Trading Places

Sometimes I wish A and I could trade places. It's no secret that I am madly in love with California and if I were ever to move back to the US of A, California would be high on the list of possible home states. The only thing is, if we did trade places and my dream of living in California came true, that would mean she would be back in Toronto and we would still be millions (okay, thousands) of miles apart. Happily, we are together right now in San Fran and the weather is beautiful, the baby is adorable and the trading is all about the clothes.

Since Fashion Rehab ended, both A and I have become very clear about what we want in our closets and what we want out. You'd think after a whole year of going without, we might not be so quick to part with anything, but I, for one, have had enough of the few foolish purchases in my closet and am more than ready to bid them adieu. That is not to say there aren't some gems in there that I would rather give to a familiar home than just drop off at some random Goodwill. I mentioned this to A shortly before I left and she said she too had an overflowing pile ready for the Sally Ann/consignment shop. I brought my stuff and we did a swap; both of us getting pieces we had coveted from each other's wardrobes over the years. Namely a gorgey emerald green Club Monaco top and dark skinny Colcci jeans (one of my all-time fave denim brands) for me. A creamy silk Banana Republic cami and vintage black linen shift dress for her.

Not only did we get some "new" pieces, but going through the clothes together was like walking backwards into the past. So many of the items were reminders of times we spent together. Like the black corset tube top with white piping that was A's go-to for a while in the early 2000's when we were roomies (and party girls) in Toronto and an olive green slouchy cardi that I bought here just after A moved almost four years ago. There was the pale pink silk and black lace Miss Sixty top I got when we took a girls trip to South Beach in early '05 but hardly ever wore, and the black pants she had bought for the restaurant job she had in Halifax over ten years ago.

The trade was awesome and it's fun to feel like I have new clothes when I didn't spend a penny (even though we are fully allowed to shop - proud?), but being in Cali with Ali (hee hee) - that really is priceless!

Love, P