new shop / blog themes edition

Since last November I've been dreaming of a shop completely ideated and created by me, hosted under my domain. I've been slowly working on this for couple months now and I'm really happy with how it turned out. It's finally online, featuring the new blog themes edition. Nine new Blogger themes, only 10 examples of each one, customizable in fonts and colors, elegant, stylish and modern, created following the latest graphic and web tendencies. 

The navigation is really simple because my main goal was to make an easy and intuitive user experience and provide detailed product information. Last months were an intense learning experience for me, with many positive and motivating situations, but there were also a few negative of them, that hurt my naivety and honesty. Among the other things, I've learned that I should protect myself and my work. I was slowly building my policies and I'm sure there will be more things to add as the time goes by. The custom section is coming soon, but don't hesitate to contact me if you already have an idea that's impatient to be translated into a working product.

So, feel free to visit the brand new shop, browse through the first and the second edition of Blogger themes, or simply read more about La Designerie's philosophy. I hope you'll find something that best suits your current style and needs.

stockholm: bikes

Oh, it's already Friday! The week literally flew by, and before we all (ok, almost all) dive in the weekend, I wanted to share more Stockholm moments. This post is completely dedicated to its lovely bikes, that particular thing that brings quality to our life (I still can't forget my vintage holland bike, stolen one month ago, sigh!). 

One of the most surprising things I noticed while I was walking around the city was its safety. Can you immagine leaving your bike unlocked? Probably not, except if you live in Stockholm. There were tons of unlocked bikes all over the city, it took me a while to realize that it wasn't an isolate case, but normality. Chapeau!

Next week I will take a pause from the Stockholm sceneries, there will be news to share (hopefully!), more inspiration, beautiful finds, etc. 

Have a lovely weekend all!

stockholm: views

Every time I visit a city, I try to experience its beauty from many perspectives. Boats, buses, funicular, city elevators are some of them, as well as the walking routes. Stockholm offers many of them, but the boats are a must. The central city area is located on 14 islands and the best way to experience the Stockholm's archipelago is to travel by ferry from island to island. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to enjoy all the green gems on the water, but the small part we saw was such a breathtaking experience.

Stockholm architecture is elegant but modest and austere. Most of the buildings are saffron - and terracotta - toned, what gives the city a warm and hospitable look. The city was particularly beautiful at sunset – a long, golden sunset we had the pleasure to enjoy till late, since at midnight the sky was still illuminated. 

monday inspiration

I hope you had a beautiful weekend! This is a break from the Stockholm stories, with some pinterest favorites of mine. I'm not a huge fan of the blue and turquoise but summer is the air and we're heading to warm days, blue skies and deep limpid waters.

Wish you a happy new week!

stockholm: cafés

Today is one of those days when all you need is a small temporary change to your working habits. This morning I woke up wishing to put my turquoise linen skirt and the white cotton t-shirt; to grab my... ehm I don't have a lap top and the 10 kg iMac is not that simple to "grab", so I would probably take the iPad; to walk 15 minutes to my favorite coffee shop, smiling at the sun and the people; then, to sit near the shop window, to order a double espresso and to start writting this post, answering the emails, catching up with current projects. Just a dream.

The city where I currently live is a big city with many opportunities, but the "coffices" aren't among them. After 4 years, I still hardly accept the different coffee culture, here. But this post is not about my reality,  it's about the dream from above, I was lucky enough to meet twice: in Berlin four years ago, and in Stockholm, a few weeks ago. 

Stockholm is full of beautiful, original and unique cafès, crowded at any time of the day. Going to a cafè is not about to see and to be seen as it meant to be in Macedonia, or just a basic necessity downed in one, standing, like in Italy. Somewhat, it's just extension of an activity or place. Consequently, you can see a wast game of different situations like a young mother drinking something with her baby, sleeping on the small couch next to; or a woman drinking her orange juice while fervently writes something on her lap top; or a fashionable blond adolescent reading the newspaper while drinking his huge cup of caffè latte or something like that; or a small group of ladies cheerfully talking and smiling; or a funny father with his three kids playing a social game; or a beautiful woman in her forties reading a book and scribbling something on her notebook... The list can go on and on.

You feel comfortable, no matter if you're working, reading something, in company or alone, or simply peering at the people on the street. The waiters don't look at you waiting impatiently another order 20 minutes after the first one, or to see you leaving as soon as possible if you ordered only a cup of coffee at 1 p.m.

I'm in love with the way how the Swedish extend their homes and offices, bringig many everyday activities in the coffee shops, with such a spontaneity and individuality. I really hardly need something like this in my life.