World through Sunflower Eyes

Many of my friends ask me why I love going back to Athens. Mostly people just opt to visit its historical sites and then head to the Greek islands. I enjoy it since it has the exact same feeling as Rome, you continuously walk among the historical sites but it is very much a lively and urban city. Although I do always enjoy a stroll in Acropolis, this summer in 40C degrees was a bit too much. But what would you not do for your goddaughter! But Athens is actually so much more than its history. I especially love to wonder the various streets of Athens and visit its many different cafes and restaurants. Furthermore, it is actually one of my favorite places currently to hunt for some new inspiration for clothes or accessorize. And usually you can renew your wardrobe with less money than in many other destinations. Athens also has a great variety of local Greek designers with interesting trends. You just need to wander around and find all the hidden gems! When in Greece...

Last Friday, on my day off, I felt a sudden need to get away from Helsinki. This time I did not fly to Rome for a day - been there, done that! On the contrary, inspired by my friends, we decided to do a daytrip to Lohja , a small town located 58km from Helsinki. One of my friends had told me there is a shop that she guaranteed I would like, so we paid a visit to Josefiinan aitta . I absolutely fell in love with the setting - the shop itself and the way it has been organized in the former village shop's old storage is just fascinating. Truly unique. A perfect idea to combine a piece of Finnish history with beautiful fashion items and some antique objects. And the clothes and accessorize, mainly from Italy, Spain or France - just my thing! The collection features a variety of dresses and tunics, as well as trousers and shirts, mainly of silk, linen or cotton. The prices are also very reasonable and the service is excellent - the owner is a warm, friendly and helpful person. ...

I have never had problems with packing. Maybe I got used to it during my airline employee days, although I worked in the office, I used most of my free time for traveling. I have done so many trips just with the hand luggage and I have never felt that some item would be missing from my travel wardrobe. I always pack at least one smaller handbag or clutch inside my bigger handbag, after a brilliant tip I once received at Gucci's store in beautiful Florence. 'Always carry a tiny bag or clutch inside a bigger handbag, you never know to what party or date you might end up along the day.' And I have taken into account that tip ever since! ;) I actually enjoy packing and choosing what to wear. Me and one of my closest friend love to inspire each other when choosing clothes, whether it is for some special event or a trip. This jumpsuit below, for example, is a perfect choice for any trip of mine or a night out - comfortable and combines well with high heels as well as...

For me August is the ultimate summer month, although I was born and raised in Finland where in most times August is considered as the beginning of Autumn. But luckily the weather now seems to be still sunny. August also represents the Leo season, it is when my birthday is and for me it represents summer at its best. I have spent so many Augusts in Italy or Spain for this reason where August is considered the highlight of the summer and the best month for holidays. I simply love Italy during its public holiday Ferragosto , celebrated on 15 August. The perfect time to spend it on a beach in a good company! Well, maybe next year... This year we celebrated my birthday with my three dear friends by attending a spectacular dance show Double by Haapalainen Suutarijääskö Dance Studios . I have seen the show already three times before but I never get tired of seeing the magnificent performances. My favorite one being the second part called Latin Quarter Revisited. But both of the ...

This summer I am in favor of blue and white. My balcony is mainly blue and white, twisted with a Moroccon silver pouf bought from Dokkän in Helsinki, and some lanterns I have bought around the world. I am quite pleased with the result, my latest purchase being the seashell chandelier I had dreamed of. I remember already wanting one when I saw really huge ones on the island of Mykonos last summer. a I simply love to sit in my swing chair and enjoy my morning caffè latte. My balcony has also hosted many great 'balcony parties' with my dearest friends. During those times, we have shared both moments of laughter and joy as well as some deeper and more serious discussions. My wardrobe has also strange enough, very blue and white elements this summer. I absolutely adore the blue and white caftan I bought from Glyfada, Greece. It is one of my favorite items at the moment. So easy to combine with jeans and a top, but it even combines well with ...

Whenever I need some peace of mind, I head to my family's summer cottage by the sea, near Vaasa . There is no place like it, truly unique. It is my favorite place in Finland for a get-away, and I have spent some of my most precious moments there. The place surprises with its remoteness and beauty. It is also the best place for some zen moments and to reflect your life on your own or with a dear friend. This summer we ended up celebrating a bit belated my friend's birthday at the summer cottage. It was a great way to spend some time together and enjoy the Finnish sauna and swim in the sea. According to my goddaughter the place only lacks a bigger wooden dock to have a salsa party - but maybe we get it done one day... But we have been practising salsa and bachata there, me ending up doing the male's part. This summer, my favorite bachatas can be found in the latest release, Golden, ...