Comptoir des Cotonniers

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Walk into the Columbus Avenue outpost of this French chain and it’s a little hard to imagine what hip Upper West Side mothers (and their daughters) did before the arrival of Comptoir des Cotonniers in November of 2010. A one-stop shop for anyone in search of daywear that’s chic yet comfortable, the store features plenty of oversize sweaters in luxurious angora blends, simple shift dresses classed up with silk, and sharply-cut jackets and trenches. With this assortment, the small boutique could be mistaken at first for a J.Crew or Banana Republic. A closer look, however, reveals decidedly French twists: leather moccasins are propped up on sexy wedge heels, silk blouses are splashed with Gallic stripes, and structured trousers are cropped at the ankle a la Brigitte Bardot. The warm staff is eager to help, offering up styling suggestions and conversation to any customer sifting through the racks, and making the feel of the store itself—all worn grey wood and white walls—as inviting as the clothes. — Bianca Male