My last post on the Stella for Gap collection was a rather pathetic confession that I had somehow managed to miss its launch and snag nothing. To make up for my forgetfulness, I have been incredibly diligent in my hunt for a band jacket this past week – some might say stalkerish. I called daily (sometimes long distance) to find out when new shipments were arriving at each of the 4 stores in Toronto. I even ran unshowered with my baby to the store one day only to find they had only received three band jackets in the previous night’s shipment and not even in my size. Panic started to set in as day after day I was told that replenishments had not arrived and I watched the band jackets sell for double their retail on eBay; I started to fear that I would never get my grubby little hands on one.

Fast forward to yesterday when I was doing my regular round of calls to the stores to find out what had arrived in last night’s shipment. Two phone calls down and no luck and I was starting to think to myself yet again, “Better luck tomorrow”, when – rather unexpectedly – a Baby Gap angel on the other end of the line informed me that they did, in fact, have a band jacket in XXL that had arrived the night before, and did I want to put it on hold? O. M. G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot begin to describe my elation. And sense of accomplishment. It was as if I had just been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Boy did I feel triumphant.

So after much hard work, I managed to snag three pieces from the collection – my beloved band jacket (which fit perfectly!), the little boys’ leopard sweater (I don’t normally do animals or animal prints, but this sweater is beyond cute) and the little girls’ cable knit belted cardigan (unexpectedly chic and comfy).

Wish I could’ve rocked the tutu, but I’m thinking I’m just a tad too old and too big for it. But only a tad. Mr. Backseat Styler is very grateful for that tad I’m sure.

Tutu or not, I’m feeling rather satisfied with the fruits of my labour. So much so that I’ve decided I’m going to skip the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection. I’ll leave the madness to the rest of the city’s JC fans. I’m all collabo’d out. Until perhaps Sonia Rykiel for H&M.

xx, S

I had such big plans for the launch of the Stella for Gap collection. I was going to set the alarm for an ungodly hour (9am) and me and the little guy were going to make our way to the closest Gap Kids / Baby Gap store bright and early to ensure we nabbed everything on our wishlist (which incidentally is mostly stuff for me and not him, despite the fact that he is, in fact, a baby and I am not). Baby Backseat Styler and I had been practicing our jiu jitsu this past month and were ready to take on the other moms and babies. The plan was perfect, except for a slight error in the execution today…

I forgot about the launch. And I’m fairly certain this significant memory lapse had something to do with being distracted by the exclusive sale invite that arrived in my inbox late last night from Saks.com:

When I finally realized in horror what I’d done, I called the Gap Kids stores in the GTA that are carrying the Stella McCartney collection (Eaton Centre, Bloor, Yorkdale) in a state of panic. All I wanted was that little boys’ band jacket in the largest size they produced in the hopes that it’ll fit me…had they all sold out whilst I was dilly-dallying on Saks.com? As luck would have it, and to my huge relief, the band jackets hadn’t yet been shipped to the stores and they weren’t available today to the masses who lined up this morning (so reported the Yorkdale location staff member I chatted with)…phew! Clearly the shopping gods were looking down on me today (perhaps with a mixture of amusement, pity and disgust). I’m told the band jackets will arrive later this week or next week, and this time Baby Backseat Styler and I will be much better prepared. We’re ready to camp out if necessary to get our hands on matching band jackets, he and I. You other moms and tots beware!

xx, S