ADIOS

So, this is probably not my last post ever since I still have a few chapters left on my Emma Loca Chronicles to finish (sorry I haven't kept my promise to write the full story before this day, but I've been crazy busy and emotionally unstable...)
Today is the last day and I can't believe that this day has come, let alone that it's about to end..

I'm having a massive party for my closest friends and dearest customers in a couple of hours. Don't know what to write now really, just wanted to stop by and say thanks for everything. I'm getting all choked up everytime a customer says goodbye, but yea.. this really is time to say goodbye and move on.

Not yet on this site though, so keep stopping by. Write something back sometime, say hello, make yourself known and heard!

Gotta get back to my super sale.. what's left of it that is. If you're in Stockholm, stop by for the party <3

Today's been a melancholic day. I've had a ton of work, people are going crazy over the clearance sale and I've even started to sell part of the inventory, decor etc.. Insane!

However, the day started with me visiting my friend Fanny (R.I.P) 's mother at her shop here in Gamla Stan. She called me yesterday saying she had a dress that Fanny wanted me to have and had set aside for me beofre she passed away. Knowing Fanny of course it fit perfectly and  was beyond beautiful. It's a turquoise and pink tuille and sequince dream! I think I'm wearing it on the shop's closing party next Friday. I know that would make her very happy. (Tack snälla Fanny, hoppas du hade en fin födelsedag igår. Tänkte på dig)

Even though I should be happy about how well the sales are going these days it makes me quite sad to see the place so empty.. I just wanna get it overwith at the same time I don't want anything to change. Weird.

Oh well, I better get used to the thought.

Ooops

My sister just called and usually I try not to talk while having customers inside the shop but I haven't talked to her in what feels like ages so we had lots to catch up on.

The only woman browsing was this old lady with a map and camera in hand, so I figured she was a tourist and kept on gossiping away.

After telling my sister all about how I got horribly drunk the other day (long story.. I skipped dinner to go to meet my sister in law for drinks straight after work and..well.. it didn't end very pretty.. NEVER SKIP DINNER KIDS!) it figures that the old lady was Swedish and is now very familiar with how much I drank vs. how intoxicated I got. Hahaha.

40's girl

As previously mentioned, I've struggled to find inspiration to combine fabulous outfits. It's getting better now that I have all of my clothes in one place (now that I actually have a HOME again) but strangely enough, what I find most joy is in doing my hair.. Weird, I've always been super low-maintenance and lazy about my hair but yesterday I used heat rollers to create romantic curls (for the rose dress) and today I made this pinup style 'do that matches the 40's dress I wore to work.

Expiration date

I'm not fussy about that stuff, but seriously, ten days past is pushing it - even for me. I did however use the last few drops in today's coffee. Gave it a special umpff. Good stuff.

Roses

This old 50's dress was one of my favorites 3 years ago, since then I kinda forgot about it.Such a shame, since it has the most beautiful rose pattern and is painfully pretty.And it has pockets! You can never go wrong with pockets. Love it.
Matchy-matchy song
PS. Yes, I know I gotta fix that light bulb on the left. A customer broke it and it's stuck..

CHAPTER ONE

So I thought it would be nice to use these last weeks to reminsce over the whole Emma Loca story, from the beginning 'til the very end. It's gonna be quite extensive, with names, songs, places, parties, photos.. all kinds of memories, but I'll hope you'll enjoy it as much as I'll certainly do!


May 2007 - June 2008

It all started with a massive renovation. I designed the interiors, bought material and then supervised the contractors. Had so much fun during the entire process - as well as a chronic headache due to delays and road bumps.. But anyway, in the end it was all worth it because it turned out fantastic!

Opening night with friends and family was pretty much the most amazing day of my life. The sense of pride and accomplishment is something that will live within me forever and ever.
Oh, the memories.. let's look back at some snapshots from that event..

It's funny to look at these old photos because it still looks kinda the same, just a tiiiiny little bit more cluttered.. hehe

Went on quite a few business trips that first year; Barcelona, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, California (twice).. now that I put it like that, I don't even know how I had time to get any work done? Was I even here? 

Luckily I've always found great staff to help me out when in need. It's pretty amazing how lucky/blessed I've been to get so many beautiful, smart and reliable girls that want to work for me. Alisa, Helena, Bea, Maja, Isabelle, Irene, Maria, Astrid and of course the one and only Therese. My rock that's been with me almost since the start. Love and trust her to death. Always sassy and always there with a smile, keeping the place nice and tidy (Thank God for OCD haha!) 

I'm forever grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know so many wonderful girls, of which some I today am fortunate enough to call 'friend'. 

I hosted the first annual Christmas party that year. Remember baking saffron buns and cookies like a maniac,  you can see the result on the pictures below.. Also visible is the alternative hairstyle I was sporting, combined with silver glitter eyeshadow, black sequence skirt and my favorite silk tunic. I miss those days! I was so sparkly!! 

Soundrack of Year One 

(I'm sure I've forgotten most, and the playlist on iTunes got wiped out along with everything else on my old hard drive, but you get the picture)

Belanova - Tus Ojos

Lily Allen - Smile

Musiq Soulchild - Just Friends

Maroon 5 - Makes Me Wonder

Jason Mraz - Curbside Prophet

Lily Allen - Everything's Just Wonderful

Vapnet - Kalla Mig

Vanessa Paradis - Be My Baby

Belanova - Mirame

Jason Mraz - The Remedy

Chapter Two will start with the event of Emma Loca's 1st anniversary party and how two drunken girls got inked some very foul words.... Oh my...

Moving day

This week I'll be getting comfy in my new (old) home. Feels weird being away from Emma Loca while still in Stockholm though.



Marley seems to have found his favorite place already. Cutie.

Lady of the ring

I just got my first overseas order thanks to the blog post I posted the other day. (BTW your ring should be on its way now Kirsten, hope you'll like it :)

Maybe that's what I should be doing? I'm seriously considering asking a jewelry designer I know to take me in as his apprentice. He's offered a few times to teach me but I haven't picked up on it, although next time I will. For sure! This could be my new business venture...!

With all of the horrible happenings this past weekend it hasn't felt appropiate to post shallow and thoughtless posts about my everyday life.

I still can't digest what's happened and how many people have died - for what? The ideas and fanatism of a narrow-minded young man? It makes no sense and although I keep reading about the timeline of the bombing, the gathering of the young kids at Utoye, the shooting, the testimonies of the victims.. it's too much to take in, it's absolutely horrible and I can't understand it.
My thoughts go out to all of the Norwegians, especially those affected personally.

Also, RIP Amy Winehouse. Such a sad loss for her loved ones and fans. This is my favorite vid of her performing 'Valerie'.

What a sad and dark weekend. Reminds me to love each day and make the most of life.