04. Spring wish list.

Birthday weekend and material dreams.

There is something special about birthdays. Even as I’m turning 39 this weekend I still find it somewhat magical – planning, baking cakes and gathering people I love. I think my love for birthdays, both others and my own, comes from feeling connected with the experience I had growing up and those pure feelings of anticipation and joy. When I think about it, I feel the same way for everything that relates to childhood: summer breaks, Christmas, the first snow, road trips, as well as birthdays. I guess it says something about the safe and loving environment my parents created for my brother and I – how they managed to make huge experiences out of small everyday happenings. My mum always had a bottle of sparkling wine in the fridge “just in case” and made pancakes for each graduation, name day, or great school test score. Even though they taught me how to appreciate the small things, birthdays somehow lingers on as a very special occasion, and I love the ritual of celebration it brings.

This year I have planned a full weekend – champagne breakfast for my girlfriends on Saturday and family lunch on Sunday. I can’t wait to gather all my best people at home <3 In between, I’m getting my nails fixed, eating lots of gelato and having a drink with my husband. Every year I also treat myself to something special – a beautiful garment, accessory, or a piece of furniture. I very seldom buy things that are not on my wish list, which I religiously keep in Notes on my iPhone and update for every new season. It includes things I need, but mostly things I want. Some items have been there for years, others are more recent additions – the important thing is that it keeps me from impulse shopping, buying pieces that are not 100% me. The rule is that any item I buy needs to have been on the list for more than 24h, preferably 1 week, before purchasing it. It helps to put things in perspective – even my worst cravings tend to fade when written next to something I have dreamed about for years – and actually makes the amount of things I want rather short. Anyway, when it comes to birthday treats I always pick something from my list. So, here is what’s on there atm.

Céline SS18 Big Bag in beige cloth. My all time dream bag – so effortlessly chic to wear with spring trenches and car coats, just layers and layers of beige. Very rare to find in pre-loved sites, so the hunt goes on…

Niki De Saint Phalle vintage poster from 1966, constantly on my mind since at least 6 years back. Wish I could have been at Moderna Museet to see the exhibition myself – what a dream!

Toteme Cocoon Skirt in black. A perfect way to add the silhouette of the season to my wardrobe – bubble skirts and pants – in an effortless and cool way. Love the drape and the sheerness of the fabric.

Braided rattan Halo bracelet, handcrafted by the women's cooperative Manava in Cambodia. In love with female craft in general and the dimension it adds to any outfit or space. I want to wear this bracelet with summer linen sets or caftans for summer.

Intimacy, 1998 novel by Hanif Kureishi, recommended to me by my dear fried Catti Åman, which always has the best inspiration up her sleeve. Also – go follow her on Instagram to stack up on beautiful inspiration!

Swedish Stockings X Ssense long toeless socks. As much as I wish that Swedish spring was warmer, I have to face the fact that these socks might just be the best item on the list to get me through to summer.

Prada Wood Mesh Tote from the SS22 collection. I have a hangup on natural materials and bohemian references rn, and like the idea of incorporating a touch of it into my spring style. Beads, raffia, straw, raw edges…you name it – I want it.

That perfect Europ-Felix snack-stand from the Hemingway bar at The Ritz, Paris, that I fell in love with during a trip to Paris 5 years ago. (Of course) not in production any longer. Might possibly drive myself to insanity whilst looking for it in auction houses and pre-loved sites.

The most stunning Scarf Trench from Carven, perfect for transitional dressing. I have loved Louise Trotter’s designs since her days at Lacoste and although this price is way too expensive for me, I keep it here on my list JUST IN CASE I happen to stumble over it on some crazy sale. Dear universe…

Pricilla Top from Sea New York. Fringes will be huge for fall and I don’t mind starting early. The delicate embroideries on this one is mesmerising and I can think of so many ways to layer this garment in looks: imagine spicing up a suit with this one peeking out under the blazer – lovely!

Cartier Baignoire Watch, mini size. Been on the list for quite some time, and probably will be there for years to come due to the fantasy price... Just the most delicate little jewellery watch. Loving the lacquered thin strap that gives it some edge.

Georgia O’Keeffe and her houses. The years go by, but my awe for Georgia just keeps on growing. I have read Living Modern, which completely blew me away with inspiration, and can’t wait to get my hands on this gem.

Prada Watercolour Satin Skirt. The watercolour pieces from the Prada SS23 collection are among the most beautiful garments I have even seen in my life. Obviously too expensive in retail back then, but I might be able to pull it off when turning to the secondhand sites now a few seasons later. One day…

Leather Tray from Palmgrens. I need somewhere to put my jewellery at night, that feels worthier than just tossing them on the desk in our bedroom. This tray might be the perfect solution.

Alvar Aalto stools with red seat. I have always been a Aalto fan, Alvar as well as Aino, but my heart really skipped a beat when I saw the red version of the classic stool at the entrance of Finn Juhl’s House when we travelled around Denmark last summer (go there if you get the chance, the house is open for visitors). Perfect to have stacked in the kitchen for whenever we get company and need more seats. This colour is not in production any longer (I know, story of my life…) so the pre-loved hunt is real.

Teurn Studio Baggy Jeans. Last but not least I need new jeans. Over the last couple of years I have gained a size, which is not a big deal in itself, but when it comes to jeans, as I don’t wear stretch, it basically means I need to replace all of my old favourites, which is really painful. I’m a vintage 501 kind of girl, so I’ll be looking for a pair or two, but I also found these completely amazing jeans from Teurn – so flattering with the high waist, yet so cool with the exaggerated width of the leg. Fits me perfectly – might need all the colours.

Which piece do you think I ended up buying…?

I wish you a lovely Sunday – the last one in May – and a great week ahead.

x

Alina