Thanks to all of you who made suggestions on where to go. My dear sister overruled them all and wanted to check out the new(ish) Toronto Premium Outlets, which was convenient to highways for both of us to access. I checked online and when I saw they had a Brooks Brothers, I was in!
My all-time HEWI has been a good white shirt. Even the Bay ones I bought recently have been a disappointment, too short in the sleeves and gape a bit at the bust (and I am not busty!) Well, with the help of an attentive sales associate at BB (why were all the larger sizes hidden in the storage room? And what was with all the colours?), I have found one that fits perfectly, and I'm delighted with it. It's even no-iron. I was thinking, I don't even have to worry about laundering it, it can go to the cleaners' with DH's shirts; but the SA told me that the heat and pressing would ruin the no-iron finish, so any advice?
Other finds: at Ralph Lauren I got a lovely pair of navy straight-leg dress/versatile pants(labelled straight leg but I suspect they are boot-cut.) Realized later that I was coorect in recalling other navy pants-- I recently got the Banana Republic "Martin" pant in navy; so I hope the trend for mixing black and navy/wearing navy into fall and winter doesn't go away any time soon.
I hit the Bay outlet as well; my sis and her friend both found some lovely stuff but I never seem to have luck with that chain (except for the LKBennett taupe pumps that I let get away...). I did get a belt, a Ralph Lauren white stretchy woven one: both my daughters swear by theirs (and youngest has misplaced hers so will probably steal mine); easy to justify as it was only twice the price of the belts at my local thrift store...
Last stop, Tommy Hilfiger; we do have an outlet in Moncton but soemtimes different things go on sale or there is limited size availability so... I ended up buying a white cotton cardigan (sized very large, to wear loose) printed with a nautical rope pattern in navy. (DS's friend said, "Your husband will be so surprised", as in, in the complete new outfit I would look the same as I do in my existing wardrobe). I also found a terrific sleeveless tie-neck blouse in soft cool rayon, at full price but I will stalk it at my local store.
Oh and you Ontario ladies have my sympathy for that muggy summer weather! It wasn't even very hot when I was there, but I was dying in the humidity and trying to run the air conditioner over everyone's protests. The packing wrinkles fell out hanging in the closet in record time. I thought we had moist weather near the ocean, but nothing like this.(And I grew up in Ontario. I guess that explains why I NEVER wear polyester).
Thank you for your patience if you have read this entire novel!
Pictures will follow.
