Little Scandinavian

Dr.Lipp is an amazing multi-purpose balm especially created to relieve extra dry and chapped skin, which can help to reduce skin roughness by up to 40% in only one hour. Made from Medical Grade Lanolin, a dermatologically recommended ultra effective emollient.
Originally used by midwives to relieve dry and sensitive nipples due to breast feeding. Dr.Lipp can also be used on any dry or sensitive skin areas and is fabulous as an ultra hydrating lip gloss. Tasteless and odourless Dr.Lipp is so pure and safe -even for new born babies! 100% organic, hypoallergenic, NO PARABENS, tasteless and odourless. A pure skin essential. For fast relief apply day or night onto any dry skin areas including lips, nipples, cuticles, knuckles, elbows, knees and even split-ends.

Dr.Lipp is also reputed to help relieve eczema and make-up artists swear by it as a long lasting lip gloss. Dr.Lipp was created by luxury designer Pontine Paus who first heard about this ancient remedy in her home town in Norway where many people suffer from dry skin patches due to the long, dark and cold winters. Pontine and her friend who was head of marketing for Stella McCartney at the time launched Dr.Lipp in 2004. Since then Dr.Lipp has become a cult beauty essential and a favourite of the London Fashion Set. A precious essential in the make-up case of international make-up artists Charlotte Tilbury, Pat McGrath, Charlotte Blackeney, Sharon Dorsett, etc… It gives a glowy cheek-shine on models during photo shoots and is fabulous on top of lipstick for an extra long lasting natural gloss effect.

Who would have thought that a balm for nursing mothers could be so diverse, such a sexy product and so kissable!?

Available at Space Nk

Photo: Pontine Paus

Dundelina’s summer 2010 collection is finally here. Nautical is one of the hottest themes for spring summer 2010. However Dundelina have taken the nautical theme a bit further, as always in their playful and childlike way. Without compromising on high quality fabrics and romantic look. Dundelina clothing is available for girls between 3 and 10. The accessories, soft toys and books can be enjoyed by people of all ages. All items are available online from their webshop.

Photo: Dundelina

Lille Barn (Little Children) has managed to create yet a lovely collection in organic merino wool, organic cotton and Bamboo. The London based Norwegian talented and most charming Reidun Oliveira is the head designer behind the brand, and for her the quality of each piece and the love and comfort the child will experience by wearing it is what’s important. She has also chosen to have all her garments produced in Europe, and yet they are still surprisingly affordable.
Lille Barn is clothing for babies and children up to 6 years. Her knitted winter collection in the softest Merino Wool is what the customers really love. But I must admit, this summer collection can not be a disappointment for all Lille Barn fans. Many items like the all in one suit shown to the left is the typical Lille Barn signature style. There is also some lovely fabrics and romantic summer dresses to be found. And many items are mix and match.
But what we are especially impressed about is the boys collection. Chunky knitted organic cotton sweaters in different colours. Comfortable shorts for those hot summer days. And we simply love the reversible jacket with matching bucket hat! Don’t miss out on this one!
Online boutique is to be launched this spring. Meanwhile there are several lovely shops that stock Lille Barn; Kidsen, Cute U Look, Squibbly Biskit, Little Bou and Yellow Lolly




Photo: Lille Barn

On my way walking up Bogstadveien, one of the main shopping streets in Oslo I spotted a new brand with it’s own shop; My Cinnamon Girl.
The designer Kari Thomassen creates romantic and nostalgic children’s clothing, all designed and produced in Norway.
The inspiration of the collections is sweet childhood memories. This is combined with soft fabrics and subtle colours. With details like patchwork and embroidery these items stands out and is very desirable for young princesses and princes.
MyCinnamonGirl

The wool that many of us associate with clothing is not the wool of today. The scratchy and heavy fabric of early twentieth century clothing manufacturers has given way to the mix of wool blends like merino wool. The agony of dealing with itchy, scratchy wool has been replaced with lightweight and finely woven wools.
The advantages of merino wool are many. It’s naturally soft, and like all wool, it will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. That’s because of the breathable quality of its fiber. This is just one of the things that make merino wool so desirable.

Other qualities of Merino wool are:

* It has the ability to absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture and still not feel wet.
* Like all wool it is naturally antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal.
* Dust mites do not live in wool.
* Natural durability and insulation properties
* Natural fire resistance
* Natural water repellent (rain) while having superior moisture absorbency (from skin)
* Soft and plush fibers – safe for infants
* Natural elasticity to fiber
* Little to no build-up of odor

This makes Merino wool ideal apparel for infants and children.

Norwegian brand Lille Lam was founded by two mums with the aim of providing warm and comfortable clothing for children. Lille Lam has to main lines; One for play wear and one that is more formal. Both lines are inspired by Norwegian traditional clothing, with a modern touch. The wool used in the garments is very soft and does not itch or irritate the skin. The wool is “super-wash” treated and can consequently safely be washed in the washing-machine on a wool program without shrinking or change of dimensions.

Wool is for every climate, and is in my opinion especially well suited to the British climate.

Visiting the largest trade fair for children’s clothing in the UK, Bubble, was fun and slightly hectic as it should be with lots of exhibitors showcasing their coming Autumn Winter collections. I’ve used a few days now to let it all sink in, and I would love to share what I found to be the highlights with you.

I had a chance to inspect the shoes from PomPom. I had previously seen them online and read all about their philosophy about creating high quality children shoes that doesn’t cost a fortune. Super soft leather and lovely finish confirmed my expectation and I can’t understand otherwise than that we’ll be seeing a lot more of this Danish newcomer on the British market.

I had high expectations for MeMini’s collection in advance and was very happy with what I saw. We can look forward to a luxurious and subtle AW collection, and the agent could happily confirm that there had been a great response on it as well.

Lille Barn was another pleasant, and to me a new, acquaintance. The Norwegian designer was present at the fair with her eco friendly collection very much inspired by Norwegian knitting traditions. Lille Barn clothing is for children aged 0 – 6 years. Shame as Beatrice would have loved it. Améllie on the other hand can look forward to some very lovely pieces this coming autumn.
Most charming stand I visited must have been Tiny Doe from Norway. The design team could proudly present a small but very innovative collection based on a animal, this time a rabbit. And I loved their accessories. As newcomers they told me they felt warmly welcomed by both press and visitors at the fair.
The best find must however be Danish Drappa Dot. With a unusual combination of fabrics, colours and patterns the collection was very Bohemian Chic. Feminine, organic and simply gorgeous.

There was a lot of bright colours and bold prints as well, but what I found very new and intriguing was Danefaes prints; A fox and a grizzly bear captured my attention, both inspired by Denmark’s most legendary sagas.

Photo: Pom Pom

Beatrice is wearing her “kanina Bennie cardigan” from Dundelina, definitely one of her favourite items this season! Lovely round neck cardigan in a soft and warm lambswool blend. Beatrice loves wearing this cardigan on chilly days, and it’s a must on her way to and from ballet class every week. Gorgeous quality with lots of attention to details. Knitted cord ribbon at waist and mother of pearl buttons to the front. Hand embroidered funky bunny from the story “dundelina and the old house” on the back, which really makes this beautiful cardigan so unique.
Available with 50% off in sizes 104 – 140 cm, on sale now for £25 at Dundelina.

In Scandinavia it’s still quite common for the children to wear home knitted sweaters and cardigans. “Mariusgenser”, Marius Sweater is something most true norwegians own. Designed in 1953 by Unn Soiland (later Dale), founder of Lillunn Design of Norway. She made textile history by designing new patterns, using coloured wool for thick sweaters, very unusual for the time,- making “Norwegian Sweaters” an Internationally famous word.
Marius sweater has it’s name after Marius Eriksen, a famous Norwegian war hero, actor and skier.
Today, more than 50 years later known as the most sold and knitted hand knit pattern in the world. Regarded as the Norwegian National Sweater, a Norwegian Icon.
Unn Soiland Dale received the Royal Medal of Merit in Gold 2002, for her lifelong pioneer work of developing Norwegian hand knit traditions and wool designs, and for making Norwegian wool-textiles famous internationally. And the Marius Sweater is as popular as ever.
I remembered loving my Marius sweater and matching hat as a little girl. The Scandinavian Dad loved his too, of course.
Our girls are no exception, and love their Norwegian sweaters, knitted with love and care by granny. In the softest wool, warm and cozy. Picture shows Beatrice aged 4, very happy in her Marius sweater.

If you don’t have a granny sitting next to the phone waiting for your knit requests to arrive and you have 10 thumbs yourself, you can always buy beautiful hand knitted sweaters and cardigans online.
The Butik has a Winter Sale on now, with up to 40% off. And I spotted a true bargain there today, from danish label Shirley Bredal.
The classic icelandic sweater, perfect for any little boy or girl, hand knitted in 100% pure merino wool. Used to be £40, on sale now for £24

I have written about the Norwegian label Dundelina previously, with it’s unique concept that combines sophisticated clothing design, accessories and literature for children which interact. Fairytale clothing based on different stories.
They are currently having a winter sale on with up to 50% off on all stock.

Picture to the left shows Dundelina “old house dress”
In the light of the moon Dundelina sees that there is an old graveyard lying on a hill…
Beautiful circular dress in 100% cotton corduroy. Back opening with shell buttons closure. Side seam pockets. Fully lined. Embroidered pattern from the story.
Used to be £54.35 -on sale for £29.95 Visit Dundelina Webshop

It’s still Christmas, isn’t it? Even if the sale has begun, and some of us is back to work. “Digitalarkivet” the Norwegian digital archive have launched a “Christmas Card Carousel” containing several old Scandinavian Christmas cards. I simply adore these old cards, and wanted to share them with you. For inspiration and enjoyment!

Photos: Digitalarkivet

Amélie started school this September, in reception. And as Beatrice already was at the school and had school dinners we knew it was freshly made on the premises and served warm to the students.
But Amélie can be a bit fuzzy with what she eats. She also needs a lot of time, which they don’t have in school. And then when she always came hungry home from school we decided to send packed lunch with her, just to see if that would suit her better.
In Norway most children would have packed lunch at school. It usually consists of wholemeal or rye bread with cheese, ham or salami. And perhaps a yoghurt as well. The Norwegian schools often provide milk and fruit. Crisps are regarded as “sweets” and is strictly forbidden.
Amélie sometimes feels her packed lunch is a bit boring compared to her lunch buddies who have their lunchboxes filled with croissants, doughnuts etc. So we were thinking it might would help with a bit more fancy lunch box and water bottle.
In Norway there is a company called Blafre Design that makes retro lunchboxes, and they are so cute!
I think Amélie would be more happy with her rye bread with ham and cheese if it came in a box like this


Photo: Blafre Design

We are sneak peaking on MeMini’s coming Spring Summer collection. This spring MeMini will be available in UK for the first time. Looking forward to see the rest of this collection, in shops and online shops!

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Born in 2005 and known from a Norwegian TV show “the Creator” in February 2009, Pram Pack has experienced a huge success within Scandinavia, and are now ready to fly in to Europe.
PramPack is a padded bag for prams and pushchairs that provides optimal protection during transportation. PramPack gives travelling parents the possibility to experience the world without having to worry about that the pram would arrive at the airport in one piece -or ten!
PramPack robust and rib reinforced wheeled bag for the protection of prams during air transport. PramPack comes in one size and fits all, from small three wheeler to large duos.
Both Norwegian and Scandinavian Airlines are recognizing PramPack as a hard suitcase. Norwegian would even refund any possibly damage on the pram if the pram is wrapped in a PramPack.
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dundelina, a norwegian brand, is a unique clothing concept that combines design and literature, allowing children to explore their imagination beyond the ordinary fairy tale stories.
By taking contemporary literature as a starting point, dundelina gives children new elements that encourage creative play and nourish their imaginary. Every year, dundelina invites a Norwegian author to write a special story for us. This book becomes the soul of the collections, from which all the graphic elements and fabric characters are developed.

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