When in Norway

Although my spring break consisted more of hiking than it did shopping while exploring the marvelous Norway Fjords, I couldn’t help but be drawn in by this store in Bergen that I can only describe as whimsical.  Moods of Norway brightly captures the ideal polished look of a rural-raised Norwegian. 

Their goal, as stated by their website is ‘…to make happy clothes for happy people around the world,’ and boy do they do a great job spreading happiness!  It’s difficult not to smile upon walking into this large room of pastel colors, sheep-in-a-pasture wallpaper, and sales associates dressed up in their best Easter outfits (aka fancy men in  baby blue blazers and pink bow ties).

Although on the pricey side, Moods of Norway’s uniqueness and dedication to representing the country in the most positive light makes owning an item from their store a souvenir to treasure and show off for years to come.  For those of us not willing to splurge, however, a simple visit into this springtime paradise is a treasurable experience in itself.  

Current Style Mission: ‘Organic’ Haircut!

While this week has been packed with the stress of midterms and planning our quickly approaching travel break, I can’t help but be extremely distracted by the current disastrous state of my hair!  Winter seems almost long gone, but the proof of its existence remains on my normally full and healthy brunette locks (the dryness of winter tends to lead to dullness and breakage).

Just one glance at the consistently fabulous-looking Danes and you can tell that they are dedicated to maintaining an appearance of pure perfection through their clothes and style.  Their hair is no different, as one might quickly be able to notice by the insanely high number of hair salons that can be found throughout the city of Copenhagen.   Unfortunately, as a foreigner trying to stay on a budget, and whose #1 hair stylist back home is mom, issues of price and trust have kept me from settling on a particular place to recover my hair back to its regular, healthy state.  The only recommendation I have gotten thus far have been to go to the local cosmetology school and offer to be a ‘hair model,’ but I personally am too protective over my precious hair to let someone with little experience start messing with it.

So after doing some research, I think I have finally settled on this place:

http://marietherese.dk/

As someone who is environmentally conscious, I have been drawn in by anything with the word ‘økologisk’ (Danish for ‘organic’) since arriving in Denmark.  This salon, Marie Therese Grøn Salon og Økologisk Frisør caught my eye because it is a ‘Certified Green Salon,’ one of only 10 in Copenhagen.  It ensures clients that the products used on them contain the least amount of chemicals possible, and are completely free of hormone-disrupting, allergenic and carcinogenic substances.  The salon itself has also been made ‘green’ through the use of energy saving light bulbs, environmentally friendly cleaners and detergents, and green paint that has been approved safe my the Asthma and Allergy Association.  While still quite pricey, I am desperate to save my hair, and it should be a good experience to go to a salon in Copenhagen.  I’ll be calling them tomorrow morning to learn more and possibly put in an appointment!

Staying ‘thrifty’ in Copenhagen: København K

It’s far too easy to pass this place by since it is hidden beyond a brick archway, but if you are ever walking down Studiestræde, you should take a look inside.  København K is filled with a great range of unique clothes, although I had a hard time finding much for myself since it seemed mostly geared towards men (for all the guys looking for a pair of worn out jeans or sleek jacket, this is the perfect spot for you).  But they have some fun furs, shoes, and bags for the ladies out there.  Another unique feature is the selection of books and home goods to use to brighten up your room or apartment.  

København K, Studiestræde 32 b, 1455 Copenhagen K (right across from Wasteland!)

The Search for Vintage…Urban Outfitters?

Yes, I was just as shocked myself.  While at first I was hesitant about visiting a store that is so popular back in the states, I thought I might as well give it a fair chance and take a look around for any slight differences the Urban Outfitters in Copenhagen might have compared to those I’ve been to at home.  I was more than pleased to find an entire section of the second floor dedicated to vintage finds and ‘Urban Renewal’ pieces (original up-cycled clothes put together by Urban).  

Their selection or vintage items includes, but is not limited to, ankle and high boots, leather handbags and jackets, denim jackets, sweaters, dresses, wool coats, fur coats, high-waisted shorts, t-shirts, mini-backpacks, and rompers.  One of the great things about this selection is that everything is great quality and in excellent condition, not to mention it is very well organized.  As much as I love vintage stores, quite often I am digging through a mess of old junk in order to find those rare treasures, but not here.  It is a nice change to have a layout that is easy to look through.  Prices can be a bit high, especially for some of the highest quality items such as leather jackets, but they also put out discounts fairly frequently.  

I fell in love with this floral Urban Renewal romper with an open back.  Sadly, it cost about 500kr (around $80) which is way over what I can afford at the moment.  I’ll be very jealous of the person who is actually able to snag this! I was, however, able to splurge a little bit less on a very nice Levi’s denim jacket on sale at 300kr.

Visit the Urban on Strøget for some stress-free vintage shopping!

The Search for Vintage

My search for all the great vintage shops in Copenhagen has officially begun just around the corner from DIS at a store called ‘Episode’.  Although it is not especially unique to Copenhagen, as there are several other locations in Amsterdam, Brussels, London and Paris, it’s still a pretty great place to check out.  Especially since they sell absolutely EVERYTHING here, from capes and winter coats to fur hats, leather bags and denim jackets and, of course, arguably everyone’s favorite feature of vintage and thrift stores; crazy but ridiculously awesome sweaters!  Prices are decent and depend on the material/quality, with most jackets being around 600 kr, hats about 40-70 kr, and sweaters around 200 kr.  But even at a higher cost, you are guaranteed to leave with something especially unique…and that, my friends, is priceless.

Sadly, when I found this place earlier today I had left my camera on my desk at home (go figure) but I managed to take a couple of pictures of the two-floor shop on my ipod (thank you Apple).

I walked away with a nice little black and chocolate brown leather backpack for only 250 kr! Now if I can just manage to bring less stuff with me on the way to DIS so I can use this for class…

Episode Copenhagen

Larsbjornsstraede 8 

1454 Copenhagen