Ganni Postmodern Opens on Christianshavn

One of the great things about writing for the local paper is covering what's happening in the neighbourhood and meeting new people. Today the Danish super brand Ganni opened their first Postmodern concept store and it looks promising. The store used to be our former beloved post office (I still miss it) but this isn't bad either. As a tribute they painted the ceiling red which goes well with the white minimalistic decor. You'll find samples, older collections and with time pieces from the catwalk. So if you missed out on that dress or that special top you might be able to find it here. 

Store manager Cecilie Aaskov is excited about the concept, which she describes as "Ganni with an edge" and also to get to know the locals on Christianshavn. Creative director Ditte Reffstrup shares her enthusiasm: “I am thrilled that we are opening our first Ganni Postmodern concept store in Christianshavn. It’s one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Copenhagen, beautiful with a laid-back vibe. And the location, an old post office is a perfect home for us, quirky and stylish. It’s the perfect home for past season collections, samples and other rarities."

Yellow Suede Loafers

I haven't done any summer sale shopping but did succumb to these loafers from Ecco. Ecco is growing on me. I think they design more contemporary shoes now and their ballerinas have seen me through summer for the past years. Since I usually dress in monochrome colours I like a pop of colour in my choice of footwear and handbags. I think you can say it's become my trademark style.  

Happy Feet in L.K. Bennett

I've never really been interested in shoes but I've promised myself to pay a little more attention to footwear this spring & summer. I guess it's true what they say (I still don't know who they are... maybe all the still icons??) that cool looking footwear can spice up any outfit. I like L.K. Bennett and my feet do too (I've never had a blister wearing that brand) and it's been ages since I last wore sandals (I'm always in my flip-flops and seriously - it's not doing me any favours in the department of elegance) So I got excited when I stumbled upon these gold rope sandals. I think they're elegant and casual at the same time and perfect for city life, country relaxation and work meetings. I foresee they will become my no. 1 go-to-shoes for the next couple of months. Quality over quantity pays off yet again! :-)

Check out the L.K. Bennett Winnie sandal here

Josefinas Portugal

I was excited to pick up my Josefinas ballet flats today. I chose the classic black pair and was thrilled to see how beautifully made they are. I look forward to sporting my Audrey Hepburn look of ankle length pants, boat neck tee and ballet flats - although I'm out of place with my blonde hair but that's okay. As Audrey once wrote to Henry Mancini, upon hearing his score (Moon River) for the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961): "You are the hippest of cats." I'm certain I'll feel the same way when I go exploring in my Josefinas.  

Check out Josefinas webpage here  

Queen Margrethe's Dresses

Easter is great - time with family, the days are getting longer and lighter and I bought three huge plants today for my apartment so it now looks like a mini version of Copenhagen's botanical garden. Next up is wardrobe cleaning and washing windows :-)

Thursday my sister Caroline and I decided to visit Frederiksborg Palace and see the exhibit showcasing Queen Margrethe's dresses as part of different events in connection to her 75th birthday on April 16th. 

I especially liked the dressed from the 60ties and Erik Mortensen's beaded dress for Balmain really caught my eye because of its simplicity. I could easily wear that today. It was moving to see her wedding dress, so simple and so incredibly stunning and the rest is just... well, very Margrethe :-)

If you look closely you can see the pin marks from the different Orders she wears

This cute dress from the 60ties is made by the Danish department store Magasin du Nord and originally it had long sleeves. She wore this around the time of her engagement

My absolute favourite - Erik Mortensen for Balmain - a gift for the Queen when she got engaged. The bead work is amazing. All done by hand, of course

Her wedding dress. The Brussel lace is missing and the Daisy pin but still... craftsmanship at its finest... 

Heavy silk brocade with mink. The Queen has never been afraid of colours

The exhibit runs till August 30th and Frederiksborg Castle is also worth a visit. It's very grand - King Christian 4th didn't practice the concept of minimalism. But really, quite cool to have so much history and grandeur around you. I'll be back there in a short while to enjoy the palace park when everything turns green and it gets a little warmer.  

Happy Girl Happy Bag

Last year, around this time actually, I purchased a Mansur Gavriel tote in Cammello/Orange which you can see here (earlier I'd also purchased their clutch which is great for city errands) I contemplated getting the bucket bag and was on Net-a-Porter's wait list but decided last minute to opt out.  

I know the bucket bag has become the IT-bag and last week I witnessed the agony and anger of thousands of girls around the world who unsuccessfully tried ordering from Mansur Gavriel when they announced their relaunch. It turned out a disaster and in the end bags were snatched right out of one's online shopping cart. After that experience I promised myself never to stand "in line" for anything again. 

I don't blame Mansur Gavriel - they're a small team trying to keep up and all bags are handmade in a little family owned factory in Italy. But I guess the business is tough - once you're on a pedestal it's too easy to fall down - especially when someone else have put you there. 

I wrote Net-a-Porter the next day asking to be put on their wait list. I expected the wait would be a few months. This was Friday and the next morning I got a message that a bag was reserved for me - the regular sized black/flamma bucket bag. Imagine my surprise!!  Tuesday the package arrived in the most beautiful wrapping (some of you might be familiar with their black box but I wasn't) and I once again became a "happy girl, happy bag." 

I have to say the bag is exquisite in it's simplicity and sculptural shape. It's made of cow leather and smells so good. There's a detachable pouch inside just like the tote and the regular size is perfect for me and my height. I wouldn't want it smaller because it's nice to have room for extra stuff.  

Anyway, no matter how IT the bag has become I really love it and for Scandinavia where the style is minimalistic and simple it is absolutely perfect! 

The Elbe Rope Belt by Isabel Marant

I've never been a big fan of the 70ties and will never dress in a complete look from that period but while doing my daily blog perusing I noticed an editorial in this months Swedish Elle on the blog Keep it Chic (it's a great daily dose of inspiration by Preston Davis) where the rope belt was featured and styled in every shot. I could've gone to the local home depot and bought rope by the yard but instead I opted for the Elbe Rope Belt by Isabel Marant (and matchesfashion.com did a superb job with the packaging.)

When I tried it on I thought it was too short (I bought the medium length) and that it looked stupid on me. But after playing around with it and tying it in different ways it started to grow on me (haha!) and I realized the chicness comes from a cinched waist or having it tied loosely around the hips without the rope flopping on the legs. I also like the look on the model (from the S/S 2015 runway) where it's used to cinch an oversized jacket. 

I am seriously trying to buy less but better items and keeping things to a minimum. I mean, I always end up wearing the same jeans over and over again anyway, so why have 5 pairs when 3 good ones are more than plenty?

I've been doing a little spring shopping and will share more soon. Net-a-Porter paid me a visit Tuesday and I was excited to get the package. I will share the contents later but it has something to do with two ladies called Rachel and Floriana... ;-)

Why Not ... Borrow from the Boys?

I've long been a fan of dressing in boy's clothing and I think I got inspired (and intrigued) after seeing "Morocco" from 1930 with Marlene Dietrich. Her black tuxedo, short curly bob and red lips (I assume as the movie is in black and white) was to me the most stylish, mysterious and appealing thing I'd ever seen. Marlene Dietrich herself said: "I'm sincere in my preference for men's clothes - I do not wear them to be sensational."

In Chicago I ventured into Brooks Brothers and had a blast. The sales staff (men) were classy and attentive in ways I don't experience when shopping in women's boutiques abroad or even here in Copenhagen. I was too busy chatting away and enjoying myself to get a picture of the store but I did get a shot of the entrance.

The secret when "borrowing from the boys" is to mix it up with feminine pieces - I mean, I am still a girl :-) I left with two shirts from the boy's department (white and pale blue button up) and a grey woolen vest. The shirts are true classics (as we know) and so versatile. During winter I like to wear them under my sweaters or just as they are. 

When pairing them with my vest I like to wear tight pants, my short Billi Bi booties and red lips. When Spring arrives I see myself wearing the ensemble with my boyfriend jeans and a pair of heels or ballet flats - and red lips. 

What do you think about "borrowing from the boys?"

Photos: Marlene Dietrich via Google search

A Red Coat

One thing I love about the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is (of course) Holly's simple and sophisticated wardrobe designed by Hubert de Givenchy. Where most people rave about the black floor length dress she wears in the opening scene, I've always had my eye on the red coat with the quarter length sleeves. Holly Golightly wears it on her day out with Paul Varjak. 

I had the pleasure of seeing the coat in real life when I travelled to Rome in the fall of 2011 to see the exhibit "Audrey A Roma" curated by her son Luca Dotti.

With that coat in the back of my mind (minus Givenchy, unfortunately) I've been looking for something along that line for ages and now I finally have a red coat of my own. Late summer I noticed it at COS and promised myself I would snap it up when it came on sale. It has three quarter length sleeves, perfect fit and colour. 

Picture credit: me and www.cosstores.com/dk

Garance Doré for Zara

These pictures of French blogger and photographer Garance Doré modeling a few fall pieces for Zara instantly put me in a good mood. Fall is my favourite season and as many others out there I love seeing what the designers come up with.

First of all, Garance Doré looks stunning with her short hair. I've followed her for a while now and it seems she's really found her sense of self lately - and hasn't she lost weight?? I'm often inspired by her and her take on fashion and trends, e.g. she was the reason I got into Mansur Gavriel and the Paris Jean from MiH.

The outfits she's modeling here are spot on - especially the knitted pants and oversize white poplin shirt - a piece of clothing you can never have enough of. 

Zara's knitted pants (and v-neck sweater that goes with it) reminds me of the very cool knitted ensembles Marc Jacobs showed on the FW 2014 runway. They caught my eye immediately.

Marc Jacobs F/W 2014

I could easily picture the knitted set from Zara as perfect homewear for the cold and dark months ahead. I think it's nice to look stylish and pulled together even if you're just inside your home as I know I'll be. This is something I definitely would get a lot of use out of.  

I wouldn't be surprised if Garance herself chose, styled and mixed the outfits she's modeling because the combination is genius and very French/European. She models it with such natural ease and joy that you'd sort of wish you were there laughing with her on that street in New York. 

Picture credit: Garance Doré: Taea Thale & Zara / Marc Jacobs: Style.com

A Few Summer Favourites

Have you ever looked around and instinctively known what purchases are spot-on favourites - and what purchases were made in a spur of the moment craze and now just lie around unused because as pretty as they may look they aren't essentially you?? Well, I have but here's a few summer favourites which I continue to use and love. I guess these items also pretty much sums up my personality.

My Isabel Marant jacket which I bought last year from Net-A-Porter is a constant favourite and I wear it with jeans, skirts and dresses. Whenever in doubt this little jacket goes with everything and is relaxed and classy with flats and formal and stylish with heels. Living in Scandinavia the weather changes constantly so I wear this all year round. 

I love bags - they're my vice and it all began with Kate Spade back in the days. Mansur Gavriel is my favourite go-to bag and I love the minimalistic design and classy look and something free of logos. This is a perfect summer bag and a bag you buy for yourself - not to show off. It has an orange interior which adds humor. Their bucket bag is next on my list, for sure. 

Since I had laser surgery a few years back (yes, I was blind as a bat) sunglasses have become a necessity more than a fashion item and the cat-eye shape works well for me. Christian Dior has the best fit, in my opinion, but these from Céline are right up there and I love them as they remind me of the golden Hollywood days with a twist of fun and sophistication.   

It's funny because I am so not a sneakers person preferring ballet flats as my regular footwear. Probably because I enjoy walking and Copenhagen is great for that. But I needed practical footwear for running errands and I love these. Everyone sports them in Cph. so for me to pick them weren't original but they are super comfortable and look lighter and chicer than other sneakers I've seen around.  

I just had these framed and hung them up Tuesday - I've lived here on Christianshavn for almost a year and is still looking for the right things to adorn my walls. But these photos of a very young Marilyn Monroe by André de Dienes are among my favourites. I get to enjoy them a lot since we're still enjoying the light Nordic evenings well into 22:00 (10 pm.)

I have been a fan of Mr. Allen all my life and had the pleasure of meeting him once (I grabbed his arm, he had no choice but to speak to me - and he did and is every bit the gentleman and also quite shy) and although I am familiar with snippets of his prose and his stand-up sketches I've never read this book but it's now on my summer reading list. He makes me laugh so much.

What are your summer favourites or go-to pieces?

Jackie and John Jr.

I have to post this picture of Jackie Kennedy sitting with John Jr. because how often do you see such a stylish mom? I love the colours of her outfit. I am actually in the midst of reading up on Jackie Kennedy and the White Hours Years - I have 7 books on the way from Amazon besides the ones I already have. The bio by her bodyguard Clint Hill inspired me to resume my studies of an era long gone and this remarkable woman. I might do a post on it :-)

Photo: Mark Shaw

Visiting Milliner Susanne Juul

Today I ventured out to get my first soft-ice of the season and my walk brought me to "Bredgade" which is quite a grandiose and impressive street boasting magnificent buildings, mansions, churches (the Russian Church among others) and squares. Besides the architectural splendor you'll find art galleries, art- and antique dealers and Danish design furniture shops. And then there is the shop of milliner Susanne Juul. Susanne Juul is very respected in the Danish design industry as she is one of the last milliners left in the country still in business.  

It was actually her knitted hats that caught my eye so I had to peek inside. Besides me and the sales lady, a woman was trying on head pieces and I must admit the atmosphere and the simple, yet very elegant setting intrigued me. "Nothing bad can happen to you at Tiffany's" says Holly Golightly and this is exactly the same feeling I had in that shop, too. I tried on the knitted hat in a bright burned orange (mildly annoyed it wasn't fall so I could wear it right away) and to my enjoyment the sales lady promptly adjusted it so I sat just right!! I mean, you don't enter a bonafide milliner's shop for nothing. 

We all started talking as I, without shame, looked in upon the woman trying on the head pieces. All of a sudden the very kind sales lady, who had an air of joie de vivre about her, said to us "come on, let's go in the next room and try on some hats" and so we did - and I was once again reminded of why quality exceeds quantity and that I must dare to take a few style risks in my life. I also learned we all have hat heads but it's about finding that exact hat which both fit the shape of your head and face, match your personality and thus compliment your overall style without making you stand out in a weird way. 

I loved what followed - trying on hats, hearing about the trade and how Susanne Juul makes the hats, why women in the 40ties wore smaller hats (there was shortage on fabric due to the war so women's hats were made of men's old hats. They would be worn out when brought to the milliner so the only fabric usable was the crown of the hat and thus the style of the women's hats became smaller.) Susanne Juul works with both wooden and metallic molds. The metallic molds she uses today are original ones used during WWII as wood was used solely to fire up.  

I was surprised to learn that the "conservative" looking hats do nothing for me whereas the "daring" ones with bended brims and dramatic shapes in material like leopard, fur or felt works really well. But the winner was definitely "kasketten" - the Cap - made in a light woolen fabric with green, yellow and navy blue sparks. I LOVED it and felt very comfortable because it did just that: complimented my personality without making me feel awkward. 

I am going back to get it!

Milliner Susanne Juul