back in the summer of 2004, i traveled to europe on the cheap. it wasn't for the experience of it, it wasn't for want of it, it was due to a very bad fiscal year for little old me, but it was one of the best trips i have ever taken for a multitude of reasons.

there was, however, one instance where i really felt the sting of not being able to procure any little trinket or piece of clothing, and that was during our last stop, in paris, where we were attending the wedding of two friends. as i walked to the monoprix to pick up some groceries for said friends, i happened upon a little store named 'comptoir des cotonniers' and it was love at first sight.

the aesthetic to my eye is something akin to marni, but more to the point a 'marni-light'. not as obvious in its quirk, but chic in every way, especially in the way that only parisian women can be.

on this past trip however, where my financial situation wasn't nearly as bleak as before, i made sure to make my way over to the nearest comptoir des cotonniers i could find, which just happened to be in milan. and so for now, my obsession has been sated - but i'm not sure for how long and the little matter of the site not offering online shopping makes me just a little bit more than sad.

Comptoir des Cotonniers, is a Parisian brand, that's been playing-up the theme of "mothers and daughters", and it's worked beautifully. Showcasing both mothers and daughters in their designs, has made me run out and buy some for me and my mum. If you're of the travelling set, and spend loads of time in Europe, be sure to check-out their boutiques as well as the clothes. I promise the clothes won't disappoint, and you can look as effortless and chic as the Parisian women who the clothes are inspired by!