What is Nordic Minimalism?

It seems that anything Nordic is having a moment now

We've all seen countless articles about Hygge, and Lagom, and now Sisu. And for the most part, the (usually non-Nordic) bloggers/journalists/writers extolling the virtues of what they call 'Nordic lifestyle trends' have no idea what they're talking about. I admit, as a Finn, I'm definitely not an expert on hygge (Danish) or lagom (Swedish), but trust me, I know exactly what sisu is. And I suspect there's more to hygge than just lighting candles and wearing grey socks, too...

But I don't want to turn this post into a lecture on cultural appropriation...

I actually wanted to talk about Scandi style (call it 'Scandi Cool', 'Nordic Minimalism', 'Scandinista Style' or whatever). Or, more precisely, about what it is and what it isn't. Because another thing I'm tired of is how often it is misrepresented as simply wearing basics in neutral colours. 

What's Your Style DNA?

What's your style DNA? 

Personal style is influenced by many things: fashion magazines, bloggers, popular culture etc. Most of these influences come and go as your preferences change.

But your style DNA is something more permanent: the style influences you internalised at an early age and to such a degree that they still guide your fashion choices, whether you are aware of it or not. It could be the climate in the geographical area you've lived in most of your life; your culture or religion setting limitations on clothing; or the very stylish mother you looked up to.

Hot Weather Smart Casual

Heatwave-proof smart casual...

OK, this is the challenge: what should I wear to a semi-casual business dinner in a rather relaxed, casual restaurant?  Semi-casual because it's not really a business dinner; just a dinner with hubby's business associate and his wife. Very nice people that I've only met once before, but as my task on this occasion is to play the role of 'Professor's Wife', I should probably try to make a good impression.

No, making a good impression does not mean keeping my mouth shut and my opinions to myself. My husband knows that's never going to happen: his wife is a bit of a loose cannon, and he's fine with that (actually, between you and me, I think he sort of likes it). 

Politics: Trend Report

As you may (or may not) know, my beloved home town will be hosting two world leaders on Monday. Yep, the Evil Emperor of the East and his Fanboy are meeting up in Helsinki. Of course, this is nothing extraordinary, given that Finnish presidents have always been moonlighting as facilitators between the two superpowers.

Anyway, I thought this would be the perfect time to take a look at what's going on in world politics. Or vent my frustrations, whatever...

Please note that reader discretion is advised: if you're not familiar with the meaning of the word sarcasm, do not read further.

Fake Neutrals

Muted colours

Basics in neutral colours are supposed to be the backbone of a well-stocked, practical wardrobe. Unfortunately, some of us don't look our best wearing neutrals. In my case, beige and grey are probably some the worst colours for me. And black and white aren't much better.

So, what you're seeing here is my version of wearing neutrals. Or, rather, colours that pose as neutrals. Fake neutrals, that's what I call them: colours that are understated, subtle, and blend in without calling attention to themselves.

A Casual Evening

Casual, business casual, smart casual... It's all very confusing. Especially if you live in a country where the dress code is always more or less casual, whatever the occasion.

Then the question is, how casual is too casual? Or, what is casual enough, if you don't want to look too dressed up.

How to Wear Pastels When You're Pale

Most of my life I've avoided pastel colours 

For starters, they fit into the same 'cute' category as frills, bows, or anything 'girlie'. And I sort of overdosed on all things 'girlie' in my childhood...

Polka Dots and Graphic Tees

Look, the polka dot trousers are back!

But this reincarnation is a bit edgier. Which is fine, as I'm usually more edgy than chic.

Fabulous...

So, I went shopping... 

I'd been eyeing this fabulous silk kimono for a few months, tried it on about half a dozen times, and told myself time after time that I have nothing to wear with it, and the colours are a bit challenging to say the least (read: not blue, red or pink). And yet I kept going back to the shop, try it on, talk some sense to myself (to no avail) etc etc...

Happy Midsummer!

HYVÄÄ JUHANNUSTA!

HAPPY MIDSUMMER!

Tiina

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Seaside Chic, Nordic Style

The sea and the sun, the Nordic edition...

I love the sea. No, I don't sail, and I can't swim. And I spent (most of) my childhood living by a lake. But I've lived in a city by the sea for over 2/3 of my life, and I couldn't imagine living (full-time) anywhere that is landlocked.

Barcelona Moments

Things have been really busy here at Elegance Revisited headquarters, and I have been neglecting the blog a bit. Well, real life has a way of interfering with fun hobbies... Another week of work, and I'm ready for a well-deserved break.

Anyway, I thought I'd post a few photos from my Barcelona trip. I can't believe it was almost two weeks a go! Well, better late than never, I suppose...

Travel Wardrobe: Tried and Tested

What to wear to Barcelona in early June?

Well, this is a destination I know very well, even if I say so myself. I usually spend a few days in Barcelona in early June, and I've been doing this for the past 13-14 years or so.

53

This is what 53 looks like

It was my birthday on Monday, and (as usual, or for the past 12-14  years) Professor M and I celebrated it in Barcelona. The weekend trip was a birthday present from Professor M, my darling husband and favourite travel companion.

My Go-To Dress

Shooting photos in the midday sun...

It probably wasn't the smartest idea. Professor M had to fiddle with the camera settings quite a bit to get the white balance right, and half of the pictures still turned out somewhat overexposed, with weird shadows on my face. Add time pressure into the mix, and this is what you get.

In other words, these photos were snapped really quickly, in 5 minutes, just before hubby and I had to catch the train...

But you know what, I sort of like them.

Surreal Conversations and Polka Dots

I went shopping at Zara the other day. Yes, I know, it's one of those shops where most of the clothes  tend to be destined for the landfill by next season... However, it's also one those shops where you can occasionally find that hidden gem that is not only classic enough to last a few summers but also made of quality material.

Anyway, I found this perfect pair of trousers. Well, not perfect, but it was high-waisted and cut generously enough to fit my sizeable posterior. Definitely something I can work with. Unfortunately, it was clearly designed for someone a head (or two) taller than me, and would need to be shortened.

Now, Zara is not exactly the kind of place where I would ask about alterations, but I did. Purely because of the sign: "We shorten your trousers, ask the staff".

Cool and Casual

Simple life...

The weather has been quite wonderful lately: sunny and warm, but not too warm. Yes, that's an important distinction in my book as I don't do well with very hot weather (trust me, there's nothing fun or exciting about a heatstroke...).

Anyway, even the warm-but-not-too-warm weather  makes me prioritize comfort. OK, fine, I'll admit: never mind the weather, comfort always comes first...

Cover Up!

What do you like to wear in summer?

For practical reasons, I prefer either long skirts or trousers, and something that covers my arms.

No, there's nothing wrong with my arms, or my legs. And I couldn't care less about 'modest dressing' (in fact, I hate the term and everything it implies). As I said, there are practical reasons for covering up. I mean, look at me: I'm pale. Yes, I know, that's quite an understatement...

Marimekko Spring / Summer 2018 Fashion Show

So, today I grabbed my camera and went to see the Marimekko spring / summer fashion show in Esplanade park. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen the (very) short video I posted already, but I decided to post a selection of photos here, too.

The annual open-air show is open to public and free of charge and focuses on the collection currently in stores. It's hugely popular, and was also broadcast live on Marimekko website.

The show always has a theme, and this year it was equality, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of  'Tasaraita' (= even stripe) print, created by Annika Rimala in 1968 to go along with the company's unisex clothing line.

The current collection features both horizontal and vertical stripes, in a variety of fabrics:

Naturally,  there were other prints, too, both brand new and revamped classics: 

I hope you enjoyed my selection. 

Have a great weekend!

Tiina

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Nautical Chic

HELLO SUMMER!!!

Last weekend we had a bit of a heatwave. It was really warm, almost too warm (yes, I hate very hot weather almost as much as I hate very cold weather... I know, I'm weird).  Apparently, last Sunday was the warmest Mother's Day for 60 years!

Wear The Old With The New

I have been posting a bit less often lately. That's because I've been quite busy with all sorts of trivial issues that have nothing to do with the blog (well, work mostly...). As I'm a freelancer, I have always either way too much work or not nearly enough, and this is naturally reflected on my other activities (or lack of), too.

Anyway...

It seems that summer is finally here. Well, almost. It's getting warmer. A lot warmer than it was last weekend, when these pictures were taken. But I'm going to post them anyway. Mainly because I haven't had a chance to have anything more summery photographed yet...

Black and White, With Purple

The black rain coat is back...

Along with the shoes and the Marimekko bag from my last post.

And this time, too, everything I'm wearing here is old. I really need to go shopping and get some new clothes...

Black and White, With a Splash of Colour

Ah, spring showers...

You know, if I remember correctly, I have at least 7 coats for rainy weather (for spring or autumn, not counting winter coats). Yes, I definitely don't need to get another rain coat any time soon...

But for some reason this coat has never been featured on the blog before. How is that even possible? Given my tendency to feature any piece of clothing at least 3-6 times within a very short period of time (not to mention repeating them over and over again till they literally fall apart), this is certainly unprecedented.

Yet, here we are: somehow this coat has managed to escape my attention. And I've had it since, I don't know, forever?

So, I put together two outfits around this coat (well, it was raining all weekend when I was in England...), to rectify the situation. You'll see the other one later, next week, so let's talk about this outfit first.

For starters, everything I'm wearing is old and has been featured on the blog more than once. Well, except for the bag. Although the bag is sort of old, too. Or, rather, 'old', as in 'last season'. I found it at the Marimekko Outlet sale a couple of weeks ago.

And the dress is one of my old favourites, looking equally good with a long cashmere cardi, a colourful trench or a leather jacket. I love a versatile piece...

Outfit details:

coat: Kello (old) / dress: Comma (old) /shoes: Ecco / 

bag: Marimekko / scarf: Henri Bendel (old)

Tiina

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Wardrobe Staples

Wardrobe Staples

We all have items that we consider wardrobe staples. That is, clothes that we 'can't live without'.

No, I don't mean those lists you see in magazines. You know, of items every woman is supposed to have. They're just stupid. And useless. But more importantly just stupid.

My life is not similar to yours. So, why should my wardrobe staples be the same as yours? More importantly, why should I, or you for that matter, emulate some imaginary woman existing only in the mind of a fashion journalist or a blogger obsessed with lists?

Windswept

Blogging challenges...

It's not always easy being a style blogger. Trust me, blogging can be quite challenging at times.

For example, when you want to snap a few quick photos on your way to lunch, and Mother Nature decides to dump something wet and / or cold on you, just for fun. Or mistakes you for a kite and makes sure there's not a single spot where you could escape the wind.

Spring Has Arrived

So, spring has arrived...

The days are getting longer, and it's getting warmer. Well, a bit warmer. Most of the time. Sort of.

OK, let's try this again...

Where Does Inspiration Come From?

Loose, Fluid, Floaty...

That's what I was thinking about when I put together this outfit. Maybe I've overdozed on 1920's (or pretend-1920's) imagery...

I blame Netflix. All those shows with sassy heroines cracking secrets and running around in loose, floaty clothes. Well, there's Miss Fisher, of course. And Frankie Drake. And the Spanish show about telephone operators (just as fake as the other two, historically, but the clothes are to die for).

It's Almost Spring!

It's almost spring!!!

Well, give or take some April showers snow... Really, waking up to a fresh coat of snow on Tuesday was a bit of a disappointment, but at least the snow is gone now. Again.

And the days are getting longer, the sun is shining, and the birds are... well, doing whatever it is that birds do. My point is, spring is in the air, finally.

OK, it was still quite fresh when these pictures were taken, but we're getting there. Slowly...

Accessories: Form and Function

And the blue coat is back...

Let's call this a bonus post, in addition to the 3 posts featuring outfits created around this coat (maximalist, minimalist and casual).

Old Coats...

Spring clear-out...

It's wardrobe clear-out time! In other words, time to get rid of all those old t-shirts you never wear, jeans and trousers that no longer fit, impulse purchases in weird colours and anything that makes you wonder what the hell you were thinking when you got it...

Shopping

I hate shopping

It's probably not what you'd expect to hear, right? I mean, here I am, someone posing as a style blogger, trying to make you believe I hate shopping. Yet, it's true: I really, really hate shopping.

Well, I'm not exactly your typical style blogger either: I'm not interested in the latest trends or obsessed with fashion. 

Sure, I like nice clothes, but I'm happy with a small wardrobe of classic, high quality clothes that suit both my personality and lifestyle. Thus, I mainly wear comfortable, low-maintenance basics that travel well. To be honest, I could live in pyjamas... Especially if I could accessorise them with a nice handbag and a glam pair of sunglasses.

Happy Easter!

Tiina

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Studded

Snow, sleet, rain, snow... That's March in Finland. Well, in Helsinki, anyway. And I know I'm beginning to sound like a broken record when I say that I'm so tired of it. Unfortunately, spring won't get here any sooner, never mind how impatient I am...

However, by now I'm really struggling to come up with new outfits for the blog: you've seen my entire winter wardrobe over and over again, you must be as tired of it as I am. So, what should I do?

Snow in Hannover

I just realised I've been to Germany twice this year (I visited Munich just last month)... Well, Germany is Hubby's home country, so we visit quite often. And last weekend was one of these short visits.

Anyway, Professor M had a meeting or something in Hannover (yes, I'm using the German spelling here) on Friday, and I tagged along. You know, to do some sightseeing. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans...

The Classic Coat: Part 3/3

High-Impact Accessories

"Minimalist does maximalism", that's how I could describe this outfit, I suppose. In a way this is the opposite of my last post (where the coat was the focus of the outfit) in the sense that now it's the coat that becomes the backdrop to some high-impact red accessories.

Currently

I'm going out of my mind...

I've been sick with the flu for the past week and a half, and it's beginning to drive me crazy. Which probably means that I'm finally starting to get better. I mean, in the acute, most miserable phase of the flu you don't have enough energy to worry about something as trivial as going crazy, what with sneezing and coughing and camping out on the sofa overdosing on bad TV... By the time cabin fever sets in, you're on the road to recovery, just way too slowly.

OK, I admit, I haven't really been a model patient, as in suffering from the flu full-time.

Come on, who has time for that?!? Not me, that's for sure. For starters, I have to work. Sure, it's just a few hours every other day this week, but still (as a freelancer, I have either way too much work or not nearly enough, depending on the time of year). So, I thought I could do this part-time instead. The flu, I mean. You know, pop in to work whenever I had lessons and then get back to being miserable and binge-watching TV the following day.

Because I'm a superwoman. Yes, that's me: I fit my illnesses around work and other commitments, not the other way round. I have things to do, and plans, and a to-do list longer than my arm, I don't have time for this shit!

I'm beginning to think there might be a slight flaw in my thinking, though. Mainly because after a few hours of teaching (with the help of a hefty dose every type of flu medication available in the local pharmacy), I felt absolutely exhausted (and more than just a bit groggy), and spending the following day camping out on the sofa felt like the best idea ever. Besides, I had to watch all 4 seasons of Grace and Frankie. It was either that or do some dusting. And you can't do dusting when you have the flu because it's too much of a strain and you need to rest. Especially if you plan to go to work the following day...

No, I'm not a workaholic. I just use work as an excuse to get out of the house. You know, to to avoid cabin fever. Work is a perfectly legitimate reason to get out and about for a few hours. And it's also a perfectly legitimate reason to spend the following day doing absolutely nothing because you're tired, and had a relapse as the flu came back with a vengeance.

And clearly I have a screw loose...

How do other people do this?!?

Tiina

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The Classic Coat: part 2/3

Modern Classic

That's how I would describe this look. It's simple, classic and minimalist. I kept the accessories to a minimum to allow the coat to become the star piece here. 

People often think of minimalism as wearing only black and white, or grey and beige. I'd say that's a rather limited view, not to mention boring. Minimalism has nothing to do with wearing ugly, boring colours. The same style principles work, whether you wear just neutrals or deep and vibrant hues.

The Classic Coat: Part 1/3

What do you look for in a coat?

Besides the obvious (warmth, fit for purpose etc), that is? Well, if you live in a cold climate, you probably need quite a few coats to get you through the year. And as nice as it is to have some variety, few of us have the financial means or storage space to get a different coat for each outfit we create.

So, versatility is key. Well, when it comes to criteria for choosing a coat, versatility comes right after warmth and practicality, in my opinion. As it's not really feasible to have a different coat for all my different outfits, I need a coat that goes with everything.

Winter Slump: Just Add Colour

OK, winter is going nowhere fast. It's useless to fight it, and dreaming of spring at this point is a total waste of time.

I've resigned to my fate, as you can see...

And yes, as far as the outfit is concerned, it's still the same old, same old... But in colour, this time. Isn't colour supposed to brighten your mood or something?