Falling for Joe

I have to confess: I have a new boyfriend and I'm crazy about him.

At first I wasn't so sure he was deserving of my passion. He's pretty cheap. Okay, really cheap. And he doesn't exactly hang with the cool crowd. Truthfully, I was a little embarrassed to be seen with him at first. I'm a diva - for gawd's sake!

But over the last few months I've really come to appreciate all of his wonderful qualities: he's stylish, accessible, unpretentious and, I must say, solidly built.

His name is Joe Fresh.

Calm down mom, I'm not cheating on my husband. Joe Fresh Style is the name of the clothing line currently available alongside groceries and housewares at the Great Canadian Superstores which have proliferated over the last few years, in response to the arrival of that U.S.-based, big-box behemoth which shall not be named.

I never (ever, ever) thought I'd be proudly buying clothes at the same place that I stock up on kitty litter and bathroom tissue, but the Joe Fresh Style line, in addition to being cheap, is stylish, modern and, dare I say it, hip.

It's not so surprising really: Joseph Minram, the designer behind the label, was one of the founders of Alfred Sung, then Club Monaco and Caban, which was sold to Polo Ralph Lauren in 2000.

Check out this cute down jacket I picked up last week for only $39. It's not suitable for really cold temperatures, but it's warm enough to take me up until Christmas. It's cut nice and sleek which I love because it means I can finally get in on the puffy jacket trend I've been avoiding the last few years. (I fear the added girth). I'm seriously considering going back for this coat as well.

I also picked up two of these dresses for $39 - one red and one black! I admired the dress on a previous trip, but didn't try it on because it just looked too good to be true and I was sure it look would cheesy on. Then my boss, one of the most truly stylish women I know, waltzed into the office wearing the hell out of the black one so back to the store I went. (She's leaving next month so I'll be free to wear it without looking like a sycophant). I do plan to get both my dresses taken up two inches at the knee, but that's just 'cause I'm a bit slutty that way.

Anyway, what I want all you time-starved and cash-short MILFs to know is that you can cheat on the notion that cutting-edge style can only be found in pricey, exclusive designer boutiques.

Don't feel bad about falling about in love with Joe too - he's man enough for all of us.

Comments

[metro mama]

I love Joe. I bought a few pairs of $14 flats there last summer.

[Gabriella]

Joe's great! And his kid's clothes rock too! Love that black trench jacket.

[motherbumper]

I am in LOVE with Joe - recently I got these awesome ballet flats in leopard print for something like 7 bucks. And Bumper is dressed head to toe this winter - I love the 19 buck puffy jackets for girls (the cross-over front is so cute)

[Janet]

I have some Joe yoga stuff, which I love. I'm certain I would have more if the Great Canadian SuperStore was anywhere near my house. I may have to make a special trip.

[kittenpie]

Like Janet, I keep thinking about making a special trip to one to check it out. They're just not that accessible without a car, sadly. But I keep wondering - do they fitting rooms to try things on? I have way too many fit issues to buy without the try.