In the genes

Awhile back, while browsing a selection of dresses on sale at ASOS, I noticed an interesting pattern emerge. Many of the frocks I was flocking to were by the same designer: Vero Moda. Not long after making this realization, I came upon another: Vero Moda is a Danish fashion house! Being that I am half Danish, I was quite tickled by this discovery. (My mother's parents emigrated from Denmark-- she was actually born in New York, not long after they got off the boat! At least, that's how I tell the story.)

Not that I need any excuse to shop, but this fact motivated me to purchase the two Vero Moda dresses pictured above: the Printed Dress with Elasticated Waist (not a very sexy name, and out of stock online, sorry) and the Floral Frill Waist Dress.

Though Vero Moda is new to me, it's not exactly new to the fashion scene. It made its mark by using beautiful babes Kate Moss and Gisele Bundchen in their marketing campaigns. According to the house's "about me," Vero Moda focuses on quality, affordable and inspiring clothing with a range of dresses and tailored garments that embrace the essence of current trends while still maintaining a practical edge.

Sounds like the kinds of designs I'd like to fill my closet with!

So today, I revisited ASOS to take a peek at what's new in the world of Vero Moda. And I was absolutely smitten with their floaty chiffon dresses, sheer billowy sleeves and adorable-sometimes-funky prints-- all with the perfect touch of the 70s, which is so on trend this season. Below are my faves:

Folk Print Chiffon Dress

Contrast Lace Tiered Dress

Deco Bird Print Kimono Sleeve Chiffon Swing Mini Dress

Long Sleeve Polka Mini Dress

It is so hot outside with temperatures climbing into the 90s and fall seems so far away right now, but I think each of these dresses would look fantastic with some opaque black tights or a great pair of camel-colored boots. I may have to scoop up one or two... Hey, what can I say? It's in the genes. :)

Have you made any fashion discoveries lately?

xoxo,

Scandinavian pride

As I mentioned in my last post, on Sunday I journeyed to Thousand Oaks for the annual Scandinavian Festival held at Cal Lutheran University. It had been ages since I'd last been. The first time (and perhaps the last time? I truly can't remember...) I went was in elementary school. During my sixth grade year I had to do a country report for my history class and of course this half-Dane chose Denmark. The festival was scheduled for right before my presentation so my parents took me for a day of food and fun and research (haha, yeah right!). I don't remember much except that I picked up a floral-printed T-shirt that said "Denmark" in big letters-- and you know I wore it during my presentation! I was so cool back then.

Now, I will admit, the Scandinavian Festival isn't exactly the highlight of the year. But it is a nice thing to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon and it doesn't cost much to get in: just 5 bucks. And my Danish pride just can't resist.

My fave part? The food, of course! (As if there was any doubt.) We had Norwegian Lefse (imagine a potato "tortilla" smeared with a delightful mixture of butter and sugar, all rolled up) followed by moist Swedish meatballs with lingonberries (like you get at Ikea!) and a cup of lingonberry drink to wash it all down.

And then we had what I will with shameless bias call the BEST thing at the festival (and the long line backs up that statement!): Danish Aebleskivers. If you have never had one, we must correct that immediately! (My mom has one of the special pans used to make them, so I can whip some up, promise.) They are SO good. They are best described as a sort of pancake ball. Topped with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a generous dollop of raspberry jam, they are simply perfection. Definitely worth the 25-minute wait to get them!

Now, my least favorite thing? The lack of vendors selling Danish paraphernalia and knick-knacks. But, I guess at the end of the day that's a good thing on my poor poor pocketbook. Funny enough, though, I did happen to meet a local Etsian named Tracey selling colorful, hand-thrown pottery from one of the booths (me? find an Etsian? hehe).

Well, they say a picture speaks a thousand words so I'll leave it at that and just show you how the day went. Take a peek below for a taste of Scandinavia!

Hope you are having a good week!

xo,



P.S. Do you like my new s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d layout and BIGGER photos? :) let me know! Cuz I can't decide if these X-Large pics are just plain awesome or just plain in-your-face. thanks!