Snapshots

 

A few quick photos of my time here in Sweden so far. Enjoy!
And remember, you should be able to click the photos to enlarge.

One of the tallest and most profound church buildings in Scandinavia,
this cathedral stands in central Uppsala and can be seen from miles around.

The view from my window at sunset.

Of a new favourite Swedish label, MTWTFSS WEEKDAY.

The oh-so-handy pocket Wallpaper City Guides that my friend
James found for me before I left. Plus a cheap bottle of wine, which is
hard to find in Sweden.

Some homey touches courtesy of Ikea.

Gustavo, Gamla Stan, Stockholm

The back walkways of Gamla Stan (Old Town), Stockholm.

A view of the skyline at sunset in Stockholm.

Swans at the port in Stockholm.

Myself, standing across from the National Museum that you can see
in the back right, Stockholm.

A beautiful entryway of a Lutheran church that had Sunday service in
English, Stockholm.

S/S 2011

Here are a few links to some of my favourite spring collections from 2011 and the looks I'll probably be trying to channel the most!

Always a favourite of mine...Balmain

The both bright and neutral hues of Michael Kors

And the simultaneously classic and funky Proenza Schouler

Can't Wait For....

I can't wait for spring! Although it's not much colder in Sweden right now than in Toronto, the anticipation of warmer weather is alive. I'm most looking forward to wearing long, light, airy, romantically coloured, ankle, calf and floor length skirts/dresses, in the most casual sense. This spring trend can look so chic and effortless if done right and some prime examples can be seen at of course Valentino and Chloe.

A few samples and ideas on the cheaper side at asos.com

A Review

Recently, I was given a teeny tiny shout-out on another blog. It is neither overtly negative but not very positive either. I'm always interested in criticism and want to hear what my small but lovely following of readers have to say. The author mentions Cheap & Chic breifly, stating its just one of the few blogs she may look at here and there, assuming updates appear on her Facebook newsfeed, making it easy to click and browse within a second. 

Thinking about this small note of hers, I wonder...if Cheap & Chic isn't particulary interesting, nor does it display the type of style the author likes, why go back to it? Just because it's there? What, if anything at all, makes a blog worth following? 

I'm really interesting to hear what fellow bloggers/blog readers think about this! Are there any specifics; aesthetically or in content that create a "good" fashion blog? My specifics would have to be; simplicity of layout/design, high quality photos, a range in the nature of posts and originality. 

And on another note; the author explains that "clothes are all a bit pricier than I would personally buy". I'm not quite sure if I can even feature more affordable clothing, but if anyone has some new, fun and cheaper alternatives, I would love to explore some new style spots.

I'm open to critique and criticisms from any reader and love reading a review, good or bad! I would love to hear more - and I'm always open to suggestions and feedback on how to pump Cheap & Chic up!

-J

Check out the article by Martha Beach here: http://fashionjrn.wordpress.com/2011/01/20/fashion-blog-round-up/

This Plus That

A New Favourite....

This Swedish store, WEEKDAY is pretty incredible. It has their own signature brand MTWTFSS WEEKDAY and a few others like the coveted Cheap Monday, a brand by the original WEEKDAY creators. Pretty affordable at regular prices, but during their final blowout sale, which I visited the other day...prices are so low that you just can't say no.

Cheap Monday jeans for as low as 60-100 Skr (about 10-20$ Cad), typically around 100$.
And high quality MTWTFSS peices for blowout prices. Essentially, I was in heaven! Their collections have a certain edgy, Scandinavian vibe, with unique pieces that you would be hard pressed to find many other places. Take a look at their website...and a look at the pieces I purchased ALL for less than 45$ total.

-J

(Purchased in grey) 

Golden Globes

Is it just me, or were most of the Golden Globe2011 dresses just a little....meh? These were the few that stood out to me. 

What do you think?

Sandra Bullock in Bottega Veneta

Anne Hathaway in Giorgio Aarmani Prive

Emma Stone in Calvin Klein Collection

Swedes Love House Music

Hej! Sorry everyone for the serious delay in posts....I have just relocated my entire life to Sweden! I'm doing a 6 month study abroad program at Uppsala Universitet and so far it's been a huge adjustment but interesting and exciting! I'm in the process of meeting some new people from all over the world, figuring out school life and planned future European travels.

I've learned a few things about the Swedes so far:
1) Almost all of them are tall, fair skinned, blonde and thin.
2) They tend to be extremely trendy and stylish, in a very unique and edgy sort of way.
3) They can all speak English very well.
4) They don't use salt to melt the ice...so it just builds and builds. They use little pebbles to make it rough but it's just a matter of time before I wipe out.
5)Swedes ride their bikes in all types of weather. All year round. So while I am walking at the pace of turtle trying not to slip, they are whizzing around on their bikes.
6) They love house music.

Just a few fun facts...now please be patient while I settle in, there are so many exciting posts to come! Hope  everyone is doing wonderfully.
-J

Just Beachy

Wearing knit Asos headband, plaid Zara overcoat and boots,
elbow length suede H&M gloves