prairie girl musings

Tag: fashion

The Perfect Winter Coat

We all know that winter can take a toll on our bodies. Thankfully, winters in Christchurch are typically crisp yet sunny and it’s easy to get by with clever layering, a thick pair of socks and a quality winter coat.

Having dealt with -30 degree weather back in Saskatchewan, I don’t find Christchurch winters unbearable (except for the lack of proper insulation in homes, but that’s another story…) Dressing stylishly and warmly is attainable with minimal effort, especially with our access to beautiful and sustainably made garments like this Kowtow coat. In fact, I’ve been living in this coat since I purchased it a few weeks ago. It’s basically a blanket that wraps so wonderfully around thick layers and keeps me warm whether I’m walking to the office or cycling to Smash Palace for after work drinks.

Speaking of winter, I’m heading to Queenstown this weekend to sample some new winter menus and explore the city. I’ve been to QT quite regularly, but never in the wintertime and I’m told it is at its most magical this time of year. So, if you have any suggestions on what to do, please send them my way.

On a completely unrelated note, Urban List New Zealand has officially launched and I’ve written several articles on my favourite South Island cities — Nelson, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin. I’d love it if you’d check out a few of my pieces and let me know what you think!

Photos by Malia Rose Photography

June 6, 2019
The Summertime Skirt

It’s not quite spring in New Zealand, but today has been unseasonably warm (16 degrees!) and I’ve been dying to wear this skirt since picking it up in LA.

It’s from Reformation, one of my all-time favourite brands. All their pieces are made from super sustainable materials like rescued deadstock fabrics and repurposed vintage clothing. As they evolve, their aim is to continue creating more sustainable fabric options, challenging the current state of the fashion industry.

Their Melrose Avenue store in Los Angeles is amazing. As you wander around, eyeing up potential purchases, employees note down your faves and have them delivered to you. You can request new items and sizes using an iPad in the fitting room and your items will magically appear in your closet a few seconds later. Then, you can purchase your faves from the confines of your room. It’s the future!

Light and flowy, this skirt pairs perfectly with a more structured top or even a looser jumper depending on your taste. I love it with this striped number by Ruby (which is super comfy, by the way). For this shoot, I wore it with heels from Andrea Biani, however, it also works wonderfully with slides or sneakers.

Photography by Carmen Huter

August 22, 2018
Autumn Florals

Throughout the first few years of my career, I wore mostly black. I still mostly reach for neutral items for their wearability and longevity, but every so often I’m drawn to something printed. This floral Olivia dress by RUBY is one such item. Ever since I saw it in store, I knew it would fit right in with my wardrobe. It’s 100% silk, floor-length and falls perfectly to the floor. I love dressing it down with heeled boots (the ones pictured are from Mi Piaci) and my army green coat, especially as we enter the cooler months here in New Zealand. It’s also beautiful worn underneath a leather jacket. And I know it’ll be equally perfect for spring weddings paired with neutral heels or sandals. I don’t know about you, but I’m not about buying pieces that only last a season, I want clothes I’ll wear for years to come.

Are you more of a statement shopper or do you opt for blacks, greys and other neutrals?

Photography by Sophie Isabella

May 24, 2018
Kate Sylvester On Finding Inspiration

Photo: Luke Foley-Martin

Where do fashion designers find inspiration and who do they credit with their creativity?

Kate Sylvester shares the artwork that influenced her past and present collections and her ongoing love affair with lingerie.

You’ve surely seen Kate’s newest collection, A Muse, inspired by Picasso’s genius, his paintings and his muses who created the evolution of his work. Kate feels indebted to the huge treasure trove that is art, continually celebrating her heroes. “We all have to wear clothes and isn’t it ice to know you’re wearing a small piece of Picasso?” says Kate.

According to Kate, her very first lingerie collection, Vanessa Beecroft’s nude works was “a complete and utter failure,” but taught her tough commercial lessons that she still calls upon today. “First and foremost, we need to be commercial and on-trend,” she urges, a prevailing lesson throughout fashion week.

While many designers create youthful garments that don’t suit women of all ages, shapes and sizes, Kate makes clothes for living in. “I create clothes for myself, for my friends.” This wearability factor is present in every collection, no matter how quirky or elegant the final product. Kate manages to seamlessly draw from history’s great artists and photographers to create pieces that transcend time and appeal to consumers of all ages.

Here are some behind-the-scenes photos of Kate’s F/W Collection. How stunning is the lace Pola dress?

Photo: Gabrielle Devereux

Photo: Luke Foley-Martin

Photo: Luke Foley-Martin

March 31, 2016
Tuesday Tunics

I’ve always admired New Zealand designers for their focus on creating quality fabrics and wearable garments. I admire the ethical means and methods by which they produce their clothing. Many Kiwi designers still make their own fabrics and garments in-house. Others work closely with factories and mills overseas. Speaking to a handful of the country’s most respected designers, I learned about the whole creative process and what goes into making a collection.

I’m a big fan of wearing the same pieces over and over again, giving them new meaning with each wear. Timeless staples will always have a place in my wardrobe and I’m drawn to pieces that are well-made. My ankle boots have been worn to dinner dates, weddings, job interviews and now, fashion week. I’ll wear them out, probably re-sole them, and continue wearing them.

Also, my eyes are partially closed in this photo, but I love the staircase too much to care!

All photos by Luke Foley-Martin.

Vintage coat by Zambesi
Veer tunic by Moochi
Handbag by Deadly Ponies via Belle Bird Boutique

March 30, 2016
Crème de la crème

How about a bit of real talk to kick off today’s blog post? If you’re wondering why my background is beginning to feel a bit repetitive, I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’ve been using this sensor feature on my camera where I wave (quite aggressively) in order to take a photo. It doesn’t catch my wave unless I’m up close, so I’ll run up to the camera, wave, and run back. It’s a pretty good workout. It’s a fun activity that doesn’t require my lovely #instagramboyfriend or photographer friends to take my outfit photos. Fellow bloggers, let me know if you have a similar strategy.

I purchased this beige Bassike sweater tunic when I was last in Auckland. It was 50% off at Black Box Boutique in Grey Lynn, and I thought it might be fun to style two different ways. If you’re like me, you can never have too many neutrals in your wardrobe and sleeveless sweaters work perfectly on breezy days.

First off, I paired the tunic with my boyfriend jeans. These jeans have seen me through some dark times, and they are comfier than sweatpants. Yes, that’s right, comfier. They are super loose in the legs and waist.

Boyfriend jeans: Madewell
Shoes: Mi Piaci

Shorts: Huffer
Sandals: Miss Wilson by Kathryn Wilson

Stay tuned for my Dunedin City Guide – it’s coming up next!

March 21, 2016
How To Network Like A Pro

Most of us are expected to network a handful of times in our professional and personal lives. Whether you’ve recently moved to a new city or you’re gunning for a new role at work, networking is a part of life. And as much as networking freaks many of us out, it’s a necessary way to shake up your routine and get out of your comfort zone.

In honour of attending iD Fashion Week next week, I thought I would revisit my favourite networking advice and share my own tips with you.

Go solo. Admittedly attending events with a friend is less daunting than flying solo, but you won’t cover nearly as much ground. You’ll also be tempted to spend the time catching up instead of meeting new people. Going alone, you’ll be more engaged and more likely to make a new contact or two.

Dress the part. First impressions are crucial in networking situations. Assess the invite or press release prior to getting dressed. Is it a corporate or fashion event? Is it indoors or outdoors? Put your best foot forward by choosing an outfit that fits well. And if you’re attending a foodie event, be sure to wear comfortable pants (elastic waistbands, anyone?)

Confidence is key. This goes hand-in-hand with my last point. You may be perspiring in your pumps, but don’t let it show. A simple smile coupled with a strong handshake goes a long way. And remember, everyone else is just as nervous as you.

Business cards. You’ll be talking to a lot of new people, so arm yourself with business cards. You never know if your newest client is right around the corner!

Be interested. While many of us worry about being interesting, it’s more important to be interested, particularly in networking scenarios. Ask engaging questions, smile and be attentive.

Put your phone down. This is a hard one, especially at blogger events where capturing the moment is required. Don’t make the mistake of being attached to your phone all night. Look up, smile at new faces, and be the first to introduce yourself.

March 9, 2016
13 Things I’m Loving Right Now

1. Lorde’s alternate universe in her new Team video.

2. Thai Iced Tea and Massaman curry from Khao San Road

3. These over-the-knee socks from American Apparel.

4. Toronto’s Christmas Market in the historic Distillery District (they have samples of mulled cine and hot scotch cider!)

5. Travelling. I am planning something for 2014 already.

6. My family and having my sisters in Toronto. I feel myself becoming the boring sister, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
7. December, it’s my birthday in two weeks, Christmas in three, and I have made a serious dent in my Advent calendar.

8. Working from home, and achieving a work/life blend.

9. #GivingTuesday because everyone was posting #unselfies and donating to worthy causes like Girls’ Education.

10. Canadiana, Christmas pyjamas and ONESIES. Also, listening to Christmas carols at work. (I know, that’s technically four things)

11. The upcoming nuptials of my friends, Jill and Riley.

12. “Candles are expensive, and they don’t get you drunk.” Regardless, I’ve been burning candles like a madwoman.

13. Awaiting a visit from my Kiwi friend, Ash!

December 4, 2013
Next Stop: Chicago

Chicago’s been on my list of must-see cities since my family visited (sans moi) a few years ago. Granted, I was living in New Zealand at the time, so passing up on a few North American trips didn’t seem like such a big deal. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to visiting the Windy City! I’m especially excited to see Chicago’s outdoor public art, something it’s known for around the world. Chicagoans truly take pride in their city, which makes it such an amazing city to visit. My New Yorker cousin (who formerly lived in San Francisco and Toronto) said that she loves Chicago because even the homeless marvel at their city: “Would ya look at that sculpture? It’s beautiful!”

My sisters and I will arrive in Chi-Town tonight, and I’ve already drafted up a list of things for us to do. Of course, there won’t be much time for sightseeing as we’ll be in meetings all day, but a girl can dream:

1. Ukrainian Cathedrals: I can’t wait to check out the majestic domes that peek out over the treetops in the Ukrainian Village of Chicago.

2. Pilsen Murals

3. Spend an hour perusing the Randolph Street Market

4. Grab a coffee at The Wormhole on Milwaukee Avenue

5. Indulge in a slice of Chicago’s deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s

6. Sit down for well-crafted cocktail at The Violet Hour.

7. Warm up with a hot chocolate from Hot Chocolate.

8. Check out the Chicago skyline atop the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower).

9. Enjoy a rooftop drink at our hotel’s bar.

10. While there’s no shortage of good breakfast places in Chicago, I’ve heard that Bongo Room serves the perfect laidback morning feast.

11. Visit Tribune Campus at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Have you ever been to Chicago? What are some must-sees and dos for a non-tourist traveller?

For frequent updates, follow my Instagram and Twitter accounts!

xoxo, Vanessa

September 27, 2013
September: As Told By Instagram

If you’re not yet following me on Instagram, please check out my account: vanessaortynsky.

Natalie and I getting ready for the ceremony!

My boyfriend, Nick and I grabbing a midday coffee following the wedding ceremony of two of our closest friends, Kirsten and Steve.

Jake and I love tapas, especially snow crab pogos!

Mary, one of my very best friends, is finally back from Kenya! We caught up over brunch at Saving Grace.

I’ve been freelancing for just under a month, and I love writing and editing from the comfort of my apartment or favourite cafe.

I’ve had a major sweet tooth as of late. This cookie inside a cookie really fit the bill.

A little bit of TIFF fun.

There’s nothing quite like flying home to Saskatchewan for the weekend. Nick and I enjoyed a few beverages in the Maple Leaf lounge prior to take-off.

Most importantly, Kirsten and Steve get married!

That’s all, folks! Have a lovely Friday, the 13th! xxx

September 13, 2013