Spotlight :: Copenhagen {Part 1}

[trip style = urban]

Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen / Friendly old girl of a town
'Neath her tavern light / On this merry night
Let us clink and drink one down
– "Wonderful Copenhagen"

Cocktails and coffee in Copenhagen almost sums up my two-day trip to the Danish capital, where as the lyrics go, I clinked and drank one down. While I'd recommend a few more days to explore, two days were just enough to get a taste and know I'd be back for seconds.

Today I'll cover where to drink and shop and next week I'll recommend what to eat and do. And yes, it involves bicycling, because when in Rome {except in this case Rome feels more like Amsterdam of the North}. In a city of 570,000 people and 650,000 bikes, I wonder if their biking habits contribute to their nation's ranking as the happiest country on earth? It could be the fresh air and exercise, but it could be the cocktails and coffee.
 

Drink

The Union Bar
Head towards the charming yet touristy Nyhavn Street, turn right down a side street and look for an unmarked black door, ring the golden bell above the sign that says "Nordic Fitting Models" and wait to be buzzed in. In this dark, dimly lit speakeasy, innovative and approachable bartenders serve killer cocktails. The prices are steep—about $25 cad—but the drinks are strong and the experience is unforgettable. That is, if you can find it. {Neighborhood: Nyhavn}

Mikkeller Bar
If you like boys with beards or girls with topknots, you will like this bar. If you like neighborhoods formerly known as red light or meatpacking districts, you will like this bar. If you like communal picnic tables and cozy industrial-styled basements, you will like this bar. And if you like imaginative beer dreamed up by a gypsy brewer, you will like this bar. {Neighborhood: Vesterbro or Nørrebro}

The Coffee Collective
My morning coffee fix was satisfied at The Coffee Collective in Nørrebro, on a street occupied by small boutiques, progressive restaurants and cool dads out with their kids. If the sun is shining, sit at a long table outside this compact coffee bar and roaster and enjoy a cortado and vibrant street scene view. {Neighborhood: Nørrebro, Torvehallerne or Frederiksberg}

Den Plettede Gris
You don't have to ask me twice to visit the tiny cafe attached to the workshop of my favorite Danish designer—especially one as eccentrically appealing as Henrik Vibskov. A three-minute bike ride from the Opera House, on an island that's home to a science museum, a food truck hall and several design businesses, Den Plettede Gris is an ideal escape for coffee and a peek into the designer's creative center. {Neighborhood: Paper Island}

Shop

The city's main shopping area centers around Strøget, one of the longest pedestrian streets in the world at over 1 km. Look for department stores, high street chains and design shops on the main drag, and specialty and high end shops on the side streets.

Every good shopper knows you start in the sale section. Don't miss the deals at the Acne Archive outlet store, where I spotted an impressive selection of denim, and the Wood Wood Museum outlet, where I spotted stylish Japanese sneaker collaborations and discounted Common Projects sneakers.

More shops worth your time are the flagships of Danish womenswear brand Ganni and Danish menswear brand Norse Projects, as well as lifestyle concept stores Storm and Normann. Keep an eye out for Danish brands like Rains and Ilse Jacobsen, whose rain jackets and boots will keep you dry in style.

Finally, mentally furnish your dream home with contemporary Danish designs from Hay House. Even if you can't fly home with a sofa, you can pick up a neon geometric tea towel or brass kitchen tool from the gorgeous shop on Strøget. And set aside time to browse the massive Illums Bolighus, purveyor to the Royal Danish Court and temple of modern Scandinavian design.

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

Related
Jetset Style :: Scandinavia-Inspired Jackets
Spotlight :: Copenhagen {Part 2}
Spotlight :: Amsterdam

[images by @heatherlovesit & @graceyvr except union bar via stirred.dk, mikkeller bar via their website, hay house via joelix.com]

Introducing: The Trip Styler Store

[trip style = any]

Over the past couple years I've been working on a secret project that has finally come to fruition today: the Trip Styler Store, a collection of global finds I procure with the help of local guides as I wander.

Enamoured and inspired by the artisans I spot while traveling, I started collecting their wares in small batches with the idea that I'd be able to share a trip styled slice of the world—beyond writing and photography—with you.  

The Trip Styler Store focuses on small-batch, trip-styled goods I can transport home in my suitcase from the places my travels take me; think: textiles and beach bags from Mexico, camel leather poufs and beach throws from Morocco, kimono-blazers from Japan, beaded necklaces from Bali and hill tribe purses and skirts from Thailand. Coming soon: Cashmere scarves from Dubai and lamb's wool toques from Morocco. Here's a tiny taste of what's "in store":

Finds are directly tied to TS trips and updated regularly, so check in frequently—especially when you need a fill of the far flung. And remember, we only source on the spot in small quantities, so if you see something you like, snatch it while you can!

Trip Styler Store hints: Search all inventory via Finds, or view specific products by country or by category {accessories, clothing, home goods}. 

[photos via @tripstyler]

Jetset Style :: Scandinavia-Inspired Jackets

[trip style = any]

I recently returned from Scandinavia, and always with an eye on trends, I came home declaring that our Nordic neighbors are wearing three styles of jackets right now: the long and flowing duster coat, the bomber jacket and the classic leather biker jacket {see my street style snaps above}. It's no surprise that they're on point with fashion; Sweden and Denmark are home to Acne, Hope, Won Hundred, Filippa K, Henrik Vibskov and the H&M group of companies, to name a few. I was so charmed by their sense of style that I announced to all my friends back home that I had found my people, and they are Scandinavian. 

Duster/Lightweight Trench Coat
This season's answer to the kimono is the duster coat. I first spotted this trend on the ladies of Copenhagen, whizzing past me on bicycles with their jackets flowing in the wind. This style is the perfect layering piece for fall.

From left: Zara flowy gathered coat with belt, Urban Outfitters drapey trench coat, Zara destructured trench, Monki duster coat

Bomber/Flight Jacket
It's possible that there are a lot of pilots in Scandinavia, but I'm betting that bomber jackets are just THE jacket of the season. Spotted on both men and women, these jackets are a passport to cool. Gentlemen: buy one in navy for an extra splash of Swedish style.

Clockwise from left: Acne Studios lightweight bomber jacket, ASOS bomber jacket with zip, H&M satin pilot jacket, Won Hundred anthracite melange leroy jacket, Aritzia salvatore jacket, Minimarket hapy navy blue jacket, Hope flight jacket

Leather Moto/Biker Jacket
If there's one thing that history proves, it's that leather motorcycle jackets never go out of style. They're the jackets I noticed most frequently in Stockholm, in both cropped and boxy fits, and on men and women. Throw a leather jacket on top of a basic tee and ripped jeans or Annie Hall-style trousers and you'll channel the women of Södermalm, Stockholm's coolest neighborhood.

From left: Allsaints papin leather biker jacket, Acne Studios mock leather moto jacket, Karen Millen leather jacket with silver zip sleeves

Stay tuned for more Scandinavia coverage this fall, including Spotlights on Copenhagen, Helsinki and Stockholm!

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

[street style photos taken by @heatherlovesit & @graceyvr and graphics assembled by @heatherlovesit]

10 Ways to Stretch Summer

[trip style = glamping + sun + food + wine]

First things first. Summer does not officially end until September 21st. The back-to-school/work hustle—or its mentality—may be in full swing, but that's not to say that we can't continue to wear shades or shorts, go to the beach, or bite into watermelon like it's going out of style. 

If you're summer-obsessed like we are, here are 10 ways to avoid falling into fall too quickly.

1/ Book a trip 
Since summer never really ends in my trip styling books {I prefer to extend it into the winter}, know this: One of the BEST times to book travel is in early September. Planes bound for tropical locals are running at quarter capacity, resorts are more quiet than libraries, and best of all, prices reflect this low season bliss.  

2/ Resist "fall mode"
With 19 days of vitamin D-painted skies still on the seasonal horizon, keep your back-to-school clothes in the closet in favor of a warmer color palette and easy-breezy styles.

3/ Find a water source
Don't spend your free evenings or weekends doing errands {that's what October is for!}. Instead, take advantage of the weather and go to the beach, the lakeside or a pool and savor every last bit of heat September is graciously giving.

4/ Say no to the Pumpkin Spice Latte {PSL}
Synonymous with sweaters and cords and leaf peeping {a trip style favored by fall foliage enthusiasts}, the PSL has made an early arrival at Starbucks this year. Here at Trip Styler HQ, we're not fans of the florescent orange beverage {remember when it was tasty and sported a non-offensive color circa 10 years ago?}. We'd much rather hold on to memories of picnics and polka dot bikinis with bevvie trends like iced tea lemonades, fresh-pressed juices and blackberry cocktails. 

5/ Have gas will grill
Have as many barbecues as your grill can handle. Come Novembruary, you'll be longing for warm nights and the summery scent of just-flamed veggies or meat wafting your way. 

6/ Keep s'moresing
Obviously. 

7/ Go Glamping
Once a summer-only trip style, glamping is going through a coming-of-age with many outfitters introducing heated tents and accommodations built for wilderness Ritz'ing year-round; meaning even if it cools down at night, you can still live the summer dream. 

8/ Drink rose
Like white jeans, we refuse to give up our rose after labor day. If rose tickles you pink, too, some of our favorites include: Le Vieux Pin Vaila Rose, Gray Monk Rotberger, Joie Farm Rose, Road 13 Honest John's Rose, or for something cheap and cheerful, La Vieille Ferme Rose. And since we're on the topic, September is a great time to go trip style = wine tasting.

9/ Channel Saint-Tropez
Just because the sun is setting earlier doesn't mean you have to throw your summer tan out to sea. Keep your glow going with these tips from St. Tropez's self-tanning expert.

10/ Wear white  
As we alluded to in number eight, we don't buy into the age-old rule of packing away our whites until springtime. In fact, we challenge you to wear them after labor day and into winter, because nothing says winter chic like white. Duh. 

Pssst: when in doubt, visit a tiki bar. They do "the {tropical} trick" every time. 

[photos my own, except lead, 4, 5, 9, 10 via various online sources]