South Bank or the West End. Dozens of restaurants line the walkway, if you’re looking for a meal with a view. Short on time, I decided to carry on walking to the botanic gardens to explore the native flora and fauna. The expansive gardens are a lovely space for lounging or a leisurely stroll. I found myself getting lost among the greenery and almost forgot I was in the middle of a major metropolis. They also play host to concerts and events throughout the year (the weather is always good in Brisbane!)

Afterwards, I popped into a store I had heard a lot about, Showroom Brisbane. The independent boutique aims to showcase and sell the work of local and Australian designers. It’s a curated event space that’s always changing, so no visit is ever the same!

Nosying around the CBD, I wanted to venture to one more neighbourhood before my flight back home. I decided on Chinatown, which is one of Brisbane’s oldest neighbourhoods. Lined with Chinese restaurants and shops, the vibrant, centrally-located district is a hive of activity. The architecture and traditional Chinese gates are worth seeing. Sweltering from the heat, I decided to pop in for an ice cream Mister Fitz. Desperate for a break from the heat, I was also keen to see the traditional ice cream parlour in person. The massive pink storefront (are we sensing a theme here?) lends itself to a gorgeous, old school ice creamery. Known for their ice cream sandwiches, I opted for a single scoop instead.

Sadly, my time in Brisbane was nearly up and I had to pack my bags and catch the train to the airport. I know I’ll be back to visit the other great neighbourhoods that comprise this sunny city.

Have you ever been to Brisbane? Tell me, what are your favourite spots?

August 20, 2017
36 Hours in New Plymouth

The last time I was in New Plymouth was to see Tegan and Sara open for Jack Johnson in 2010. Evidently Jack Johnson chose Taranaki as the destination for one of his two New Zealand shows because of its reputation for having some of the country’s best surf.

Taranaki is known for much more than surf breaks these days. Last year, it was named the second best region in the world by Lonely Planet. There’s plenty to love about New Plymouth: stunning coastlines, friendly inhabitants and a thriving arts and cultural scene. Despite its small size, it feels decidedly cosmopolitan and avant-garde, due in part to design-led eateries and the experimental Len Lye Centre.

Armed with less than 36 hours in New Plymouth, I checked into boutique hotel King & Queen Hotel Suites, located centrally on the corner of King and Queen Streets. The property overlooks the coast, so you can’t ask for a better location. Moroccan furnishings add a pop of colour to the otherwise minimal and sleek interiors. Balconies overlook the city below, offering views of the crashing waves. Next door is Ozone Coffee Roasters, a spacious local roastery and café serving up NP’s best cuppa. I could’ve easily spent the entire afternoon cozied up here with a book. I settled for a flat white and some beans to take home with me.

For breakfast, pop into Monica’s Eatery, a sleek café named after Monica Brewster (and attached to the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery). The buzzing restaurant is open from morning till night. Bask in the sun whilst enjoying eggs benedict or decadent pancakes. Later on, return for an aperol spritz or negroni.

Other notable eateries line the courtyard of the White Hart building. Ms. White serves up pizzas and craft beer whereas The Public Catering Company is known for its doughnuts and pastries, including bacon and egg tarts. Snug Lounge is a Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar. Dining options in the West End Precinct are seemingly unlimited and I find myself wanting to try everything.

In addition to dining, there are a few notable shopping spots. Et Vous is a women’s boutique that highlights both local and international designers and Plantation is a design and homewares shop that will give you serious interior inspiration. Urban Beauty Spa is the ultimate place to get pampered in New Plymouth. I not only judge a spa based on its tranquil interior, but also the products it uses. At Urban, Dermalogica is used for all facial treatments and St. Tropez for spray tans. They also offer massages, gel manicures, pedicures and hair removal.

After exploring the retail options, I was ready for a sunny stroll along the Coastal Walkway. On weekend mornings, you’ll see families out for bike rides and locals enjoying a morning jog. There are plenty of nearby beaches as well. Fitzroy is a lovely local spot known for its great surf. Along the Surf Highway, be sure to stop by Oakura Beach. The drive itself is glorious, roll your windows and enjoy the 15-minute cruise. The beach is empty when I visit, on an unseasonably warm August afternoon.

Before departing, be sure to venture across Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, where you’ll take in views of Mt. Taranaki (also known as Mt. Egmont). New Plymouth strikes the perfect balance between culture and nature. There’s plenty to enjoy whether you consider yourself an outdoorsy type, a culture seeker or both. While some visitors feel it lacks the excitement and infrastructure of world-class cities, I disagree. New Plymouth is small but mighty and much easier on the wallet than bigger centres. It’s easy to see why this region was named one of the best in the world.

August 6, 2017
Sister Kong brings Hong Kong to Christchurch

Taking cues from late night eateries in Shanghai and Hong Kong, Sally and Sam Hooper will officially open Sister Kong Bao Bar this Friday. The pair is behind the hugely popular Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar and Christchurch foodies eagerly await their second venture.

The decor of Sister Kong is red, gold and neon, just what you’d expect from a Chinese-inspired eatery. The ceilings are adorned with bamboo scaffolding and dome lights, which Sally imported herself from one of her trips to Shanghai. Most importantly and prominently is the lucky cat which features throughout the restaurant. An ancient symbol of good fortune, Sister Kong’s logo was designed by local artist, Joel Hart.

100 lucky cats line the walls and will soon be available for purchase with all proceeds going to Paw Justice.

Baos are the main attraction at Sister Kong, and you’ll find everything from saffron chicken, brisket, pork belly to panko shrimp. There’s even a breakfast bao for the breakfast lovers among us.

We opted for a range of starters to kick off our meal – everything from stinky tofu (don’t worry, it’s not actually stinky), loaded fries, fried chicken wings, pickled vegetables and kimchi. There’s plenty more on the menu and I can’t wait to return to try it all. There’s beer and wine available as well as delectable cocktails. Sake’s always a good idea to wash everything down.

Everything about Sister Kong is a bit tongue in cheek, not taking itself too seriously. Located on 123 Victoria Street, down the laneway, Sister Kong is already the city’s most talked about spot. Look for the neon lucky cat in the window and you’ve arrived at Christchurch’s coolest eatery.

Photo by Nancy Zhou

Photo by Nancy Zhou

Photo by Nancy Zhou

July 18, 2017
New Opening: Crowne Plaza Christchurch

The long-awaited opening of the Crowne Plaza holds a great deal of significance to Christchurch. Standing 70m above the street, it is the city’s second tallest building. The venture symbolizes a milestone in the city’s recovery. Built in 1989, originally an office building, it mostly withstood the 2011 earthquake and has recently completed a refit. The hotel has been met with a huge level of local support just weeks since opening. When Nick and I checked in, we were amazed by the sheer volume of people mingling in the lobby and socializing at the wine bar. Every inch of the hotel was buzzing with activity (in fact, I waited until very early the next morning to take the photo above).

As the city’s tallest hotel building, Crowne Plaza is 17-storeys and has 200 or so rooms – all beautifully decked out in navy and mustard hues. The upscale hotel is ideal for a weekend away or, in our case, a staycation. Every detail has been perfectly executed and you may find yourself here for your morning coffee or after work drinks. Cafe 1851 pays homage to the hotel’s roots. Settle in and admire the tile floors, high ceilings and marble countertops. The coffee’s by Mojo and there are plenty of pastries on offer.

With the comfiest bed I’ve slept on in years, a pillow menu and a gorgeous reading nook, the Crowne Plaza is the ultimate place to unwind for the night. I loved getting ready in the marble bathroom. The mustard accents throughout our room (and in the lobby) provided me with ample interior inspiration as I begin to decorate my own apartment. We couldn’t stop staring out of the large windows looking out over the city. We stayed on the 17th floor and marvelled at the bird’s eye view of the city below. Christchurch is rebuilding as a low-rise/mid-rise city, so it’s remarkable to experience it from above. We even woke up for the most spectacular sunrise before heading downstairs to experience the buffet breakfast.

If you’re looking for a place to meet friends for after work drinks, Social Wine Bar will certainly fit the bill. Market Place is great for dinner, serving up tapas and shared plates of local, seasonal food. The salmon and polenta fries are both delicious options.

July 17, 2017
Akaroa Adventures

Access to some of the country’s most spectacular regions is one of the reasons Nick and I moved to Christchurch. With Banks Peninsula on our doorstep, the drive to Akaroa is a winding wonderland of sights. Stop at Hilltop Tavern for a coffee or quick bite before carrying on down the road. The views are as breathtaking as they come!

To describe the French and British settlement as quaint wouldn’t do it justice. The seaside village is known for its colonial charm and heritage buildings. Home to some of the region’s best restaurants (Little Bistro is absolutely worth a visit!), Akaroa is the perfect place for a weekend getaway.

For our girls weekend, we had plenty on the agenda. Upon arrival, we drove up to the harbour to begin our first adventure of the day: an excursion with Black Cat Cruises. The weather wasn’t on our side and those prone to seasickness (myself included) were advised to remain on land. After a few frightening experiences, I’ve developed a phobia of small boats on choppy waters. However, I was determined to swim with the majestic Hector dolphins. Endemic to New Zealand, the Hector bread is the smallest in the world and as severely endangered as the Bengal tiger. After several bouts of seasickness (I’ll spare you the details), I was relieved to see the wild dolphins jumping and diving right beside the boat. The skies even cleared as we safely made our way to shore.

After our dolphin excursion, we stopped for lunch at Sweet As on the main street. The french patisserie serves up everything from croque monsieurs to petit choux.

Next up, we headed out of town to French Farm for an alpaca farm tour. Home to alpacas of all sizes and colours, Shamarra Alpacas has panoramic views of the Akaroa Heads all the way to Barry’s Bar. The tour allowed us to get up close and personal with these cuddly creatures in their natural environment.

We checked into the spacious Akaroa Waterfront Motel for the evening. Our room featured a large lounge, a kitchenette and three beds, ideal for the three of us. We settled in for some wine and cheese before heading out for the evening. With gorgeous views of the harbour, we couldn’t stop staring out the massive windows. The location is also super convenient, right in the heart of Akaroa.

The next morning, we wandered around the village before tucking into breakfast at The Brasserie. The expansive garden is marvellous on a sunny day and the coffee is AllPress.

Before heading back to the city, we had the pleasure of visit the magnificent Giant’s House. Reminiscent of Gaudí’s Park Güell in Barcelona, the historic house features original artworks, terraced gardens with sculptures and mosaics. Secluded and quiet, the house on the hill is full of surprises. We found ourselves losing track of time in the magical surrounds. Make time to see The Giant’s House on your next visit to Akaroa.

Akaroa has its fair share of delicious cuisine and fine dining, but nothing compares to the delectable creations by Rachel of Sweet & Savage. Rachel started making fresh and downright delicious doughnuts after she and her family moved from the city to Akaroa. Operating out of a 1959 Airstream caravan during the summer months, Sweet & Savage visits music and food festivals throughout Canterbury. I’m absolutely hooked on the rose, vanilla, pistachio and strawberry variety. You can now find Sweet & Savage at all Christchurch’s best cafés, Uncommon, Park Ranger, Laneway Espresso and Lux Espresso on Fridays and Saturdays!

July 14, 2017
How to holiday in Hanmer Springs

The scenic drive to Hanmer Springs is a mere 90 minutes north of Christchurch. Perfect for a weekend away, the resort town is popular amongst Cantabrians and international visitors.

I had yet to visit Hanmer despite having resided in Christchurch for almost two years. Nick’s birthday weekend was a great excuse to treat ourselves to a mini getaway. I was immediately reminded of family ski trips to the Canadian Rockies, on a much smaller scale (as is customary in New Zealand).

After exploring the main drag of Hanmer and poking our noses into a few boutique shops (Nick needed some new bathers), we had a coffee at MK Restaurant. The sleek, minimalist interior appealed to me on every level and the flat whites were served in bowls.

We checked into Braemar Lodge & Spa, a gorgeous alpine resort with views of the snow-speckled mountains. The lodge is 10-minutes out of Hanmer on a winding gravel road up the hill. The rooms are massive and even have their own soaking tubs and fireplace. Here, you’ll be treated to floor-to-ceiling windows of the Southern Alps, not a bad sight. We cozied up in our robes for the evening with takeaways and a bottle of pinot noir from nearby Waipara Hills winery.

Having spent Saturday night lounging, we decided to venture out of our room for Sunday brunch. Just when I thought the views couldn’t get any better, we were treated to panoramic views at Braemar’s in-house restaurant, Altitude. Of course, the food was also incredible – we opted for the eggs benedict with plenty of cold breakfast options on the side.

If you’re looking for accommodation slightly removed from the busy main street, I’d highligh recommend checking out Braemar. Ideal for a romantic getaway, the secluded lodge is tucked away from the touristy Hanmer Springs.

Needing to walk off our breakfast, we decided to venture to Hanmer Forest. We opted for the Conical Hill walkway, which is a leisurely stroll through the forest. Surrounded by coniferous trees, we took in the fresh alpine air as we made our way up the hill. Rewarded with a beautiful yet misty view, we slowly made our way back, thankful we had rugged up in our beanies, mittens and layers.

Next up, we headed to the acclaimed thermal pools and spa. Hanmer is most commonly known for its hot springs and there’s plenty to explore. From the relaxing rock pools to the waterfalls, aqua therapy and sulphur pools, we could’ve spent an entire day pool hopping. The pools all vary in temperature, but winter is the ideal time for a soak. If you’re looking to amplify your relaxation levels, stop by Artisan Spa in Hanmer Village for a facial or massage.

On our drive back to Christchurch, we stopped at the historic Hurunui Hotel. The 1861 hotel and pub was badly damaged during the earthquakes, but the adjacent restaurant is open for business. Fuelling up for the remainder of the drive, we had some of the best coffee in the Hurunui District and deliciously hearty burgers. Be sure to look out for Frog Rock, the rock formations are amazing – I couldn’t help gawking as we drove past.

July 9, 2017
Bunch Floral Workshop

With a passion for wild and locally grown fauna, Alicia Erceg launched Bunch Floral in November 2016.

I’ve followed the company since its beginnings, intrigued by Alicia’s unconventional approach to floristry. Bunch strives to use seasonal produce and reduce waste. Alicia regularly goes foraging to find native plants and weeds not commonly used in traditional floristry. Each of Alicia’s creations is striking in its simplicity. Her arrangements can be seen throughout Christchurch as centrepieces at local cafés and businesses, weddings and events. She was responsible for the beautiful and highly photographed floral pagoda archway at Nostalgia Festival. Alicia’s pared down ethos is refreshingly unique, so I was thrilled when she announced she’d be hosting her first ever floral workshop.

Held at XCHC, Christchurch’s coolest café/bar/event/showcase/performance space, the workshop kicked off with wine, platters and beautiful melodies by Holly Arrowsmith. The setting was perfect for an evening workshop, spacious yet cosy with fairy lights draped from the ceiling.

We watched attentively as Alicia demonstrated how to create the base for a front-facing floral masterpiece, slowly adding pieces to add balance and fill out empty spaces. The session was relaxed, accentuated by Holly’s timeless vocals. Alicia encouraged us to create something that appealed to us, whether symmetrical or asymmetrical, there was zero pressure for perfection.

Photo by Rachel Laine

For your next event, I encourage you to check out Bunch Floral for eye-catching pieces that are full of personalty. Perfect for any occasion, Alicia incorporates seasonal flora and fauna, so arrangements are seasonally appropriate and last as long as possible! It’s refreshing to see something a little wild and different in an industry so often governed by cookie-cutter arrangements.

If you’re interested in creating your very own arrangement, Bunch workshops will soon become a regular occurrence. Alicia plans to host a few workshops later this year. She’s even planning on holding a Christmas wreath course in December!

Photo by Rachel Laine

Photo by Rachel Laine

July 1, 2017
Calling All Christchurch Bloggers

Are you a Christchurch-based blogger? I’d love to meet you.

My friends over at Mooch Style and I would like to invite you to The Bloggers Collective on Sunday, 23rd July at 10AM. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it for ages, T.B.C. aims to get everyone together to chat about the trials and triumphs of blogging in Christchurch. There will be plenty of discussion and advice on collaborating with other bloggers, photographers and how to score partnerships. No topic is off-limits

Send me an email (vanessaortynsky@gmail.com) with the subject: The Bloggers Collective along with your name and your blog name.

Once we’ve confirmed numbers, we’ll let you know the venue. All I will say now is that it’s going to be fab and flat lays will be encouraged.

I look forward to seeing you there. x

Photography by Jillian Miller

June 18, 2017