Focus

Long day here. Just got home after participating in a focus group (under the veil of secrecy, of course). While I can't tell you who or what I was focused on, I can say that it's amazing how the marketing savvy of entire corporations can be fit on the head of a pin. I did get paid a hundred bucks though.

Rather phenomenally (but unsurprisingly) I managed to spend it all before I actually arrived at the venue - like in the 20 minutes preceding it.

For starters, I surfed Gap Canada Online and got 3 pairs of pants for M. When you spend $50.00 you get shipping for free. Um, that's child's play! I spent $52.00 before tax - talk about maximizing value! - which means each pair of pants cost an average of $17.00. They were originally $39.00 each. And, mega bonus, I didn't have to shop with the whiny adolescent who preferably wears pants requiring the assistance of a coat hanger to pull on - even given the modern powers of Lycra.

I did check for a promo code (to make my crazy savings utterly absurd), but there were none to be found in 3 minutes or less. Still, by Canadian standards, this is an online steal. (Even in the shops my final bill would be amazing.)

I also bought, finally, Built by Wendy Coats & Jackets:

A Dress A Day has written an interesting post on it...

I purchased in store so I paid more - but I did convince the SA to honour my about-to-expire online coupon (which I'd forgotten to use the last time I ordered online) because said online ordered book has been online back-ordered for 5 weeks. Intriguingly, that's a book about draping and I can't wait to start learning that skill.

I recently ordered bolduc tape (French twill in black that you frequently see pinned onto dress forms being used for draping purposes - to show the pivot zones, I presume) in anticipation of this new pursuit. Of course, I know NOTHING about draping so I might be completely making that up. I know nothing about it except that it's an amazing art which, I bet, will initially frustrate the crap out of me and eventually convert me with its seductive charms.

On the topic of seduction, and expenditure, yesterday my husband (who was working from home) observed 3 courier trucks stop one after the other in front of our house to deliver parcels all for me. There were British junk foods galore, sewing notions and bras. It appears that I am having an online moment.

Is it a bad sign when you've memorized your Visa details?

In truth, parenting has been a challenge over the past couple of weeks so I might be mood altering with treats.

I wish I had any energy to sew. Alas, I'll read my new book, pin my mannequin and get ready for the MPB Jeans Sew Along. There's no way I'm going into that burned out. And besides, it's not a race to see who can make the most garments in the shortest amount of time.

Right?

Filling the Gap

While I'm on the topic of good, affordable American chic from the Gap, please see Exhibits A, B and C below:


I bought this homage-to-the-pumpkin T and, I have to wonder why they didn't use a model with slightly "more boobs" to show off its saucy neckline.


Ditto with this fabulous jewel-tone aubergine crew-neck. The model is svelte and lovely, if the lower half of her face is anything to go on, but she's lost in this shirt. They make an XS for a reason. Hell, I bought the small and my tits are 8x the size.

I had to resist buying this bag (which is shown in black but also come in a very rich taupe), even though I scarcely need another bag, never mind one without a strap:

It costs 150 bucks and is large enough to hold everything you undoubtedly cart around - although it's not "oversize". The leather, which looks a bit cheap in the photo, is actually soft and supple. Admittedly, it looks better in taupe than in black. It really is a great deal for a woman who doesn't need two free hands when out and about.

What do you think?

Into the Gap

If someone had told me last year that I'd be writing this post I would have said you're high on drugs, honey. Really, I say that. It's one of my over-used phrases that's been in high-rotation since the '80s.

Which, btw, was the last time The Gap did something interesting, IMO.

OK, not fair or true. I know. But I've had a real blah-on for this conglomerate (who'd call it fashion house?) for quite some time.

Brief history of K at the Gap:

c. 1980: I remember checking out a boutique version at some big department store (I think it was Bloomingdale's) while visiting family in NY. It was Ts and sweatshirts all the way. With the old time logo. I thought it was the bomb but my mother said it was sloppy so we didn't buy.

c.1990: It opened on Bloor Street in TO. They did some great boyfriend jeans.

c. 1997: I remember going to Gap during many lunch hours with my great friend Jennifer (who, btw, has just moved into a new, gorgeous house and whom I've been thinking of for weeks. Jen, I'm going to call you...). I think J would agree that it was the place then. I remember buying some very good high-waisted grey wool pants (v. Hepburn) I wore into the ground. They did some super blazers and jackets. The white blouse, of course, is ubiquitous still now.

c. 2002: The cannibal days when Banana and Old Navy cut into the market every which way. Let me clarify, I do like Banana Republic - when on sale, mostly - but I loathe Old Navy. Gap does everything at the same price (esp. when on sale) and the kids stuff at ON sucks. I don't really understand the point of all three of them. Don't suppose anyone does - esp. not the market pundits. Does the term "refocus" mean anything??

c.2008: I read that Mr. Patrick Robinson joined as VP Design and I thought "If anything can save this ailing behemoth in the era of H&M, TopShop, Zara and La Redoute, it's Mr. American Sportswear with an Edge himself." I really thought those exact words.

So I walked in there last week and, to my pleasure and surprise can report they've got some great basics at some great prices. And they are basics with a bit of modernity (but, which still retain the American chic on which the brand has prided itself (rightly or wrongly) these many years).

While it's not, perhaps, so smart to show the ad followed by a mediocre photo of oneself, you know how I like to live on the edge... Here are some pro-shot, tall-heeled trouser jeans I just bought at the Gap:


And here' they are on a, ahem, short, real girl wearing flats: