Wellington is a place in the world that has become synonymous with its climate. Like sunny LA, grey skies in London or spring in Paris, wild and wooly weather is what we are known for.

Some folk talk like weather is the pitfall of our town – rumours are some even move to Auckland to escape it. But weather makes Wellington. I love that I can look out each day from my office window (I have a full-time job as well as blogging in case I’ve never mentioned it), across at the harbor and every day is different. Rain, wind, perfect calm; no two days are the same.

Wellingtonian’s, we know the rules of this town based on the weather. Never carry an umbrella. Get a good coat. Always ‘carpe diem’ and seize the day when the weather is fine. It makes us appreciative. We don’t take anything, let alone our weather, for granted. You won’t hear us grumbling about the cold. We just get on with because we know it’s what makes us, us. When Summer comes, we love to sit on Mount Victoria, sipping beer or rose with fish and chips. Being able to do it only twice every year makes those moments all the more sweet, like sea-salted caramel.

When I am by the sea on a grey day, I feel it says so much more than on a perfect sunny one. It is moody, quiet or loud and roaring. It isn’t silent. Neither am I. That’s why I have this blog, after all, to say things on. On a perfect day the sea is a girl who knows how to perfectly pose for an Instagram, dressed in a white lace dress, dolled up in Clinique. Aspirational, dreamlike, a bit false and un-attainable, saying little, but selling a dream. But this picturesque vision can be boring.

Don’t stay silent. Make your weather is bold. I seek rain and sleet, thunderous wind. It’s like being in a mosh-pit, loosing yourself in the crowd. It’s like laughing with friends until you’re hysterical and crying. It’s like feeling overcome with sadness and letting it seep into your bones, standing in the rain and letting it wash everything away. The weather makes us, us in Wellington. Imperfect, messy, unpredictable. There’s only one of Wellington. There’s only one of you.

A month or so ago, this week’s Resident, Ashley Church, and I set out to tackle the weather in Converse Chuck Taylors and a red dress I’ve had since I was 16 from Scotties (Marni). We took these photos. They embody the spirit of Wellington and all the character in its weather.

Last night was seriously cold. We have reached spring and the temperature was 5 degrees. My boyfriend Matt and I moved our only heater into the bedroom, put on thick socks, jumpers, made two hot water bottles and snuggled into bed. Outside, the wind howled and wind and hail lashed the windows. Inside was cosy and warm. I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else in the world.

Details:

Beaded Shrug - Topshop (Own)
Marni Dress – Scotties (Own)
Converse Chuck Taylor Shoes - Shoe Connection (Own)
Woolen Coat – Witchery (Own)

Lipstick - Ruby Woo - MAC

All photos taken by Dinosaurtoast aka Ashley Church. All clothes are mine and, apart from the Converse Chuck Taylors, are not available in stores because they are my own from ages ago.

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