We found our dress!

Yesterday we did a little bridesmaid dress shopping in Toronto, and the Wedding Gods smiled down upon us, because we found our dress in the first store we went into. 

This is just the sample they had on the rack, as the bride's colour is a deep purple.  Annnnnd it has pockets!  The night before we were researching which stores to visit on the net, and we saw a few dresses with pockets, and we were surprised they even did that on an evening gown.  Why not wear a fanny pack too?  But when we tried it on, you really couldn't tell the pockets were there, and in the end, I'm sure they'll be useful, if not for carrying tissues, then for carrying some flip-flops when our feet eventually get sore.

Here is the maid of honour modelling the dress:

Unusual Human Behaviour

Last night I had to run to the drug store to get some insulin and stamps. As I was driving into the parking lot, I noticed a guy in front of the store smoking.

I'm not a smoker, so maybe I don't get it.

The guy clearly didn't work there, because he wasn't in a uniform and was in line paying as I was leaving, so what I don't understand the need to stand outside smoking. Like I did, most people usually run in and out of the drug store. They're usually not in there long enough to have to take a smoke break.

Like I said, I'm not a smoker. I guess when the desire arises, you have to give in, even if you look dumb doing it.

The Eaton Center/Sonic Boom

Yesterday I had to hit up the big city, because I had to do some birthday shopping at Williams-Sonoma, and the only mall that has one is the Eaton Centre downtown.

It's Toronto's main mall, and it's pretty big, so it's a tourist attraction, and I usually go around Christmas, so it's always packed solid.

Last night was a typical Stevie Wonder ordinary day with nothing going on, so it wasn't busy at all. I could actually walk! I really, REALLY hate crowds, so this was refreshing.

Also, my cousin works at one of the stores, so I stopped in to visit her, and luckily for us, she was got off early so we could hang out. I don't see her that often so I was really glad for the chance.

Another reason for the shopping trip was to visit my favourite music/movies store, Sonic Boom.

I freaking love this store. Combining the fact that I still buy cds with the fact that I like old bands that I can't find music for in an average music store, this is paradise for me. They sell new and used cds, dvds, VHS tapes, cassettes, vinyls, 8-tracks (100% serious, but who would buy them?), and I almost always find what I'm looking for, for cheap. If you're ever in Toronto, it's on Bloor and Bathurst, across the street from Honest Ed's tacky storefront.

I say I almost always find what I'm looking for because last night my reason for going was to find a Giorgio Moroder album, but they had none. The girl behind the counter said they had got some not that long ago, but someone must have bought it all. Boo-urns.

Then we went across the street to an art store because my cousin needed some paint, and I found some gorgeous journals. I loooove pretty journals, and must have them, even if I don't know what I'm going to put into them.

All in all it was a good night, even if I did get home late and was scared stiff that I would get mugged getting off the subway.

Hard to buy clothes

Why is it so hard to buy decent clothes these days?

I find everyone seems to be cheaping out on quality, but raising prices (not surprising). I have my cousin's engagement party this Saturday, but she's having it in her house, so it's not really semi-formal, but not really jeans-and-a-t-shirt either (for the Italians, anyway. I don't want to know what everyone else will wear). I went out to find a nice top to wear, and everything sucks!

I don't know where these clothing manufacturers get off making a fancy top out of t-shirt material, and then have the nerve to charge $70+ for it!

Then, the other problem I have is that even if I do find something suitable, the twins get in the way. I'm not overly heavy, so I don't need a big size, but the way some of these shirts are made, I have to have almost zero bust for them to look right, and that's not how my genes made me.

I did find something in the end (thank goodness, since there's not much time left), but I hate the struggle. I hate shopping in general, and this is why.

Shopping

She parks her silver minivan in the "Reserved for Shoppers with Children" spot. "What?" she says. "I have kids! I can park here!" She goes inside and breathes the air in deeply. She's wearing yoga pants and her best cross-trainers. This is like a work-out for her, and she's going to be at it all day.

She needs a new pair of slacks. The mall had better be ready for her.

She leaves no shelf unturned, no hanger unhung. She might as well put up some paintings and put down some carpeting in the change room, she's been in there so long. Nothing is right. Nothing is perfect.

She is getting tired and cranky, and is starting to sweat. Someone get her some coffee and a cookie!

This process is repeated in every single store that sells clothing until finally, joy of joys, she finds her holy grail. The pants that seemed to have been made just for her. They look great, feel great, and she can afford them. She loves them.

She buys the perfect pants and leaves the store. But strangely, the search is not over. She visits every store again, in case she missed something, in case she made a mistake.

Having grudgingly satisfied her curiosity, she climbs back into her silver minivan and drives off, avoiding collisions with those coveting her spot, those who will fill her void in the changerooms when she is gone.

She has to see how the pants look again. She tries them on with every top in her wardrobe. A sigh emanates from her boudoir. "I don't know", she mutters. She hates her new pants.

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My mother shops like this. I do not. This is why I hate shopping with her. I go to the mall with a male mentality. Get what I need and get the heck out, hopefully as quickly as possible. I don't even scope the scenery. I don't make eye contact with anyone except the people helping me. And when I buy something, it's because I like it. I will still like it when I take it home. And once I've made a purchase, I'm pretty sure I've made the right one, and won't keep shopping for it. I even get antsy if I've been at the mall more than 3 hours. This is why my mother hates shopping with me.