I sure hope they stop adding more pieces to the Stella McCartney for GapKids collection because if I keep talking about them you will think I work for her or the GAP. And neither is true.
From the recent loot I kept a couple…three…okay, four items, but today the last two cardigans arrived and I was very happy with the quality for the price point. Sizing is a bit all over the place though; this short sleeved one that I ordered in XL is oversized,
while the long-sleeved zipped up version in XL is snug:
The cable knit and exaggerated collar are very reminiscent of some Chloe (which Stella headed for some years) pieces from years past. I have to say the colors are somber for kidswear but just adult enough for me! Granted it’s mass produced, but details such as the tonal grosgrain ribbon trims and secret pockets lined with pretty fabric…
just make me happy. I’ve left the GAP for JCrew for a few years now, but this collaboration with Stella has definitely renewed my interest.
Since we’re talking a little about fashion today, I have to relate a story and get something off my chest. I popped into a boutique this afternoon to pick up my alterations. While I was trying on the dress for a second fitting, I overheard the manager of the department berate my sales associate E, who, at least to me, is one of the most polite and elegant women I know. We’ve spoken often about living in Paris, where she’s from, and we share a common love for couture. Not couture in the way the word is used in today’s vernacular, but couture in the historical sense befitting of its art.
Anyhow, back to the psycho manager. She was loudly telling…no, commanding E to call a customer and close a sale before the item got marked down. Even with the door closed I could feel E’s discomfort. She’s old school and one does not push sales like that…at least not for luxury items. A hard sale may work on used car lots but in a designer salon, not so much. I cringed. I realize in this recession retail is a nightmare, and it’s survival of the fittest out there, but does this mean common decency also has to go by the wayside?
So there I sat in the dressing room, waiting for the storm to blow over before I could get out. I knew E knew I heard everything, but we said nothing to each other. A quick hug and I left the store in a rush.
I’ve had bad days at the office and have been guilty of chewing out people. But at least not in front of clients. So word to the wise out there who want to coax customers back inside their stores…please keep fashion a happy fantasyland. It’s ugly enough out in the real world.
Tags: GapKids, Stella McCartney
Well, day 4 of Project FSK (Feed Stray Kitten) finally gets me a photo op with my furguy. It’s all on the down-low because I can’t just pluck him from someone’s family… but I think it’s official that he thinks breakfast begins at my house.
I didn’t see him at all since Friday when I first blogged about him, but sure enough, the food is always consumed. Completely, down to the last morsel.
Then this morning, as soon as the patio door slid open, he came bouncing down the hill toward me, utterly fearless. He rolled around on the ground, meowed, jumped up on my leg, then proceeded to attack the food bowl. Gave me quite a show! All the while, my own two furkids were watching the entire scene from the other side of the patio door, rolling their eyes.
Yes, it’s all hush hush for now and very unofficial, but I think I have a new boyfriend.
The few weeks before a big trip are always the worst. Things seem to pile up from nowhere, emergencies unfold, and then there’s still the dreaded packing. Not to mention the unknown element of travel plans within the trip. But that’s the routine of a nomad, and as chaotic as it may seem, I secretly enjoy the uncertainty. I’ll surprise you with where I end up once I’m there!
What is certain, however, is a new visitor of the four-legged kind in the last couple of weeks. He first made an appearance on my front doorstep, scurrying up the steps from who knows where as soon as I came home. Then he became bolder and darted into my garage every time the door opened. And while I’m not the type to take in strays, I can’t bear to look at skinny animals and not do something about it. Especially if they come around the patio and look at me like this:
My furkids don’t know what to make of this visitor yet…
but one thing is for sure, he wants in. Now!
After further inspection, I am thinking he might be a stray (no collar) and most likely flea-infested. But he’s so persistent in his visits that I can’t pretend he’s not there. Today I left a bowl of cat food for him and he inhaled it in seconds. I know I’ve only encouraged him by feeding him, but could you say no to this face?
Remember when a couple of posts ago I wrote about being a runt and then confessed to doing more Stella for GapKids damage at their online store? Well, the damage arrived last night so I thought it’d be fun to see if a child-sized adult can really pull off kids’ clothing…
We’ll see if I’ll actually wear any of these looks outside my closet. For the moment, the adult clothes from Cruise 2010 season are just trickling in, and I’m already smitten. More eye candy later when they all arrive!
Tags: Cruise 2010, GapKids, Stella
It’s November so it must be football season. I’m just starting to finally learn the rules of this sport which makes going to the games a lot more enjoyable. Today let’s go watch my alma mater
play
the Huskies
at the Rose Bowl…
which is just around the corner from my house. I know we’re just mere weeks away from Christmas, but as you can see from the way people are dressed at the tailgate parties it’s a gorgeous, warm day here in Southern Cal:
The BBQs are going along with the flying frisbees, but I really want to check out the food selection at the Food Zone:
More of the same fare you’d find anywhere in LA, like soft tacos and burgers, so I’ll wait to buy my junk food inside the gate…
Does anyone know where Tunnel 16 is?
I follow the masses in true blue and gold (go Bruins!)…
and with stadium food in hand I make my way to my seat:
The game turns out to be pretty exciting, in spite of the boneheaded mistakes by both teams…
and it holds my attention from start
to finish,
with very little distraction in between (Josie Bruin’s dress is too cute):
Four hours later it’s time to walk down the hill to the car. We parked near the Gamble House so the stroll is actually great eye candy…
Or maybe the victory just makes the walk that much more pleasant!
Tags: Bruins, football, Gamble House, Huskies, Rose Bowl
