Helena Halme Author

Nordic Fiction with a hint of Noir and Romance

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Google+
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Join My Launch Crew
  • New Novel Sneak Peek
  • Contact me

Marimekko at Helsinki airport

March 28, 2011 by Helena Halme 7 Comments

I had a few hours to kill at Helsinki between my flights recently and although many of the shops were shut due to a refurbishment of the terminal, Marimekko was still open for business.

I’ve written before how I love this label more now than I ever did living in Finland, so whenever I’m back at home I always end up buying something to take to England.

This time my eyes caught an unusual item to be shopping for when heading for Lapland: a sunhat. But I couldn’t resist; besides I’ve been borrowing the Englishman’s straw one bought on a ‘hat run’ in Corfu long enough (five years at least).

The Englishman’s straw hat as worn by me in Corfu. Sharing a hat on holiday is tricky…
The sun was flooding into the lounge from the large windows today so I managed to make this self-portrait look a little summery.

My new Marimekko hat is something very different. It’s made out of one of their vintage prints, it has a wide brim (good for preventing those harmful sun rays from hitting my face), it folds for easy packing, and it is fairly rare outside the Nordic countries so it won’t be worn by anyone else on the poolside, say – this is wishful thinking now – in Soho Beach House in Miami.

This hat is so easy to travel with because it takes no room at all in a suitcase.

The second item I bought at the airport shop was a little more practical. I’ve had a classic red Marimekko holdall, made from heavy-duty cotton fabric, since I was a teenager. It’s looking a little faded and worn-out now (I wash the bag in the machine although the label recommends hand washing). Hence I thought it was time for a replacement. Also, Daughter has borrowed the old one – what I consider worn out she calls vintage.
The updated version is a little larger and can be worn over the shoulder or across the body. I think this bag will hold everything I could possibly need for a weekend away. OK, that’s a lie – I may just about get away with this bag for an overnight stay. 

There’s a zip as well as two magnetic poppers. There’s also a small side pocket inside with a zip.

My two purchases 

The bag comes in various prime colours. I was very tempted with a black one, but felt I should keep to the same colour as my old holdall. Besides, I love red anyway. Marimekko still sell the classic holdalls Peruskassi too; the ladies at the airport shop told me they’ll never stop making them. Good old Marikmekko know their market.

You may also like:

Default ThumbnailCrouch End Knowledge: Scarlet Rage Vintage Default ThumbnailHelsinki shopping Default ThumbnailMy new Marimekko umbrella Default ThumbnailHow I came to be in England – Part 48

Comments

  1. mettebassett.com says

    March 28, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    I absolute love that sunhat and it looks great on you!

    How much was it? I might have to send my Finnish family on a hat shopping mission…

    Reply
  2. Wildernesschic says

    March 28, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    Oh God I love the hat.. I am such a hat girl.. I have a trilby type also protective against UV rays .. from Orvis its a mans hat ..I wear it all summer xx No were near as stylish as yours xx

    Reply
  3. Helena Halme says

    March 28, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    You've got me Mette! I really can't remember…

    Ruth, I'm planning to wear the hat with my black maxi skirt & flip flops. Pray for summery weather in NW3!

    Helena xx

    Reply
  4. That's Not My Age says

    March 28, 2011 at 7:51 pm

    That's a very fine hat – I'm a big Marimekko fan myself, I like their stripey t-shirts and we have some lovely patterned crockery.

    Reply
  5. Tree says

    March 28, 2011 at 7:51 pm

    Best hat and bag ever!

    I have a black/white stripe Marimekko umbrella, also purchased at Helsinki-Vantaa airport, that makes rainy days in New England a bit more Finnish!

    Reply
  6. Jaana says

    March 29, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    Love the bag and the hat! Have the same pattern on my new Marimekko umbrella bought at the same shop!

    Reply
  7. Christina @ Fashion's Most Wanted says

    March 30, 2011 at 7:43 am

    That is a gorgeous hat! It looks great on you xx

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Free Story for my Readers Group only!

Read an Exclusive First Chapter

NEW

Find out more

new

View Book

Alliance of Independent Authors /

Free Exclusive Bonus Chapter

looking for the self publishing coach?

Follow me on Instagram

First time on the Elizabeth Line. #elizabethline First time on the Elizabeth Line. 
#elizabethline #londonlife #tube #farringdon
I’m into orange at the moment, I wonder why? 😄🧡📙
Five weeks to publication of AN ISLAND HEATWAVE today. 💃
https://mybook.to/AIH #linkinbio
What a lovely surprise! AN ISLAND HEATWAVE has hi What a lovely surprise! 
AN ISLAND HEATWAVE has hit #No1 on Amazon.💃
The novel is now on pre-order offer. 
https://mybook.to/AIH
Link also in bio. 😉🧡📙
It’s a frosty, sunny morning in North London. Fe It’s a frosty, sunny morning in North London. Feels a bit like home. 🥶🇫🇮🇬🇧
Load More Follow on Instagram

Follow Me On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget
Alliance of Independent Authors /

writing and publishing tips

Read Exclusive First Chapter

free exclusive bonus chapters

Copyright © 2023 · Author Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in