I just returned from ten days in Scandinavia (I know, I am one lucky gal), and of course I eyeballed every woman I saw there for style tips. Stockholm, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Talinn - all remarkably stylish cities. I bought two tops and a scarf, nothing radical, from two boutiques and the scarf from COS. Oh - and a luxurious and warm leather jacket in Helsinki (it got quite cold that day). Below is the twilight view from one of our Copenhagen hotel windows.

I observed subtle colors, abstract prints (no florals or animal print), interesting textures (on everyone from babies to the elderly), striking but practical footwear. It was mostly very warm when we were there, so I didn't see all the knitwear you normally would. Except for infants in hand-knitted onesies with wee pointed hoods (so much awwww). ETA - everywhere I went I thought my pants were too loose/big. Everyone bikes everywhere so they are showing off their legs. Lots of short skirts with black tights.

But I felt a strong desire to dress a little differently when I came home. The words in my head were: simple, modern, comfortable. My eye was editing prospective outfits differently. I'm interested to note that it hasn't inspired SHOPPING. That too seems to be a Scandinavian minimalist influence.

Have you found your fashion sense influenced or changed by your journeys?