This Week At Dufferin Mall

So you all know my unhealthy obsession with Dufferin Mall.

Even though I don't really live near Dufferin Mall any more, I'm still managing to get there about once/week. Yes, it is possible that I'm weirdly nostalgic about the moderately dumpy mall where I spent my first out-of-the-house days with Archer... but really, when I think about it, it's not that. It's really about the fact that it is the most manageable place for a new mom to go. It hits a bunch of check-marks:

1. Plenty of parking/accessible by transit
2. Not too big and rarely too crowded (unless a weekend or around the holidays)
3. Grocery stores (and bargain ones at that - No Frills, Walmart)
4. A Babies/ToysRUs if you need baby supplies
5. Affordable retail like H&M, Winners and they now have a Gap Outlet

And later, when Isla gets little older, there is an Early Years Centre if we want to join a circle time or need to nurse.

So it's with this in mind, that I introduce my new weekly series to Downtown Mama...drum roll, please... "This Week at Dufferin Mall". As if you don't love it.

Love the stripy sweaters and high-tops

TWADM will feature my favourite little "find" in the mall - it could be the best deal *ever on something at one of the grocery stores, or a cute dress on sale or just some random weirdness - like the time a kiosk was selling baby UFC onesies - because, you need to know that.



My first instalment of TWADM, is an exercise in selflessness... it's for Archer.

Archer probably would have preferred blue

Spring has arrived at H&M and you may have seen their campaign around the 10 Spring Essentials. It's great. Affordable must-have pieces for S/S 2012. And they also have one for kids and it's adorable. The boys line is reminiscent of J. Crew's more pricey kids line and feature skinny jeans and trousers in bright colours like the cobalt blue pair above. They're paired with equally vibrant graphic tees and stripy light sweaters. I also love the little boy high tops. Sooo cute. I bought Archer one of the hot pink boys tees and grey skinny pants.  He will either love me or hate me for the hot pink tee but I will take total advantage while I can.

And nothing is over $12.95. Check it out.