As a fashion tourist, I'm always on the scout-out for a local boutique or designer to add to my wardrobe of wearable souvenirs from around the world. My Amsterdam find was Rika Boutique. Okay, the designer, Ulrika Lundgren, is from Sweden, but her base is in Amsterdam, and both are reflected in her designs, a mashup of Scandinavian simplicity and Amsterdam rock attitude. In a summer sale, I scored one of her trademark star-studded Zoe bags and a red Phoebe Leather Tee, which was packed into a reusable cream tote bag with a black skull print. (If you're from out of town, don't forget to ask if they have a refund VAT form; I forgot but they gave me one at the airport anyways.)
I only wish I knew about Maison Rika, her loft-style guesthouse across the street from the boutique (200 Euros a night; www.rikaint.com/sleep-under-the-stars), which judging by the photos, also carries her design flourishes. At least now I have a reason to return. read more