Ulrika is the poster-girl for retro, yet still classic style. Her vivacious ensembles, usually throwbacks to bygone eras, always make us envy her “Girl Power” and location – Finland, land of sleek design and modern sensibilities. Her vintage dress collection is to-die-for! This sassy fashionista does not limit her creativity and sense of personal style to one arena; her passions for interior and graphic design are just as significant in her life as her fashion choices. Ulrika reminds us of Gwen Stefani-gone-housewife; she has various wardrobe influences that unite in a bold and special way.

Your trademark look?
Somewhere between a pinup girl and a lady, with a touch of art schoolgirl and rockabella. I never leave the house unless I’m properly dressed (well, the exception being the gym or the corner supermarket). I add some kitsch to my outfit if it suits the occasion, like overdoing the whole blonde/red lips/high heels curvy pinup.

Gig?
I freelance around a lot of things; I’m a graphic designer. I also do services for the textile industry; product planning and package design.

Inspiration?
Old movies, posters, Art Deco/Art Nouveau artwork, vintage shops, Etsy for eye candy, and textile shops - fabrics, ribbons, and sewing paraphernalia give me a lot of ideas. An atmosphere or a place also inspires me; how I want to look when doing a certain thing, like going for a walk on a cold autumn afternoon in a huge scarf, a puffy skirt, red lips, and shoes; or having coffee at a café.

Currently coveting?
Minna Parikka’s Armi boots. Not the most practical in the Finnish winter, but oh so beautiful. In autumn I always get an itch for darkening my hair. I’d like to try a deep chocolate or chestnut tone. I like the glamour look of vintage fur for winter, but I’m not really sure if I should look for one, since I’m against the fur industry in general.

Grooving to?
Everything from rock n’ roll, rockabilly to classic music, ska, and new wave. The Meteors, Fatboy, Johhny Cash, Elvis, Interpol, Joy Division, Massive Attack, Depeche Mode, and Goldfrapp. Most of all I’m a die-hard ‘rautalanka’ fan, which is a Finnish version of instrumental surf music. I drive an old car and it’s great for road trips.

Can’t live without…
Black mascara, chocolate, red wine, and good music. And I’d hate it if anything would happen to any of my dresses. I love them all.

Finnish vs. American fashion?
Finnish fashion design is about clean cuts and lines, more graphic than decorative patterns, and not too bright colouring. Scandinavian minimalism, you know?

Most beloved finds?
My vintage leather jacket, a black beret I found on a bench at school when I was 16, and some shoes and dresses I dug out of my grandmother’s closet. The way I decorate my flat is also an important part of my style as a whole, and I’m really happy about a small 50s magazine table and some beautiful floral hatboxes I found in Sweden.

Favorite haunts?
I have a thing for Eastern Europe. I studied in Budapest, one of my favourite cities, which has a lot of bohemian bars, cafés, and beautiful inner courtyards. Also Berlin, since it has everything. Otherwise, I really like Helsinki to eat out with my friends (bar No9 is a favourite, stop by if you’re around town) and browse around vintage and thrift shops in the Kallio and Kruunuhaka areas. I like to walk in different parts of town to feel the atmospheres. Vallila with its wooden houses is a constant favourite!

You may not know…
I’m a performing burlesque artist, I train savate (French boxing) and - this might come rather unexpected – I’m also employed at a harbour; I work as a supervisor of loading ship cargo. That’s why I know so many sailors (I almost married one once!). And why I have so many tattoos.

For more on Ulrika’s creative lifestyle, check out freelancersfashion.blogspot.com