STOCKHOLM STREET STYLE

Scandi-Chic

Ooh

You can dance

You can jive

Having the time of your life

Ooh, see that girl

Watch that scene

Dig in the dancing queen

ABBA Dancing Queen

Whenever I used to think of Sweden, I immediately would think about ABBA, or the popular Swedish retailers IKEA and H& M. I never thought about fashion. Ever.

We all know Europe is famous for its fashion capitals, but until recently many have overlooked Stockholm. In the last few decades, it has emerged as one of the top places to go for a fashion fix, without ever looking like it was really trying. The effortless simplicity of style in Sweden’s capital would be interesting to any fashionista.

Stockholm Street Style from my closet

I began to wonder if I could go into my closet and reproduce outfits that one might see while walking the streets of Stockholm. Needless to say, the effortless street style that Stockholm is so famous for is not about one look in particular, nor is it about wearing certain labels or brands.

Just exactly what is Stockholm Street Style, anyway. Well, it’s about individuality, dressing in a way that brings out your own individual personality in clothes.

The use of the term ‘Scandi-chic’ has increased in recent years. I think it has come to represent a personal sense of style. An ‘ I am dressing for me. I am dressing for comfort’ style.

Just think of IKEA, H&M. Simple and something you can easily put together yourself. Easy and uncomplicated style. A natural sense of style.

Anne-Sofie Back is a trending Swedish designer that is popular both in Sweden as well as London. And, of course, Björn Borg,  is associated with being sporty, creative and innovative. 

Coco Chanel once said, “simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance”. I think, in Europe, Stockholm has gotten the message and is giving Paris interesting competition.

Sandra Hart • Life Over Sixty With Sandra

VINTAGE STYLING AND ETHICAL FASHION

Today we have so many fashion choices. Shopping fast fashion stores like Zara and H&M gives us the latest trend in clothing at reasonable prices. Great, right? Not really.

These companies are helping to pollute the planet and encourage the need for us to fulfill our shopping addictions. Each fashion season, instead of recycling to retail discount stores like Marshell’s or Ross, or third world countries in need, they destroy the clothing at the end of the season and send it to dumps.

What can we do about it? Well, the obvious answer is to not support these fast fashion stores and shop ethical retailers during their store wide sales. We can save money and know we are not supporting the fast fashion industry. But there is another way we can shop ethically and get great bargains. Thrifting.

I am a longtime fan of supporting thrift shops. Not only is thrifting fun where you can find great bargains, but you are helping those in need while also helping the planet.

Come along with me as I talk about ethical shopping in an upscale resale boutique in LaGrange, Illinois. The Hope Chest.

Copyright Sandra Hart©️. All Rights Reserved 2018