Reykjavik Chic – The cool guide to Iceland

Beyonce knows it, Björk has known it for ages, and these days everybody's flying to Reykjavik to experience the ultimate Nordic cool. Imagine Iceland as Scandinavia's eccentric cousin, a hot spot for emerging designers, eclectic prints and a different style of living. Moreover, most people in Iceland speak English, and the country is rated as the world's safest to live in. What's not to love? Iceland has long been acknowledged for its unique design and many times pointed to as fashion forward. The lack of tradition seems to have been an advantage, ensuring freedom and creativity in all designs. The field has been rapidly blossoming in recent years, involving thousands of people and significantly contributing to the country's economy. High quality design is now reaching every branch of the industry and design is recognized as a vital part of Icelandic culture.

Make sure to pack for a hip and outdoorsy look. In Iceland summer temperatures very rarely go above 59F (15c), so don't be afraid to bring your wool, gloves, and parkas. Should you arrive and realize you're not quite warm enough, pick up a traditional lopapeysa, the quintessentially Icelandic sweater you'll see everywhere. This classic also comes in a more modern version from local design brand Farmers Market. Look out for the brand's very wearable Icelandic classics in Reykjaviks cool shops.

A day or two to explore the city is a must. Our Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel Reykjavik is located in downtown Reykjavik and makes for a great starting point for your Icelandic excursions. You can start by visiting the local designers and shops along the main shopping streets Laugavegur and Skolavordustigur. You'll find unique wool knits and patterns and prints you've never seen before. A trip to Iceland will not be complete without a visit to 66 North, the city's one stop shop for outer wear. The locals know how to keep warm and the iconic brand has a huge store, with a massive collection. The shop's slogan happens to be ‘Keeping Iceland warm since 1926', so why not snatch up a bright parka to take home?

Be sure to stop by Kraum in 10 Aðalstræti, a shop in one of Reykjavik oldest houses and home to over 40 Icelandic designer's works contributing to an array of products that include children's puzzles, woolen lamps and jewelry. Ceramics, clothing and wooden toys are among the many creatively designed items for sale as well as dining accessories, handbags, raincoats and knitwear. If you're on the lookout for more international designer brands, Gotta in Laugavegur is the place to go. Here you'll find names such as Kenzo, Rag & Bone, Alexander Wang and Sportmax.

Eclectic prints and colorful patterns are often seen in Reykjavik, so stop by KronKron in Laugavegur 63 to pick up a piece to brighten up both your day and your look! This boutique also offers its own label called Kron by KronKron, as well as some big Scandinavian names such as Henrik Vibskov and Acne. For a bit more in-depth knowledge of the country's design, stop by The Museum of Design and Applied Art. It was opened in 1998, and its role is to collect and preserve Icelandic design, especially from the beginning of the 20th century to present day.

To get the inside scoop we've checked in with native make-up artist and style blogger Erna from Reykjavik Fashion Journal

How would you describe your style? I have a comfortable style, I'm really in to loose shirts, midi dresses and stuff that's comfortable to wear with a pair of tights or tight fit pants. Here in Iceland you have to be prepared for all kinds of weathers - it's regular for us to witness snow, rain, hail and sun here over just a short time period. I've also gotten really good with layering and good quality woolen underwear is a must.

How would you describe Reykjavik style? There are a lot of trends going on in Reykjavík but people also really enjoy to show their personal style and choose the trends that suit them best. It's really interesting to just look around and watch all the different people and to see how they express themselves through their style. It's also really inspirational and encourages you to show your own true style.

Where do you prefer to shop and for what? Since I work as a merchandiser in a clothing store here in Iceland, Vero Moda, a lot of my clothes come from there but I really like to mix it up with more expensive pieces and Icelandic design. If you prefer to shop in malls, we have two of them - Smáralind or Kringlan. But we also have a lot of great stores in our downtown shopping street, Laugavegur. For instance my favorite store there is JÖR that offers a wide range of great labels for men and women and also has clothing from the Icelandic Fashion Label JÖR. Then there are GK, Geysir and Suit that are also stores that I regularly visit when my closet needs something new. Downtown we also have the best vintage stores like Nostalgía and Spúútnik so if you're in to that you will always find something special there.

What is the one item visitors to Reykjavik should pick up, and from where? Since I'm a makeup artist and a beauty blogger first I would always recommend the Blue Lagoon store downtown, it has the most amazing beauty products that are inspired by Iceland and the powers that represent our nature. Some of my most favorite products are available there and I recommend the Silicia Mask, the Algae Mask and Rich Nourishing Cream - they're amazing! If you prefer clothing I would recommend products from Farmers Market there you have warm but fashionable Icelandic clothing.

Every spring locals and visitors alike take to the streets in their edgiest outfits for the annual Reykjavik Fashion Festival. This year's festival is taking place at Harpa from 12th to the 15th of March. The festival attracts fashionistas and buyers from around the world who want to soak up some of the uniqueness Reykjavik designers offer, and attendees can keep track of the event on the RFF Facebook page. To see more on whats happening in the city, Visit Reykjavik is a good place to start.

After your days of exploring Reykjavik, make sure to get an unmissable treat at the legendary hot dog stand in the harbor called Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. Hot dogs have to be Iceland's favorite snack as there's often a sizeable queue at the stand, and their Facebook page has nearly 20,000 followers. The former president Bill Clinton had a hot dog here once, and now you can order a Clinton on the menu. If you're up for a hot dog with everything on it, impress by saying “ein með öllu”.