Straat Style

Top: BR Stitch Tunic Sweater (on sale!) / Bottoms: Citizen Skinny Stretch / Hat: Topshop Beanie

Shoes: Nike Roshe One ID (Cool Grey) / Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Affair

Next stop Amsterdam! First things first...shopping! Shopping here has been impeccable! Shopping at the 9 Straatjes (9 streets) has to be the best in the city. Like the name, the stores are neatly lined on 9 alleyways, in 3 x 3 sections crossing the canal belts. After finishing each street I found myself uber eager to see what boutiques awaited my arrival :-) The shops I'm the most obsessed with are Scotch & Soda, We Are Labels , Flippa K and COS. I loved sifting through the minimalist yet edgy pieces...it isn't hard to pull off an effortlessly chic look shopping around here! My first day in Holland was off to a great start.

I was completely prepared for a full day of shopping so wearing an oversized tunic sweater was a clear option. Who wants to tussle with buttons, turtlenecks and zippers when you're in and out of dressing rooms?! I picked this stitch ver neck tunic from Banana Republic...and once I was ready to purchase, discovered it was on sale! It's super comfy and I've been able to dress it up or down. I could easily add a pair of pump, add a red lip, high bun and be ready for dinner! Down to the shoenen. Having a pair of sneakers is a must when traveling abroad, especially shopping excursions! You can easily walk 5 to 7 miles a day. Can you imagine walking that distance in a pair of heels?! I don't even want to think about it. What's cool about these Nike's is its all customizable. I chose the Cool Grey pattern...it's easy to match up and adds just the right amount of contrast against the white sole and the color I wear most often. Black!

Well I'm off now! Thanks for reading!!

Sweater Sweater

Sweater 1: Banana Republic Ribbed (similar, on sale!) / Sweater 2: BR Stitched Vee Tunic (on sale!)

Bottoms: AG The Nikki Jeans / Boots: Frye Veronica Shortie Boots / Lips: Stila (beso)

Today is bittersweet. Although I miss home dearly I know I am going to miss the Nordic treasure I grew to love; Stockholm. The alluring cobblestone streets that graciously guided me around town, the ever ending smiling faces that never ceased to welcome conversation, the incredible food that took me on a culinary journey and the simple beauty of the Scandi streets. Today I only intended on having a relaxing day. A day to rest up from the 5-6 mile daily walks. Instead, I had to see the city one last time! I had to soak in as much as possible to strengthen the chemistry of this love affair before returning home. 

I once again visited my new favorite store & Other Stories and returned to COS as well. I had lunch at what was considered a "fast food" restaurant but was more like a chic chef's kitchen themed brasserie. Yes there were food trays and self serve condiments and utensils but there were also custom blown glass chandeliers, a brass sink near the condiment counter and lounge dining on the loft level... there wasn't anything about fast food about this restaurant!! 

Today I'm wearing a number of layers...A number of sweater layers! It's was especially cold today so I was pretty confident I wasn't overdoing it. Here are a few tips I've learned for traveling to cold weather climates:

• Layer up- whether it be a tank or long sleeve tee under your primary top or sweater. Wear tights or leggings under bottoms. Don't shy away from throwing on an extra cardigan if necessary
• Gloves/scarf/hat- it's easy to take for granted the precious warmth in your fingertips! Keeping your hands tucked in your pockets just won't cut it. Especially when you're hands are busy taking pictures
• Hand/toe warmers- this contraption will do wonders to keep those ligaments nice a toasty!  They come is small bags and you can keep them inside your pockets, gloves and shoes. I kid you not, holding the warmers is like placing your hands above a fire!
• It may not seem necessary being covered up so, but make sure to keep your skin and lips moisturized! The cold crisp air is capable of drying your skin tremendously
• Wear shoes or boots with thick lining. Because a shoe is fully covered doesn't mean it's thick enough to withstand the freezing climate. Believe me, cold air and snow can seep through leather quickly! Thick boots, socks and tights are a great combination. Your legs and toes will be happy :-)

Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo