Copenhagen Finds, DIY Anklets, and a Wishlist for a Summer That Hasn’t Arrived
If you missed last week’s newsletter, here’s a quick catch-up: we went to Stockholm and Copenhagen with our 2.5-year-old and had a relatively lovely time. There were a few tantrums, some throw-up, and one dramatic Peppa Pig balloon meltdown, but overall, it was a success.
Jumping into to the shopping. We’re very much carry-on-only people. So while I was fully prepared to shop, I knew I had to be extremely focused. Everything I bought needed to fit into my small suitcase. Compression packing cubes helped a ton — I’ve used these for years and they always come through.
Shopping in Copenhagen
We did most of our shopping in Copenhagen. I aspire to be as minimalist-chic as the women in Stockholm, but I knew my personal style would be better served in Copenhagen. We went to a lot of store across the two cities; some stand outs were Ganni, Skall Studio, Samsøe Samsøe (my husband found a couple great pieces on sale here), Arket (wish they shipped to the US), Toteme (still thinking about this delicious bag), Filippa K, Malene Birger and a few other incredible home decor and ceramic stores. In the end, I ended up buying four pieces to add to my closet:
A peplum tie top from Ganni1 (my specific print is almost sold out but this is style)
Ganni
The Ganni store is what I would call joyful maximalism. I’ve been eyeing Ganni’s peplum tie blouses for a while but never pulled the trigger because the prints from past seasons didn’t feel like something I would wear on repeat. That changed the second I walked into the store and saw this piece.
They were having a sale, the sales associate was lovely, and the print on this blouse was perfect. The holy trifecta. I tried it on and immediately knew it was a yes. Puff sleeves get me every time. The adjustable ties let you make it as risqué (or not) as you want.
I was on such a shopping high from having found the blouse, that I even impulse bought a scrunchie at checkout. It was also on sale. I don’t remember the last time I wore a scrunchie, but I’ve already worn this one twice since being home. I feel justified.
Skall Studio
Next, we headed to Skall Studio.
I’ve loved Skall Studio for years but never bought anything due to the price point feeling a little steep and not being able to see the pieces in person. Walking into the store was the exact opposite experience of Ganni. Skall Studio is calm and curated minimalism. Even the street the store is on makes you want to sit, sip a latte, and watch the world go by.
There’s a Skall top that has been living rent free in my head for a few years and I tried describing it to the sales associate, in the hopes they might have something similar. She showed me a few current options, but nothing clicked. Then I spotted this light blue boat neck top and immediately needed to have it. Turns out it was the neckline (same as the one I was lusting after a couple years ago) I had been chasing all along.
I need to say, I am not an impulse shopper. I usually take forever to make a decision and even have a purchase decision chart. But this top was a no-brainer.
After picking the top, I did a final lap and found these black poplin shorts (more on poplin material in the end). I wasn’t looking for shorts. I actually needed tops more than anything, but I thought, why not just try them on?
Sadly for my wallet, they were perfect. Why you ask?
The poplin fabric felt amazing
Slightly longer and voluminous, almost like a skirt
Elastic waistband that fit just right (not too tight and didn’t look too sporty)
Even though I loved them, I didn’t buy them right away. I hadn’t planned to buy shorts, so I figured I would give myself a few days. If I could justify them, I’d go back.
Spoiler: I did. Two days later. And I’ve already worn them four times this past week, even though it hasn’t been that warm in the bay. Taking that pause helped me feel confident about spending that much on something unplanned.
The Elusive White Skirt
If you remember from the last newsletter, I spotted tons of barn jackets (like lot of barn jackets) and white skirts. Barn jackets are not for me. I’m short and when I try on barn jackets, I feel like a kid wearing my dad’s coat. But I was on the hunt for a white skirt.
Most of what I saw in Copenhagen were full volume skirts, which isn’t my vibe. I prefer something more straight/pencil-ish. After lots of online digging, I found the perfect one at a great price and it looks so good with my blue Skall top. I cannot wait to wear that outfit somewhere fun.
ps - the skirt comes in a lot of other fun colors and prints so highly recommend checking it out!
Summer Wishlist
Summer hasn’t really hit the Bay Area yet. Our heat waves usually arrive in August or September, so I’m still living in jeans and sweatshirts more days than I care to admit. But that hasn’t stopped me from dreaming.
Here’s what I’ve got my eye on:
A New Bathing Suit from LOF
Sandals I Don’t Need But Might Buy Anyway
I already own a similar pair from AGS and I just bought these a couple of months ago but can you ever have too many black sandals?
Jelly flats I’ve been wanting since last summer
The fun nostalgia associated with jelly flats is so strong for me but again, where am I going to wear them if I am not at a pool or a beach?!
A Bag That’s Calling My Name
The shape and size are just so perfect and the black color way makes it feel wearable beyond summer
This “polka dot” dress
Technically not polka dots but they are dots? And I am obsessed. I have a fair few pieces from the brand and they are all amazing. Just need the right occasion to justify purchasing the piece.
Cool Girl Anklets
Have you seen those paracord anklets all over the internet? Everyone’s wearing them.
only makes products that say “I’m effortlessly cool and chill at the same time.” Love the vibe so I decided to test the trend by make my own using:Red paracord from old LOF’s packaging. I don’t wear much red, but I love a pop of it against a monochrome look, it adds just the right amount of interest, and an anklet is a simple, easy way to do that.
Black paracord from a DIY kit I bought to make bag charms as gifts
And if you are looking for some more inspiration for summer, here are a few reads I’ve really enjoyed recently:
- ’s take on playground pants is sure to be helpful as we tackle summer holidays with kiddos
- ’s piece on sandals is filled with so many incredible sandals, you are bound to find a pair you love
Loved this piece featuring
And last but not least, this take on poplin from
is filled with facts and fashion.
That’s all for now, folks!
I hope you find your little pocket of peace in the middle of what feels like never-ending chaos. I’ll be back next week with the Monthly Five on the Fly.
There are a few affiliate links used in this newsletter which means I may get a small commission if you buy something (at no cost to you). Thank you for supporting my work and trusting my recommendations!
Love the shorts!! Yes to poplin summer. Especially for the Bay Area
So grateful that you liked my interview with Carted 🥹 I am HERE for the content about Copenhagen and any details about traveling, looking chic and doing it with a kid too! You hit the Copenhagen hot spots and I’m so glad you got to bring back some treasures to remember your trip by!!!