Gingerbread and giggling

Pre-Christmas parties are just the best! You get to gather together with closest friends, eat Christmassy treats (Christmas spices and flavours are the best ones!), burn candles and perhaps zip a few glasses of glogg or red wine. My pre-party season started in the last weekend of November. It was nothing planned, just asked a few friends to come over and made something nice to munch. 

Usually you can find a lot of party clothes at this time of year, since it's supposed to be one of the biggest party seasons. Yet I ran through several stores and found nearly only outerwear and jumpers. I was looking for something a bit festive but not too fancy. I found this fishnet top at Vero Moda, where I don't actually shop too often. It looks pretty basic, but when taking a closer look you see a hint of metal on the surface of the fabric.

Vero Moda tank, Gina Tricot jeans, Zara heels, vintage snakeskin clutch.

Pink vintage snakeskin clutch from Beyond Retro, Stockholm.

Vintage tiger-bracelet from 80's, my favourite one, from Flea Market Valtteri (which doesn't exist anymore, R.I.P.)

Blue cheese & persimmon gingerbreads: simple and fast but pretty and tasty!

Dolling up for the night.

Second hand shelter for winter winds

I think I've mentioned it before: a thrift store tour in Mikkeli is rarely a lost errand. Last time I found this brown leather jacket with fur hood. I really like how the leather is worn in places. Usually when you see these kind of loose fit vintage jackets in flea markets the size is 42 or up. So I was lucky to find this one in 36.

Ok, winter, bring it on!

Misty weekend trip

The headline describes my last weekend spent in Turku both literally and figuratively. These pictures don't show how much mist there was, but within an hour after taking these photos – when I drove back home –  it was almost impossible to see further than 50 meters. My mental state wasn't far from misty either. The purpose of the trip was business + pleasure, which is a pretty tiring combination. Nevertheless, had tons of fun with good company and got to see a city I had only passed by before. 

Before leaving Turku, the first capital of Finland before Helsinki stepped onto the scene, we took a little walk by the river Aurajoki and visited the beautiful Turku Cathedral. The locals have a genious way of telling the difference between the sides of the river. "On this side of the river" refers to the side where the church is and "on the other side of the river" is... well, the other side :). Compass points – so overrated! 

On the other side of the river: second hand fake fur vintage coat (made in Paris), second hand boots, Gina Tricot jeans, Steve Madden satchel.

October sunshine

Fall is fine, when it's sunny and the air is dry. It's been raining way too much during the past few weeks, so it's almost a civic duty to go out when the sun decides to show up. 

Even though it's not necessary to wear hats yet, I couldn't resist to dig my favourite tassel beanie from the bottom of my closet where it's been waiting for cold weather since last winter. I got it from flea market they organize at Helsinki ice rink in wintertime whenever there's no games, fairs or such. In almost every weekend there was this lady selling all sorts of beanies with different colours, both with and without tassels, all handmade by her. I don't know if she's there this winter, but I need to check that, because I might want to buy another one in other colour. They are so comfy and warm!

The next thing, I suppose, is to figure out what to wear in the coming November rain.

Handmade tassel beanie, second hand vest, Marc Lauge shirt, Gina Tricot jeans, vintage boots and second hand bag.

Party like it's 50's!

I know some people just hate theme parties, but I'm not one of those. I've come into the conclusion I live my childhood dream of becoming an actress through them. Dressing up as something else than yourself kind of makes you jump into a role. At least I've noticed I e.g. start to walk more elegantly with 20's dress on. Well, the bad language is stille there ;).

My dear friend turned 30 this week and threw a party with a 50's/pin up theme. The celebration took place at Navy Jerry's, a marine inspired bar, which turned out to be a perfect choice. It was my first time there, and have to say the atmosphere, decoration, staff and music were all good. A big plus is also when a bar has mojitos on their list. Believe me or not, but it hasn't been in one or two clubs where I've heard "we don't have mint" when ordering it.

Right after receiving the invitaiton I had a clear vision on my mind of what to wear: a tulle skirt (which I already had thrown into a 'sell at flea market' -pile), a top and knee socks. Of course I didn't try them on before Saturday, and when I did, felt like a clown. It was just simply too much. Fortunately I had something navyish in my closet – less festive, though – so made it on time. It's been a looong time since wearing these high waist jeans. They were once my favourite pair.

Vintage jacket, Guess jeans, second hand tee, vintage handbag, vintage heels, pearl necklace from Gina Tricot and earrings from Vero Moda.

Flow wow wow

For the past two years I've wanted to go to Flow Festival, but for some reason never made it. This year I finally executed my long-term plan and went. The most memorable shows for me (as could be predicted) were Lykke Li, The Black Keys and Björk.

I really liked what my friends, Mari and Sini, had picked out of their wardrobes for the festival, so decided to share these pics of them with you!

Mari: Cheap Monday pants, Urban Outfitters body, Makia hoodie, Lacoste bag, Nike Dunk Wedge Sky High sneakers, shades from a friend.

Mari was super excited about her new wedge Nikes. Can't blame her, they are fabulous! :)

I love traditional Norwegian sweaters and immediately liked Sini's outfit. Can you believe it's only August and a thick sweater like that was not too much? I was wearing a coat myself and freezing my butt off! Summer, please don't go!

Sini: vintage Norwegian sweater, Stocker jeans, H&M sneakers, Fjällräven backpack, RayBan shades.

It's officially end of summer. I was cold in this almost-winter-coat. I've only worn this Finnish made coat for a few times, since I'm not sure whether I like the shoulder pads or not. They kind of make me look like a bodybuilder, huh? :)

Me: vintage jacket, H&M blouse, Urban Outfitters jeans, Nature Breeze studded flats, second hand bag, Gina Tricot feather earrings, shades from Venice.

Some day I will ignore my doubts

We spent probably one of the last sunny Sundays this summer at Kaisaniemi park near downtown Helsinki. It's very close to where I live as well, so it's a perfect spot for a lazy Sunday hangout: don't need to travel too far :). Talking of sunshine, I really love these round shades I got from Venice beach boardwalk, L.A., with only 8 dollars. Should have bought two pairs since I'm pretty good at breaking my favourite sunglasses...

Then a word about the headline. You can find that sentence written on a sports field fence with big letters at the park. What I would do is to change the first two words into "today". Oh well, who am I to say anything. I can never ignore my doubts concerning the weather in Finland. 

P.S. I want that dog!

Shades from random Venice beach shop, Victoria's Secret bikini, Gina Tricot lace top, vintage flowery jeans shorts, Italian vintage bag, second hand leather shoes. 

Away above the Los Angeles chimney tops

The Griffith Park was on our to do list in L.A., but since we went there only on one of the last days of my trip, we didn't have too much time to spend. I could have wandered at the park and checked the other activities such as The Griffith Observatory exhibits for the whole day. Or two. However, at the southern slope of Mount Hollywood (where The Griffith Observatory is located) we got to see the breathtaking view over Los Angeles, which was amazing in itself. It's also a good spot to phorograph the Hollywood sign. By the way, did you know they have altered the sign during the years? Wikipedia says that for example in 1987 when the Pope visited L.A., the second L was covered to make the sign say HOL YWOOD. Rad! :)

 Zara blouse, second hand lace shorts, Michael Kors handbag, Jeffrey Campbell clogs, Cheap Monday shades, vintage jewelry. 

Best second hand in L.A.

In L.A. you make better deals with second hand items compared to Finland. More people, more stuff to get rid of, so it's obvoious. At second hand stores in L.A. you can always see people lining up to sell their treasures to the store. That means they get a LOT of stuff to sell every day.

Based on my shopping experience in the city of angels, my recommendations for the best second hand store chains are:

1. Wasteland: Wasteland sells both second hand and new stuff, designer and generic brands. I've visited Wasteland in Santa Monica and Studio City. Shopping here is breathtaking both mentally and physichally: first, they play good music, rock and grunge, and the selection is amazing. Second: it is hard to not go through all the items, so it gets exhausting! :) Wasteland is a bit more pricey than other second hand places, so what you go here for are the edgy and personal pieces you can't find everywhere. They also have the best selection of second hand designer shoes, I found 2 pairs of beautiful Jeffrey Campbell's here. They also sell Unif, which has lately become a brand to drool over for me.

Footnote: the clerk in Santa Monica is a Kurt Cobain look-a-like ;).

 2. Crossroads: Second hand and new stuff, both designer and generic. I've visited Crossroads in Santa Monica and Studio City. For general brands and shoes Crossroads is a bit less pricey than Wasteland, and especially Santa Monica seems to have reasonably priced Marc Jacobs clutches on display almost every time I walk in. (Got one for myself, too, check the last photo of this post). You are not likely to find as unique pieces as you are at Wasteland, but then again this place is full of surprises. One good example is a pair of amazing hippie flare pants.

 3. Buffalo Exchange: Second hand stuff, both designer and generic. I've visited Buffalo Exchange in Santa Monica/Venice and on La Brea Ave. Pricewise this place falls in between the upper two. Perhaps BE is not that good for finding designer items, but definitely a place worth visiting. I spent 2 hours at the Santa Monica store and got a parking ticket! If you like Converse sneakers, you will most likely find a nice, cheap pair of them here.

P.S. Am I the only one who didn't know Converse All Stars are generally called also as "Chuck Taylors"? I've never heard anyone call them that in Finland. My American pals sophisticated me with this fact and told me a basketball player Chuck Taylor used to wear and promote the brand. I guess I've never taken a closer look at the All Star logo, or I'm just blind, but somehow I've missed his signature around the star. :S