Stockholm Notes: Late May
Lilac season, footed vases, a wishlist and notes from the Scandinavian bubble.
Hello!
Hope you are all well. Apologies for the radio silence here this past week. I’m currently in an intense work period, have been traveling and simply haven’t had much energy left for late-night Substack writing lately.
This time of year always feels a bit strange to me. One day I feel energized by every possible project and idea, and the next I feel completely drained. I’m incredibly grateful that Stockholm has finally been giving us warmer days and sunshine lately, but it’s also very clear that the whole family is entering that final stretch before summer: work travel, school events, work deadlines, logistics, end-of-term everything.
For those of you who are new here, welcome. I’m both very happy to have you here and had a pang of performance anxiety today when realizing how many of you I am writing for.
For a little breakdown of what you can expect from this Substack: there isn’t really a strategy. I mostly write based on whatever I can’t stop thinking about at a given moment. Sometimes that becomes a deep dive into a color like navy, sometimes it turns into an exploration of Scandinavian summer dressing or seasonality, and other times it’s simply a collection of things I’ve seen, saved or become mildly obsessed with recently.
That said, there is a long list of topics I still want to cover. But today you’ve landed in what is probably my only actual recurring series: Stockholm Notes.
This is where I share a bit about what’s been happening lately in Stockholm (my thrilling life), what’s been on my radar style-wise, things I’ve noticed from Scandinavian brands, places I’ve saved, pieces I keep seeing everywhere, and other small observations from inside (and sometimes outside) the Scandinavian bubble. Basically just a slightly more organized brain dump.
Let’s go.
A few scenes from the past weeks
Two weekends ago, we headed down to Skåne again for the long weekend, but this trip was a lot less smooth than our last one. What should have been an uneventful nighttime drive turned into an eight-hour journey because of unexpected traffic. When we finally arrived, we discovered the heating wasn’t working after a power outage in the area the previous week had knocked out the system. To top it all off, my daughter came down with what was probably RSV and spent most of the weekend completely wiped out.
Despite all of that, it turned out to be a lovely spring weekend. We relied on the fireplaces to keep the house warm until everything was up and running again, and the weather cooperated just enough for us to spend some time outdoors. The rapeseed fields were absolutely breathtaking, and our house is currently surrounded by them. It's hard to do their beauty justice in photos.
Before my daughter went down for the count, we managed to pick up some sweetpea plants from Flower Power, fresh asparagus from Österlen Sparris and gelato from Ola Ols. If any of you have specific questions about the area, send me a DM!
Back in Stockholm, the lilacs were blooming. They’re literally everywhere now, and I’m already sad that they’re starting to fade.
Organic Basics kindly gifted me some of their “True” tees, and the boxy version is lovely with the wide collar, and the True Regular Tee will be perfect this summer with a skirt or under a blazer this fall.
I can’t stop wearing my Lié Studio Violet earrings*. Literally the best hoops (if you can call them that) I’ve had in years.
A recent favorite is With Nothing Underneath’s striped shirt and boxers set*. For now, I've mostly been wearing it at home while waiting to get a little less winter pale, but I already know it'll be a staple throughout the Swedish summer. It's incredibly soft and beautifully made.
Another highlight of my week was the massage I had at my go-to place - CCC Kroppsterapi. Claudia is genuinely the best massage therapist I’ve ever been to, and the only person who can properly fix my wonky neck. I recommend her to everyone. Even my husband, who spent countless hours on massage tables throughout his swimming career, swears by her sports massages.
And last but not least, we had the perfect dinner at Babette, one of my favorite spots in Stockholm. My husband drove us there with me sitting in the front of my cargo bike, which made me feel about five years old in the best way. We rarely go out for dinner these days, so it always feels special when we get an evening where we can actually finish our sentences uninterrupted.
The “ricotta Babette” with shelling peas, potatoes and wild garlic was absolutely delicious, and their pizzas are always ridiculously good.
The past week took me north for a three-day business trip. It’s always nice to visit HQ, but I’m always equally happy to come home again. This photo was taken on our approach to Stockholm, with the archipelago glowing in the sunset below. Just out of frame, a full moon was glowing, adding to an already magical view.
Got my eye on
(The below includes affiliate links, more on that at the bottom.)
I don’t know why, but I’ve become completely obsessed with footed vases lately. They feel like something you’d find in a grandmother’s cabinet rather than algorithmically sourced. I already have a larger version, and I'd love to add the smaller one to my home too.
A wishlist of sorts
(The below includes affiliate links, more on that at the bottom.)
Lisa Yang Cardigan — I’m all about the basics, and a grey cardigan is on my wishlist for summer and fall.
Tekla boxer shorts — we’ve already covered my obsession with boxer shorts. These are so me.
Pura Utz Silver Dream necklace — these necklaces by Danish brand Pura Utz handmade have this nostalgia about them from when we were small and would bead necklaces. Perfect with a white tee.
Ballet flats — bury me in a suede ballet flat. Love the softness of this color.
Balloon pants but make them in cotton poplin and perfect for summer?
Byredo had a bath oil years ago that I loved, and this new body oil in the iconic scent Gypsy Water must be the next best thing.
Suede tote bag — from the men’s section and navy because that’s how I roll.
Small pouch — it’s refreshing with a color that is not black when my bag is already a black hole.
Necklace — another summery necklace to throw on when you are living your best minimalist life with a simple dress.
Costa Brazil — I clearly have body oil on my mind. I swear by Costa Brazil’s products and would love to try this one.
Wide strap flip-flops — a two tone option from Sleepers.
A grey tank — you can never go wrong, and with a square neckline.
Notes from the Scandinavian bubble
Lié Studio’s sunglasses are finally here and available for pre-order. They’ve been teased for months, and they’re even better than I imagined. I especially love the Robyn and Matteo styles. This is exactly what Lié Studio does so well: pieces that feel fresh and modern, yet timeless enough to wear and love for years to come.
The New York Times recently published a piece on food gems in Skåne, and I loved seeing some of our favorite spots featured. They highlighted our neighbor, the Michelin-starred restaurant Vyn, along with its fantastic bakficka (more casual sister restaurant), which is well worth a visit in its own right.
They also mentioned our favorite bakery anywhere: Gamla Bageriet. Their croissants are the best I’ve had outside of Paris.
Elin Alemdar, founder of Swedish brand Stylein, posted this photo wearing the easiest outfit, and the reaction was immediate. The comments all said the same thing: everyone, myself included, wanted to steal it straight off her body.
Danish Teirra 1996 has dropped new products. Among my favorite, this somewhat cropped v-neck knit in “berry”.
Toteme’s summer drop keeps on giving. The following are my favorite pieces and looks:
Striped jersey shirt (I am so weak for stripes — will share more about this soon) plus this wrap sarong skirt. With a simple necklace and a pair of sandals, you are all set.
Is it a regular scarf? No, my friends, it’s a sunglasses holder scarf!
I can’t decide if I like the tan or black better, but these flip flops are on the top of my wishlist for summer.
A light blue shirt dress with the arms you can tie around the waist, perfect for the beach or a heatwave in the city.
There is nothing I love more than seeing people breathe new life into old companies. Founded in 1947, Insjöns Väveri still weaves linen and cotton textiles in Dalarna using century-old looms and traditional techniques. Now owned by Ebba Kleberg von Sydow and Johan Kleberg, they’ve recently launched a beautiful collaboration with award-winning designer Emma Olbers.
Proud to have worked with LA Bruket for several years. They always bring a creative approach to product launches and collaborations with creators, artists, chefs, and more. This time, they’re continuing the story around their limited edition rhubarb geranium product launch together with Laszlo Marie Badet featuring a rhubarb tart recipe.
Nordic Knots’ summer collection, photographed in Wales, is an absolute dream. As someone who’s always drawn to simple, understated rugs, I’m tempted every time they release new colors and patterns, and this time, it’s the plaid that completely got me.
House of Dagmar has opened pre-access to its SS26 sale for newsletter subscribers, with 40% off using the code PREaccess40. These are the pieces I'd pick before they're gone.
Open Knit Maxi Skirt – the perfect drop waist skirt that can be dressed up and down.
Square Neck Top – Boatneck top perfection for summer or under a blazer in fall.
Collarless Blazer – Few things are better than buying blazers for the rest of the year in off season? This is such a chic option and would even look great with a turtleneck in winter.
Hourglass Blazer – Worn open or closed, this blazer is so simple but elevated with its somewhat cinched waist.
Drawstring trousers – The texture on these is amazing, I saw them at the store and was feeling them up for far too long.
I shared this COS image in my B&W piece, but I had to post it again because the styling is just too good. The oversized blazer, satin track shorts, and headband are perfection. Now I’m just waiting for those shorts to drop.
From one pair of shorts to another, Jeanerica’s recently launched Archipelago collection captures something distinctly Scandinavian: the idea that summer style is at its best when it looks a little lived in. The grass-stained Bensimons, sun-faded fabrics, and pieces that feel worn in. Standout favorites: The Nina Pants in Ivory, The Kyoto in Sky Blue, and the Olivia shorts in Ivory.
HAY Design’s dog bed in the blue and red stripe is darling. Now I just need the dog.
Atelier September excels at their social media imagery. Since we’re leaving lilac season behind, hello peonies and this Akua Objects “Oliver” vase.
Nordiska Galleriet reinvents itself once again. This time with an art deco inspired logo, which feels very in line with Scandinavia’s obsession with Swedish Grace.
I shared an image of Anna Engstrœm of Danish store Vieille in my B&W piece, and this is another great example of how the Scandis wear the neutrals for summer.
I adore this Mother’s Day street campaign by Jeanerica, shot by Mira Wickman. What I love most is that there’s no hard sell in the caption. Even though I can spot the lovely white Guell pants, the focus remains exactly where it should be: on the mothers and their children.
Tekla has introduced their Marstrand collection, inspired by the Swedish summer destination, featuring faded tote bags, towels, hats, and swimwear. The pieces feel as though they’ve already spent years in a Swedish summer house, which is exactly what makes them appealing.
Mother’s Day Diaries with Beam Mode
Tomorrow is Mother’s Day here in Sweden, and I was so happy when Sofia from Beam Mode invited me to take part in a small interview about motherhood.
Sofia is a constant source of inspiration. She has the most beautiful products and claw clips in her webshop, a Substack that often touches on the importance of reflection and her Instagram is full of warmth, positivity, and inspiring women. It’s one of those accounts that always leaves you feeling a little better after scrolling.
I felt so honored to be included. You can read the full interview here.
Some posts to dive into this weekend:
Anyway, that’s all from Stockholm for now. I’m off to continue mentally preparing for June, the end-of-school chaos and the inevitable Scandinavian weather identity crisis. Oh and enjoy Mors Dag with my kiddos tomorrow.
And as always, I leave you with some words.
xA
A small note on affiliate links and gifted products: some of the links in this newsletter are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Occasionally, brands also gift products for consideration. Gifted items are marked with *.
As always, I only share products, brands and places that I genuinely like and would recommend regardless of any commercial relationship. Many of the smaller Scandinavian brands and retailers I feature do not work with affiliate platforms at all, and I share them regardless.
If you’d like to see everything in one place, you can find it on my ShopMy.
Silly….but I spotted that white asparagus. Such a rarity in the states but I grew up eating it every spring, creamed or simply with butter, and it brought me back to my childhood for a moment.
We need a house tour one day! Your home looks gorgeous.