If I would have to define my style it would be something like Audrey Hepburn meets Charlize Theron. I like clothing that is refined and sophisticated, I like beautiful materials and feminine cuts, but I also like abstract patterns. I’m maybe less of a flower girl, I think flowers are beautiful in a vase but put them on a dress or shirt and they somehow almost always seem niffy. One of the stores I simply adore thanks to their cutting edge style and minimalistic, abstract clothes is COS. Whenever I was in The Hague, home of COS’ s flagship store in the Netherlands, I went there dragging my husband along with me (little did he know we were only in The Hague for the COS shop) and abused him as clothing rack to throw my ever growing piles of items on. During the Sale-season things were even worse. I once was refused into a fitting room because I wanted to try too many items. They were unsympathetic and unyielding considering the endless line I would have to stand in again. In the hustle and bustle of the store (packed with bargain hunters, accidental shoppers – how I hate those unaware of the genius that is COS – future designers and young creatives) I went trying on all of my items in front of a lost mirror blushing and sweating while still trying to keep some sort of composure. That is my COS addiction for you.

I don’t know how many times I asked the different cashiers if the flagship store in The Hague really was the only COS store in the Netherlands. I could not for the life of me comprehend why they wouldn’t want to branch out at least to Amsterdam (which is closer to home). Amsterdam, as in capital city of the Netherlands! Or at least open an online shop!! But, at long last a wish has come true. They recently opened a little (modest) store in one of Amsterdam’s most original shopping area’s: the 9 streets (a place I know so well, I could draw you a map of the little streets and their shops). Of course I was overjoyed and immediately prepared an opportunity to visit the shop. It is the end of the year after all. There must be some sale going on… Today was that day.

Of course I encountered somewhat of a crowd when I entered the shop decorated in the same clean signature style and furniture. It is not a large shop and only three (!) fitting rooms which resulted in (you guessed it) long lines. However, I did succeed in buying three on sale items and was very happy and content. I snatched a shot of their beautiful sofa and little table by Scholtens & Baijngs. Don’t you just love that! Dear COS, thanks so much for coming to Amsterdam and also opening an online store! It was well worth the wait!