Chicago Shopping l October 2, part 2

Feeling like Rachel Zoe, straight into GUESS I trot, and immediately head for the shoes on display. 

Now while some may benchmark a Big Mac from McDonalds or a can of Coke country to country.  My benchmark is a pair of GUESS heels. In Australia expect to pay anywhere between AUD199, Singapore SG$130 in Europe EUR199 (I think they forgot to convert correctly… and yes I did have a coronary) and with much love I stare at a pair of heels in the heart of Chicago for just US$99.  True love again, and Dad I think we have a problem.  Life long finance structure is going to have to wait until at least until the New Year.

Once again my smile is Cheshire cat bound from ear to ear as I walk around realizing everything is practically half the price than in Australia.  Cool watches from $100, and faux fur vest at just $148. My mental mind scroll works overtime, as I reconciliate the whole store and head straight over to the GAP. 

August 26^th 2010 saw the new GAP store open at Chadstone Shopping Centre in Melbourne.  I trust one is heading to Sydney soon.  In the meantime there is no risk in have a quick skim through.  GAP advertising has always been great.  I remember the Sarah Jessica Parker ad a few years back, where it was a booklet cut in half so you could dress her from a range of styles.  Very Barbie cut out book like.  Their recent advertisements focus on Black Pants; boy cut, curvy, boot cut, ¾ length etc… .just my colour! and I head straight over. 

The sizing can get you if you are not used to the American size charts… and by the way who really is a size 0.  After asking the shop assistant what my size will be converted to, I worked out that I could starve myself for the rest of my life and never be a 0,2 or even a 4!  The price tag of the basic blacks impressed me at $59.50 when in Australia they will retail for $99.   I’m not sure how we get away with that.  No wonder everyone I talk to about Australia says “oooooh it’s so expensive there”.  I definitely now agree and to be honest feel a little bit ripped off myself!

Four levels of GAP goodness is ahead and I navigate each one with ease.  I make a mental note to ensure I tell my sister to get online so that we can coordinate the kids winter collection and sizing. It’s all just too good and the basics are terrific.

But the best was yet to come.  In a form of a secret.  VICTORIA’s SECRET.

What an experience.  Did you know that unlike any other lingerie shop – you don’t actually need to pull the merchandise off the racks like you are styling a 10 section fashion show?  All you need to do if you know your size is hop back to the Bra Salon, and they will bring you EVERY model of bra they have so you can try on in the most luxurious change rooms… oops I mean bra salon.

And the best part is they never come barging in, flying the door open for all to see with a “Are you done yet?”.  Hey my days of changing into a wedding dress backstage at a fashion parade within 30 seconds are well and truly over… so I am delighted that they took my name, wrote it on a card, tucked it in a holder next to my door and left me to it.  When I was ready I simply pushed the door bell on the inside of my door and waited for them to pop in.

My lady Lucy took special care of me, since as my girlfriends know, at the tender age of 29 (!) I have not had the pleasure of wearing many of these catapult contraptions.  Personally I don’t find the need… but I could tell she was a little shocked as her eyebrows bobbed up and down Groucho Marx style and politely contained the “What The?”

Two hours later I was so ecstatic that I almost cried!  Sorry Dad but I also bought a tracksuit, a tank top, a Bears t-shirt (very cute), lip gloss, eye shadow, and some eyeliner.  Well it WAS a large store and what do you expect. I’m actually convinced it’s all a devine trap.   Like Casinos… flashing lights, sparkly thing and no clocks anywhere… I'm not a gambler but I am not complaining!

Blame the ballroom dancing past on the addiction to sparkly things… because I chassee over the road straight into the doors of Swarovski.  Now thats an entrance! So if the 50% off prices haven't done my head in yet, my Mum is going to hemorrhage when I tell her about this. The prices are just too incredible, and again at 50% off.  My Mum definitely understands a good buy when she sees one.  I'll be sure to tell the therapist at somepoint in my life I know who I took after!  My mind races on however with stories to explain to Dad why I needed a new ring, or that I need to buy something for my sister or for Mum… to save money “for all of us to share” of course...

Just for the record, that old chestnut has been working on my Dad since the mid 80’s when my Mum came home with a $400 Lisa Ho designer jacket “for all of us to share”.  My Dad is a very smart man, and I know he never falls for this kind of garb.  He just loves us all so much that he would never tell us no.

That said Lisa Ho jacket was so expensive back then, no one to this day has the heart to get rid of it - more than 20 years later.  Sorry Mum, but my guess is that a multi-coloured puzzle jacket with enormous shoulder pads and gold buttons will never make a come back, no matter what we paid for it. 

No wonder Joseph and his Techicolour Dream Coat hasn’t played in London’s West End for a while. 

He can’t find his jacket, but just between you and me I think I have an idea where he may find it!