Weekly Vintage News….

Inspiration of how to wear stripes

Hello everyone, my days are filled with finding inspiration everywhere, finding new ideas which excite me, from there I walk around Vintage shops to eagerly see what the thrift shops have, which I then combine with what I discovered. As we know, these amazing inspiring shops style and present the newest of trends, which gives insight to everyone, whether you are a stylist, a designer, buyer, or simply wanting to know for yourself what you like and how to creatively curate your own look.

This week it is all about Stripes… Stripe Shirts to be specific…..

Simple stripe shirts are incredibly versatile, they can be paired in so many different ways and with different materials. You can explore different colours, with the white ground as the base, which helps make the garment sit neatly into your capsule wardrobe. Here are some designs I have found, as well as some styling inspiration and stripes I have designed my self. Like the spots I did, it is extremely therapeutic to paint or draw this concept. Enjoy.

Red and Burgundy are the seasons colours, and a great colour for simple stripes

Blue and Navy is the classic, worn very easily with any thing

Green is a fresh colour to wear, including seesucker as base to add texture

What materials used to make the stripes - enjoy exploring

Vintage Weekly News

Hello everyone, this is where you find inspiration from Vintage shops, each week I eagerly see what the thrift shops have been up to as the seasons change. These amazing inspiring shops style and present the newest of trends, which gives inspiration to everyone, whether you are a stylist, a designer, buyer or simply knowing for your self what you like and how to creatively curate your own look.

This week it is all about Ties…..

Ties are making a well deserved come back, and the vintage or thrift shops are the perfect places to find this accessory, colours, materials (silk or knitted) and the patterns can be extremely unique. A perfect way to style up with a blazer, shirt or even a keep it simple with a relaxed piece of knitwear.

Brocante Second Hand Hornsgatan 71, 118 49 Stockholm & Napoli Centrale Italian Vintage Sankt Paulsgatan 3, 118 46 Stockholm

At first it can feel strange to wear, or formal in appearance. Remembering how to knot (this therapeutic movement reminds me of my school mornings). Ties also come in different shapes thin or thick, silk or knitted, keep in mind what you have in your wardrobe so you can style easily, keep to dark bases as a tip, as this can easily be paired with other garments and the contrast against a white shirt is perfect, and then you can build on layering.

The look can also be smart or casual, so you can find what works for you easily. Once you start looking, you will be mesmerised by all the different designs you can find and bring back nostalgia, bow ties can also be an option to try on and explore.

Siv & Åke on Sankt Paulsgatan 20, 118 48 Stockholm

Here is some ideas of how you can build on this look, keeping it simple with a white shirt, pairing with different materials, shapes and silhouettes. Blazers which is a staple in your wardrobe gives this look a different feel, I also like how you can keep the look casual withs uede, cord or denim shirts. Pick a tie which has tonal colours which fit your wardrobe will make it easier.

Using the same tie, you can create different looks.

Vintage Weekly News

Napoli Centrale Italian Vintage Sankt Paulsgatan 3, 118 46 Stockholm

Hello everyone, this is where you find inspiration from Vintage shops, each week I eagerly see what the thrift shops have been up to as the seasons change. As we know these amazing inspiring shops style and present the newest or keep the classic trends going, which gives inspiration to everyone, whether you are a stylist, a designer, buyer or simply knowing for your self what you like and how to creatively curate your own look.

I also like to add any inspirations to add to the look, which I hope can inspire you as well.

This week it is about Trench coats or Macs are incredibly versatile and unisex, especially when the days are like they are today – rain, sun, rain, windy and joy again sun, we have all experienced recently. The classic shape with its long length, is perfect as you can wear any style underneath, either if you’re traveling to work, shuffling to a gym class or simply going for a casual Sunday lunch. Vintage shops are the best places to find this attire. Quality is needed so it lasts, and looks authentic. History lives in this type of overcoat, so it is important to find the right shape, colour and fit for you.

Various finds at Napoli Centrale Italian Vintage Sankt Paulsgatan 3, 118 46 Stockholm

A tip, always start in the menswear section for two reasons, amazing finds on smaller sizes which is in good quality, secondly an oversized silhouette is ideal as it allows you to wear knitwear or blazers.

Now you may not find your perfect “mac” on the first walk around, however keep trying them on, there are many different types, as some are lined, some have big epaulettes or the oversized silhouette takes some time to get used too. Keep an eye out for brands like Aquascutum, Burberry, Mackintosh or London Fog.

Play around with the colours most are normally in a light camel or beige, this can also take a little bit of time to get used to, explore khaki, tan or don’t be afraid to find a colour which is brighter for example this red colour.

Napoli Centrale Italian Vintage Sankt Paulsgatan 3, 118 46 Stockholm

If you already own one, then here is a couple of ways to keep the look fresh! Adding with a scarf or a brooch especially if a button is missing or you need to hide a stain.  Enjoy finding your perfect mac.

Various ways you can style your coat

Weekly Vintage News

Hello everyone, this is where you find inspiration from Vintage shops, each week I eagerly see what the thrift shops have been up to as the seasons change. As we know the these amazing inspiring shops style and present the newest of trends, which gives inspiration to everyone, whether you are a stylist, a designer, buyer or simply knowing for your self what you like and how to creatively curate your own look.

I also like to add any inspirations which I have done for example designs, graphics, creating looks or piecing some of the ideas together. Which I hope can inspire you as well.

This week it is about - SPOTS!!! Focusing on tops. Extremely creative, versatile and lots of fun. Any materials work well with spots! As you can see from these images, many different ways you can design this simple, powerful and commercial graphic. This is perfect for any season which can be paired with different looks, jeans for a casual look, or a suit for a formal look, or even just a flash of this print under a piece of knitwear.

Various prints found in Siv & Åke on Sankt Paulsgatan 20, 118 48 Stockholm

Siv & Åke on Sankt Paulsgatan 20, 118 48 Stockholm

Here are some prints I have designed, it has been very playful and fun, and so many avenues you can go. Either building up on a design to see how much you want to add, or looking at tonal prints and colours, or even exploring shapes, or integrate them into a stripe. It is also very soothing, perhaps you can come up with your own designs. Enjoy!

Building onto a design.

Exploring shapes, patterns and designs.

Tonal colours.

This is me…

So here I go. I was asked to explain a little bit more about myself, and perhaps to write a blog!! Two things which come a little unnaturally to me. However, as I am on a journey with my new adventure, and on reflection, perhaps this is an opportunity to put these two worlds together, so here goes……

My name is Alexandra Garbett and I have accumulated a few jobs within the retail industry, from being a Personal Stylist at the age of 18 on Regent Street, London, to being a Store Manager, while studying at London College of Fashion in Costume Design and Construction. Then working my way up (and yes, it was a very long ladder) to being a Senior Assortment Brand Buyer, where I was able to discover lots of new places in the world, visiting factories, suppliers, or mills, and having the opportunity to be part of inspiration trips. None of which I have forgotten, and I still remain incredibly grateful to have explored so much and met so many people. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with designers to build global multicategory assortments, working with colour, materials, silhouettes, trends, seasons, and not forgetting budgets.

Moving to Stockholm, Sweden, gave me another new way of living, with new roles, new businesses, new creative challenges, and, more importantly, new friends. I had the amazing opportunity to work as a Buyer, Key Account Manager and Planner/Merchandiser, learning how to work within a new country and environment, and understanding the importance of staying motivated and constantly curious.

This then led me to proudly complete a Change Leadership course in Sustainability at Hyper Island School, which was an incredible experience. It was a powerful combination of learning, reflection, and understanding the innovation and direction needed to make conscious changes within the industry.

Along the way, I have challenged myself to learn, leverage, and adapt to all the events given to me, which has taken me to where I am today. Starting a new adventure with Arvbett Styling for All. Personally, as a customer, I always want to remember who we are and how we want to wear our clothes today. If I can also take people on a journey to always be curious to find new discoveries, new materials, new colours, new silhouettes, new brands, or just simply rethink what they wear today, then I am truly living the passion I still have over 25 years later. I look forward to you joining me.

So this is me. In this picture is my typical look! Walking around beautiful shops, constantly looking for inspiration, listening to podcasts, carrying a scrapbook of wonderful finds, and not forgetting the all important tote bag and sunglasses. If you see me, please say hello.

Slowly Fall Into Slow Fashion

Slow fashion, hmmmm….. what does this mean? It is about buying less, choosing well, and making it last, which also means taking your time when you are shopping. It celebrates beauty, quality, and sustainability, moving away from a rushed fast paced enviroment to embrace clothing that reflects care, identity and a history. In Södermalm, you’ll find shops and brands that embody these values.

Slow Fashion Hub Hornsgatan 29C, 118 49 Stockholm

Södermalm isn’t just Stockholm’s creative and cultural heart, it’s home to a thriving slow fashion movement. From curated vintage stores to local designers embracing change, this district invites you to rethink your relationship with clothing. Here’s why Södermalm is the perfect place to explore if you're drawn to personal style, conscious choices, and timeless pieces.

Some amazing shops to look out for a long the way:

Slow Fashion Hub (Hornsgatan 29C, 118 49 Stockholm) - wonderful curated vintage pieces, a good place to start.

Slow Fashion Hub

Judits Second Hand (Hornsgatan 75, 118 49 Stockholm) – a curated mix of designer and vintage, perfect for timeless finds.

Stadsmissionen & Myrorna (Hornsgatan) - Swedish charity shops with style and soul.

Stadmission Hornsgatan 58, 118 21 Stockholm

Green Little Heart (Swedenborgsgatan 2, 118 48 Stockholm) - a creative collaborative space which allows you to make conscious choices in your everyday life.

Green Little Heart Swedenborgsgatan 2, 118 48 Stockholm

Herr Judit (Hornsgatan 65, 118 49 Stockholm) – Focused on men’s secondhand fashion, blending classic with contemporary..

Tips for exploring Södermalm as a Slow Fashion Lover

• Take your time, enter the space tech-free, browse slowly, talk to shop owners, they are all so inspiring.

• Look for local events or clothing swaps (some stores host them regularly).

• Come with an open mind and let the pieces find you.

• Think quality over quantity. Buy what you truly connect with.

• Don’t worry that you did not buy anything, no time is wasted. Enjoy.

#slowfashiondistrict

Stadmission Hornsgatan 58, 118 21 Stockholm