Stockholm Notes: Mid-June
School’s out, Father’s Day gifts, T-knits, current obsessions, and thoughts on sale season
Hello! Welcome to June, where one day it’s June 1st, the next it’s June 13th, and somehow the day after that it’s already July. Time is flying. School has wrapped, and work is doing that strange thing where it ramps up right before coming to a complete stop in about three weeks.
So school is out, but thankfully the kids are still reasonably occupied.
Summer camps aren’t nearly as big a thing here in Sweden as they are in some other countries. There are options, of course, mostly sports daycamps and a few overnight camps later in the summer, but it’s not really the default.
Instead, we have something called fritids (“free time”), which is a heavily subsidized after-school program that most Swedish children attend throughout the school year. During the term, it’s where kids go after school while their parents are working. When school ends for the summer in June, and again before it starts back up in August, fritids stays open and essentially becomes a full-day program, with lunch and activities included, so parents can continue working.
My 9-year-old still loves going, but my older son has reached the age where he’s officially too cool for it. He could still attend, but none of his friends go anymore, so that’s pretty much the end of that chapter.
He’ll spend the next few weeks hanging out at home and heading to his afternoon swim practice, but yesterday morning he left for a five-day swim camp with his team. He was both excited and a little nervous, and while I’m so happy for him, I’m doing my best not to cry at the thought of him being away for nearly a week.
So for now, one son is happily spending his days at fritids, another is living the swimmer life with daily training with a bunch of swim obsessed friends, and my husband and I are up to our ears in work, wondering how it suddenly became the middle of June.
To be honest, I feel a bit behind with this Substack lately. Work has been spilling well beyond regular hours, and I currently have 3-4 pieces in progress that I started more than a month ago and still need to finish. (I have a habit of working on several things at once.)
There were so many posts I hoped to publish before summer vacation, but June seems to have arrived in a blur. I’m realizing that I need to be much more intentional about where I spend my time and energy since family and work comes first. Some projects will simply have to wait until after the summer, even though I had hoped to share them sooner.
I’m trying to make peace with that reality rather than treating it as another item on my to-do list. The ideas aren’t going anywhere, and neither is this space. They’ll still be here when life slows down a little. Hope you’ll stick around.
For now, I’m focusing on getting through these last busy weeks of work, making sure everyone gets where they need to be, and trying to enjoy the fact that summer is finally here, even if it feels like it’s racing past already. Before long, the laptops will close, the out-of-office messages will go up, and life will slow down for a while.
And honestly, that sounds pretty wonderful right now.
Scenes from the last few weeks
(The below includes affiliate links, more on that at the bottom.)
These past few weeks, I’ve had zero inspiration to get dressed. As you’ll see below, it’s mostly been T-shirts and jeans.
Before heading out, I threw on my vintage Bally leather shirt in a soft pale yellow over jeans and a t-shirt, bike battery in hand. The outfit wasn’t exactly planned, and it certainly wasn’t my best work, but some days are just like that, and honestly, that’s perfectly fine too. As you can probably tell, I’ve been carrying my Lié Studio Charlotte bag* nonstop lately. I’m completely obsessed.
New month meant new tea supply purchased at Sibyllans. Sleepy Time and Moroccan Mint, check. I am easily tempted and gave in to the shortbread cookies in two different flavors as well.
After picking up my tea haul, I stopped by Supermercado, one of the places I even named in my Stockholm shopping guide. It’s the perfect place when you’re craving a bit of Spain. I brought home some gazpacho, tortilla española, and a few pastéis de nata, which my kids devoured.
Two weeks ago, my husband and I were invited to a summer drink at the office of our friends’ architecture firm. The location? Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, a part of the city I rarely visit unless I’m showing it to friends from out of town. Being there was a quick reminder of its history and charm.
Their firm is housed in a building dating back to the early 1600s, and I loved the contrast between the sleek, contemporary interior and the original paintings that still cover the walls. The blend of old and new felt uniquely Stockholm.
Vintage 501s, vintage belt and Organic Basics boxy tee on repeat.
A couple of weeks ago, Frosso asked me to be part of her 20K Steps in Paris piece, which was such a fun read. My first reaction? I died a little inside. I hate being in photos. Then came about a million rounds of self-doubt, and I was very close to replying, “Sorry, I can’t.” But eventually, I decided to go for it. My son helped me take some photos, and once I’d settled on an outfit that felt completely like me, it actually became (somewhat) fun (at least the writing part). I chose my vintage tee from Ibiza that belonged to my grandmother, white jeans, my current favorite bag, a vintage Gucci Bamboo 1947, and a pair of sneakers.
How dusty is my laptop? That aside, I am really loving this WNU shirt* in this blue color.
This past weekend was spent at a 10-hour long swim meet with my son. Coffee in hand, I was ready for the day. I genuinely love sports, so I’m always happy to spend a day at a competition even if the long hours were a bit much this time.
Susanne Kaufmann is one of my favorite skincare brands, having tried and loved so many of their bath soaks and creams over the years. So I am especially excited to try their face products as well. This is Ecotin Repair Serum and the Advanced Anti-Ageing Rich Cream. They feel absolutely lovely on the skin.
My mom was here from the US this week, and she came bearing gifts:: the infamous J.Crew rollneck in navy. I had one in a slimmer-fitting version some years ago, but I much prefer this one. I have a feeling this is going to be my knit of choice this summer.
The evil eye necklace is another longtime favorite. I’ve had it since childhood and rarely take it off.
A small note: after spending most of my career in PR, where I was usually the one sending gifts rather than receiving them, it still feels a little strange to be on the other side of things. I’m very selective about what I say yes to and always will be. If I’m going to share something here, it needs to be something I genuinely wear, use and would recommend regardless.
These earrings – the Inés Ascher Cut in the medium size – were a gift from Dorsey, and I’ve worn them almost daily since they arrived. I also love that they’re part of the permanent collection rather than a seasonal release, which means they’ll still be there if you’re interested in them months from now.
As I mentioned above, my kids are officially on summer break. Their end-of-term concert at Hedvig Eleonora Church is always one of the highlights of June. Although the school is international and wonderfully diverse, the concert is still held in a church, which is a longstanding and very common tradition in Sweden.
The history nerd in me absolutely loves the hand-painted ceiling in our building’s entrance. It was restored to its original glory a few years ago, and it makes me smile every time I walk out the door. Also, blurry proof of both my lack of imagination and my knit of the summer: the J.Crew Rollneck, paired with jorts.
The rosehip flowers are in bloom at the moment, and the bumblebees seem to be making the most of them.
That’s enough of the photos for now.
Father’s Day coming up
Next Sunday is Father’s Day in the US, the UK, and several other countries. We usually celebrate a little in our family since I grew up in the US, although Swedish Father’s Day isn’t until November. Gift-giving is very much my love language (receiving gifts, less so), so I’ve put together three collages below with a few ideas. Since my husband is an avid runner and cooks about 99% of the meals in our house, many of the picks naturally lean in those directions.
Whether you’re shopping for your dad, your brother, your partner, or your children’s father, I hope these suggestions spark a few ideas, whether you’re looking for a small gesture or something a bit more substantial.
P.S. I know gift guides aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I’ve always enjoyed them. I don’t see them as a way to sell things, but rather as a chance to share thoughtful finds and things I genuinely like. I hope you feel the same.
Style notes: a polo summer
There is an inner prep in me that simmers down some years and comes alive in others.
I had a pile of Lacoste and Ralph Lauren polos when I was young, half of them inherited from my older brothers, and there is still something I can’t quite shake about a great polo shirt.
This year’s obsession may have something to do with Michael Rider’s Celine, the poloshirts at Loewe SS26, Louise Trotter’s Lacoste collections, or the fact that the preppy vibes from Ralph Lauren’s Men’s FW26 collection are burned into my mind.
But this summer, I plan on wearing my men’s white Lacoste polo, size medium for a slightly oversized fit, a little differently than high school Antonia would have. I’ve always preferred the men’s fit over the women’s, but it’s good to know that Lacoste now offers a “loose fit” option for women, but keep in mind, it’s not the classic rigid cotton.
I plan to wear it with longer skirts. Wide flowing trousers. With shorts. Just a bit messy. And when I come back to the city in August craving jeans again, I think it will be perfect with a tan and a pair of ripped Levi’s.
Loving this week
T-Knits
&Daughter dropped a collection of so-called “T-Knits,” and the imagery makes me want to sell everything I have on Vinted and go all in. The concept is simple: take the ease and versatility of a favorite T-shirt and remake it with the drape, texture, and craftsmanship of fine knitwear. My favorites are the cobalt blue, the tomato red, the longsleeved navy, and the ecru.
Rohé PF26
I know, I know, I shouldn't already be looking toward fall when summer just recently arrived to Sweden, but I can’t help it. Rohé’s Pre Fall 26 is SO good. The leather jacket! The red scarf (I am not over red accessories yet). The trousers! Twist my arm, a blue shirt! And I’ve said it before, their skirts are on another level.
This week’s wishlist
Michael Rider’s Celine gets me every time. These small white ballet flats are darling and would be perfect in the transition from summer to fall. I’d pair them with something edgy on top to downplay the feminine mary jane style.
Svenskt Tenn pewter is always on my dream wishlist – and I especially love this vase.
A racerback dress perfect to throw on after a day at the beach.
As you may have noticed above, I have a soft spot for the evil eye so this clearly made the list. My sister-in-law is Turkish, so our home is filled with them watching over us.
Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses with blue lenses – what a dream!
I may be the only human who prefers powder blush over cream, and I appreciate Chanel’s classic shades.
WNU’s seersucker shirt and shorts in this berry and white colorway is the perfect easy summer look.
Notes from the Scandinavian bubble
This week’s big news in the Scandinavian fashion bubble is that former Raey creative director Rachael Proud has joined Dagmar as Design Director. Her debut SS27 collection, was created alongside Creative Director Sofia Wallenstam. The appointment also coincides with a new chapter for the brand, which has officially dropped the “House of” prefix and returned to its original name: simply Dagmar. Creative direction and styling for the campaign done by Linn Hägglund.
3 Days of Design – Tekla
I have a friend, Sara, from my agency days. She’s one of the sharpest PR people I know and has an incredible eye for what’s going to trend.
About six months ago, she told me quilts were coming back. Fast forward to 3 Days of Design, where Tekla devoted an entire exhibition to them, and I’ve been seeing quilts everywhereeeee. For example, earlier this spring Swedish interior designer Cathy Nordström starting selling antique quilts at her store. After seeing Tekla, I immediately messaged Sara and told her it was time to quit her corporate job.
Tekla’s “The Heart of Living” exhibition at 3 Days of Design reimagined the tradition of Swedish patchwork quilting through contemporary design, celebrating home, heritage and craftsmanship.
3 days of design – Griegst
As part of this year’s 3 Days of Design, Arje Griegst’s legendary Triton collection returns to Royal Copenhagen’s flagship store, exactly 50 years after it was first introduced there.
I don’t think anyone has missed Toteme’s archipelago-themed campaign shot by Mikael Jansson. What I love most are the subtle details that capture the essence of a Swedish summer: the chunky knit, the rocks by the sea, the towels hung up on the side of the house and the understated interiors of the island house with a radio on a small table symbolic of the simple life.
Lié Studio’s contribution to 3 Days of Design, The Keepsake, was created in collaboration with Melbourne-based artist and sculptor Tahni Bouhadana. The limited edition design object explores the quiet presence of objects in the home through a hand-cast black resin base, a sterling silver-plated vessel, and a black onyx detail. Each of the 20 numbered pieces is handcrafted.
Skall Studio highlighted the world of outofuseberlin founders Sissi Pohle and Pat Scherzer, whose carefully curated Bavarian home reflects a shared passion for antiques, craftsmanship, and objects with history. Set within the grounds of a 13th-century castle, the feature explored their distinctive approach to collecting, living, and creating.
It’s that time of year, sale season
My inbox is currently overflowing with sale emails. Every brand seems to have launched some kind of sale this week, which I know some people find thrilling. Personally, I find it slightly overwhelming.
And honestly, sometimes the best sale purchase is no purchase at all. More often than not, I end up so overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options that I simply close the tabs and walk away. My wallet is grateful. There’s a certain freedom in remembering that a sale isn’t an obligation. You don’t have to buy something just because it’s discounted.
And one thing I’ve noticed over the years is that the pieces I truly want are often the ones that aren’t on sale. Sales can be useful, but they’re also a great reminder to pause and ask whether you’re buying something because you love it or because it’s suddenly 30% off.
For me, sale shopping only really makes sense when it’s a piece I’ve been considering for months, something that fills a genuine gap in my wardrobe, or something I know I’ll be wearing for years rather than just one season. With our summer trip coming up, I’ve been looking more at pieces that serve a purpose and will continue to work long after your holiday.
That said, there have been a few genuinely excellent sales these past two weeks.
The Toteme sale has probably been my favorite. What I appreciate is that the selection feels very true to the brand. These aren’t pieces that feel dated the moment the sale ends. If you’re looking to invest in timeless pieces rather than trend-driven purchases, it’s worth a look. My favorites include: The Country Coat (I own this and live in it all fall and all spring, size down 1-2 sizes), The Tank Dress (I own this too and love it so much), The Day Tote but in suede (this bag is very popular here in Sweden, and I love the brown more than the black), Day Pouch (I own this too, and love how it doubles as a clutch or a pouch in your bag), this Light Blue Shirt is the sale item that will haunt me as I can’t justify another blue shirt, and the merino wool ecru knit because I love a simple wool top.
Another standout is the &Daughter sale. As many of you know, it’s one of my favorite knitwear brands. Buying knitwear in June might seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually one of the categories where shopping ahead makes the most sense. In just a few months we’ll all be digging out our sweaters again, and &Daughter’s commitment to sustainably produced knitwear makes these pieces feel particularly worthwhile. They’re the pieces that you’ll wear for years to come and that’s ultimately what I’m looking for whether something is full price or on sale. I shared some favorites in my Scandi Delights chat here. I’ll continue to share things I find in the coming weeks, so make sure to join us there!
That’s all from me this week.
Next time I publish a Stockholm Notes, Midsommar will likely be behind us, my son will be home from swim camp, and hopefully I’ll have made a dent in the ever-growing list of half-finished drafts.
Until then, enjoy the longer evenings and I’ll see you in your inbox soon.
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.
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Love a polo shirt summer! Still so mad I got rid of my old vintage Lacoste that was my boyfriend’s (who is now my husband) - what was I thinking?! I tell myself it was shredded to bits…also my dad lived in (on?) Gamla Stan for several years when I was in high school. I’ll never forget the stairs he had to take to the cellar to do his laundry. What a place!
LOVED this. Many things to note - you got the J Crew rollback (in navy of course) it’s been in my basket for so long. I saw the T-Knits, so interesting aren’t they?! Finally, great guys edit - I’ll be saving this for Christmas shopping! X