Given the amount of traveling I’ve done in my life, I realized I’ve spent nearly a decade in the Southern Hemisphere. The majority of my time has been in Australia and New Zealand, and while they are both thankfully English speaking countries, I swear they need to come complete with a translation guide. My recent trip to New Zealand this past week had me reaching into the recesses of my brain for the kiwi colloquialisms I once knew so well, even though it had been nearly a decade since I’d lived there.
The different words and phrases for things can lead to some pretty hilarious situations. “Bring your bathing suit” said in the States becomes “bring your bathers” in Aus (not too hard to translate) but becomes “bring your togs” in New Zealand. Say what now? You either throw your trash (rubbish) away in a bin or a trash can or a skip or a dumpster. And need something to keep your drinks cold on that picnic? You’re looking for anything from a cooler to an eskie to a chilly bin. I find myself having to mentally translate in my mind, and usually come out with the wrong one. In particular, if you go to the pub and ask for two pitchers of beer, they look at you across eyed: “A wha- ? A picture?” Nope, should have asked for jugs. (yeah, the school girl in me giggles when requesting jugs every time too…)
I also found that bits of my New Zealand accent started to creep back in on our latest trip. Truthfully, my accent is a complete hybrid on the best of days. Whenever people ask me, “Oh, where are you from?” I know they’re not enquiring about where I was born and raised, but rather, “Where on EARTH did you get that whackadoodle accent??”
Life would be much easier if we all came with subtitles….
There was one phrase that I particularly liked – you string “faerie lights” around the yard instead of christmas lights or twinkle lights. Why should they only be put up at Christmas anyway? I say let the faeries dance year round! Inspired by the faeries and in need of a boost to help get me through the jet lag this week, I finally get to wear my latest sprite-print acquisition today, perfect for frolicking in the garden at midnight or prancing around the lab in preparation for a rather large, stressful roundtable discussion tomorrow (I’ll let you decide which one I’ll be doing today).
This print. THIS PRINT. It truly doesn’t get any more magical than a border print dress of faerie’s whispering secrets to the stars. When I originally purchased her, I didn’t even realize that the stars had glitter in the fabric. I didn’t think it was possible, but it made me love the dress even more. If you know me, you know the surest way to my heart is via a sparkly pathway.
I was really impressed with the quality of the dress, which was handmade by Pinup Doll Collection – it can sometimes be a bit hit or miss when you order handmade on Etsy. But in this case, I sent the shop owner my measurements, and nearly cried by how perfectly it fit. As someone who sews, I can be really picky about fit (and have to sit on my hands to keep them from nipping and tucking things until they fit perfectly sometimes). This shop is just chock full of the most beautiful cuts and fabrics too (this one and this one are currently wishlisted).
Although I’m attempting to be responsible, I think we all know it’s only a matter of time before I pounce on another dress…
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Dress: Handmade by Pinup Doll Collection (similar)
Necklace: Vintage, belonged to my Mom (similar here & here)
Bracelet: Gift (similar here & here)
Belt: Alannah Hill (similar here, here & here)
Bag: c/o La Belle Vintage (similar here, here & here)
Shoes: Robert Robert (similar here, here & here)
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