prairie girl musings

Tag: New Zealand

  • 6 Delightful Days in Dunedin

    6 Delightful Days in Dunedin

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    As you may already know from my Instagram posts, I spent last week in Dunedin for iD Fashion Week. The event has been running for the past seventeen years and it’s easy to see why it’s so successful. As New Zealand’s oldest city, Dunedin has such a strong creative community. With New Zealand’s oldest university and local designers like Margi Robertson and Liz Findlay, the city exudes style, cleverness and imagination.

    On previous visits to Dunedin with Nick, whose mum is from a town just outside Dunedin, I marvelled at the city’s architecture and steep streets. This week called for a healthy dose of networking and collaboration, two of my favourite activities.

    Less touristy than other South Island destinations, Dunedin is often overlooked for the likes of Queenstown, Christchurch and Nelson. But those who venture here will see its striking resemblance to Scotland. After all, Dunedin means Edinburgh in Gaelic.

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    I was fortunate to spend the week at the Claremont House in Roslyn. This stately private guesthouse was built in 1908. The Edwardian-style house is hard to miss, overlooking the gorgeous city below. Claremont House is all I’ve ever wanted in a B&B and then some. The friendly team welcomed me with open arms, working around my busy schedule and leaving delicious sweets in my room. They also served the most scrumptious organic breakfasts in the elegant dining room every morning. The house itself is perfectly preserved, retaining its original character while feeling comfortably modern. Each room features the comfiest of king and queen-sized beds and an adjacent living room with ample space for lounging and tea-sipping. The Claremont House encompasses luxury and history and I highly recommend booking a stay here on your next trip to Dunedin!

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    Vanguard Coffee Co.: My absolute favourite café in Dunedin, this place ticks all the boxes. There is ample seating, lots of light, beautiful fauna and florals, and a breakfast menu that runs all day. I sampled the shakshuka (amazing!) and too many flat whites to count. Shout out to the lovely baristas who let us stay late to work (aka take way too many photos!)

    Kiki Beware: Visit for the gorgeous interior, but stay for the yummy coffee and inventive menu. The fries here will make you betray your diet. Served with salts and dips of all varieties, you’ll want to go with a friend and share!

    Morning Magpie: This place is as eclectic as it is cozy. While I usually prefer minimalist cafes, I couldn’t pass this quirky, haphazard coffee shop. It will remind you of your grandmother’s living room.

    Chamber of Coffee: If you’re starting to sense a theme…well, that’s because coffee was in ample supply all weeklong. The Chamber of Coffee also has delightful salads if you’re in need of some greens!

    Taste Nature: After a few too many indulgent meals, I was relieved to discover Taste Nature. An organic grocery store that sells everything from kale to kombucha, you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you arrive before 2pm on a weekday, they also have a menu of salads, soups, sandwiches and my personal favourite, green smoothies.

    Di Lusso: Easy to miss, this small bar is neatly tucked into Stuart Street, and often overlooked for the more raucous students bars and pubs on this street. For iD, various designers crafted their own cocktails that were served throughout the week.

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    The Octagon: I’m convinced that every good city has a town square, a place to congregate. In Dunedin, it’s the Octagon. With several cafés, restaurants, bars, galleries and theatres, this is the place to begin your week(end) in Dunedin.

    Dunedin Public Art Gallery: Many of the designer presentations were held at the city’s largest art gallery. It’s worth visiting for its extensive collection of local, national and international artwork. Margarita Robertson of NOM*D’s exhibition, 3.33.12. will be running for the next month, so be sure to check that out!

    Dunedin Town Hall: Again, many iD events were held at the town hall, but it’s worth visiting even if Fashion Week’s not on your radar.

    The Regent Theatre: Located on the lower half of Dunedin’s central Octagon reserve, Regent regularly plays host to live theatre, music, opera, dance, and film. The sign reminds me of the old California theatres.

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    Dunedin Railway Station: “Gingerbread George,” as it’s affectionately known, the Railway Station connects Dunedin with several South Island destinations. It has also played host to iD Fashion Week for a number of years. Along with being the longest runway in the world, the station provides a unique setting for a spectacular event.

    Moeraki Boulders: Though outside Dunedin, you’ll absolutely want to stop by these unusually large, spherical boulders that lie along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. Moeraki Boulders: Though outside Dunedin, you’ll absolutely want to stop by these unusually large, spherical boulders that lie along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. Also, if you’re heading to see the boulders, stop by Fleur’s Place for some of the freshest seafood and best service you’ll ever experience!

    Baldwin Street: The steepest street in the world!

    Beaches: There are many beaches in Dunedin, so take your pick!

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    Shopping in Dunedin is surprisingly extensive and very local. Avoid the malls, and meander along George Street. Hit up Slick Willy’s, Belle Bird Boutique, and Plume for unique shops well-stocked with New Zealand designers and beyond. The Ruby shop here also deserves a mention for its fireplace!

    Dunedin is such a stunning city filled with so much history! Regardless of how you spend your time here, you really can’t go wrong. I hope you have the chance to visit someday soon!

  • Instagram Takeovers and Other News

    Instagram Takeovers and Other News

    I’ve been fortunate to attend various fashion weeks over the past four years, and it’s fascinating to observe each city’s unique approach.

    iD Fashion Week has been well planned, educational and interesting. I’m here for the whole week, collaborating with iD, other bloggers and photographers. I’ve also sat in on a several talks and presentations. I’m particularly fond of the venues iD has chosen for each of its events. The Dunedin Art Gallery has been host to designer talks and shows have been held at the Dunedin Town Hall and the Dunedin Railway Station. While this blog isn’t solely dedicated to fashion (obviously), I’ve learnt a great deal about New Zealand and international fashion and building a brand.

    I am currently hosting an #InstagramTakeover with photographer, Luke Foley-Martin over on iD’s account. It goes without saying that Luke’s an incredibly talented photographer and all-around cool guy. We had so much fun working together, so I thought I’d share some of his photographs. This series was taken at the Emerging Designers Judging Panel and at the Ziera Global Launch.

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    All photographs by Luke Foley-Martin. 

  • Into the Blue

    Into the Blue

    Yesterday kicked off the first day of iD Fashion Week in Dunedin. The opening event, held at Otago Polytechnic, gave designers, sponsors, photographers, and media the opportunity to mingle before the shows get underway. I enjoyed the emerging talent designs on display by local students and putting my networking skills to use.

    After a long bus ride from Christchurch to Dunedin, I decided on a comfy, loose pair of trousers in powder blue from Club Monaco. Underneath my navy coat, I’m wearing a camisole by Julian Danger, one of my favourite new New Zealand designers; who will be showing her collection later this week.

    Exploring the beautiful city of Dunedin has been incredible. I’m looking forward to sharing my favourite spots with you soon!

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  • How To Network Like A Pro

    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.

  • Christchurch Creatives: Radler Tours

    Christchurch Creatives: Radler Tours

    One of the things I harp on about constantly is cycling. I’ve never particularly enjoyed cycling as a sport or a rigorous form of exercise. For me, it’s a practical way to get around. In cities like Toronto and Stockholm, residents cycle almost year-round. Even a little bit of snow on the ground isn’t much of a deterrent. When my sister spent a semester in Umeå, she immediately purchased a second-hand bike and along with the other students, regularly fell into snowbanks on her way to class. When it snows in Christchurch, it melts almost immediately, so winter cycling is all the more appealing.

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    Even so, when Nick pitched his idea for a bicycle and beer tour, I was initially skeptical. While cycling in Christchurch is relatively accessible, it’s by no means the preferred way of getting around. But with designated cycleways a top priority for the city, more and more people are taking to cycling. It’s also a great way to enjoy a night out. Cycling after a few beers is 100% legal and a lot safer than driving.

    And so, it’s with much excitement, that we announce the launch of  Radler Tours. Radler is the German word for cyclist, and like the Bavarians before us, our tour will encompass, in equal measure, bicycles and beer. Our aim is to cater to both locals and tourists, as a fun way to see and experience Christchurch. Oh, and we’re excited to be regularly visiting some of our favourite Christchurch bars and restaurants:

    Radler Tours was founded with the aim to provide a fun, healthy, and sustainable way to experience Christchurch’s best hospitality. Following the devastating earthquakes in 2011, Christchurch lost over 130 unique bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes. Many have re-opened in and around the CBD, but are no longer closely clustered together. Consequently, there is no focal point for the city’s entertainment and hospitality scene. Both tourists and residents are unaware that new and vibrant establishments have emerged on the fringes of the CBD, all within a leisurely biking distance of one another.

    At the moment, we’ve been testing out the tours with our friends and planning an inaugural tour with a few Christchurch locals. We’ll keep you posted as to the launch of Radler Tours, but for the meantime, please visit our website for updates!

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    Follow @radlertours on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!

  • Wanaka Weekends

    Wanaka Weekends

    I was over the moon when my flatmate, Mel asked if I’d like to join her on a roadtrip to Wanaka. Apart from a pitstop a few years back, I had yet to explore this year-round resort town. The drive alone was worth the trip as we were rewarded with stunning, constantly changing scenery. Mel kindly drove the entire way as I gazed out the window and snapped photo after photo. After living in Auckland for three years, I had forgotten just how dramatic and diverse the South Island scenery is.

    The following list should sufficiently equip the adventurous traveller ready to take on Wanaka.

    Treble Cone: Granted we visited during the summer months, but Wanaka is a hit with skiers and snowboarders. Treble Cone is the closest ski area to Wanaka and the largest in the South Island. I’m already looking forward to a visit next winter.

    Mount Iron: You can’t visit Wanaka without a hike up Mount Iron, an impressive, glacier-carved, 240-metre rocky knoll. Run or walk at your leisure!

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    Federal Diner: One of our favourite spots in town, we both loved the retro vibes and open kitchen concept of this diner.

    47 Frocks: I fell head over heels for this must-visit boutique, which stocks many of New Zealand’s most covetable labels.

    We daytripped to Queenstown, which is a short 45-minute drive from Wanaka. For a first-timer, I highly recommend partaking in all the adventure tourism on offer: skydiving, bungy jumping, white water rafting, oh my! Oh, and you can’t forget Fergburger. Other great spots for lunch include Vudu Cafe & Larder (food pictured below) and Bespoke Kitchen (as lauded by Denizen).

    A few stops along the way:

    Lake Tekapo: Characterized by its vibrant turquoise colour, Lake Tekapo is a popular destination in the summer months. Despite how beautiful it appears in photographs, it’s about 100 times more gorgeous in person.

    Lake Pukaki: The largest of three alpine lakes along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin, Lake Pukaki is a glacial lake that has become famous for its milky-blue colour and as the foreground to Mount Cook.

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  • Goodbye Toronto!

    Goodbye Toronto!

    From the moment I stepped off the subway at Osgoode Station, leisurely rolling my suitcase across the streetcar tracks, I knew I’d love living in Toronto. It was a place I had visited as a child, and then again in my late adolescent years. When I graduated university, I applied to every editorial internship I could find in Toronto because “if I could make it in Toronto, I could make it anywhere,” or so was my mantra. Over the past two and a half years, Toronto has continued to surprise and enchant me. City life is less overwhelming than when I first arrived, but no less impressive. And it is with both excitement and apprehension that I say goodbye to this wonderful city.

    Nick has accepted a job as a policy planner in his hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand. Yes, that Christchurch. The one that was ravaged by two earthquakes, devastating the downtown core, claiming the lives of 185 people, and displacing thousands more from their homes and jobs. Even thinking about the move overseas has been emotional, and we haven’t started packing up our apartment. Not only is Christchurch so far from home, it will differ from what I’ve known in countless ways. Having lived and studied in Auckland, all of my friends are there. So yes, I’ll be closer to them, but still so far.


    I recall my first visit to the Garden City in 2009, pre-earthquake. Almost immediately, I remarked how I could see myself living here, even settling down in this stunning city surrounded by ocean and mountains. Nick has often spoken about how he’d like to return, to help rebuild his parents’ home; a beautiful Victorian that will soon be torn down. His new job will allow him to influence Christchurch’s rebirth through public transport and accessibility. Having the foresight to envision a lively, vibrant community, Christchurch is projected to be a cycling city where people gather in the town centre. The New York Times even published an article about the many reasons to visit Christchurch, post-quake. I have no doubt that Christchurch will rise above the rubble like many great cities struck before it. Just look at San Francisco and New Orleans, both experienced revitalization and surges in tourism following devastating natural disasters.


    There have been many incredible initiatives taking place in Christchurch, demonstrating the compassion and strength of its residents. In a world of war and turmoil, it’s important to acknowledge the small victories of a city’s rebirth and the humanity of its people. It invigorates my spirit to know that in times of need, communities step up in order to help one another heal and get back on their feet.

  • 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.

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    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!

  • Global Friends, Part I: SASKATCHEWAN

    Global Friends, Part I: SASKATCHEWAN

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    The Regina “International” Airport: Where it all began.

    On December 29th, my first-ever New Zealand visitor set foot in SASKATCHEWAN. Yes, Nick and I have had friends visit us in Toronto. Having someone pop by your chic downtown apartment in Canada’s biggest metropolis cannot compare to the enormity of having your friend from across the world visit your HOMETOWN, in your HOME PROVINCE.

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    Ashleigh in her new Canadiana, she later jumped into the snow wearing only this and a light parka.

    Needless to say, Ashleigh’s reaction to winter in Saskatchewan was priceless. Her lack of skates didn’t stop her from gliding out of the Regina airport into my car. Nor did she realize just how much snow (and it’s been light this year so far) can accumulate in a person’s backyard. There were deer, fox, and coyote spottings from our kitchen, mulled wine, and a minor snowmobile accident. She was also especially fond of my mother’s healthy cooking.

    To see one’s hometown through fresh, unbiased eyes is a remarkable experience. It ignited my appreciation for the quaint, rural town where I grew up in ways I never knew were possible. Ashleigh also fell in love with Saskatoon with its beautiful bridges and stunning downtown core.

    Note: In order to keep this post from becoming an expose on why prairiegirlmusings came about… I’ll stick to point form.

    Other Saskatchewan highlights include:

    Reconnecting with old friends and celebrating the marriage of my dear friend, Jill on New Years Eve! If I still worked (read: interned) at Weddingbells, I’d submit Jill and Riley’s wedding to the magazine (their New Years Eve in New York City theme was perfectly executed!)

    Now, for some terrifically awful photography by yours truly:

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    Ash and I with our matching Moochi heels, prior to the wedding.

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    Didn’t I say the decor and food was top-notch?

    Here are some more professional photos that I pinched from the bride (Thank you, Jill!)

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    An old-fashioned Ortynsky potluck at the Saskatoon apartment:Image

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    Trying out Saskatoon’s culinary scene:

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    We had a delightful pre-flight lunch at Ayden Kitchen & Bar.

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    Nobody does a latte bowl like Jimmy Oneschuk at Museo.

    Stay tuned for Toronto and Montreal blog posts!

    Love, 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