COS

Although owned by the Swedish company Hennes and Mauritz (making it part of the H&M family), two facts are surprising about COS: one, this is a distinctly upscale boutique that has very little to do with H&M's megastores and, two, it has no locations in its native country. Sweden's loss. Germany, rather, is where the largest number of COS branches can be found, allowing Berliners to reap the benefits of the Swedes' carefully constructed and immaculately sleek style.


Keep an eye out for COS during this summer's European travels (the UK, Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, and Spain all boast outposts of the brand). The COS look, for both men and women, strikes a perfect balance between being just enough classic, just enough cutting edge. Light layers and structured shapes keep the lines clean while adding visual interest: these are detail-oriented, fashion-forward pieces which, since they are crafted in neutral colors, can be warn many seasons in the future, even if their price tags don't necessitate doing so.


www.cosstores.com

Images credited to COS.

While You're There: Stockholm

For those still salivating over the previous post's mention of cardamom buns, here's where to stop for a bite when shopping in Stockholm:

Cafe Saturnus. Famous for its extremely large, extremely delicious cinnamon buns, Cafe Saturnus stakes a claim for serving the best pastries in the city. Cardamom buns provide an equally phenomenal option and are a bit more off-beat - don't be surprised if repeat visits are in order so that you can compare the two choices. Saturnus serves huge bowls of coffee, breakfast platters, sandwiches and salads as well.

Eriksbergsgatan 6, Ostermalm. +46 8 611 7700

Image credited to rommy@flickr via http://beta.stockholmtown.com/fi/Ruokailu/Kahvilat/saturnus/2006.

Filippa K for Rorstrand

Stockholm's cafes are known to be filled with delectable sweets (e.g. the cardamom buns from Saturnus) and friendly blondes ("hey, hey," as they say), but one of the most charming details about them is their unique coffee cups, which resemble miniature ceramic flower pots. Appearing in all different colors and sizes, the cups are imbued with the Swedes' streamlined design sense and, as the ultimate alternative to chunky mugs, can be found in some of the city's most of-the-moment haunts.

Perhaps the most inspired versions of these cups are those sold by Swedish fashion designer Filippa K. Her famously chic eye, which works mostly in neutrals, is applied elegantly here to renowned Rorstrand porcelain. The designer's abstract and organic patterns resemble textile prints and add a stylish layer to the cups' basic shapes. Below, a selection of Filippa K for Rorstrand.


Unsurprisingly, however, the Swedish bargain chain IKEA offers several of its own variations. Simple, accessible, and insanely low-priced, they may not be as aesthetic, but they still retain a cool factor.


Another irresistible buy from Ikea: their oversized version in white for true caffeine addicts.


Websites:
www.filippa-k.com
www.rorstrand.se
www.ikea.com
www.scandinaviandesign.com

Images credited to Ikea and Rorstrand.