Swedish fashion is known for having something of a practical and minimalist look. There’s certainly a ‘clean’ style to Sweden’s men’s and womenswear, and to a certain degree, childrenswear too. Saying this, even with a more simplified design, this doesn’t mean less creativity.

Even with a sense of ‘Swedish’ style, the country’s fashion industry is constantly turning, creating up to the second, desirable collections. The wonderful thing about these labels is their ability to retain the classic line the nation loves, while successful absorbing other influences. The result is something familiar, yet with a spark of originality.

As with the clothing lines for adults, Swedish children’s fashions also take on this concept of mixing the traditional and the cutting edge. A successful clothing designer understands the needs of its customers, but add a twist of imagination that is unexpected and intriguing. I’ve been looking at a brand called Mini Rodini, who seem to capture the essence of the nations style, but made for children.

How the circus inspired a clothing brand

Unlike many clothing brands, the history of Mini Rodini is an unusual one. Most clothes designers start out with a background in textiles and fashion design. Not so for Cassandra Rodini, creator of the brand. Rodini is a talented illustrator, with an interest in making children’s clothing, and looked for something a little different.

Inspiration came from the past of her own family, in the shape of her great-great-grandfather, Brazil Jack Rhodin. Who was Brazil Jack? None other than perhaps the most famous circus performers in Sweden. His name still graces Sweden’s National Circus, ‘Circus Brazil Jack’, and is part of the country’s history and culture.

With such a fascinating and rich history, it was impossible not to incorporate the feeling of excitement and escapism into the designs for Mini Rodini. The result is a collection that, at face value is a cute line of kid’s clothes. Then you notice the wonderful animals that appear, such as majestic bears, or top hat wearing pandas.

This is a great example of the rich tapestry that is Sweden’s fashion scene, whether that’s couture, high street fashion or children’s wear. It is the first appearance that draws us in with outfits that we would actually wear, then we notice the details, the unusual patterns and embellishments.

The next time you’re looking for a change in your wardrobe, or even something fun for your kids, it’s quite likely that a Swedish designer will catch your eye.

I Dream Elephants has a fantastic range of children’s clothing and accessories, from brands such as Darcy Brown, American Outfitters and Mini Rodini.

Many men turn their nose up at the thought of ‘accessorising’ when they are already unknowingly doing it. It’s not difficult do but it is difficult to get the right balance. We take a look at how best accessorise what you are wearing, be it formal or informal.

Ties
Choosing the right tie is about finding the right contrast between shirt, tie and suit. If you are wearing a neutral suit and shirt don’t be afraid to wear a brightly coloured or patterned tie.

If you are wearing a patterned or coloured shirt then your tie should complement it. Don’t mix patterns, they clash. In order to complement your suit or shirt with your tie choose colours from the same spectrum or opposite ends, for example pink and blue works well together.

Scarves
With so many different styles of scarf and ways to wear them it is hard to decide when, where and how to wear them.

Casual Wear
Try something colourful or patterned which is directly in contrast to what you are wearing. If it is a silk or fine knit scarf try the ‘Boho’ style, in which you tie it around your neck at least twice and tie a knot at the neck.

Formal
Known as the ‘Traditional’ style this is simply draped around the back of the neck and down the body, tucking either side underneath the lapels of your jacket or coat; looks great with a formal suit jacket.

Belts
The selection of belts available to men is larger than ever with interchangeable buckles and belts now common practice.

It’s difficult exactly how a belt should be worn but as a rule of thumb reserve your leather belts for more formal occasions.  For a more casual situation, when wearing items such as chinos or jeans try a canvas belt, or a woven leather belt to find that balance between formal and casual.

Cufflinks
When it comes to cufflinks this is a completely personal choice and is something which allows all people to show a little bit of individuality. Just be conscious of the situations in which you choose to wear them; for example, wearing your favourite football team might not be the best idea when you are going for a job interview and your interviewer’s favourite team happens to be your archenemy.

Accessories allow you to play with different styles. Everybody has their own preference when it comes to accessorising but this is the beauty of it.

Hayden Taylor are men’s fashion experts, specialising in Laine Taylor shirts, as well as Gant, Canterbury Lifestyle and Barbour.

Most of you know that I have multiple blogs that I manage and try the hardest to keep up with. I know my blog isn’t the best, but I am not giving up to provide quality reads and content here. My blogs is not just about blogging, it’s about me as well. I invest my time, effort and heart to making sure my blog is up to date and have content that is worth reading or checking out.

This is not rocket science for anyone whom had been blogging already before tumblr had been born. It’s not like it is super easy to simply blog about something of different topics or ideas. Tumblr does have bloggers who shares personal thought, photography of certain themes, but mostly dominated or reblogs of different kinds of pictures and animation. Maybe its just me, maybe I am getting old already which is why I can’t for the life of me force myself to simply reblog just about anything. Is that a crime? Somehow I still want to keep my focus in the same niche combining personal thoughts, and photography reblogs related to my blogs focus.

The photo I have used is taken from my stay in Lakenheath and it feels like the time just froze there and made me realize I need to make better use of my time.

Many of you have sent me queries regarding fashion tips, style questions and how to monetize your blogs. Honestly, there’s really no right or wrongs on fashion, you just have to go with what makes you comfortable. Fashion is a statement, you can express yourself in any way.. If you’re looking into upgrading your closet or simply to add on to your current wardrobe collection you can check out Aeropostale and for deals I rely on CouponCodes4u to help me save on my regular shopping tab.

For those of you who want to earn from your blogs all I can say is it takes time. You have to invest time and effort before getting there. You can’t simply just earn from a new blog. You have to build your rank, traffic and backlinks. My best advice would be to focus on your content, just blog away and enjoy. The monetization just comes as an incentive later on. For an affiliate network visit Blue Global Media they specialize in Payday affiliate programs. Hope that helps.

Sometime last month I have shared that I will be featuring crafty divas all over the www that is note worthy for their creative crafts and fashionable sense of style. I’m sure many of you love to stay up to the latest trend, and admit it or not most of you hate spending all that hard earned cash just like that… or even if you want to, designer names don’t normally fit the regular budget. Which is why scouring for a store that can offer a beautiful, unique design and still budget-friendly is always on our “to-do” list.

That ends now. :) Meet Mindie of TLC Creations who offers a wide range of crafty and fabulous finds. From earrings, rings, necklaces, to scarves and even hair accessories!

Some of her creations! [clicking the picture will direct you to her shop]









Read my interview with Mindie…

1. Tell us more about yourself and TLC Creations…
I use to work full time outside of the home, and had very little time for crafting. When I decided to stay at home and be a full time mommy blogger, I found myself crafting often.

2. What made you decide to open a store on etsy?
My shop TLC Creations came about as a way for me to share my hobbies. I can’t possibly keep everything I make for myself, as tempting as it may be sometimes. That is why I opened TLC Creations, to offer others affordable handmade jewelry. I make my living blogging, I didn’t open the shop to make a lot of money, it really was my last concern. I was really hopping to break even if anything with my shop. Now that my shop has been open for a year, the response has been great, and I feel honored to make jewelry that others may wear proudly. I have been so touched to know that many of my items have been warn on special occasions such as weddings. I read all of the nice comments customers leave after purchasing from my shop, and it puts a smile on my face.

3. How does hand-made crafts change your life?
For me crafting is my quiet time. I am not worried or stressed when I am crafting. It’s almost a form of meditation for me the designing process.

4. Where do you see yourself and your store 5 years from now?
Five years from now it would be awesome to see my little shop in Redbook or Cosmo, but I will be just as happy if I still have 100% satisfied customers. My customers mean so much to me.

5. How can you make a difference in the fashion world?
I believe anyone can make a difference in the fashion world. I remember being a little girl and I saw one of my friends wear her socks over her jeans (not a trend I am proud of) but at the time I thought it was cool. My own personal style is very eclectic and I think that comes across in my shop. I really do have something for every women. One day I might be in the mood to only wear one simple strand of pearls. The next day I might feel like being bold and wearing a bib style necklace or large cocktail ring. I think we should all feel freedom in our fashion choices, and have the ability to mix up our day to day looks as we please. I am trying to make a difference in the fashion world by providing affordable jewelry that is unique and often one of a kind. I think when you wear an item that is one of a kind or a limited edition you automatically feel special. At most shops that “one of a kind look” comes with a huge price tag. My shop will always offer “TLC Creations” that just about anyone can afford.

Not only does Mindie offer a wonderful crafty items, she also owns a beautiful blog where she shares her personal opinion, offers give-aways, easy to follow recipe and so much more. She also have shared her amazing weight loss story that I really find to be inspiring and worth sharing to everyone.

Visit Mindie’s blog “Bacon Time” and if you have twitter, check out her “tweets” and fan her facebook page.

I hope y’all enjoyed this feature. Let me know what y’all think. Til’ next. xox