Vietnam through Lou's lens

Growing up I never had much thought about Vietnam. I saw it as simply one of many South East Asian countries, and one who's culture I naively was not very aware of . Yet increasingly over the past few years I've become more and more interested in this nation, and in January I was lucky enough to visit it from top to tail, well as much as we could do during our eleven day trip.

It was one of the best cultural experiences I've ever had. The chaotic streets of Hanoi, the dreamy canals of Hoi An and the energetic bustle of Ho Chi Minh were perfect opposites during our trip, but above all the people are amazing. Most work twelve to fourteen hour days, seven days a week and their is an expectation that if you're not working then something must be wrong. Ha , try telling that to the Ponsonby mums at barre class.

The food was outstanding and the vibrant colours, wafts of spicy scents and street food scenes were enough to make me seriously consider dropping out of uni and cancelling my ticket home. Alas, I'm back in Christchurch now, but still dreaming fondly of this nation. I'm already planning the next trip back.

Lou x

Ps. More photos are over on Instagram, sorry for posting like an annoying Kardashian but there was so much to take in I felt like 'gramming was the best form of documentation. 

Wanting: Spring Court

Firstly... sorry for my complete lack of activity recently. Being overseas really puts your priorities in order and internet was not high on the list, but things are getting back to normal.

In the mean time, about four years ago I was wandering around in Potts Point, Sydney (most likely with some stunned yet unattractive look of amazement on my face) when I happened upon the Spring Court store.

Spring Court G2 sneaker

Understated, elegant and very French I think they're the ultimate sneaker and are now being stocked in New Zealand. Dilemma of the week: university textbooks or new shoes?

Lou

Wanting: Frankie Magazine 2016 Diary

Every January comes the time when I make a decision that has the potential to decide the fate of the year to come. Buying a diary.

From experience over the years, I've found I'm far more organised when I have one place that I can write everything down. phone calendars and planners just don't do it for me, so I dairy has become a pretty crucial, especially since starting uni.

Now of course not just any old dairy will do.

Wanting: Kitchen Inspiration

Flatting is a rite of passage in the lives of most people. It may come during university, the first job out of high school, or moving in with a partner. Yet, all flatmates are faced with the daunting task of laying their kitchen skills bare, for complete and utter judgement.

A Modern Way to Cook by Anna Jones

Christmas Fairy Lou to the Rescue

Some may argue that Christmas is merely a highly commercialised festivity that has lost sight of it's real meaning. Which is probably somewhat true, but deep down, we're all totally okay with that. So as we approach the final week before the holiday celebration of the year, here are a few last minute gift ideas to suit all the loved ones in your life. Even the trendyauntywhohasabsolutelyeverything.

For the Foodie:

Fix and Fogg Smoke and Fire Peanut Butter 

This stuff is the shizz. Created in Central Wellington, the F&F team have really managed to create a unique product in the mass of artisan nut butters. Spread over a freshly toasted wholegrain bagel for a

Summer Fashion Show in the Heart of Rotorua

Over the weekend Rotorua prepared for its premiere fashion event: The Heart of the City Fashion Show. The event was organised by Kharl Wirepa, who I interviewed a while back, and what a bloody good show it was. I've never personally felt a huge fashion and design presence in Rotorua, but after Saturday's showcase of our talented designers, I now feel proud to call my hometown a destination for all things fashion.


The show was a mix of high street and high end, with designers such as Adrienne Whitewood, below, bridging the two styles (her shop Ahu can be found on Eruera Street).

Another designer focusing on her Maori roots was local, Mereana Ngatai. Her interesting silhouettes

Wearing: Stripes and Neon

Saturday night saw a new fashion event for Rotorua, and it was seemingly fitting to dress up to mark the occasion.

Wearing: Shakuhachi skirt, Mahina top, Karen Walker clutch and Pulp Noir heels.

Blog post on the event itself to come!

Lou x