COZY TOES

I have always loved my Tretorn rubber boots. At times I've tried other brands, both Finnish and British, but nothing beats the Tretorn fit on me feet. Their first factory opened in 1891, and the company now offers rain gear and shoes.

Since I bought my latest pair while pregnant, I have the Scout boot. Very sensible, practical, adjustable and easy to put on and take off. No longer in that "blessed" condition, I have started eyeing their cuter options, such as the model Nicole, above, or the zippered Lady.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE ZAPPOS.COM

BE A LIGHT UNTO THE WORLD

Scented candles are tricky. Too strong, too sweet, too artificial, too bland, etc. Then there comes along the perfect candle that gently stirs the air in the room without overwhelming it. As yo uwalk towards the cashier you turn it around to look at the price tag. What!!?? Sixty dollars! For wax in a tin jar!? 

That's why I'm excited about this candle (though I am yet to smell it). Made only from sustainable plant sources, sourced from a company listed as an ethic employer, and recommended by Swedish Society for Nature Conservation. Sold by Unicef Sweden for about 20 USD, meaning all profits benefit an important cause.

The perfect hostess gift. 

Or get a bunch and treat loyal customers/clients/employees this winter. 

IMAGE: UNICEF SWEDEN WEBSHOP

JAG VILL GÅ I BARNDOM

My first pair of shoes were from Kavat, the Swedish shoe company founded in 1945. They premiered their first collection for adults in 2011 and I am trying to hunt down a pair of Amanda this week.

Kavat in Swedish means bold, brave, or plucky, and I think I might need that in my stride as the fierce storms of fall are approaching the Norwegian coastline.  

IMAGE: KAVAT ONLINE SHOP

GEAR UP FOR SPRING

In Scandinavia every child knows the mantra Det finns inget dåligt väder, bara dåliga kläder (There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear). But it's unusual to find technical gear with a sleek urban look. The Ask & Embla range from Norwegian Helly Hansen strikes a homerun with me. A high collar and 3/4 length is every cold woman's dream. Ask & Embla features adult urban styles every season, combined with function and technology. By the way, did you know that the firm Helly Hansen was founded as early as 1877? 

PS. Don't forget to check out their online outlet for more deals. 

IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER JIMMY HANSEN; PRESS IMAGE HELLY HANSEN, USED WITH PERMISSION

YOU'LL BE HAPPY YOU DID

As the after christmas sales start, my best tip is to find the christmas outfit for next year. The one that you'll be wanting in early december next year, but will not have the time to shop for. A christmas outfit that is perfect for the office party and the family celebrations and advent concerts and dinner with friends? Danish designduo Eva & Claudi puts a spectacular spin on Nordic knitwear. Browse the autumn/winter collection or  christmas collection 2011.
IMAGE: EVA & CLAUDI FACEBOOKPAGE

STARRY KNITS

Congratulations to those of us who can't knit for ourselves. Svensk Slöjd has a new collection:  Stjärna by AnnMari Nilsson. The red cardigan looks perfect for chilly winter mornings.
PRESS IMAGES SVENSK SLÖJD, BY PHOTOGRAPHER ELINOR HALL

LOVELY LICE

The same year our son was born Ugly Children's Clothing released their knitted body for babies. What a precious bundle he was for Christmas, barely two weeks old. These clothes are fashioned after the traditional Norwegian Marius sweaters, but with a modern twist. I rediscovered the brand this week while on the look out for knitwear. Time to hunt down that piggy bank of Norwegian kroner.

Free worldwide shipping in their webshop!
IMAGES FROM UGLY CHILDRENS CLOTHING

FAMILY TIES

These ties have been on our radar for a couple of years. The tie of my husband's choice is of course from Øst Telemark. The only reason it's not hanging in the closet already is that he wants the whole schebang of a complete bunad (national folk costume) first. With a price tag at least ten times these ties, we'll see which gets here first... 

Visit SPTZBRGN for the complete collection, or their webshop.

IMAGE: SPTZBRGN WEBSHOP