City girls

A few weekends ago, Leah and I spent time in the big city.

We went to the preview of Hoodwinked 2

Took in some art at the AGO

And enjoyed ice cream a la Henry Moore

On our way to the AGO, we stopped into a little clothing shop that I used to frequent when I worked on University Avenue.  The owners, Gina and Marcia, would greet me by name and get me to try on (and buy) all kinds of outfits that I normally wouldn't consider wearing.  "Val", Gina enthused, "this would look great on you!" Yes their job was to sell, but they also steered me clear of certain styles and colours. Any time I reach for a boxy jacket, I can hear Marcia matter-of-factly state "Val, that is not a flattering look for you." I still wear just about everything I have bought from that place the past ten years.  And while I would not call most of the pieces classics, they certainly have stood the test of the fashion trends of the last decade.   

Over the years, the girls (Gina and Marcia) have heard about my girls so I thought it would be nice to drop in at the store and introduce them to Leah.  Gina was on her own that day, and immediately told Leah how much fun she had dressing me - I felt like she was talking about Barbie.  Gina then proceeded to go through the store and find a dozen things for me to try on. Not exactly what I had in mind, but with Leah's blessing, we held an impromptu fashion show.  Leah laughed along with us and seemed to enjoy the banter between me and Gina. I kept waiting for Leah to get bored and politely ask when we could leave, but instead, she sat and gave the thumbs up or down on the various dresses and outfits Gina threw at me. In the end, I didn't buy anything.  Gina knows that I will be back.

I keep wondering what it was that had Leah grinning ear-to-ear in the store that day. She seemed so happy to see me having fun.

I guess it is called retail therapy for good reason.