It's that time of year again. We're all packing our bags and heading to cooler - or sunnier - climes. It's time for hols! And what better way to remember the awesome times we had on vacay than to bring a little bit of the country back with us. Souvenirs are all well and good, they sit in a showcase and we rarely take them out again. Clothes and items like that are used daily, meaning that it's a perfect way to remind ourselves of the lovely times we had.
With that in mind, here's my guide to international shopping. Please note, I'm sticking to mid-range, high street type stores. Aka the equivalent of Zara, Forever 21 and the like. Although I will include a few high end and some discount ones if they're really awesome.
Let's begin with the centre of fashion - France.
1.
It's a store that caters to those wanting a more youthful kind of style. It's girly - well, as girly as the French will go - and simple. The dress that headlines this post is from there. Just look at how cute the back is!
I love Naf-Naf for their tees. They have the best details on them. Their t-shirts elevate a simple jeans and tee look into something a little more dressy and elegant. These tees illustrate what I mean perfectly.
The lace detail and the fluttery sleeves on this tee are just so feminine without being saccharine.
Jeans and your not so basic white tee. The lace panel on the sleeves is a nice twist on a classic. The ruffles and the lace panel running down the front mean that this is something you could even wear to work.
Even though I'm completely over the whole Bardot - off the shoulder style, how adorable is this tee? You could wear it out with friends, or on a date. It would absolutely work as party wear too. With something glittery on the bottom and high heels, you can take this tee to the clubs.
2.
Camaieu is trendy but a little more grown up. If you like bright colours, this is the store for you. Most of their clothes are colourful enough for the gloomiest monsoon days.
This clashing colour outfit is a perfect example of what Camaieu has to offer. I'd wear the top and the shorts separately - and probably with more neutral colours. However, this does look awesome, even I have to admit.
This outfit is more along the lines of something I'd wear. It's all perfectly on trend, and perfectly summery.
And as this outfit and the next illustrate, Camaieu also has stuff for the bright-phobics (aka me) among us. Btw, can we just pause to take in how French this outfit is? It's perfect!
I love this dress. It's the thing to wear on a casual summer night. I envision it with flat, scrappy sandals, or ballet flats and one of those straw bags that are doing the rounds. Date night outfit done!
3.
Even though it's on the pricier side, I thought I'd throw Kookai in simply because most people tend to think of it as an Australian brand. I think because it retails heavily in Oz, and most Indians have family and friends there, we lump it in with Australian wear. But it's actually French. The quality is worth the higher prices for the most part. Their fits are great as well. However, I'd stop by here for the trousers, shorts and jumpsuits and rompers. Because, to be honest, you can get the equivalent (or nearly so) of their other clothing items at much cheaper prices elsewhere.
This flowy pair of shorts just screams summer. The bight colour means that we Indians can take it into the monsoon as well. And think of how good this will look in the October heat! I'm a fan.
This strapless jumpsuit is exactly the reason why you should stop by Kookai. Where else will you find something so elegant and effortless? You could wear this to a formal occasion and dress it down for daily wear. Heck, chuck on a blazer, and you can take this to the office too. It's versatile and beautifully made. And the blush pink colour is such a lovely neutral too.
If you're more on the tomboyish side, a pair of olive green shorts like these are a must have. With a tee and trainers, they're your go-on for summer. Throw on a formal blouse and heels, and you've got a movie/date/dining out look. They'll match most tops you currently have too.
4.
This, my pretties, is my go-to French brand. Morgan, originally Morgan de Toi. I love it so much, I even have a loyalty card! So you know just how much I've shopped there. Morgan is the sexier version of Zara. They're trendy but adult. Classy, but in a knock their socks off way. Their sizes run through to a UK 18 and 20 in most items. So you can shop there even if you're on the curvier side. I usually buy my sis - who could rival Beyoncé for bootylicious - stuff from here.
Although this is a darker colour, I love the style of this skirt. It's like the frilled, gingham ones Topshop did last summer, only far more grown up. With a white tee and sandals, I feel this could be a summer look.
This skirt is so flippy, it says 'summer'. Yes, it is back and white, but honestly, most of Morgan's stuff is in that colour range. Like I said, adult and sexy. Once again, this would work beautifully with flats and a casual tee. Of course, you can dress this up as well. It depends on your style.
Also, this jumpsuit! While not as summery as the Kookai one, how lovely is this! This is a date night outfit in one go. Given the lace detail on both the front and back, this is up to the most formal occasion as well. Gold strappy heels, gold bangles and your hair up in one of those messy, oh so French ballet buns. It's a look for sure!
5.
Cache-cache is kinda like the Primark of France. It's clothes range from dirt cheap to mid-range, and they have everything from nightwear to slippers too.
Speaking of, don't you want these red fuzzy slippers on your feet? Even though the weather's impossible right now, I can't help but wish they were mine.
Paired with this night set, I think they'd look adorable.
Should you need something to block out the light, this fuzzy eye mask is just the ticket. I think it's just three Euros too.
If you're in the market for actual clothes, you might prefer something typically French like this. All you need is some red lippy, and a fake French accent and you're set.
I also like this polka dot dress. Once again, very French.
Of course, France is the home of several major designers. If you want to head to Chanel, Chloe, Vetements and the like, it's all here. You'll get them in any Au Printemps store, or in the infamous Galaries Lafayette, or in their Parisian flagship stores. If you're a mum or want to buy something for kiddies you know, Bon Point and Petit Bateau are the shops you want to check out.
If you're headed elsewhere, keep on eye out. I plan on covering several other countries as well.
Till next time,
MumbaiGirl.
IG: @maryannecp
Photos: All clothing items are taken from the Brands' own websites. All are from collections currently in stores.
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