By Cristina Boydell

In November, I had a chance to travel to Copenhagen for a cheeky weekend break and one of my British friends’ birthday – the perks of living in London!

I fell in love with the city and the style instantly. The Danish are just born hipsters. They bike everywhere – the taxes on cars are so high, no one drives – and there are many underground bars, restaurants and cafés.

The holiday season – and shopping – are in full swing in Copenhagen.

The street style in Copenhagen is effortlessly trendy, yet practical for the cool winter months. Layers are key in this city, from chunky knitted hats, fur coats or stalls, to the less practical but cool boiler hats.

It was all about the jackets too – from capes and parkas with fur to puffer, military, leather-sleeved, studded and zip biker coats.

Christmas decorations were already in full swing at the shops. We spent hours on our first day at ILLUM, which is one of the leading and most attractive department stores in Scandinavia when it comes to fashion, interiors, design and beauty. I would compare it to Selfridges in London or Holt Renfrew in Canada.

Department store Illum is a big tourist attraction.

My personal favourite Danish designer brand is BY MALENE BIRGER, which received Brand of the Year award at the Dansk Fashion Awards 2011. I could buy her entire collection. She designs for the modern woman, offering affordable luxury with a contemporary and artistic angle. The brand offers tailored blazers, embellished dresses, chunky knits, printed trousers, stand-out party dresses, statement necklaces and eye-catching clutches.

The city’s fashion venues are postcard-worthy.

With many other amazing Scandinavian designers, such as Acne Jeans and J. Lindeberg Bruuns, and high-street stores like H&M, there were plenty of early Christmas temptations! Only a few more days until then!