Swedish Inspiration- Holiday Gifts

With Christmas approaching quickly, I keep looking online at some awesome gift ideas. Being on a budget I tend to try to keep most gifts under $50. With all the trends I'm seeing here in Sweden, I wanted to share ten of my favorite gift ideas inspired by my Swedish friends!

1. The cable knit earmuffs look so cute and very warm. I HATE when my ears feel cold and since my hair doesn't stay styled easily with all the wet snow coming down, it's usually up in a bun. Earmuffs are perfect for any hair do, look cute, and have many options. A girl walking down the street had a black knit earmuff with a flower detail. I wanted it! (Asos)

2. I've noticed that most of our Swedish friends don't rely on the lights to keep things bright. This candle and holder are decorative and are bound to make the room glow and smell delightful. (Bath & Body Works)

3. These Hunter socks will turn any rain boot into a comfortable, warm, and stylish pair of winter boots. I love the knit detailing for winter! Toasty toes in freezing Sweden temperatures make me happy! (Nordstrom)

4. During the cold winter months, my lips get so dry. These Tarte moisturizing shades will improve your look and improve the health of your lips! (Sephora)

5. These gloves are a lot of fun. I saw a similar pair while I was out shopping today. I have a cream jacket and this pair of gloves would add an extra flair to my classic coat. (Kohl's)

6. I haven't seen these anywhere really in the States, but this is an extremely cute accessory. I actually picked one up myself today. Not all watches work for me because I have extremely small wrists, this watch ring is adorable and fits just right! Doesn't hurt that it doesn't break the piggy bank either! (Amazon)

7. As I mentioned in my Swedish Style Trends, leggings are a staple in ladies closets. These velvet Vera Wang leggings are dressy and would look hot with some over the knee boots and a flowy blouse. (Kohl's)

8. I couldn't help myself. I had to add another pair of Hunter socks. The animal print is very cute and subtle. You don't want to over do animal print or you'll look like you're Jersey Shore bound. (Works for them but not most). (Nordstrom)

9. Scarves are a beautiful necessity here! This black and white scarf has a eye catching design and will keep your neck protected from the winds. The model even looks Swedish! (Nordstrom)

10. Last on my list is something on most women's lists here: Thomas Sabo of course! I hope to add this red lipstick charm to my collection before I move back to the States. (Thomas Sabo)

Happy hunting to all you shoppers still looking for Christmas! Hope these Swedish gift ideas will help you with some winter essentials.... 
and maybe some not so essentials.

Swedish Style Trends

As a lover of fashion, more so than my "newly wed in another country" budget allows, I have been very observant of the trends here in Sweden. I might not be a fashionista, but I do love great style and fun trends.

Nassjo may be a smaller town but that doesn’t mean that the people are any less stylish, both men and women alike. Although much of my time is spent around basketball guys in workout gear, I have taken the opportunities to scout out the best dressed during different excursions.

Here are a few of the trends I have noticed off the bat:

1. Leggings & Tights! 

Coming to Sweden I expected people to be bundle up everywhere they went, but in fact in actuality it is a bit opposite. It might be because this is a unusually warm “fall/winter” or it might be because women here have learned to “suffer for beauty” as my Gran would always say.

The leggings and tights are all very trendy. No one is afraid to wear designs or textures. Fall shorts, tights and layered tops with of course a leather jacket, has been one of my favorite looks. At home I might be scared to attempt, but here it’s a norm. I’m taking notes, and asked for tights and leggings for Christmas.

2. Scarves

I swear they have so many amazing scarves available. The most trendy or practical ones here are the infinity scarves: thick, long, and knit. Guys and girls have embraced sporting scarves. It may be less because of fashion and more because of the cold, but if it looks good then it is still a style trend to report.

I like the bright color scarves and ones with a good pattern, especially when the coat is a neutral color. I also really enjoy the idea of embellishments on scarves such as ruffles, added paillettes for flair, or just something as simple as an added brooch you have to make it unique.

Check out this scarf from Nordstrom. Makes me want to take up knitting!

3. Boots

Last year I visited Sweden for a short period while Rob played here half the season. When I came I brought my warmest clothes, and typical American staples: my North Face and Ugg boots. Not to say I don’t love my North Face and Uggs, but everywhere I went I felt under dressed.

Two of the major trends I’ve seen in town and surrounding cities include ankle boots and boots with stylish socks peeking out. Ankle boots here come in all different forms: classic black, with fur trim, and ones with shearling folds. Usually a tall boot fan, I am digging that these make my short legs look longer.

In terms of the stylish socks peeking from boots, I think this is a fun way to make the same old boots look different. A friend from back at home, Anna Sondergard, has started making and selling her own. She’s posted some really cute designs! Check out her blog to see more pictures than the ones I’ve shared.

More to come the more I see!