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

Vasa and Abba

Sweater: Banana republic / Bottoms: Sloan Front Leather Legging (on sale!) / Scarf: Merona (old, similar here and here) / Boots: Frye Veronica Shortie / Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Affair

Planning a trip to Stockholm was a must needed getaway for some R&R... I wasn't sure what to expect besides a chili museum hopping winter excursion and long reflective café stops but I must say Stockholm has me smitten. Today I did a little window shopping in Ostermalm and visited the Vasa and Abba museum. The Vasa Museum was effective in making me feel like I stepped foot into the 17th Century with the huge 64 gun (cannons!) salvaged warship. Incredible how they were able to fully restore such an old vessel and some contents including the clothing from some nordic trendsetters. Now, the ABBA museum. This has to be one of the most fun and interactive museum i've visited to date...music lovers I'm sure will share the same feelings. After recording a song in a studio, performing live on stage while being recorded, and getting smoothered by all of the Platinum and Gold records, I left leaving feeling like a super star! Not to mention being able to return home and view all the footage directly on my computer. The ABBA is a must see!

After all my performances your girl got hit with an enormous appetite! I wanted something that was traditional to Sweden, something that was hearty and felt like home. I came across traditional Scandinavian restaurant called Pelikan that was approved by a few locals. All I can say is Delicious!! It would be the equivalent to going to grandmothers and sitting at a table full of southern dishes. Cooked with tender love and care. After eating here, Sweden began to feel more like home! 

Thank goodness my choice of attire today was comfy and functional! 

Till next time beauts!

LRD Arrival

Dress: BCBG (old, short/long here) / Tights: Merona Target / Shoes: Nine West (old, similar here)

Coat: Cole Haan (old, similar here) / Handbag: H&M / Lips: Stila Cosmetics (beso)

The wait is over. After a 10 hour flight that was quite pleasant, actually incredibly phenomenal since our plane flew directly through Auroras Borealis playground. If only you could understand the feeling of experiencing this magical event...it was a dream come true! In that moment, I forgot about all the pain and heartbreak that blanketed the ground below. A few hours later it was wonderful to touchdown onto this winter wonderland! Because of Swedens' proximity to the Arctic Circle, they have very little daylight during the winter. Luckily February's moon rise is pretty close to that of back home in the States. But prior to February, the sun can go down as early as 2pm! Riding the Arlanda Express to the City I was mesmorized by the beauty of the city. Think downtown San Francisco with century old architecture and pockets of the sea nested throughout the city. Simply gorgeous!

After relentlessly researching for things to do, we came across an expat group that had a dinner party planned the night I arrived. As soon as I checked into the Hotel I threw on my LRD (little red dress) and was ready to paint the town! There's no way I would be able to leave any establishment without being fully covered. So here here's my take on the must have's for those cold dressy evenings out:

1) Medium to heavy weight shawl- when wearing cocktail attire most venues have coat check. As soon as you reveal your fabulous frock, the AC will most definitely hit you quick! A scarf or shawl is the perfect solution to maintaining comfortable body temp.

2) Opaque tights- dearie, I know your dress will look so much better showing your lovely long legs, believe me, I know! But, pairing with dark opaque tights will not take away from the look. Especially paired with a nice pair of stilettos. 

3) Covered shoes: there are tons of shoe options to keep those pretty toes nice and cozy in evening wear. I went with booties tonight but my other option was a pair of patent leather pumps.

What's your favorite cold evening out look?!