What Inspired Us on Our Latest Buying Trip

Postcards From Paris

An inside look at the Maman buying trip. From showroom appointments to hidden Paris gems.

There's something about Paris that continues to inspire us every single time we visit. While our buying trips are centred around sourcing the beautiful collections you'll soon see arrive at Maman Boutique, they're equally about soaking up the city itself. It's effortless style, incredible food, world-class exhibitions and those little moments that remind us why French women do chic so well.

Between appointments, showroom visits and long days on our feet, we managed to squeeze in some unforgettable meals, inspiring exhibitions and plenty of wandering through our favourite neighbourhoods.

Showroom Appointments

The heart of buying week lies inside the showrooms. Returning to brands we know and love—Citizens of Humanity, ba&sh, Kujten, Laurence Bras, Assouline & FARM Rio to name a few.
We explored their latest collections while also discovering new designs that felt right at home with Maman.
Each space was beautifully curated, thoughtfully designed, and a reflection of the craftsmanship and creativity behind every collection.

We can't wait to show you what is to come..

Emma & Kate's

Trend Forcast

This season, one thing stood out above all else: texture over loud prints.

Raffia, woven leather, suede, velvet, embroidery and beautifully natural fabrics were everywhere. Even the simplest outfits felt considered because of the way different textures were layered together, rather than relying on bold colours or obvious logos. It's a quieter, more timeless approach to dressing that feels incredibly wearable and one that resonates deeply with the way we buy for Maman.

Of course, there were a few standout trends we couldn't help but notice too. Bandana prints are making a beautiful return, appearing on flowing dresses, silk scarves and easy separates with a relaxed, bohemian feel. Woven bags were everywhere, from oversized market totes to beautifully crafted everyday handbags, adding texture and effortless polish to every outfit.

Ballet flats continue to reign supreme, but this season they're being reimagined in playful prints, metallic finishes and rich textures that feel both classic and modern. And perhaps our favourite surprise was the return of velvet appearing not just for evening, but woven into everyday dressing through jackets, bags and shoes, bringing warmth and quiet luxury to even the most understated looks.

Where To Dine

Paris has perfected the art of slowing down, and nowhere is that more evident than over lunch.

For Long Lunches
Le Grand Café was beautifully Parisian, with elegant interiors and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger a little longer.

We also loved the relaxed energy at Bambina.

Dinner in Paris always feels like an occasion.
La Petit Chaise, the oldest restaurant in Paris, remains one of our favourite classics, full of history and timeless French charm.

A recommendation from our good friend, chef Josh Emett, led us to Le Grand Colbert, and it was every bit as beautiful as we'd hoped.

For pure Paris magic, Girafe is hard to beat. Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle across the terrace while sharing dinner is one of those experiences that never loses its charm.

Where We Love To Shop

As buyers, we're constantly observing not just what's on the runway, but how people dress, how stores merchandise their collections and the little details that make each retail space feel unique.

Some of our favourite stops included:

Merci
Le Bon Marché
La Grande Épicerie
Galeries Lafayette
La Samaritaine
French Trotters
Dover Street Market
The Broken Arm

Each store offers something different, from beautifully curated independent labels to luxury fashion and inspiring visual merchandising. We always leave with fresh ideas that inevitably find their way back into Maman.

Best Place For An Aperol

One ritual we'll never skip? Aperitif hour.

This trip we discovered Perruche Rooftop, a lush rooftop garden with panoramic views stretching across Paris a beautiful escape from the busy streets below.

Ordering a Campari in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, finding a seat outside and watching the city unfold around us is still one of our favourite ways to spend an afternoon. We always seem to find ourselves back at our little corner near Le Hibou and Marco Polo.

Places To Explore

Paris has an incredible way of reminding you that fashion and art are inseparable.

The Matisse exhibition at the Grand Palais was extraordinary full of colour, movement and creativity that still lingers in our minds.

The beautifully curated Dior exhibition celebrated the craftsmanship and artistry behind one of fashion's most iconic houses, while the Versace exhibition was one of the highlights of our trip. Learning more about Gianni Versace's Greek heritage and seeing everything from Versace Home to unforgettable pieces created for Princess Diana and Elton John was incredibly inspiring.

A visit to the Bourse de Commerce offered a completely different perspective through contemporary art, while the Louvre and a stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg reminded us why Paris continues to be one of the world's great creative capitals.

What To Pack For Paris

The Parisian heatwave was not for the faint-hearted.
After experiencing it firsthand, we've narrowed down our packing essentials so you can arrive prepared. Think lightweight layers that travel beautifully, effortless daytime dressing, and elevated pieces that take you seamlessly from sightseeing to dinner.

Shop the paris edit

Our Biggest Takeaway

Rather than any one trend, what struck us most was the overall mood. Parisian style feels like it's moving away from obvious "fashion moments" and back towards thoughtful dressing. Women are investing in beautiful fabrics, timeless cuts and accessories that elevate an outfit without overpowering it.

The focus is on quality over quantity, texture over print, and effortless styling over perfection. It's a philosophy we've always loved and one that continues to influence the collections we curate for Maman Boutique.

These are exactly the kinds of details that inspire us while buying. Rather than chasing fast-moving trends, we're always searching for pieces with longevity—beautifully made, thoughtfully designed, and effortless to wear season after season. We can't wait to share these discoveries with you as our new collections begin arriving at Maman.

We hope you'll spot little touches of Paris woven throughout the season—from relaxed tailoring and rich textures to timeless silhouettes with an understated elegance. Each piece has been chosen to feel as relevant years from now as it does today.

Until next time, Paris. x