A monumental incident has occurred: Miss Carolyn has graduated from an ugly, beaten up, incredibly oversize bag to a pretty and elegant purse. And who'da thunk it? It came from a rather unlikely place.
From the time I was old enough to walk on my own, departments stores like The Bay have been the bane of my existence. A multi-level emporium of all things I wasn't interested in, from housewares to suits, yet it remains a retail mecca to my mom who insists on dragging me though each time. While I've transformed from tantrum-throwing toddler to a simply sour-faced lady, I've held fast to the notion that department stores such as these offer nothing for me. However, hearing the siren call of discount deals during the Hudson's Bay "Bay Days" event, my mom (with me in tow) couldn't help but scurry down to Guildford Mall in the hopes of scoring some loot.
If you've been inside Guildford Mall as of late, you'll have already noticed that renovations are underway, and this woebegone flashback to an era long forgotten is quickly metamorphosing before our eyes. Unfortunately, before Guildford can erupt from the chaos like a beautiful bazaar butterfly, the chrysalis stage of its evolution has temporarily left this space near empty and bereft of shoppers. Perhaps this is why, in spite of sales, this Bay has plenty to offer.
Bags, and bags, and bags. Some up to 50% off, and not just your grandma's tote bag either! Fashionable finds from Guess, Jessica Simpson, Steve Madden, and the like still sittin' pretty on sale racks, untouched by penny-pinching patrons. My faith restored, I looked around even further to discover cute shoes and clothing too.
Maybe I'm the last person on Earth to have learned this, but The Bay really does have some good products. Don't be deterred by linens and old-lady garb, they sit side by side with affordable flats, bags, shirts, dresses, and more. In the end, I decided on a turquoise Steve Madden purse that, after toting such a monsterous carryall for so long, makes me feel like a million bucks! And I even got a great deal on it.
I'm sorry, Bay. I have misjudged you. read more