Yes, you read that header correctly: SNÖ of Sweden is now available at Write Impressions in Bloor West Village! This is amazing news if, like me, you live in Bloor West Village and have a hard time GO-ing down to Silkeborg in Oakville to get your SNÖ fix.
I first discovered SNÖ at the Swedish Women’s Educational Association (SWEA)’s annual Swedish Christmas Fair held at the Harbourfront Centre around the third weekend of November. In 1999 I attended Uppsala Universitet in Sweden for the 3rd year of my undergraduate degree, and the Swedish Xmas Fair is my connection to that time. I love picking up random Swedish good like spicy mustard or ginger cookies, watching the St. Lucia candle parade, and checking out all the cute crafts designed with Sweden’s signature “Dala” horse. Oh, and because I attended Uppsala on a national scholarship awarded by SWEA, for which I am very grateful, I like to give back. That year was quite the experience! You can read more about some of my Swedish escapades here.
When I was at the Xmas Fair last November with my Momsies, we stumbled upon the SNÖ stand and I was hooked. Literally and figuratively. Typically Scandinavian: not only are the pieces stunning, but they are also highly practical. (Married…with children’s version of the ditzy Swedish bikini team is the complete opposite of how Swedish women actually are in real life. They are smart, strong, and confident. When I lived there, it was as if feminism didn’t exist in Sweden because it didn’t have to. Men and women were equals there. Most of the girls that lived in my universitet korridor i Flogsta were studying science. But yes, they are all gorgeous.)
SNÖ’s jewellery is so versatile; a lot of the collection is comprised of combinations of smaller pieces, clasped together with clips. So your necklace can turn into two bracelets. Genius! Made of semi-precious stones such as onyx, jade, and smoked crystals – the pieces available at Bloor West Village’s Write Impressions are mainly composed of rose quartz, cultivated freshwater pearls and silver. SNÖ’s intent is to remain as clear and pure as the Swedish snowy town of Östersund from whence they came.
SNÖ only releases four collections per year. Their display case looks amazing inside Write Impressions. It’s the perfect fit for their brand. Write Impressions has exquisite stock itself; unique and intricate, I want it all. They have stationery and notecards, Wildly Delicious’ Petite Maison products, wrapping paper that would be a shame to tear into (much better framed as art), charming serviettes and shelves of gourmet foodstuffs like spreads and preserves. The perfect place to buy someone (or yourself) a lovely prezzie!
I totally recommend both SNÖ and Write Impressions. They boast exactly the type of style that City and Charm – and I’m sure any girl who makes a living as a writer and has resided in Sweden at some point in her life – just ADORES.
Jag älskar dig, Sverige. Don’t ever change.
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