Dress Style

Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities I have been to- tiny streets are woven with canals that are filled with interesting houseboats (many people actually live in these full time) and tiny boats full of people enjoying their weekend on the water. Although Amsterdam can seem touristy (and it is, watch out for the omnipresent fraternity boys and loud college kids) even the most crowded neighborhoods are full of little surprises. A few things I absolutely adore about Amsterdam:

+the window displays (keep an eye out as I think in some way they've perfected the art),shoe stores- there are SO many shoe stores in Amsterdam, some bad, most worth looking into
+tiny tiny streets- when walking around, opt for the path less taken, you'll find some hidden treasures along the way and won't be surrounded by tourists
+the size of the city, it's so tiny you won't believe it so I recommend not taking public transportation, we didn't once use the train or bus but instead walked our entire trip.
+chain restaurants- i usually stick to cozy local places when I'm traveling and even in my own city but they have some great chains
+Sweetcake also called Spekkoek- this is the best cake I have ever had, it's a layered spice cake with no additional icings or overload of sugar. You can get it at most cafes and I've mentioned one below.

So here it is, long but necessary. Mostly I am writing this entry so I don't forget these magical places the next time I am there.

SHOPPING
1/ WONDER WOOD [images 1-4]
This is a great interior design/ furniture shop that we happened to walk into upon Johans request as he's a furniture junky. As the owner stated, his shop isn't full of furniture but art and upon inspection I would agree. He was very kind and informative and even pointed out some other design shops we should visit. He had a great eye for collecting the best of vintage and modern home furnishings and we both wanted to walk out with at least half of his merchandise. Even his work desk was meticulously organized and decorated. Since we couldn't take any large items back with us on the plane (even though we were tempted to get the fan in image 4 shipped to Stockholm) we did pick up a great set of 1950's Nagel candle holders

2/ ZIPPER [image 5]
This is a vintage store packed to the bring with old and new items. There is a lot to look at and it's packed in tight but they have a great selection of glasses and accessories too. I picked up two pairs of amazing sunglasses for about 10 Euros each. This shop has a location in the cutest neighborhood in Amsterdam and a must for any fashion loving shopper. The 9 parallel streets known as The Nine Streets. This was my favorite shopping area as it's less chain oriented and much less touristy (no H&M's here).

3/ DROOG [image 6]
This is a large design oriented store and gallery that was recommended to us by the owner of Wonder Wood. It reminded me of the DesignTorget stores or a well stocked modern art museum store. They collaborate with many artists to come up with quirky yet useful items for the home. Again, there were a lot of thing I wish I could have snapped up (illuminated garment hangers!) but I couldn't resist taking home this Oil & Vinager vessel . I love cooking and I love science just as much as I love fashion and these three thing come together in a genius way. It's super fun to use as well. There is also an amazing marble filled bench that's super fun to ride on

4/ EPISODE [image 7]
This is apparently a chain which exists in the Netherlands as well as UK but hands down the best selection of leather skirts and shorts I have ever seen. I like the way they deconstruct most of their selection, combining or modernizing vintage clothes, that reminded me of my first Etsy/retail venture back in college

5/ Cora Kemperman [image 8]
A dutch designer with a perplexing selection of garments, mainly solids and knits. The store display is what led me into the shop in the first place as I had never heard of the designer before. The display reminded me of something Comme des Garcons + Junya Watanabe footwear toned down would look like. The girls at the store had created a tonal display of their hottest looks which included wing-sleeved knit jackets, circular scarfs, drop crotch leggings and striped cashmere robe style jackets. The colors were navy, black and charcoal gray. When I stepped inside, I was quite surprised to find a lot of merchandise that made my cringe (pleated, laced scarfs) but there were hidden treasures that made me scream like a schoolgirl. I fell in love with the simple lightweight drop crotch leggings priced incredibly low at 30 Euros, and a circular draped knit jacket also priced very low at 50 Euros. What I became obsessed with though was a Navy and black cashmere jacket with a wrap belt similar to this one. I tried it on and it was too long but the whole time I kept thinking about buying it. In the end I walked away empty handed but now I'm kicking myself in the ass for not buying it and am considering calling the very friendly staff to see if they might be able to deliver the luxurious jacket to my Stockholm apartment. We'll see. The shoppers might make you raise your eyebrow (I was at least 20 years younger then every lady in this shop) but I soon realized that Amsterdam is quite full of stylish middle to late aged women who appreciate draped tonal dressing as much as I do and designers who are willing to cater only to that.

6/ NUMMER 9 [image 9- total coincident]: Prinsengracht 226 1016 HD
Unfortunately this store does not have a website but definitely a must see. It's a very tiny shop filled with mostly Swedish designer such as Whyred, Dagmar and many other interesting collections. I loved the way the girl who owned the shop dressed, she has an eye for unique combos and was very nice. I walked out with a pair of distressed leggings with sheer splotches throughout (photos later)

OTHER SPOTS- not pictured
1/ A. BOEKEN
This fabric shop brought tears to my eyes. I have never seen such an amazing or large selection of fabrics in my life. Maybe I've been fabric selection deprived in Stockholm but this shop was covered from floor to ceiling (quite literally) and on their website they boast having the largest selection of latex and synthetic leathers in all of Europe and I certainly wouldn't be surprised if they did. I want to move to Amsterdam just to be close to this shop, I wouldn't have any design limitations if I could have these materials at my disposal. They also have a great selection of hardware and trims. I walked out with a great stretch netting, Nude Netting, leather ribbon and some other items that I can't wait to get started on. If you are at all interested in fashion design, this store is a MUST (take an extra duffle bag inside your luggage as you'll want to buy everything)

2/ MUSEUM OF HANDBAGS AND PURSES Need I say more? Sadly enough I can't give a good review as I totally missed out due to laziness.

3/ GOLDEN TEMPLE RESTAURANT
This is the only Indian restaurant I have ever been that serves my all time favorite dish, kitcheree which they call Dream of Aquarius (name change please). This is a classic Punjabi (the part of India I was born and raised) dish that I grew up on, although their version was not as good as mom's I would definitely eat here again.

4/CANAL BIKES
As touristy as it might seem, rent a canal bike, it's incredible fun and there is no better way to experience Amsterdam the through the canals. I liked this as opposed to the tourist boats (which we also went on) because you get to navigate your own tour and take your time.

5/ SOUP ENZO
Healthy, quick, cheap and hands down the best soup I have ever eaten

6/ B & B Lunchroom
Best sandwich shop where you can customize your sandwich any style. They have the amazing sweet cake mentioned above.
The lady who is part owner (her husband, the chef I assume is the other half) is very bitchy but the rest of the staff are really nice. This is in the middle of the busy touristy area but you'll see locals eating in here. It's worth the hassle.