Things I Loved About Norway.

Proof I do have Scandinavian blood in my veins?! (My grandfather emigrated from Finland.) But the likelier truth: Norway is easy to love.

+Torvtak — the sodded roofs, which integrate the houses with their natural surroundings (but, as you might expect with Scandinavians, also have a function: insulation);

+In general, the culture and landscape’s seamlessness with nature;

+The unflinching acceptance — accommodation — of whatever the weather brings;

+The family-centricity: kids welcome everywhere, from formal restaurant dining rooms to steep alpine trails;

+Elite hiking culture that spans ages 0-90;

+The country’s pride in itself;

+The taste of the tap water;

+The chipper sound of “hei hei” as a greeting;

+The lugsole boat shoes I spotted on a very chic woman in downtown Trondheim;

+Alpine majesty almost always in conversation with pastorality;

+Hytte* culture;

+The carafe of hot coffee my sister-in-law always had waiting for us;

+The thread of astringency / asceticism that runs through everything;

+Realizing that you can wander, unmoored, halfway around the globe and feel completely centered because you’re with family.

Post-Scripts.

*A hytte is a cozy wood cabin ensconced in nature and many Norwegians retreat to them over the summer time. We spent several days in Trondheim and then followed suit, renting two hyttes separated by a brisk marshy, wet walk (often accompanied by sheep).

+A three-night itinerary for NYC with kids.

+Tenured parents share their tips on raising teenagers.

+What are the cozy corners of your home?

Shopping Break.

+OMG! Love this new reversible rollneck cardigan!!

+While you’re there, also into the contrast of menswear-inspired details (longer length, oversized fit) with the femininity of the fabric in this versatile shirt. I’m into the idea of pairing it with the matching skirt, as seen on model here.

+New in and perfect at Tuckernuck: this striped dress. Also love the new sand colorway in this ric rac trim dress.

+Back to rollnecks: how effortlessly chic is this rollneck linen tee to throw on with jeans?

+Pretty new rug pattern at my favorite source for affordable but elevated area rugs. And I’m currently staying at a hotel that is totally kitted out in Morris & Co textiles — so LOVE seeing their collab with the brand here.

+No one does outerwear like VB! OBSESSED with this jacket for pre-fall.

+Loving these pique long sleeved polos to style with our taffeta pants into fall. (Use code MALLORY10).

+Just ordered this healing hair gloss from my favorite haircare company (you know how much I swear by their shampoo!). I feel like my hair needs some extra TLC after I’ve been using this very hot little dual voltage hair tool, which I’ve REALLY appreciated having on this trip but feels a little less gentle on my hair!

+Speaking of Virtue — a jumbo size of their recovery shampoo is on sale at Nordies. A few other Anniversary sale gems to mention: these Mother jeans, this denim jacket, and Bombas socks! Also: fun sweats from Marine Layer.

+This Mulberry crossbody has been a total MVP this trip. Fits a surprising amount of stuff, but love the ease of the crossbody shape and the top handle makes it easy to grab (and clip a hair claw onto). I’d also rec this crossbody (still on sale in great colors!) as a less expensive alt.

+Only a few of these incredible does-it-all dresses left. Snag the Hermes-coded mink brown color if they still have it in your size! I wore this in London. Super comfortable but very chic, and I find it looks great paired with fun colors like mint, peony, coral!

+They also just released a very 90s minimalist black midi skirt that looks like a fantastic travel companion. Pair with a white button-down to dress up or a tee for casual wear. Use code jenshoop for 15% off!

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