J.B. Taylor

Herr Judit (Stockholm, Sweden)

When in Stockholm we visited the fantastisk butiken, Herr Judit, which offers a stellar selection of vintage European and American men's garb, as well as canvas bags, leather accessories, classic boots and brogues. New independent designers are also featured in the shop, and the general vibe of the stock is either rustic-'50s-workwear, or slick mod suiting. You'll never see shop-keeps dressed in cooler preppy '80s gear, taking cues from Absolute Beginners with a bit of Dexy's Midnight Runners thrown in. We were assisted by a ridiculously good-looking lad with a perfect blonde pompadour, bleachy Levi's rolled up (no socks), and a classic oxford button-down. There is no doubt he was created in Morrissey's dreams, and had walked straight out of this video. Had the The Sartorialist seen him, he would've just passed out.

Above and below: The shop's cool decor, and me, falling in love with a crazy-heavy, square-shaped old leather suitcase that wouldn't have been a practical purchase at the beginning of a sightseeing trip. It was hard to pass up, but perhaps my magic invisibility spell worked, and it awaits me until my next Svenska visit.

Mister Taylor found the green M-65 U.S. military jacket of his dreams, and we were laughing that after all his searching in the states, he finally found the perfect one in Sweden. Further proof that all the coolest American vintage has been taken overseas. Bummer for today, but a happy surprise when you take a vacation : ) Judit also has a vintage home décor shop nearby, called Brandstationen (due to its location in an old fire station), that was tragically closed the day we visited. We can't wait to return and do some damage to our credit.

Above: Mr. Taylor in his beloved field jacket, which he wears nearly everyday, offering me the very first Swedish raspberry I've ever tasted right off the bush. It was the the most heavenly berry I've ever tasted.

Herr Judit

Hornsgatan 65, Stockholm

Tel. 08/658 30 37

Photos: J.B. Taylor

Pirates of The Stockholm, Sweden.

On a recent trip to Stockholm's historic Gamla Stan (Old Town), we wandered into a little antique shop in the town square, and though I hardly purchased anything during the visit (I was much too distracted by the charming architecture), I did adopt a very special piece of art that will happily remind me of my lovely Svenska-time, forever.

It's a costume sketch done in pencil and watercolors, c.1930s, with text in Swedish that translates to "Composition for pirate fantasy outfit", signed by the sweet, young artist in the bottom corner. It was love at first spot, and though I was determined not to buy anything that would prove difficult to carry home in my duffel, I couldn't whip out my 86 krona ($13) fast enough. It now hangs on the wall above my bed, yet my only wish is that I could find "Brita" and tell her just how much I adore her work.

Perhaps I've also just found the perfect Halloween costume.

Vacation, all I ever wanted.

I'm back from a month-long, radical sabbatical, which took mister T. and myself on an inspirational odyssey through Iceland, Sweden, Paris and London, resulting in a museum's-worth of acquired knickknacks, nearly 2,000 snapshots, and a pair of worn-out boots.

Above: Vintage souvenirs, art supplies, and papier éphémerès found at various spots around Paris, mostly at the Porte de Vanves flea market and the boutique, Au Petit Bonheur la Chance.

So, over the next few months, I'll be posting about my most treasured vintage finds, as well as shopping and noshing spots discovered during our fantastic vintage-seeking European voyage.

And for those readers born post-1980, not yet blessed with the knowledge of what this post title is referring to, this one's for you.