Quarantine Routine

Amy’s studio in NYC.

Hi all hope you are safe.

I am writing this entry with slightly mixed feelings. It is pretty wild out there! I returned to Finland on Friday which means I will spend the next two weeks in quarantine. I was saddened to leave, but thankfully I did not have to make that decision on my own and, to be honest, I have no clue what I will do next. But I believe coronavirus presents an opportunity to pause and reflect. To think about who you are or want to be. What are your priorities?

I went through a very severe burn-out and panic disorder after university. It paused my life for two and half years and brought me to question everything. It was a very extreme and difficult time period, but I had to learn to accept whatever comes without judgement and let go. Despite the unprecedented nature of the current situation I find myself feeling calm and at home with myself.

While I have been privileged enough to benefit from therapy, my experience of stress is a physical one and I have found relief from low-intensity workouts like pilates and yoga. I also attend restorative yoga classes weekly and meditate using Headspace daily because they activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

Many of my friends will offer online classes whereby high quality teaching is going to be more accessible than ever. I will continue to train with these talented teachers during this period:

• BAY Helsinki is where I started my pilates journey and their founder and my teacher, Julia, will offer the first mat pilates classes for free! Follow the link in order to sign up. I will join Hanna’s serene yoga classes too.

• Johanna, the founder of Proud Pilates, used train Hollywood actors with the classical ethos in London. She is responsible for transforming my body. Enough said?

• Amy Nelms of Flatiron is a pure genius! Amy only offers one-on-one instruction in her NYC studio, but she has recently released a free 15 minute routine on IGTV. I am doing it daily!

• I had the privilege of training with Kirsten King of Fluidform at her boutique studio while I lived in Sydney. Her online program looks kick ass!

• I will go back to doing Ballet Beautiful as well. It is a very effective method and easy to do from the comfort of your own home.

• I usually start my day by doing a quick 15 minute Boho Beautiful yoga. Their online selection ranges from yin yoga to HIIT classes. One of my favorites is their Transform program which I have completed three or four times.

• Headspace is a beautiful business as they promote meditation free of any spiritual and religious associations. It is all about calming the mind. This link will lead to the selection of free meditations they offer during the crisis.

I would also love to hear your restorative yoga suggestions?

Love Hanna

Western Australia

Somewhere near the Box …

These snapshots were taken in Western Australia in early February. A friend of mine invited me to go over, as she had some time off work and studies. She owns a van so, obviously, the plan was to live off the grid and see what the south of Perth has got to offer. We drove all the way down to Denmark, a small surf town at the bottom of Australia. Along the way the beaches were unreal to say at least! I don’t know where to begin, but Western Australia is a gem: a lot less people, great wine and the scenery is ridiculously good. Also, if you go to a bar, it is likely that everybody goes to the same bar, which means it’s going to be an epic night. An answer to the question of the questions: where to meet people.

The only thing that got me regretting is the fact that we did not have enough time to travel down to Esperance, which should be the most beautiful place. But I am sure I will be back.

Hamelin Bay

Smiths Beach

New Zealand

The picture above is from early January when I went to New Zealand for one of my closest friends got married there. It features a house that would be my dream home. Isolated, on top of a cliff… hell yessss. Anyhow, I loved every minute of hanging out with people I have known for years and just enjoying the scenery. New Zealand is so special and beautiful. It is my favourite place. If you ever get a chance, please visit the South Island and I promise you won`t regret it.

I was able to get some wear out of these bad boys too. They are the comfiest shoes I have ever worn, but definitely not ideal for hiking.

New Chapter

Beach towel from Totême.

Hi from Sydney!

As Styleby discontinues blogging, I have decided to continue writing on my own platform.

But firstly, I am deeply grateful for the old team behind Styleby magazine - Jonna, Elina, Mikaela, Columbine - for they asked me to join such a talented group of women as an influencer and editor. It has been the most humbling experience and I don’t think my life will ever be the same. Cannot wait to see all of you soon!

Secondly, you might have noticed I have relocated to Australia since the last entry. I am currently in Sydney, where I used to live as an exchange student some ten years ago, and it feels nice to be back. I had been dreaming of coming back to live in Aussie for years and being able to do that feels very privileged.

Thirdly, as I start this new chapter, I want to continue posting only highly considered content. That means I might not post everyday. The thing is I am bit sick of stuff and I don’t think we should be wanting something new everyday in 2020. It is more about choosing well and caring for what we already have.

I will be adding selected posts from the old archives to the site over the next few weeks. Please be patient. Anyhow, hope you like it!

These photos are from the walk from Bondi to Bronte in Sydney.

Flatiron Pilates

I have been doing pilates (mainly reformer) for over two years now and it has completely changed my body, given me so much strength as well as flexibility. Therefore visiting new studios has become a thing while I am away, as I try to stick to my routine and learn more. Booking a class with Amy Nelms of Flatiron Pilates was the first thing I did after I knew I would go to NYC. And it was totally worth it! Amy is very lovely and she really does focus on your body’s needs and she gave me a few exercises I need to do at home to keep my body in balance.

Also, her studio is gorgeous! We definitely have the same mood, I mean it’s quite hilarious, but the first things I noticed were the crystals and a Byredo hand cream. Thankfully I don’t take myself too seriously…

Cannot wait to see you soon again babe! x

You can find Amy here. 

Ricari Studios

Usually when I go on a vacation, I have certain things on my mind that I want to do and purchase. Though my plan for New York was a bit different, see, I’d rather do things and treat myself to a wellness plan. Something has changed there! Maybe it’s because I’ve realised I won’t get any younger and I think my body deserves the best instead of seeing beauty treatments as a luxury I cannot afford. Not to say cellular stimulation at RICARI STUDIOS would not feel like the utmost luxury, it certainly does when you enter the space through a designer showroom, but appreciating my body’s needs has become a new priority.

After a couple of flights and the wedding (read wedding week in the American sense of things) in Atlanta I felt as bloated as one could. Actually, I suffer from poor lymphatic circulation, so what they do at RICARI STUDIOS is perfect for me. After just one treatment, two litres of water and a bit of sweating – it’s a two-part treatment – I felt amazing on the following day and did not feel bloated before I returned back to Finland. The point is not to loose weight, but instead it moves and awakens your system.

Find Ricari Studios here.

The Row Los Angeles Store

The entrance.

I am super interest in today’s customer experience, because I think it is quite sad how so many brands haven’t stepped up their offline game. The Row surely isn’t one of those brands, as their LA store pushes all the right buttons.

It may as be my all-time favourite store, I mean I just kept on adding new pieces of decor to my wish list along with the clothes. I also think the store showcases the clothes in a context, which makes everything more tempting. That’s what good branding is all about.

Visit the store on 8440 Melrose Place, Los Angeles. 

Ginza Flip Flop

I spent a couple of days in LA last week, where The Row’s store in Melrose Place is a must. I have been eyeing the Japanese inspired Ginza flip flops for a while, and maybe I will splurge on them now that I have reached NYC. I will start posting some more photos from my vacay in the U.S. in the meantime.

‘Ginza’ flip flops THE ROW

Contains commercial links.

Céline Nude Sandal

I just had to check in to let you know that I have finally managed to catch the dreamiest pair of summer sandals! Céline by Phoebe Philo, of course! I had to contact to sourcers in order to get my hands on them.

They should arrive tomorrow, as I had to postpone the delivery due to family engagement. Cannot wait!!!!

‘Nude’ leather sandal CÈLINE by Phoebe Philo

San Francisco Photo Diary

Here’s a few piccies from California. It was my second time in San Francisco, so I kind of wanted to take it easy and hang out on the beach and eat well. My sweet Styleby colleague Hanna Mw told me about Tartine Manufactory, a restaurant which I would also highly recommend. They have amazing cocktails!

Tartine Manufactory on 595 Alabama St

Blue skies, the ocean as well as the nature are my favourite things in California. It is pretty sad I cannot make to LA on this trip, but I am sure I will be back in this part of the world quite soon.

Shopping limited to window shopping and just trying on the dreamiest of pieces when one goes on an unplanned vacation  (read: I did not save up for this trip) is totally cool in my books. But lets take a moment to appreciate how damn gorgeous this ring by Ana Khouri is!

ring ANA KHOURI at Barneys New York

One of my favourite places; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The ongoing exhibitions include the likes of Alexander Calder and Louise Bourgeois, and I think just walking around the recently renovated museum is totally worth your time.

SFMOMA on 151 Third St

Contains commercial links.

Bar Agricultur

I had one culinary stop in mind in Stockholm last week. In the fall during my last visit our Columbine Smille told me about this small restaurant on Skånegatan, which is would be a must! I did not have time back then, but made it a priority this time around.

Thankfully so because I loved their simple atmosphere and very deliciously menu, and of course they make really tasty G&Ts. I had one spiced with celery!

Bar Agricultur on Skånegatan 79

Céline Puffer Vest

Here is a puffer vest I tried on in Paris approximately five months ago and completely fell in love. It was way above my budget back then, but I found on Vestiare at a very good price point not too long ago. Sooo… now I have it in my wardrobe and I know it will be much loved all-year-round, I might even need over the Midsummer in Finland. Lets hope not!

puffer vest CÈLINE

Contains commercial links.