[:en]The angel on earth has entered heaven[:sv]Ängeln på jorden är nu i himlen[:]

Fashion, Life itself January 15, 2017 thomasfalkenstedt.com

[:en]Even though this was shot during LFWM and was one of my intended outfits (which never made it to the shows though, but turned out to be an amazing photo shoot with the amazing Helen Wykes) I saw these pictures and decided I’ll take a break from my LFWM coverage and post this. This post is an hommage to my great aunt who I lost less than a week ago and am mourning deeply.

My great aunt, that is my grandmother’s sister, was basically my second grandmother. I spent all my summers with her and have so many fond memories of her, both from my childhood (including some crazy ones from us driving down to Italy from Sweden for example), but also from growing up to be a teen and then into adulthood. Even during my rough years, she was always there. I know she is very proud of me right now and that’s why I am writing my thoughts down of how I perceived her, not only as a family member, but as a woman.

She was curious, stubborn, incredibly beautiful and smart. She always knew what people thought without them even speaking. She basically raised four children on her own with their father being absent. She worked 3 parallel jobs to pay the mortgage for a house (which I remember as huge from my childhood) to give her 4 sons the best life possible. How a person can work 3 full time jobs and taking care of a household is beyond what I can imagine, but she pulled it off. I have never heard her complain. Not once. If she didn’t like something or someone, well, unlike me, she didn’t have the urge to say it. She kept herself graceful until the very end. Some of her last words actually were “I am a curious person and always have been, you know, so I am actually excited about what new adventures await me on the other side”. That captures her spirit in a quote. She was always curious to learn more, see more, do more. She had so much love to give and she gave it to everyone who crossed her path. The never ending stream of love is my most precious memory of her. If there is one thing I have learnt from her it is to love and by doing that be loved. Be humble, and people will treat you the way you’re supposed to be treated. Be curious and you can reach your dreams. In her world there were no borders or limits. The sky wasn’t high enough. Hence the sky is not my limit anymore. Thanks to her I have no limits in as far I can go or what I can reach for.

However, she is not gone. She is watching over me and all her loved ones. She was an angel on earth and has now joined the angels in heaven. I miss her ever so much, but will forever have her in my heart and in my prayers.

To end with I’d want to share one of her favorite hymns to her honor. Jag älskar dig, kära “monster”. Vila i frid.

Beautiful Savior, king of creation
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I’d love Thee, truly I’d serve Thee,
Light of my soul, my joy, my crown.

Fair are the meadows, fair are the woodlands,
Robed in the flowers of blooming spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
He makes our sorrowing spirit sing.

Fair is the sunshine, fair is the moonlight,
Bright the sparkling stars on high;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels in the sky.

Beautiful Savior, Lord of the nations,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration
Now and forevermore be Thine!

Photos: Helen Wykes [:sv]Denna plåtning skedde under modeveckan i London och outfiten var tilltänkt att bäras där, men hamnade av olika anledningar bara på dessa bilder och inte i vimlet. Resultatet av en fantastisk plåtning visade sig vara dessa bilder fotade vid Themsen och jag kände genast att jag tar en paus i moderapporteringen från London och ville skriva av mig och rikta en hyllning till min gammelmoster som jag förlorade knappt en vecka sedan.

Min gammelmoster, det vill säga min mormors syster, var som en andra mormor för mig. Jag spenderade samtliga av min barndoms somrar hos henne och har otroligt många minnen av och med henne. Vissa äventyrliga och smått galna (som när vi bilade ner till Italien när jag var 10 år gammal), men de flesta förknippade med känslor, dofter, ljud och annat som förnimmer om hennes närvaro som varit påtaglig i mitt liv. Då jag vet att hon är mycket stolt över mig skriver jag därför av mig mina tankar om hur jag uppfattade henne, inte bara som familjemedlem, utan som kvinna.

Hon var envis, nyfiken, otroligt vacker och intelligent. Hon visste alltid vad människor tyckte och tänkte (eller vad de gick för) innan de ens hade öppnat munnen. Hon uppfostrade på egen hand 4 barn då fadern var frånvarande och hon jobbade parallellt med tre jobb för att få ihop det till hyran till ett hus (som i mina barndoms minnen är enormt). Hur en person kan få ihop 3 heltidsjobb och samtidigt hålla igång ett hushåll är för mig ofattbart. Trots det hörde jag henne aldrig klaga. Aldrig någonsin. Om hon inte tyckte om någon eller något hade hon, till skillnad från mig, inte något behov av att säga det högt. Hon var höjden av elegans, still och grace in i det sista. Något av det sista hon sa var “Du vet att jag alltid varit nyfiken av mig, eller hur? Nu är jag nyfiken på vad det är för spännande äventyr som väntar mig där på andra sidan”. Det är sinnebilden av en person som aldrig ger upp, aldrig är negativ och alltid blickar framåt. Hon var alltid nyfiken på att lära sig mer, se mer och göra mer. Hon hade en ändlös kärleksbank att dela med sig ifrån och frikostigt fick alla ta del av den ifall de råkade korsa hennes väg.

Det är mitt käraste minne av henne. Kärleken. Om det är något jag lärt mig av henne är det just att visa kärlek för omvärlden och genom det bli älskad för den du är. Var ödmjuk och du blir behandlad som du förtjänar. Var nyfiken och du kan uppfylla dina drömmar. I hennes värld fanns inga gränser eller för höga förhoppningar. Allt kunde och kan uppnås. Detta bär jag med mig. Tack vare henne känner jag att det längre inte finns något jag inte kan uppnå eller någon gräns i vad eller hur mycket jag kan sträva efter.

Hon må ha lämnat jordelivet, men hon har inte lämnat oss. Hon vakar över mig och alla hennes älskade. Hon var en ängel på jorden och nu har hon gjort änglarna i himlen sällskap. Fasiken vad kul de kommer att ha däruppe. Jag saknar henne något oerhört, men hennes kärlek kommer för alltid finnas i mitt hjärta och i mina böner.

Jag avslutar med en av hennes favoritpsalmer som även belyser henne som person och hur hon såg på livet. Jag älskar dig, kära “monster”, vila i frid.

Härlig är jorden, härlig är Guds himmel,
skön är själarnas pilgrimsgång.
Genom de fagra riken på jorden
gå vi till paradis med sång.

Tidevarv komma, tidevarv försvinna,
släkten följa släktens gång.
Aldrig förstummas tonen från himlen
i själens glada pilgrimssång.

Änglar den sjöngo först för markens herdar.
Skönt från själ till själ det ljöd:
Människa, gläd dig, Frälsarn är kommen,
frid över jorden Herren bjöd.

Foton: Helen Wykes [:]

[:en]Teen nostalgia with Canada Goose and a splash of Boss Bottled Tonic[:sv]Tonårsnostalgi med gåsen och en fräsch doft från Hugo[:]

[:en]All these layers[:sv]Lager på lager[:]

Vad bör man tänka på vid villaförsäkring?

Je suis un vilain garçon

[:en]How I survived alcoholism[:sv]Hur jag överlevde alkoholism[:]

Varför man behöver ett samboavtal

[:en]You can buy fashion, but you can’t buy style[:sv]Stil kan inte köpas för pengar[:de]Stil kan inte köpas med pengar[:]

[:en]Why be monochrome when you can go pink?[:sv]Bryt den monokroma trenden, använd pasteller[:]

Drömmer du om att starta eget?

Paris Fashion Week

58 Comments

Mariann Yip
January 15, 2017 at 10:54 pm

I always look forward to your posts because you put so much effort and thought into it. I am sorry for your loss but you have such a positive mindset that I am sure you are making her proud. I can tell you are a berth strong person and know you will get through this since you have such great memories of her!
Leila D.
January 15, 2017 at 10:58 pm

This is such an emotional post, your great aunt sounds amazing and you described her so wonderfully in this post that it makes me feel as if I know her. May she rest in peace. Thanks for sharing the beautiful hymn.
The photos are fantastic, my favorite is the second one.
Have a great week!

http://leilaandvanya.blogspot.com/
LAFOTKA
January 15, 2017 at 11:36 pm

Such a a lovely post my dear! Your great aunt sounds so lovely and you and her are lucky to cross paths and be in the same family! Love the hat again! 🙂

LAFOTKA
Christine Kong
January 15, 2017 at 11:46 pm

I love this post dedicated to your great aunt. She is smiling down at you and definitely proud of you like you said. All the sentiments you said about her really touch me because as a mother myself, I find some days super challenging and hearing how she was so humble and never complained really puts me in my place. She sounds like an incredible woman and role model and someone that everyone was blessed to know. xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Open Kloset By Karina
January 15, 2017 at 11:58 pm

Hey Thomas:)
Your Photos always Amazes Meee:)
Love the Style of the Photos and That You Always Come up with something Different:)
Loved This post about your Aunt, Very sweet:) She is Very Proud of you I am sure:) you are Amazing Person 🙂
Can’t Wait for your next Post:)
Love Kisses Hugs
Karina
Jo
January 16, 2017 at 12:03 am

I’m so sorry to hear of your great aunt’s passing. What a beautiful tribute you’ve given her in your post. She sounded like an extraordinary woman.

xoxo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Jenelle
January 16, 2017 at 3:20 am

She sounds like quite a woman. I am sorry to hear of your loss. It is wonderful that you had such happy times together and that she gave so much support. Those things do not disappear.
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com
Gina Diaz
January 16, 2017 at 3:37 am

I’m so sorry about your lost, Thomas. And What a beautiful way to honor your great aunt! by they way you have described her, we learned how amazing she was. I love this post as I do your outfit, too. Sending tons of love and big hug full of sunshine 🙂

Xx, Gina

http://www.artsyrunway.com
Morgan Klein
January 16, 2017 at 4:34 am

I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a truly wonderful and amazing woman!
Jenn Hanft
January 16, 2017 at 5:26 am

I love how happy and carefree these shots came out! It’s so lovely that you are dedicating this post to your Aunt. I’m sorry for your loss. She sounds like an incredible woman and she has blessed you with such love and great memories! Three jobs is certainly not an easy feat. She has such a loving heart and soul and only wanted the best for everyone she cared about. She is certainly an angel who has entered heaven.

XO Jenn
http://www.jennsemble.com
Sharon
January 16, 2017 at 6:09 am

I love your photos so much but I wish this was in english because I don’t speak your language!
Cool outfit and shots though!
xx
Stephanie
January 16, 2017 at 6:10 am

It sounds like your great aunt was a beautiful woman with a precious soul, full of spirit and life. It’s amazing how much she taught you throughout your life, and I’m so glad that you will always remember her in such a positive and endearing way. My heart aches for your loss, and I send you all my condolences and love. However, I know just from her few last words that she’s immensely enjoying herself now, and that’s certainly something to smile about.

Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
Jen
January 16, 2017 at 6:36 am

I am so terribly sorry for the loss of your great aunt. She seemed like the most wonderful selfless person and I would have loved to had a chance to meet her. She seemed to have made a great impact in your life and I see her spirit in you. May her soul rest in peace.
Luke
January 16, 2017 at 8:37 am

Fantastic shots once again Thomas, such cinematic moments that they could be from a film! I really appreciate and admire how personal your posts are, they have such an emotional root to them that really does reveal who you are. I’m also very sad for your loss, she sounds like she was an amazing lady but I am so glad you have found some solace.
Aleksandra Ladygin
January 16, 2017 at 11:15 am

I am sure you are making her proud!And it is so important not to forget. It means she lives…
Coco
January 16, 2017 at 1:15 pm

This post is a tribute to a remarkable woman. I’m sorry you missed such an important person in your life and still know she’s watching over you. I’m also glad she had the time to see how fiercely you came out of your rough years. You’re so much more than a great stylist! You write beautifully and go straight to the reader’s heart. Impeccable outfit, bravo. Baci, Valeria – Coco et La vie en rose FASHION & BEAUTY
Atsuna Matsui
January 16, 2017 at 5:10 pm

I’m so sorry for your loss Thomas. It’s tough having a family member pass away. My grandmother recently passed as well due to a brain tumor, which is part of the reason why I needed to visit Japan. During times like these, it’s great to know that you are not alone in your mourning. Your family is coping the same loss and that can bring your further closer to appreciating one another and your time spent together.

http://www.atsunamatsui.com
Laurelle
January 16, 2017 at 7:12 pm

I’m so sorry for your loss Thomas!! Loosing a loved one is never easy. I lost my grandmother on Christmas morning 5 years ago, and it is still hard for me some days. You never forget the ones you loved though, and can only use photos and memories to cherish the time you had with them. She sounded like an amazing woman!! I also love that hymn, it’s so beautiful!
-Laurelle
http://www.bellebylaurelle.com
Martin (ebylife)
January 16, 2017 at 7:23 pm

She sounds like she was an incredible woman! I love reading your blog buddy. I find everything you write so real and refreshing! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Lauren
January 16, 2017 at 7:59 pm

So sorry for your loss, Thomas. Your great aunt seems like a wonderful woman! Thank you for opening up and sharing.
Jennifer Quattrucci
January 16, 2017 at 8:09 pm

Although all of your posts are truly outstanding and inspiring, they are also so unique and each one stands alone as another example of your pure and genuine spirit, as well proves how strong your creative intelligence is. Your great – aunt is amazing. I love that you notice and appreciate how hard she worked and recognized that it couldn’t have been easy but she was always full of love and curiousity. I’m glad you have her and that she was like a second grandmother to you. We all need love , guidance , and angels looking out for us. I think her entire life is a lesson for all.
Thank you, Tommy , for sharing her with all of us and please know you and your family are in my prayers.
Yours truly,
Jenny
Xo
Jordan Chapman
January 16, 2017 at 9:55 pm

This is such a beautiful post! I’m so sorry that you lost your great aunt and she sounds like a wonderful being! Family can have such a great impact on us and she had a great impact on you! You’re doing amazing things and doing her proud!! Keep up the amazing work Thomas!! xx
Jordan xx
http://www.thehatlogic.com
Eva
January 16, 2017 at 10:41 pm

HELLO DEAR THOMAS!!
I feel your emotions for your grandma. The same time I had a grandma who pull up me when I was child and I loose her when I had just 12 years,and was very traumatic for me. I waiting years to understand inside me and can leave her to gone. I renember everything, and she had a notebook where writedall the songs that she could think of when she was a child … your hymn reminded me this notebook, that now there is no more, but she also will be for me my angel. thank you xx
Eva
http://www.themermaidfashion.com
Linh Dao
January 17, 2017 at 12:33 am

I’m sorry for your loss thomas! My condolences to you and your familly! Don’t forget that she is always watching over you! Grandparents are so important so that’s why I’m visiting mine this week and I am so excited to see my grandmother. Thank you for this post!

Linh
http://xcapewithlinh.com/how-to-customized-your-shoes-color/
Anthony @oh_anthonio
January 17, 2017 at 1:07 am

I’m so sorry for your loss Thomas! Your great aunt sounds like such a wonderful woman and I’m sure she’s looking down on you smiling and so proud. <3
Maggie
January 17, 2017 at 3:25 am

Thomas, I’m so sorry for your lost. Your great aunt sounds like an amazing and beautiful woman inside and out. I think it shows how much of an impact she has had on you since you always pour out your heart in your posts. It’s going to be hard going through it, but make sure to take time to really mourn and if you need a social media break too, that’s totally understandable.

xoxo,
Maggie S.
❤Clothestomidnight.com
Samantha Mariko
January 17, 2017 at 3:52 am

While I of course enjoyed the beautiful photography, I was very touched by the text and how special of a person she was, and still is, to you. I am very sorry for your loss, but as you say in your post, I’m sure she is smiling down at you and the rest of your family from Heaven. That’s what I’d like to think of my late father and grandmother 🙂 I hope you are feeling even a little better! Hugs <3
http://www.samanthamariko.com
Iliana
January 17, 2017 at 5:22 am

My condolences go out to Thomas, I’m sorry for your loss. I pray God brings comfort in peace into your heart. Remember ” So do not fear, for I’m with you; do not dismay, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uplhold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10.

Xx
Josie
January 17, 2017 at 5:43 am

I am so sorry for your loss Thomas. Stay strong and be assured she is in a much better place now and is looking down on you and your family. I love that you share such deep emotions with us! You are true and raw just like your pictures!

Praying for strength and peace in your heart dear! Take good care of yourself!

Josie
http://www.petiteandbold.com
Ria
January 17, 2017 at 6:12 am

So sorry for your loss. Sending you good vibes.
Miki
January 17, 2017 at 7:20 am

This is such a beautiful post. So sorry for your loss. Your great aunt would be so happy and so proud of you! She’s really lucky to have you who loved her so much!
It truly is amazing how some of our older generations have worked so hard for us. While blogging often feels like 2 jobs, there were such hard times back then. Fighting for what you believed in and working to make ends meet was truly difficult back then. It’s admirable, but also very humbling.

Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Sharon Wu
January 17, 2017 at 8:45 am

So sorry to hear about your loss Thomas! Your great aunt sounds wonderful and I know for sure she was very proud of you. Sending you nothing but love and good vibes from LA! xo, sharon

http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/peek-into-spring/
Darya
January 17, 2017 at 9:56 am

many many thanks for all your posts, Thomas! You have such a positive state of mind, it’s a pleasure to read you!
Michelle
January 17, 2017 at 3:53 pm

I’m so sorry for your loss – she sounds like an amazing woman. And your photos are beautiful. Such a lovely tribute.
XO
http://www.lehoarder.com/
Chardline Chanel-Faiteau
January 17, 2017 at 4:54 pm

Much love and light to you hun! This was beautifully written and very impactful.
diana
January 17, 2017 at 5:10 pm

dear Thomas, so sorry for your loss. I know how it feels when you lose someone whom you admire and love. Thank you for sharing with us why she was so important to you. I’m sure, she will live in your hearts, as long you remember!
Morgan Ryan
January 17, 2017 at 7:27 pm

This motion photography gives me such a feeling! Love how you styled that hat as well

Xx,
M
Isabel
January 17, 2017 at 10:47 pm

So sorry for your loss dear Thomas.
I know how it hurts, been there and it’s so deeply sad to loose someone you love.
But I think you did a beautiful tribute here and as usual I feel every word you wrote. You’re amazing and lovely, I’m sure she’s so proud of you.
Sending you all my love.

Isabel
Darlene
January 17, 2017 at 11:13 pm

First of All, I’m so sorry for your lost. I’ve lost my grandmother a few years back and she was everything to me and I still think of her from time to time. It must be painful for you right now, sending you my deepest condolences and I am sure she is proud of your accomplishments and how you’ve turned out to be a great Man!.

Second, can I just say how amazing are these photographs and your outfit as always is on point! I wish I can go to Fashion week next year.

xxxx
thenewgirl.me
Bernice
January 17, 2017 at 11:16 pm

I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. You were able to spend so much time together and I know that you both cherished the moments shared xx
Bryanna
January 18, 2017 at 12:58 am

I’m so sorry for your loss. Your aunt seems like she was an amazing woman full of life and laughter. I’m sending my condolences your way and thanks for sharing this post with us. We love you Thomas!

xoxo Bryanna | Coming in Clutch
Jo
January 18, 2017 at 5:01 am

My love, great aunt is definitely watching over you from heaven. I know this has been so hard for you but I am very proud of you being incredibly strong and able to dedicate such a beautiful post to her. She was a selfless woman who lived a remarkable life by loving others and putting others needs first. I am so touched that you remembered and quoted some of her last and inspiring words. It was so bittersweet that you were able to speak to her In her last days. As you said, she isn’t gone as her spirit will be with you forever. She will be very proud of all the accomplishments you are about to achieve in the near future.

Thank you so much for sharing her life story with us, my beautiful love.

With love,
Jo
Aimara
January 18, 2017 at 3:58 pm

I’m so deeply sorry for your lost, but your take on this is nothing but graceful.
I’m sure too she’s watching over you and now you have someone looking after you 24/7, I mean.. How great is that?
She sounds like a wonderful human being! Thanks for sharing this beautiful story!
PS: Obsessed with these photos!!!
XO
Aimara
http://www.waysofstyle.com
Candace
January 18, 2017 at 4:52 pm

This post and your words brought me to tears. Your great sounds like she was an amazing woman to be around. I am praying for you and your family, Thomas, and just know that she is in a much better place than the rest of us 🙂

http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Itzy
January 19, 2017 at 5:28 am

Wow! You just pull everything off so well. I’m wishing you the best & sending lots of love your way.

xx,
Itzy
http://lebellagypsy.com
MadCatFashion
January 19, 2017 at 1:36 pm

Wow, another great look and I really love your furry hats! Bravo !!

madcat.fashion
francesca
January 19, 2017 at 6:28 pm

this is so beautiful! You are so lucky to have had such an amazing person in your life. I love all the locations you pick also! They are so beautiful.
francesca
Frank Vinyl : A California Fashion Blog
Danielle
January 19, 2017 at 7:56 pm

So sorry for your loss Thomas, but this is a beautifully written piece that you will always be able to look back on! I loved her quote that you shared too! Keeping you in my thoughts, love. xo

Danielle | Pineapple & Prosecco
Deddeh Howard
January 19, 2017 at 11:06 pm

Such a beautiful and inspiring post. I’m so sorry for yourlost. Sending you good vibes.
Cece Lam
January 22, 2017 at 5:33 am

We all have that one person or persons that truly inspire us and help us/motivate us to find our life passion! Thank you so much for sharing with us this beautiful story about your aunt. She would be so proud of you, I already know it! Again, thank you so much for this delightful post. xoxo
http://www.cecelam.com/2017/01/palm-springs.html
Eric k
January 22, 2017 at 6:15 am

I am so sorry about your loss buddy. It is hard to loose someone so close to you. I was actually thinking that i will read something different, however, in in sad days you know exactly how to get into our hearts and make us feel the way you always make us feel. i am so grateful to know you buddy and read every post, you are a great person and great things awaits you. Again I am very sorry for your loss and sorry for being late with this comment.
Belle
January 23, 2017 at 7:49 pm

Your great aunt sounds like she was an incredible woman. I’m so sorry for you loss. I love the hymn that you shared. It’s amazing how some women can balance it all and still make us smile. Remember her in your day to day life and she’ll never be far from you or your heart. xx Belle
Yasmin
January 23, 2017 at 11:31 pm

Your tribute to her is so beautiful. I love that she inspires you to have no limits. Having a mentor, role model, or inspiration is really important for children and their development. She sounded like a wonderful woman to know.

xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
marcy
January 25, 2017 at 9:59 pm

So sorry to hear about you loss Thomas. Such a beautiful tribute you are doing and that she inspires you.
Sending lots go hugs and all the best!

Love
Marcy
Lolita Mas
January 30, 2017 at 9:54 am

Those photos are insanely good!
Darya
January 30, 2017 at 3:26 pm

Such a lovely post! So heart touching! Thank you dear and I am sure she is so proud of you! Wish you always the best dear <3

http://www.thebloomingbouquetstyle.com
Natasha du Chen
January 31, 2017 at 10:47 am

Looking gorgeous! Very beautiful pics!
dbrodowski
February 8, 2017 at 9:00 pm

Wow ,That post is perfect!