Em Medland-Marchen

Tucked away in the heart of Vancouver Island, the Vault is a true nest egg for Nanaimo's most creative characters. Charming and eclectic, the walls of this light pink heritage building are decorated with framed paintings and portraits. Velvet curtains are drawn to eliminate light for late-night shows, open mics and other hangs, and a warm glow exudes from vintage lamps with fringe tassels.

Twenty years ago, a humble preteen girl visited a thrift store in Kelowna, BC, for the first time. I still remember every detail of the dress in the shop that caught my eye: an ivory white silk slip with a ruched waist and an eyelet lace collar that reached high up the neck, with sterling silver clasps that came together neatly in the back.