TorontoVerve in Stockholm: David & Louyse - Skomakargatan

TorontoVerve in Stockholm!

[Historical buildings at Stortorget Square, Gamla Stan (the Old Town), Stadsholmen Island]

Our trip to the capital city of Sweden was an unforgettable experience! We absolutely loved Stockholm's architecture -- rich with character and design.

Stockholmers are very big on healthy living. The popular trend of outdoor public gyms and cycling culture was inspiring -- so much so that we eagerly hopped on the very affordable and convenient Stockholm City Bikes when touring the city.

But we were mostly amazed by the people, who were extremely friendly and approachable. Not long after Dorothy and I opened a map, someone would offer to help us.

[Designed by Lena M Sweden]

We were in awe seeing the fully intact 17th Century ship, Vasa, at the Vasa Museum. The ship itself was simply amazing, and the museum's exhibitions about its story and occupants were extremely engaging and informative. If you're ever in Stockholm, it's a must-see.

We also stopped by Fotografiska to see the Motohiko Odani installation and Helmut Newton exhibit and were impressed by the artists' work and the centre's appreciation for contemporary photography.

And of course, what trip to Stockholm would be complete without a visit to the ABBA Museum! It's an interactive and incredible tribute to Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid.

And what can I say about Stockholm's street style? It was fantastic. Looking for street style can be a painstaking task, but in Stockholm, it was effortless. The men's fashion was especially spectacular. Their suits were colourful and well-tailored. The women's fashion was hip and elegant.

Stockholm is a street style blogger's dream.

Enjoy this week's feature of Stockholm street style.

- Nigel.

TorontoVerve in Amsterdam: Marc - P.C. Hooftstraat

P.C. Hooftstraat is widely known as Amsterdam's Rodeo Drive with its high class and fashion.  Indeed, Marc effortlessly exudes both with his flawless style.

"I'm wearing all Ralph Lauren -- it's my look. I work here at the Lauren store and I just love the brand. I certainly don't shy away from bright colours."

TorontoVerve made #5 on Street Style News' Daily Most Popular Chart:
http://www.streetstylenews.com/most-popular-july-7-2013/

TorontoVerve in Amsterdam: Lenneke - Runstraat

"My style is simple. I'm a product designer so -- of course -- other designers inspire me, but I always try to find my own thing with fabrics and cuts.

Lenneke's self-titled website, lennekelangenhuijsen.com, showcases her designs.

"I designed a new material called wooden textiles, which I'm putting out in the market."

TorontoVerve in Amsterdam: Viktoria - Berenstraat

"My style is casual and comfortable. I made this dress myself."

Viktoria is a budding designer and plans to study fashion this fall.

TorontoVerve in Amsterdam: Gary - Elandsgracht

We were eyeing the oysters at Palladio on Elandsgracht, but before sitting down for dinner, it was Gary's cool look on the patio that first caught our attention.

"My style can be best described as casual classic. I get inspiration from whatever I see -- even from styles I wouldn't normally choose myself; however, I'll pick something from what I think is interesting and embellish from there."

Gary manages a division at G-STAR RAW -- a hip denim line.

TorontoVerve in Amsterdam: Rachel - Willems Parkweg

Rachel has a thing for vintage. She loves to shop at her local boutique Bij Ons Vintage and often looks for vintage treasures (like this stunning floral dress) online.

TorontoVerve in Amsterdam: Pip - P.C. Hooftstraat

"My style is a bit of English, Italian and me. My older brother inspires my fashion. He has a good eye."

TorontoVerve in Amsterdam - Sara, Josephine & Stella - Hobbemastraat

We were standing at the corner of P.C. Hooftstraat and Hobbemastraat when Sara rode passed us with her daughters, Josephine (left) and Stella (right). Thankfully, we were able to catch up to them to capture this precious moment.

TorontoVerve in Amsterdam: Vanessa - P.C. Hooftstraat

TorontoVerve in Amsterdam: Neel - Haarlemmerweg

Dorothy and I were lost on Haarlemmerweg when we ran into Neel, who was rushing to a wedding.

"They asked us to look beautiful and happy so I chose this dress."

TorontoVerve in Amsterdam!

Amsterdam -- the city of canals was the second stop on our European trip. We instantly felt at home -- thanks in great part to our bed and breakfast, B&B Quartier Neuf, and we were also charmed by the city's eloquent streets and incredible views.

Seeing the residents' symbiotic relationship with the canals was especially inspiring.

And we were strongly impressed with Amsterdam's love and respect for cycling. Despite the narrow roads and sidewalks, cyclists have a dedicated lane virtually anywhere in the city. One resident amusingly describes the hierarchy on the road as "cyclists first, pedestrians second and cars third." A far contrast from our beloved Toronto.

Indeed, if you're going to shoot street style in Amsterdam, you're going to need a bike because many of the well-dressed locals are barrelling down roads and over bridges on 2 wheels. So to catch up with these fashionable cyclists, we rented inconspicuous black bikes at Bike City.

This week, TorontoVerve will be featuring amazing Amsterdam street style.

Let us know what you think.

- Nigel

TorontoVerve in Paris: Luna - Rue Du Parc Royal

"My style can be described as misfit and retro. I do a lot of thrift shopping in the States. I buy vintage jackets and redesign them myself to sell on Etsy."

TorontoVerve in Paris: Techatorn - Rue Pavée

"I like to mix and match my unique creations with popular street brands and vintage pieces."

Techatorn is a designer who is currently working freelance. Interestingly, his own personal designs are made with woods and plastics. Look for his creations sometime next year.

TorontoVerve in Paris: Yoann - Rue Des Francs Bourgeois

"My style is often influenced by films from the 1930's. Cary Grant is an inspiration."

TorontoVerve made #5 on Street Style News' Daily Most Popular Chart:
http://www.streetstylenews.com/most-popular-june-28-2013/

TorontoVerve in Paris: Jeremy - Rue Des Francs Bourgeois

TorontoVerve in Paris: Alexia & Romain - Rue Tiquetonne

TorontoVerve in Paris: Nzynga - Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery is the resting place of the Doors' Jim Morrison, and while in Paris, I wanted to pay my respects to the talented singer. As I was leaving, I saw Nzynga approaching his grave. I couldn't help but notice her cool retro ensemble -- a fitting tribute to the band leader. 

Ordinarily, I wouldn't think of shooting street style in a cemetery, but I couldn't pass up on this opportunity. Interestingly, Nzynga told me that her 60's look wasn't a tribute -- it was pure coincidence. 

I think the Lizard King would be pleased just the same.

TorontoVerve in Paris: Igor - Rue Des Francs Bourgeois

"My style is smart casual."

TorontoVerve in Paris: A Few Good Men - Rue Mazarine

These two gents were very successful selling tickets for their annual firemen raffle to passers-by.