I'm owning it- I lied to you all. But not intentionally. See, here's the thing: I told you I would stay on top of this whole blogging thing while living in Finland, and clearly I failed miserably. But it's not my fault... honestly...when you have the opportunity to travel every month on top of going to school and maintaining quite the social life, I will have to admit that I put blogging on the back burner.
I was going to have non stop outfit posts, some video blogs, and travel posts.... but, that didn't happen. But in all honesty, I would have much rather fully been present in every single thing I experienced rather than sit in front of a computer screen typing. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love blogging, but when you have the opportunity to be exposed to so many new experiences, it is better to fully indulge in them rather than think about how to make the perfect blog post about whatever thing happened that day.

To make it easier to "catch up" on my blog posts, so to speak, my instagram pretty much features every thing I have encountered over the last 5 months of my life- trips, experiences, and of course, outfits! So linked is my instagram profile if you're interested in catching up that way!

However, to make up for it, I've got lots of summer blog posts prepared! 

Near the end of last semester, my best friend introduced me to the movie "Clueless", and I was totally buggin'! I fell in love with the movie immediately, maybe it was the exquisite (joking) fashion that we all see as slightly tacky now-a-days, but my god back then it was fabulous! Or maybe it was the fact that it's a sweet little romantic comedy that pulled on my heartstrings. Regardless, Cher is fabulous and her outfits are always on point.
My friend took me to a Finnish Flea Market a few months back, and it was incredible! Rows and rows of vendors selling random things, and unique clothing items, for such great prices! (god bless the thing that is bartering).
We both looked at this dress for a little bit, and it made my heart flutter a bit- no I'm serious. These things happen when you're a clothing/shopping enthusiast- plus it was my size, and 5 euros. I decided to do my rounds and look at other vendors, and if I came back and it was still there, then I would buy it... just trying to be sensible. Well that didn't quite work... I made it about 5 vendors down, turned around, and grabbed the dress. Best 5 euros I've ever spent- even better than a 5 euro high-end Starbucks latte... and thats a HUGE comparison if you know my relationship with Starbucks coffee.

I'm a bit of a turtle neck junkie. I love a good turtle neck. And honestly, it doesn't get better than a good turtle neck. Now you know where my heart stands with turtle necks. Just thought I would share that.

In my last post, I shared with you the lovely white turtle neck sweater I purchased on sale from Zara, and talked about how versatile it is. Here is just another classic combination featuring my favourite type of sweater:

     The way I feel at home is the way I'm beginning to feel when I stop by Zara here in Helsinki. What do I mean by that you ask? Well, if you know me back home,  you know I take my Starbucks very seriously. I'm a gold card holder and they pretty much know my order when they see me coming. It's sad when they tell you your order. That's when you know it's bad. Okay, anyways, Zara. I feel like they know me now... I see the same employees on a regular basis. But who can blame me? It's Zara, and Zara has sales, okay.
     When I first arrived in Helsinki, most stores were on the last kick of their Winter Sales (it's like they knew I was coming and can't resist a sale), so it was no surprise I made it to Zara multiple times. Completely unashamed of that.
     I'm sorry but when you pass a store that has a big red 70% off sign you don't just keep walking. You go into that store! So I did what any self respecting shopping enthusiast would do, and I lost all willpower and went to check out the sale.

     I'm going on my third week of being in Finland, and I have already found myself a favourite store. It really didn't take long- I was a regular customer within the first week and a half, but who can blame me, it's a store we don't have in Canada, plus they were having a sale. You throw those two things together, and I'm all in. The store is called COS, and it quickly captured my heart (and the 50% off sure helped..). They have a lovely selection of classic pieces, with a unique edge to them- very minimalistic as well. I have been quite impressed with the quality of their pieces- everything is either made of wool or silk (with the exception of the odd polyester item) and is reasonably priced for the luxurious fabrics used.
     Not only have I ventured into COS (many times), I also checked out Zara conveniently during their 70% off sale, because I am a sucker for sales and hate paying full price for things.
     I must say, I am quite pleased with the fashion here. Compared to Vancouver, it seems everyone dresses up... even when it has snowed the night before. I mean, the streets could be covered in a sheer layer of ice, and you will still see a woman wearing some type of heel. WHY DID I NOT MOVE HERE EARLIER! Anyways, the cold weather and unbearable wind is putting my layering skills to the test and making me channel my inner Olivia Palermo. If you want to know how cold it is here, think New York City 2013 Polar Vortex and multiply that by at least 20. THAT cold.
      Regardless of the weather, I love it in Helsinki. And to be honest, I enjoy the snow- there's something magical about it, especially in the evening- and I'm Canadian so snow's kind of our thing. I love getting to pile layers of clothing on here, not only to stay warm, but to cater to my love and need for layering- it's testing my fashion abilities (and I've already worn my winter boots here... but there are no photos to show for it thank god).

I'm also very excited to share with you that in 14 days, my blog has been viewed another 1000 times and is now up to 11,030 views! THANK YOU! I'm very flattered!

Moi! 
This is my first blog post in my little studio apartment in Helsinki, and I am excited to share that this little blog I started just under a year a go has been viewed approximately 10,350 times!! SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING THIS! 

I have settled in to my apartment quite nicely, and it is starting to feel like home, thanks to IKEA. It is bright and colourful, and much of my personality is shown throughout the decor! It's not much, but it's enough for me to feel cozy! Being raised in a very modern lifestyle back in Canada, it's quite a unique experience living in student housing and boiling my water for tea/coffee on the stove. No, it's not primitive here, kettles are just super expensive..

Anyways, I feel like I'm getting to know the city of Helsinki really well, and I find it so enjoyable to just walk down the streets and take in the beautiful scenery surrounding me.
If Helsinki isn't on your bucket list, put it there, because it really is one of a kind! Before having this experience to go on exchange, Helsinki was never on my list of places to go, and now I can't even imaging missing out on an opportunity like this!

As promised, I have a vlog for you! (I think) I have a YouTube Channel now where I can post these vlogs, as well as share them on here! I hope to capture as much of my experience as I can to share with you, as well as look back on in the years to come!

Enjoy a little taste of the numerous airports I was in over a span of 3 days: