Red Beret Poetry Style, Kamppi Metro Helsinki

 

 

Hi again! After looong break I saw something that was a must to draw. I saw this youngish fellow in metro of Helsinki. I was totally in my thoughts when something red made me focus the gaze. It was this man that had red beret combined with slightly darker red ruffle under his face. The rest was all black. Dark curly hair poked out from under the beret. Is this poetry in motion, or what?

On the Street. Me on Blue, Autumn Basic, Helsinki

 

This year I skipped all October drawing challenges, inktober etc. Because I have finally decided to invest time to learn how to draw with iPad and Procreate. This is the first try. My most common street style in Autumn. This outfit protects against small rains and have big pockets to carry all essentials. And if I’d like to head to the woods, I just switch to rubber boots and beanie, change this bag to mushroom basket and I am ready to dive in to mushroom hunting in woods. That is the best thing to do in weekends. 

Procreate is definitely a new learning  process. In drawing manner I have been a very analog paper and pen person… or ink or paint. But here we go, starting a new era as a dinosaur of drawing. 

Ps. This cap is the same one I have made a post in 2012, Costo hats with pompoms. Still in good use. Sustainable hats that last time. https://flashforzonzon.blogspot.com/2012/08/finnhits-costo-hats-with-pompoms.html

On the Street. Beretman, Lapinlahden Lähde, Helsinki

 

Still cold spring wibes. I saw this gentleman in Lapinlahden Lähde walking in his thoughts. I liked the color combo, blue with the grey in hair, moustaches and scarf. And the red to give a little accent. Some poetry vibe added with the beret. It is not too commonly seen headpiece in men's heads in Finland.

On the Street. Messenger of Spring, Lauttasaari, Helsinki

One of these mornings I noticed some 300 meters away a bright green spot coming closer in every step. The days had been grey and therefor a green spot like that woke me up from my inner thoughts. I went on curiously waiting what will it be while walking ahead. And then eventually I passed this green spirit. Like a messenger from Spring itself, convincing that Oh Yes, the Spring is just around the corner.

On the Street. Silk Scarf Makes the Style, Ruoholahti, Helsinki

I saw this woman from bus window. She was waiting a bus and stood there like sunshine. During winter and cold springtime people haven’t used too much color in their outfits. Therefor it was a pleasant surprise to find this carefully thought combination. Apparently inspired by spring and sunshine.

Note the bright colored silk scarf on her neck. The use of silk scarves is the knowledge of older women. Knowledge how to add the final touch to the outfit. A splash of gentle amount of pattern in otherwise quite simple outfit makes the difference.

I have promised myself try to live not to buy any new clothes. Because frankly thought, I have already something for any occasion in closet. There is one exception to this rule.

If I find a beautiful silk scarf from second-hand store at bargain price (under 10 €) I have permission to make an investment. Because that’s what it is. Silk scarf feels luxurious, the pattern and color gives many possibilities to alter the mood of outfit and the gentle warmth to neckline is welcomed in winter. With accurate care silk scarf lasts a lifetime. Good investment, right?

On the Street. Dive Into the Grey, Lauttasaari, Helsinki.

This little lady reflects perfectly the season we are about to dive in. November in Finland is a month of grey tones. At least in Helsinki area, where moist seashore climate melts all the possible temporary snowflakes before they land on the ground.

Autumn has stripped most of the trees almost naked. Instead there is beautiful silhouettes of dark tree trunks against the gray sky. Days are short. Moist wind goes under your skin… unless you have sense to grab over some wool.

Everything is all right, when you have a warm wool scarf and a layer of wool under the coat. This lady entertained herself with the phone (as we all do), while waiting for the bus to arrive. Chatting with Totoro? Why not? Just thinking this form, dark tones, grey fluffy scarf and the grey days we have had.

On the Street. Pencil Skirt and Ballerinas, Kamppi, Helsinki.

After weird spring weather it seems that the temporary snowfalls and the coldest spring season in sixty years is gone and we can finally move towards warmer days. It also appears in the Helsinki street view.

I like the sixties tone in this lady’s outfit. The girlish ballerinas combined in traditional pencil skirt and A-lined short coat. Handbag elegantly tone in tone. Finish with grey gloves. I start to think the women of Jean-Luc Godard’s films. Une femme est une femme. A woman is a woman.

On the Street. Granny in Leopard Coat, Lauttasaari, Helsinki.

I’m in love with the old grannies dressed up in leopard. Like this stunning fake fur leopard coat. This outfit makes an interesting clear form seen from distance.

This lady had all her accessories, hat, handbag and silk scarf tinted to off-white color tone. Each of these had some special texture or details. Soft furry surface in hat, golden details in handbag, violet and green flowery motifs in silk scarf. In this way the view nearby gives some extra interest.

By adding some details and texture, your outfit stays interesting whether it is seen from a distance or nearby.

Seasons. August Weather Girl Portrait.

Let me introduce you Miss August Weather Girl. Or should I say Lady. In August summer has matured to full age. The mindset is two-way. Feeling miserable because of the last moments of summer season, and on the other hand, eager to see what is behind the next corner. Holidays are over. Kids start the school again.

The weather turns variable. Sudden rain showers and next moment sun’s warming rays dry the puddles. The wind turns colder so a cardigan is a good companion. Just when you think it is the end of summer, August gives surprising consolation in the form of Indian Summer. That means warm evenings and plenty of sunshine.

Roses turn to rose hips. It is harvest time. Woods offers yellow gold in the form of chanterelles and apple trees and berry bushes are full of yield. It is busy time for the ones who like to save the taste of summer to freezer.

* * *
In Finland each month has its own character and weather type. Four main seasons, but even each month has something of their own.

If you want to see the whole series click the tag ”seasons” below.

On the Street. Choose Your Color, Kaisaniemi, Helsinki.

Here we have a simple trick to look nice without too much effort. Choose one accent color to complement the usual black look. Like in this case green scarf and stockings. The dimensions and length of different pieces in this outfit somehow feels like 20th century.
I can smell a hint of springtime also.

On the Street. Beanie Girls, Forum, Helsinki.

Girls girls girls, at some point, say, under twenties girls may have this idea. The idea to dress similar way as friends do. If one invents some splendid style idea it is soon shared with best friends.

This felt to be the case with these girls hanging out in a cafe. All three dressed in look alike beanies and straight hair peeking on both sides of cheeks, otherwise tones of grey to black. And yes, this is the way to feel safe in confusing world. Be part of something, to be sure of themselves. Maybe later there will be time to make more individual choices.

Finnhits. gTIE Attitude Neckwear.

Jenni Ahtiainen, the designer of gTIE is out of the box -thinker. Now it’s time to introduce her brand gTIE in the series of pearls of Finnish Design brand aka Finnhits.

gTIE offers an alternative to people who feel the traditional tie is so seen and boring. It is a brand for people who prefer to be a bit original. gTIE offers innovative neckwear and accessories for men and women. Materials are silk, leather and silver. The attitude is slightly rock and definitely alternative.

She’s won many friends for her design among the celebrities. Her designs have been at the Golden Globes, Oscars, American Music Awards and Eurovision Song Contest.

The products are manufactured in Finland homeland territory. The materials are used effectively to the last scrap. Craftsmanship is close to Jenni’s heart despite the design nature of her brand. She is definitely the one that is not contented just thinking of doing. I her own words: I will go down in history as the woman who revolutionized neckwear.

I visited the gTIE shop. It is decorated with all kinds of antique lamps, mirrors, chairs, clocks. Craftsmanship is important part of the space itself. I was told that the origin of the stuff was her mothers antique shop. And really, when I think of gTIE products it has kind of historical aspect although it same time feels modern. If the surroundings in the childhood has been filled with antique furniture, it must have had some influence to the esthetics Jenni is after in these days.

The lady in the first illustration is actually street style. I met her in Old Students House in Helsinki and was absolutely thrilled about the style she had drawn her eyebrows high on the forehead. White and pale as valkyrie and dressed in black. And truly, she had the gTIE Jack the Noble Pirate around her neck.

Here we come to the end of this fan post.
Now if you'd like to find out more about gTIE click your way to gTIE website and webshop .
gTIE store in Helsinki you can find at Unioninkatu 27.

On the Street. Redhead With Ears Hat, Bus 65, Helsinki.

When I went to the city by bus 65, this lovely redhead sat opposite to me.
Divine red hair flows under the good mood hat with small cute ears. What more? You can image the rest in your mind. She had pink flamingos-print backpack and pink sneakers with floral print.

Catwalk. Belt Ideas for SS 2015.

Looking through the Vogue SS2015 catalog I found some nice ideas for the belt as accessory. Dior had leather belts with whip-like tail. Saint Laurent had this red wide front tie belt. Especially in summer it is easy to alter the look of simple one color dress with using different types of belts.

Finnish designer Jukka Rintala had a little same kind on front tie belt in his collection last summer. It had borrowed the appearance of men in tuxedo belt. Although the feeling was way more feminine. In this case the belt strips are knotted in a bow tie.

This kind of cloth belt could be made as a diy-project. To measure the right length you can use a long rope or ribbon that it would go twice round the body plus the length that the bow tie needs.

On the Street. Bold Colored Accessories, Laru, Helsinki.

 It’s time to dig warm scarves and beanies from the storage against the November creeping coldness. And wind. And did I mention darkness? Yes, there is also darkness. And against darkness we would better have a pedestrian safety reflector in the interests of keeping alive in traffic. It really has saved lives. And for our mind’s sake using colorful accessories may be a good thing to cheer up. At least I was delighted to see this bold colored twin set of scarf and beanie.

If you are seeking for more ideas to avoid dark day melancholy, you may click your way to 2012 November post: November Blue Love Poem. There is some remedy for this darkness.

The Best Travel Accessories: Black Square Scarf 5 Different Ways.

There has been a little blog silence around here Flash For Zonzon because of summer vacation. This time I took a total break of electronic devices and even the Internet. Quite relaxing experience, by the way. The method was an old school round trip with car in my home country Finland (and a bit in Norway too). Starting from Helsinki to the shores of arctic Ocean and back again along the west coast.

I was curious and ready to see if there was anything to see in the field of street style in the rest of the country than Helsinki. But believe me, the fells of Lapland didn't have much to offer in this respect. The reindeer looks like reindeer. Only on the road you could see some tribal dress codes like motorcyclists in their black leather uniforms.

What do you pack for a trip like this? The answer is as little as possible. Besides toothbrush and sunhat the next most important thing was a black square scarf. And now I will tell you how handy piece of accessory it is.

This scarf of mine is a fair-sized (100 cm x 100 cm) made of lightweight black cotton. When traveling by car in summer there is always air condition on. And in T-shirt there is a good possibility to get cold despite the fact that the outside is 25 degrees hot. The cool wind blowing like that. Ooh la-la, the scarf wrapped around the neck will save from this misery.

In northern Finland there is one minus in summertime. And that is the armies of mosquitoes and other biting little insects that are attacking once you put your head outside. They can be very annoying when trying to set up a tent at the end of the day. But with the square scarf there is no trouble. Just wrap the scarf around your head and you are safe. 

When wardrobe consists of T-shirts only it is possible to alter a look with the help of the scarf. Fold a square scarf looking like belt. Like this you can get a nice waistline for a change.

Then again in a trip like this the shower is not always right next to you. So it is nice to be able to forget the hair totally. The method is to fold the scarf to turban-like thing. Hide your hair in a turban. This way you get a nice bow tie on the top.

The nights are very luminous in summertime in Finland. When sleeping in a tent it can be a bit difficult to get sleep in the evening. In that point you can count on your black lightweight scarf again. Just cover your eyes lightly with the black scarf and you are already sleeping. First I did the trick to kids and then myself. Good nighty-night.

 

Disclaimer. I bought this multi-function black scarf from Varusteleka for 4 euros or so and it is worth every cent.

Catwalk. Good Solutions for Bad Hair Day, SS 2013.

 

Hi everybody! The Summer has finally arrived in Helsinki. Ooh, the sweet sunshine and warmth. We have been waiting but now it's time to enjoy the best of this summer season.

When days get really hot it's nice to tie the hair off your neck. Also, if you happen to have a bad hair day, the best solution is to tie the hair in ponytail or bun. In catwalks of SS 2013 we saw some ideas how to embellish or help you to forget the whole hair mess.

I like a lot the idea of Dolce & Gabbana SS 2013. Bun first, then tie silk scarf around your head. Girly and elegant. 

Max Mara SS 2013 presented another solution that is handy for bad hair day. All you need is a tube scarf of right color and you are salon operating at once.

Also Marc by Marc Jacobs used head scarves in his SS 2013 collection. I loved the way he combined the different patterns with each other. Here we saw that a scarf is a very variable accessory. You can bind your summer dress with scarf of protect your head from the burning the sun or cover your neck and shoulders.

 I sure am a scarf person as my mother is. Back in the 70's when I was kid, the use of head scarves was a kind of fashion. My mother also tied a white scarf around her head. It became a little turban-like result. Then she felt to be very stylish, as she was. But then a neighbor's child commented whether our mother hurt her head.

Well, let's say it may lead to misunderstandings if you are the true pioneer in fashion.

On the Street. Bow Tie With Moustache, Mannerheimintie, Helsinki.

This bright yellow sweater caught my attention on the street, while I traveled tram past the Parliament House. Oh boy, the man had moustache and bow tie as well! Splendid! This is just the vision I longed for in my previous post about Charley Chaplin's bow tie. Modern version of the combination of bow tie with moustache.

On the Street. The Mystery of the Fox Girl, Kamppi, Helsinki.

A hat is an essential accessory around here in winter times. Frost and snowing is much more pleasant when you have your head warmly covered. Few days ago I saw this fox-like hat. Somehow that suited well to my mood and gave me a motif for a little Christmas story.

MYSTERY OF THE FOX GIRL
On the last week before Christmas some forest animals dare to explore the habits of people. To make sure to be safe among people they change themselves to human form. This Fox Girl is now among us in Helsinki looking around wondering lights and odd things it sees. It is used to interpret the shadows and paw prints in the snow. It doesn't know what to think about all it sees in the town of Helsinki. The Fox Girl returns back to the woods a bit confused and it is very happy to be able to dive under the spruce branches with no lights on.

My Style. Wanted Ladies Boots size 39.

Few weeks ago I saw my dream pair of boots in The Style Manifest -bog. I was like Oh Wow, here they are in their beauty with all perforated details.

I left a comment with hopes that there would be female sizes available too. In the comment I'm still hopeful, but I was left with nothing. The sizes begun from 40. My size is 38-39, depending on the shoe. I thought a while to go to foot stretch to get bigger feet. In the end I rejected the idea and decided to do a WANTED-poster instead of it.

If you dear readers have seen these kind of leather boots for ladies in some web shop please give me a tip. I could wear these boots with almost anything. But so far I'm still dreaming.