Note 26 - The HH Postcard
Totême coat, Aritzia jeans & bag, Aeyde boots
The HH Postcard - HH for Hansestadt Hamburg, signifying Hamburg’s historical status as a member of the medieval Hanseatic League trade alliance.
Happy Sunday!
It’s the end of another remarkable week here in Hamburg, and honestly, being here just feels right. I’ve been pushing myself out of my comfort zone (especially with my German, but I’m getting there) and finding a real sense of peace in the process.
One evening, while walking by the waterfront, I had one of those rare "lightning in a bottle" moments of reflection. I realized how comfortable I’ve been navigating this city, how quickly I adapt to new environments and how excited I am for whatever comes next.
My week was a perfect mix of social and solo. My friend Martine visited over the weekend (she vlogged the whole thing, so keep an eye out on her YouTube channel to watch it), but the rest of the week was dedicated to my own company. I genuinely enjoy doing things by myself, whether that’s sitting in a café reading my book or going to see a movie. I never feel like I’m missing out or I should be embarrassed, but that might be a perk of being an introvert. These moments alone turned out to be some of the highlights of my trip… but more on that below!
What I Wore This Week
Blazer - Dagmar / Skirt- Zara
Top - Doên / Jeans - Rohe / Bag - Liffner
Instead of sharing every outfit I wore this week, I decided to highlight just a few that I really loved.
The first look is the one in the cover image, featuring probably my last chance this year to wear a wool coat (or at least I hope so). I love this Totême coat so much, and you’ve seen it on the blog before. It feels like such an effortless piece: I felt confident wearing it and liked how easily it dressed down with black boots and blue jeans.
The second outfit is what I wore to a classical concert at the Elbphilharmonie. I’ve always loved the look of a blazer layered over a long dress or skirt, and here it felt like the perfect balance of elegant enough for the occasion, but still comfortable. I’d even say it had a slightly artsy feel, perfect for a concert!
The last outfit is what I wore on a typical school day, and again, something in which I really felt like myself. The Doên top is a staple in my wardrobe, I even own it in three colours, but I especially love the romantic feel of the white one. I paired it with my Liffner tote bag and oversized Rohé jeans.
Everyday Delights
The making of our jewelry
Smykbar
Final result
To celebrate Martine’s birthday, I wanted to plan a fun activity for us to do together. I came across this Danish shop called Smykbar, located in Ottensen, that's essentially a jewelry café where you can create your own pieces with beautiful beads while sipping on a latte, matcha, or tea.
The space itself is beautiful. I immediately felt inspired! Their selection of beads and materials was very high quality: all the gold pieces are gold-plated, and they use freshwater pearls. The employees were so lovely and helpful that we ended up chatting with one of the girls working there, who is usually based in Copenhagen. She helped us finish off our bracelets, and the whole experience felt like such a perfect little snapshot of girlhood.
I’m obsessed with the bracelets we’ve made, and I’m sure that afternoon will be one of my favourite memories from my time in Hamburg.
The Elbphilharmonie
Großer Saal
Sunset in the harbor
Another highlight was, of course, the concert I attended at the Elbphilharmonie. The “Elphi,” as Germans like to call it, is probably one of my favourite buildings ever. I love the contrast between the historic brick base and the sculptural, wave-like glass structure on top. Every time I see it in the evening, it glistens in the light of the sunset, and I can’t help but stop and look.
Before the concert, I spent some time by the harbour, enjoying the sunset and the soft pastel colours in the sky. Then I headed into the concert hall for an evening with the Birmingham Orchestra, which performed works by Tchaikovsky and Walton. The acoustics in the hall were incredible, and the music truly moved me. Another highlight in the books!
The flowers outside Café Marktstraße 25
Early morning fluorescent sunrise
Lemony Miso Rice Stew with dill, pumpkin seed pesto and sourdough bread at ÆNDRÈ
Zeise Kino
When visiting a new city, I love discovering new cafés and lunch spots, and it’s no different when I’m in Hamburg. I would especially recommend the restaurant ÆNDRÈ for healthy, seasonal breakfasts or lunches, served on beautiful ceramics in a really cozy setting (they had Mac Miller’s Circle playing on loop). I also loved Café Marktstraße 25, which has such a pretty, laid-back feel. The pink flowers on the tables outside the café brought me so much joy!
Once again, I have to mention another sunrise. I’ve been so lucky with the sky since arriving here; it seems to offer new colours every morning. I took this photo early in the day, and it reminded me why I love waking up early: those quiet moments before the city fully wakes up always feel a little bit special.
Finally, I took myself on a solo date at the cinema to watch Marty Supreme. While I didn’t love the movie that much, I thought the cinema I visited (Zeise Kino) was really pretty and had a lot more character than the very commercial theatres I’m used to back home.
This Week’s Edit
A recent discovery of mine. Mandy Blomqvist is a Stockholm-based marketer who shares daily vlogs about her life in the Scandinavian capital and her 9-to-5 routine. I’m always fascinated by these kinds of videos featuring little glimpses into people’s everyday lives and routines, they make me even more excited about building a life in Europe. Her style is also impeccable!
Enamel Copenhagen Bell Hoop Earrings
Enamel Copenhagen is one of my favourite everyday jewellery brands. I’ve worn their chain bracelets for years, and they’ve always held up beautifully (even though I never take them off to swim or shower). While browsing at the Danish store Illums Bolighus, I found these stunning hoop earrings with a sculptural feel and a subtle sparkly detail. I love them, they are exactly my style! I also added another pair of gorgeous hoops from them onto my wish list for another time!
We Would Have Told Each Other Everything, Judith Hermann
I started reading this German translation of a book set in northern Germany about a woman’s life, her thoughts, her relationships, and her everyday experiences. It’s a blend of fiction and memoir, and it’s such a pleasant read. I haven’t finished it yet as I’m writing this, but I already know it’s going to get a good rating from me.
I’m a big fan of the Amsterdam-based brand Love Stories Intimates. Their pieces strike the perfect balance between comfort and beauty, and their classic triangle bralettes are a staple in my life. I recently discovered their collaboration with the Danish label ROTATE, and I’m especially loving the butter yellow and black colour combinations. It’s such a simple palette, but incredibly chic.
Love, S.
