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Monthly archives: October 2011

Unlikely Swedish Style Icons

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Yes, the Swedish Chef from the Muppets.

It seems as though a lot of people (including me) are talking about how incredibly stylish Swedes are, especially in that not-trying-so-hard way. While I have yet to investigate whether there is actually something in the drinking water, all signs point towards a few other explanations: the Swedish tendency to favour function over flash is very much with the current times and there are a host of local labels that are highly covetable around the world for their effortless cool. There are also a number of Swedish style icons that are often referenced in the fashion world – Greta Garbo, Neneh Cherry and Agnetha Fältskog of ABBA, to name a few.

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Sabrina Shim - Fashion

October 28, 2011

A Hair-Raising Experience (or, Why are there so many hairdressers in Sweden?)

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Photo: LIFE photo archive

On the eve of my hair appointment, I’m reminded once again of the sheer number of hair salons that exist in Sweden. It’s like how – from the countries or cities I have lived in – I am still struck by the number of doughnut shops in Canada, pubs in the UK and, er, fancy dog boutiques/salons on the Upper East Side in New York City. To me, the preponderance of these “services” say something about each culture: Canadians eat the most doughnuts in the world per capita and they need to be constantly fed or else they stop being nice, Brits socialise in pubs and nowhere else, while New Yorkers from the Upper East Side pamper their pooches outrageously.

So what does the preponderance of hairdressers say about Sweden? Read more » >>

Sabrina Shim - Fashion

October 24, 2011

Swedish fashion, how do I love thee?

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A campaign image from the upcoming Versace for H&M collaboration.

Let me count the ways… Read more » >>

Sabrina Shim - Fashion

October 20, 2011

Inked in Sweden

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Image via Quipsologies

Over the years I’ve noticed that a pretty large number of people in Sweden have tattoos, especially amongst my age peers. Not that I have an armful of studies or statistics to back up this notion – it’s simply an observation. But for me, the most striking difference between tattoo bearers here and, say in the UK or North America, is the nonchalance of having one to begin with. Read more » >>

Sabrina Shim - Fashion

October 17, 2011

Let’s hear it for the boys

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Kocksgatan 17 in Stockholm

I’m a big fan of menswear. Not only do I love menswear-inspired pieces – my wardrobe is full of blazers, shirts and brogues – but I’m constantly inspired by the way stylish Swedish men in particular mix heritage or preppy pieces with edgier streetwear. And I have a sneaking suspicion that it has something to do with the carefully curated shops they frequent. So here is my list of the best menswear shops in Sweden:  Read more » >>

Sabrina Shim - Fashion

October 13, 2011