Sartorial Stockholm

Before I came here I thought of the Swedes as being fashionable in an understated, simple and yet very effective way. I envisioned lots of clean lines and block colours and clothes that not only look fantastic but also look like you could run for a bus in them. As an avid reader of Stockholm Streetstyle I was also expecting the Swedes to be a bit kooky in their sartorial choices (the guys as well as the girls) and since I consider my own dress sense to be a bit quirky I was really looking forward to checking out exactly how much of a fashion capital Stockholm really is (and stealing some ideas for outfits). In fact, I would go as far as saying that the fashionista aspect of Sweden has always been one of its main draws for me (as well as the fair and nice society of course)!

Now I’m actually here the reality is slightly different from what I was expecting. Yes, the style is simple and chic but it’s also pretty universal. The women look great but they also all look quite similar. I miss the diversity of street style that you find in the UK (even outside of London) and am currently quite grateful for the ubiquitous grungey/gothy students at my school as a break from the stripey-shirted hordes.

However, to totally contradict myself, I am quite drawn to this style. I find myself yearning to simply wear some skinny jeans and a striped shirt and join the crew. Instead I think I might have to embrace the Swedish style in my own way, they have some fantastic shops here and I aim to merge the simple-and-chic Swedish style with my own a-bit-of-this-a-bit-of-that-a-bit-more-grey approach to fashion. My current favourite shop (I generally window-shop rather than actually spend money!) is Monki. I would like to share with you some items that I am currently stalking*

NOTE: THE IMAGES OF PRETTY CLOTHING FROM THE MONKI WEBSITE NO LONGER EXIST IN THE SAME PLACE I FOUND THEM…WHEN I HAVE TIME AND AM NOT PROCRASTINATING BEFORE GOING TO WORK I WILL REPLACE THE PICTURES. I PROMISE!

And to make my transformation to “Swedener” complete…

*I stalk clothes like the paparazzi stalks Angelina Jolie. I’m not as creepy and money-grubbing as the paparazzi though, in fact my stalking is to save me money as I tend to stalk items of clothing (online and instore) until I’m almost convinced that I already own the top/skirt/dress and am even already bored of it! This works very well in preventing me spending money, plus if I still want something after weeks of stalking I know that I DEFINITELY want it!