On my way back from a press event this morning, I popped into the charity shop on the corner. After a good look around I found a pair of Swedish handmade clogs -just when I was about the leave the shop. The Torpatoffeln for Cath Kidstone edition was in my size, had very little tear and wear and was priced to £19. I paid £15, after some negotiation. Probably not a bargain, bargain. But I have a feeling I will live in these this summer. And that’s invaluable to me!
The Swedish company Torpatoffeln AB, founded in 1973, is situated in the middle of the forest of Småland, in the small village Torpsbruk. The company, today run by the fourth and the fifth generation, is known for high quality clogs and excellent craftsmanship. For more information, visit torpatoffeln.se
Author: Bianca Wessel
Dalston Department Store -A retail experience for the 21st Century
Dalston Department Store is a brand new pop-up store and event, where you can shop for the latest luxewear direct from independent designers, fashion, jewellery, homeware, childrenswear, vintage, books and so much more.
Take the overground to Dalston Junction, walk down Kingsland Road until you meet Richmond Road to the left.
Upon arrival a doorman are there to greet you and to escort you down to the ground floor level by lift.
Well inside you’ll enter a shopping haven unlike anything you’ve seen before. It’s not big, but incredible well curated. In fact there was nothing I missed. Vintage pieces from leading couture houses, luxury British made mens wear, playful and arty shoes, fashionable jewellery, collectable books and cameras, handmade hats and gloves, art posters, women’s designer wear and lots more.
Dalston Department Store, being a pop-up-shop, is open this weekend only; Saturday 10-6pm and Sunday 11-6pm.
Located in the old tramshed, Star House, Unit 2, 3 Richmond Road, London E8 3HY – dalstondepartmentstore.com
Arguable best shopping experience I’ve had in London ever! Do not miss out!
Wedding Guests Outfits & Dresses: What to Wear Summer 2013
Have you been invited to a wedding, but aren’t quite sure what to wear? It’s never too early to plan your outfits for the wedding season. Be the best dressed guest -without making the bride cry!
Here’s what to wear to a wedding as a guest:
Women should look elegant in a suit or dress, and may also wear a hat.
Appropriate shoes should be chosen if the wedding is outside or on grass, unless you want to spend the afternoon aerating the lawn in your heels. Opt for wedge heels or flats, to stay comfortable in style.
Head-to-toe outfits in white or cream should never be worn and all black, unless cleverly accessorised, may look too sombre. Avoid bright red as it may compete for attention.
Hats is always appropriate for formal events and will add a touch of Royal glamour to your outfit. Department stores like House of Fraser have a great selection for a reasonable price.
No dress code? If the invitation doesn’t specify the formality of the event a pastel suit or soft floral dress for daytime or a cocktail dress for evening (after 6 pm) will take you almost anywhere. If it’s a casual wedding (like for a coastal or beach wedding) a pretty sundress would be appropriate.
By Malene Birger multicoloured silk satin dress £445 at Harvey Nichols / HM multicoloured sandals £29.99 at HM.com
Sandals in gold and dusty pink £12.99and fittet powder beige blazer (I would have replaced the button with a pretty brooch) £14.99 at HM.com
DAY BIRGER ET MIKKELSEN Day Glowing asymmetric lamé dress £220 at Net a Porter
Touch up a pale outfit with brightly coloured accessories! Asymetric dress £79 at COS Stores and Ganni suede hot pink shoes £165 from Wild Swans
Community Spirit in Chatsworth Road, Hackney, E5
There’s a growing community spirit in the various of villages that makes London. Chatsworth Road in Hackney being one of them. Once one of London’s roughest areas, Chatsworth Road, is just a bike ride from Shoreditch, a short walk from Homerton’s Overground station and with lots of green spaces, including Hackney Marshes.
Chatsworth Road has now a dedicated website providing members of the community with lots of useful local information, as well as a local newspaper. There’s information about everything from shops and services to social events and happenings in the area. Visit chatsworthroade5.co.uk
If you sign up for a membership, which currently is £1 on an annual basis, you’ll enjoy discounts in local shops, you may vote for committee members, your ideas for the area will be heard and last but not least you will experience a safer neighbourhood.
One of passionate members of the Chatsworth Road community is the Norwegian photographer, Jørn Tomter. He is also a local resident and lives in E5 together with his wife Kimberley and two young children. As a passionate but also highly creative member he has a constant stream of ideas for improvements. One way to improve the area is to support local business and also make sure the Sunday market is vibrant and attractive. But Jørn Tomter thought there’s more to it as well and wanted us to meet the locals. With an intriguing art project called I Love Chartsworth Road he’s portrayed the residents of Chatsworth Road. The effect is quite striking, especially when placed together. There’s no doubt! It’s the individuals getting together that makes a thriving community.
We popped into Cooper & Wolf in 145 Chatsworth Road, where Jørn is exhibiting the portraits. He also uses the busy eatery (with Swedish specialties on the menu) as a work space, typing away on new ideas, whilst sipping black coffee (typical Norwegian style way to drink coffee).
Things to do in London this weekend -the Scandi way!
Here is a round up, a Scandinavian Times Out on what’s on in London this weekend with a Scandinavian flair. Information is sourced from various of newsletters, invitations and from the Scandinavian embassies.
© Little Scandinavian
It’s finally weekend! As the weather forecast for London is not very promising, we thought you might would be tempted to see an exhibition or a film?
Norwegian Photographer Stian Andersen’s A-ha exhibition at Strand Gallery
The Strand Gallery, 32 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6BP
This is your last chance to see the exhibition of Stian Andersen’s A-ha Photographs at Strand Gallery. The exhibition includes a series of stunning black and white images of the band’s intimate and iconic moments.
Open all days from 11am – 6pm. Entry is free. Last day Sunday 17th March.
Swedish film Persona by Ingmar Bergman in Barbican
Cinema Department Barbican Centre, Silk Street London EC2Y 8DS
Ingmar Bergman’s celebrated film Persona will be shown at the Barbican as part of “Art and Science on the Brain”. The film will be followed by a Screentalk. At 4pm, 16 March 2013 in Cinema 3 (Beech St). Tickets available at barbican.org.uk
Brunch at Nordic Bakery in Soho / Marylebone
It doesn’t get more Nordic than at the Nordic Bakery. The black coffee full of flavours, the crispy sweet cinnamon buns freshly baked on the day, smoked salmon on rye bread… Just enjoy a lazy morning, from 9am and onwards, the Scandinavian way at nordicbakery.com
Blog Love: My Scandinavian Home showcasing Nordic interior
Don’t you just love it too… Peeking inside other people homes!? Not because you are nosy but really just because you are on a constant search for inspiration for your own home?
Well, I’m certainly picking up ideas on how to improve my own home by visiting other people homes. However, as you can only invite yourself to so many people… Best thing, and far more relaxing, is to browse through inspirational homes online.
There’s a Swedish blog that are a constant stream of delightful home and style inspiration, My Scandinavian Home. The blog is a niche blog carefully curated by Swedish blogger Niki, featuring Scandinavian homes around the globe.
And as a lover of the typical Scandinavian style; functional, minimalistic and natural -I love every post that’s published.
Here’s a small selection of the various homes that’s been featured so far on My Scandinavian Home:
Home of family home in Ystad, Sweden, as seen here
Lovely Swedish sitting rooms, here.
Soft Gallery SS13 Women’s, soft shades and delicious fabrics
Soft Gallery has become a unique and innovative clothing label, with each collection being a gallery of fine fabrics and poetic art work. Every season Soft Gallery will commission a refined selection of visual artists, who’s individual and distinctive talents will be featured in the collections as prints and hand embroideries. Soft Gallery children’s wear was published in 2007, whilst the first women’s wear collection followed in 2009. See more at at softgallery.dk
Soft Gallery Spring Summer 2013 features colours such as almond, melange grey and salmon pink, some styles have dreamy animal and insect prints. It’s perfect simplicity. I have my eyes on the salmon pink sweat top…
© Soft Gallery Women SS13
Barbara and Tine met when studying in London. The beginning of a creative partnership took shape when Barbara photographed Tine’s master degree collection from Royal College of Art during her own studies at London College of Fashion.
Tine graduated with a master from Royal College of Art women’s fashion in 2000 and moved on to work with various design companies including Mila Schön, Kenzo Ki and Brunns Bazaar. Barbara graduated from London College Of Fashion in 2001, with majors in Photography & Styling. She then stayed in London for another 10 years working within fashion, music videos and commercials, before embarking on a creative venture together with Tine.
© Soft Gallery. The designers behind the brand; Tine Holt Møller and Barbara Hvidt
For Outdoor Living – Garden furniture and accessories
With Summer fast approaching it’s time to turn the attention to our outdoor space, wether you have access to a french balcony, terrace or garden. It’s all about soaking up those vitamin boosting rays as soon as the sun’s out.
We’ve made a quick list including a few ideas on how to make your outdoor life top notch and most enjoyable!
The Hee Chair by HAY
The Hee Chair by HAY from Moleta Munro is a versatile piece of modern furniture, available in several vibrant and contemporary colour. The stackable Hee Chair, in a rubber coated metal finish, is with it’s linear and contemporary form rapidly gaining status as an iconic Danish design classic. Price £145.
Homemade Garden Table
Why not make your own garden table to your specific measurement? Buy table legs from Ikea, like the VIKA MOLIDEN underframe £20. Lots of companies speciases in reclaimed wood. Above illustration is from reclaimed.uk.com
The Eva Solo Bird Feeder
The Eva Solo bird feeder from Moleta Munro is a not only a contemporary design piece but also a popular feeding place for the small birds in the garden. The hand-blown glass is easy to hang using the accompanying hanger. Price £39.00
New textiles from IKEA, cushions and throws
For interior and style on a budget, there’s always IKEA. The SPRINGKORN fleece throw is soft and snug. Perfect for adding a touch of colour and to wrap up warm on chilly evenings. Machine washable. Price £7. And why not add some unexpected prints? A fun pink flamingo cushion or a coctail sipping lady is perhaps exactly what you need? Price £3.
Go Green – Grow your Own
Last but not least, grow herbs in pots, home-grown ones taste better and cost less. It will not only look and smell nice in your outdoor living space but also be an invaluable ingredient in your cooking (and drink mixing) long after summer has gone!
Tip: Paint dull ceramic pots in desired colour(s). It’s all about those little details.
Affordable Springlook by H & M for SS13
There’s always bits and pieces to pick up at HM. This spring shows an abundance of colours and prints.
Chiffon dress with pleating at the front, 3/4-length sleeves with gathers at the ends, zip at the back. £14.99.
Ankle-length 5-pocket low-rise stretch cotton trousers £19.99. Fine-knit jumper in a linen blend with a dip-dye effect. £19.99
Oversized jersey top, dip-dye blue and white. £12.99
To all wonderful mums out there – Happy Mothersday!
My mum raised four children, ensured daily routines as well as taking us on fun and exciting adventures. “You never stop being a mum” she says, and makes us feel loved and supported still today. She’s beautiful, witty, smart and creative. And perhaps most importantly, she’s never given up on us nor herself. I’m blessed with a mum that’s a true inspiration!
Motherhood is filled with joys and challenges, ups and downs, and tears and laughter. With this in mind, Mothersday is about taking a step back and appreciate mums for their constant efforts. Who will you be celebrating today?