Studio - Time to unplug

Funny how a melody can sound like a memory, don’t you think? We created a vibrant playlist for you to unplug, feed your mind and get inspired to reminiscence about the good times, besides creating some epic new memories.            

Winter is slowly coming to an end and what better way to celebrate than by planning an adventure to one of Europe’s most charming capitals? Stockholm, with its quiet, confident charm and a perfect blend of nature and city life, personifies a lagom approach to life -  a Swedish philosophy of ‘not too little, not too much - just right’. Surprisingly underrated as far as European capitals go, the lack of crowds in Stockholm will certainly act in your favour as you navigate the city on your next Swedish adventure. So, if you need a little escape from it all, remember that paradise doesn’t have to be tropical - sometimes all you need is a cinnamon bun and a sense of adventure! Without further ado, here are the top 5 things to do on your next trip to Stockholm. Visit Monteliusvägen View Point  Begin your adventure at Monteliusvägen in northern Södermalm. Once considered a notably poor area, Södermalm has undergone a major overhaul in the past decades and is now considered one of the most hip (or shall I say, hipster) parts of the city. But before you get your hands on that vegan coffee and set off on a vintage shopping spree, be sure to pay a visit to Monteliusvägen, one of Stockholm’s most beautiful viewpoints. Don’t forget to stop by at Ivar Los Park which is right at the back of the viewpoint. It’s usually much quieter and boasts equally stunning, if not more beautiful, views. Have a fika at Ritorno Konditori  Fika, which can be roughly translated as ‘coffee break’, is pretty much institutionalised in the Swedish mentality. However, fika is much more than just your usual coffee break. It’s all about taking the time to reconnect with your friends, colleagues or loved ones - with a warm drink and a little something sweet to eat to mark the occasion. It’s less about what your drink and more about who you share the time with. The best way to embrace fika is by heading to your local cafe. Seeing as kanelbulle (cinnamon buns) and coffee are the most popular fika combos, go to a place where you can enjoy both. There are plenty of wonderful cafes in Stockholm, but my personal favourite is Ritorno Konditori opposite Vasaparekn in Vasastan. The cafe remained practically unchanged since the 1950s and is often a meeting spot of a local literary crowd. All for a good reason, as Astrid Lindgren used to live just around the corner. So, grab your kanelbulle, pair it with a cup of coffee and fika away! Stop by at Stadsbiblioteket (Stockholm Public Library)  Bookworms and architecture lovers shouldn’t miss out on Stadsbiblioteket. Its unique, rotunda-like shape, designed by Gunnar Asplund, makes it one of the most unique buildings in the city. If you like the idea of wandering amongst 2 million books covering the library walls from top to bottom as they circle their way around the rotunda, then you have to pay the city library a visit.  Stadsbiblioteket is nested inside Observatorielunden Park, so once your inner bookworm is satisfied, take a stroll up the hill where you can enjoy views of Vasastan or perhaps even an impromptu picnic! Unwind at Rålambshovsleden in Kungsholmen Few capitals manage to blend nature with a busy city life as seamlessly as Stockholm. From forrest, parks and city beaches to the archipelago with its 30,000 islands, a huge part of the Stockholm’s charm lies in its closeness to nature. While Hagaparken and Djurgården may be the city’s biggest parks, I recommend starting your nature adventure at Rålambshovsleden in Kungsholmen. Sat on the edge of Riddarfjärden bay with its tiny beach nooks overlooking the Old Town, the park looks beautiful regardless of the season. It’s also only a few minutes walk from Smedsuddbadet, one of Stockholm’s city beaches. While spring is definitely not an ideal time for a swim (although if you’re feeling brave - go ahead!), there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting by the beach with a coffee and cinnamon bun, watching the ships lazily making their way towards the Baltic sea. So, sit down, relax and enjoy, one cinnamon bun bite at a time!  Embrace Scandi fashion and shop till you drop  It’s not all nature walks and coffee breaks - Stockholm is a bustling capital city and, with Swede’s undeniable fashion sense and appreciation for quality, you won’t be short of opportunities to shop till you drop. Drottiningattan, Stockholm's major pedestrian street, is a perfect place for all things high street, however, those of you looking for a more sophisticated shopping experience should head towards Stureplan. Stop by at NK on Hamngatan - Stockholm's most upscale department store, stroll through Biblioteksgatan and finish off at Sturegallerien in Stureplan. Enjoy a lunch break at Sturehoff or Riche and celebrate a successful shopping spree with a glass of bubbly at Brasserie Vau De Ville at Norrmalmstrog. And there you have it - 5 perfect ways to kick start your Stockholm adventure. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do every time I visit. Be sure to comment and let us know which of the 5 tips you enjoyed the most. About the author A lover of all things Scandi, Marta is a travel and lifestyle blogger and a Girl Who Travels, where she inspires her readers to live unapologetically passionate lives. To learn more about Scandinavian lifestyle, head to her latest post on Embracing Happiness the Lagom Way. Marta wears LJXII Lugano Milanese in Gold White - Shop the look here.  

Here at Larsson & Jennings we give you the run down on one of the biggest activations you may have never heard of, and our perfect way to spend it. We are celebrating Singles Day, a dynamic holiday from China that celebrates something truly great - you.   Rooted in Asian tradition, it revolves around the increase in the number of single people in China due to the one-child policy. Society now encourages those who are technically ‘alone’ on 11.11 to treat themselves and purchase products that make them feel good.  Singles Day is a great way to start your gifting early, whether it be for you or to share with the loved ones who make you feel special.  As a brand we know how important it is to invest in a global customer rather than typical western sales practices hence the amazing deals you’ll get today on 11.11. We’ve linked this back to our hometown London to give you some food for thought –with some top tips to make the most of being single or having a day to yourself to spend with the one person you can always rely on, you. And of course, once you’ve enjoyed a day to yourself, the best of our product for you to treat yourself with. A DAY WITH YOU Pick the best of (free) culture A cultural capital of the world, London has so many free spaces and culturally important locations that you can take in on a journey along the iconic tube system.  The British Museum  We couldn’t discuss some of the best free spots in London without mentioning a space that holds endless inspiration for us. If the iconic roof isn’t enough to take in for hours then make sure to delve into Pantheon scriptures, mummies and over two million years of history in one space. East London The home of Larsson & Jennings HQ has plenty to offer. Get to grips with some of the best new and established food vendors and pop ups at the OG Boxpark followed by a visit to the iconic Columbia Road Flower Market. Make your way through a kaleidoscope of plants and flowers with an essential pit stop at one of the many pubs. Visit a market London has some of the best markets in the world, and they are in plentiful supply over some really interesting parts of the city. Choose from Portobello, Camden, Spitalfields, Brixton and Covent Garden for a mix of fashion, flowers, food and get to grips with one of the best things about London - the people. Whether your ends are North, South, East or West, each patron has a story and you won’t feel alone. Wine and dine yourself  All by yourself and want to get down with some amazing fare? What could be better. A lot of niche and new restaurants around London are walk in only. Being just one person means you’re more likely to get a table and enjoy the amazing culinary experience, eat in peace and absolutely no sharing, what could be better?  Padella This tiny Italian in Borough Market is worth the queue. Get to grips with the length and breadth of Italy with a mix up of classics and lesser well-known dishes. You can easily sample one or two and enjoy a glass of wine with a bill of under twenty pounds.  40 Maltby Street Another South London gem, this walk-in wine bar serves food to accompany their selective offering. There is an ever-changing seasonal menu and knowledgeable waiters means you won’t feel isolated but immersed in relaxed vibe over British fare. Go at the weekend and check out the market too.  Explore different areas Only have a few hours to explore on your own? Why not discover new and upcoming areas that have a lot going on, ensuring you won’t be bored and lets you see a special corner of the city with its own charm and escape the hustle and bustle of the central London streets.  Coal Drops Yard Launched at the end of October, this new space is the epitome of the new Kings Cross. Carefully cultivated product offerings work seamlessly with the physical app pop ups alongside amazing food so you will never be bored. Sample lifestyle products such as Earl of East London candles in Bonds or get your nails and hair done at the Beautystack pop up. There are so many exciting corners in this elegant space.   Seven Dials  Since it’s the location of our flagship store we are slightly biased here at L&J HQ but the offering at Seven Dials is second to none and has such a quaint neighborhood vibe for London. Pick up your watch in person on Monmouth Street, try on the best glasses Amsterdam has to offer from Ace & Tate, or make your own scent with Le Labo, to you from you. SHOP NOW Singles Day Gifts for Him RALLY Our first chronograph, the Rally really stands out from the crowd. Inspired by the rich history of motorsport it is as precise as it is esteemed and represents the true nature of the modern classic as so encompassed by Larsson & Jennings.   VELO The new Velo seeks to bridge the gap between dress and sport watch; with London at it roots, it echoes the necessity for an all-purpose watch; a do everything and go everywhere companion will accompany you to work, to the gym and to dinner later the same day; then sleep, wake, repeat. Never a moment lost. Singles Day Gifts for Her AURORA Inspired by the beauty and movement of Northern Lights, the Aurora collection uses intricate dial detailing to reflect light and form a stunning visual effect. This is a modern interpretation of shapes and patterns that are designed to make a statement. NORSE  Our second watch, Norse takes pride of place in our LJXII collection. The refined square shape is a refreshed take on the renowned circular design, reimagining classic angular watches with modern finishes and details. The slim features are an ode to the dress watch of times gone by and the different guises works perfectly with any look. 

Larsson & Jennings have always strived to do things differently and partnering with Mineheart for Design Week 2018 is no different. The partnership takes form as an installation within the store at Seven Dials, celebrating what it means to juxtapose modern and classic in a unique and interesting experience. Larsson & Jennings were established in 2012; inspired by London - Stockholm origins, seeking to reimagine classic design; bringing art and precision to watches for every day. Reimagining the boundary of tradition means Mineheart is a perfect partner for a collaboration; a company who champions British design and craftwork. Both brands seek to twist classic ideas in unique ways and this instillation is the physical manifestation of that ethos.