Wow , that totally sucks! I'm never complaining about the US postal service again.

Suz, my two favourite sites withe free expedited shipping are shopbop.com and revolve clothing.com. Revolve may be over a certain dollar amount, but I can't remember. Returns are fairly seamless as well.

That is absolutely wonderful news. Especially since both stock the more modern minimalist clothing that I am beginning to crave. Thank you, Tina! This may be bad for my budget, but good for my shopping pleasure!

Suz, it also may be helpful to know that you can almost always find a 10% off coupon code for Revolve. Just google revolve clothing coupon code before you place an order.

Suz, it is totally weird about your Gap order! They have been nothing but wonderful for me. I received my striped sweater on Tuesday and decided to order a bigger size. I called and placed and order on Tuesday (even got the same discount I got on the original sweater) and it arrived today, Friday. I really think your was an unlucky single occurrence.:-(
Hopefully your other orders will come out from that black hole in time for you to use them this holiday season!

I had a parcel mysteriously appear at my new address today. I had given it up for lost 3 years ago I have no idea how it found its way here.

It's one of the mysteries of being Canadian, Suz!

I can attest to Revolve and Shopbop even though I don't live in Canada. Their returns processing is faster than Nordstrom's which I like and they both have excellent customer service. Like Tina they are my two favorite retailers now.

One of my favorite aspects of Shopbop is you can "heart" anything you like, up to 500 items. I "heart" the new arrivals early each season. Then they will email you and let you know when your hearts go on sale and they will also send you a low inventory alert. Not everything I heart goes on sale, but enough does to give this shopper a big happiness factor.

Just curious what does Canadian customs charge, tax-wise, on clothing from the US?

ETA: Lyn, does Canadian customs or shipping understand how LONG 3 years is in the fashion world?

I pay about $15 to $25 tax on shipments of <$125. On things above $130, it becomes more expensive, like up to $50 or 60.

Brokerage/handling fees are separate and can easily run into $60.

This is strange especially for Gap. I have never had any trouble ordering from them. You must be really frustrated.
BTW, I will be in USA for the holidays and am planning to visit Nordstrom. Let me know if you want me to bring anything for you. I saw your thread about python booties but did not have a chance to comment on it. I am not sure if you decided to order.

Wow, Mona - thank you!! I might take you up on that! Let me get back to you. (We STILL haven't met in person! How ridiculous is that?) Anyway, the booties are on their way at a much cheaper price point thanks to another YLF friend.

Denise, THANK you for that info on Shopbop. That is very helpful.

Lyn's right - duties and brokerage fees REALLY add up and it makes buying from most US retailers a very tricky proposition for us in Canada. Unless we are actually IN the US of course.

I do live relatively close to the border (about 1.5 hours away) so I got one of those US address thingies. But I haven't yet used it. It still means a whole day devoted to going there, trying on, etc. and in recent months I just haven't had that time available.