Here in Canada, Black Friday never used to be a thing. But it is now. We’ve gotten into the habit of demanding deals from our local retailers to rival those found south of the border at this time of year, to the point where “vendredi fou” (as it’s been dubbed here in Quebec) is actually bigger than Boxing Day. And while our sales aren’t nearly as lucrative as they are in the US, there are still good deals to be found.

So how did I do this year? Here’s a rundown:

Banana Republic

One of the few places I can still shop for petite clothing here in Canada is at Banana Republic (and its sister brands, GAP and Old Navy). BR’s quality has sadly gone steadily downhill these past few years, and its prices steadily uphill, to the point where they’re not the go-to brand they once were for my work wardrobe. But, when there’s a sale on, I can still pick up a few items here and there.

For Black Friday this year, Banana Republic was offering 50% off on everything sitewide, including the usually-excluded BR Picks and special items. I first took advantage of this sale to pick up a replacement staple item: These black-stretch Sloan skinny ankle pants:

Finding petite-friendly ankle pants is a difficult task. Sadly, Banana Republic changed these since my much-beloved original version; the new ones have a shorter rise and inseam — 26″ on the petite version — to the point where they’re actually too short on me. Strange, I know. I actually decided to exchange these for the non-petite version. I can’t believe it either.

Pants: Banana Republic, size 4P, $55 CAD (reduced from $110)

Then it was blazer time. BR’s office-appropriate clothing has steadily gone downhill over the past few years, but occasionally there’s a piece or two that calls my name. And so it was with this plaid grey schoolboy blazer:

Ridiculously overpriced at its original price, it’s somewhat justifiable at 50% off. And the fit is actually pretty good. The sleeves are too long, but if I roll them a couple of times I get a sort of carefree three-quarter vibe from it. The length is almost short enough to be a true crop, and shoulders fit well too. The fabric is thinner and more lightweight than I expected from the photos; it will make a great spring or early fall piece. It will pair well with jeans over just about anything, and go easily from work to weekend. I’m definitely keeping this one.

Blazer: Banana Republic, Size 4P, $120 CAD (reduced from $240)

Finally, there was this total indulgence: a pear-yellow corduroy blazer:

Ever since I had to part with my beloved BR yellow piped blazer years ago after I lost weight and it no longer fit, I’ve had my eye out for a replacement. And here it was: A petite blazer that seemed to check all the boxes. Even though the sleeves are a little long, I’ve decided to hang onto this one; after all, sometimes a girl’s just gotta wear yellow.

Blazer: Banana Republic, Size 4P, $107.50 CAD (reduced from $215)

GAP

The 50% off Black Friday deal applied across the board to everything at the GAP, too. I tend to do less well with that brand, but I did pick up this cropped denim jacket:

I already own a great denim jacket from the GAP that’s got to be nearly twenty years old at this point. And I wear the heck out of it. But I’d been wanting a boxier cropped jacket as well, even though the look isn’t quite as flattering on me, just because it’s more on trend lately. I know, I know. When will I learn?

Unfortunately, the colour I really wanted — darker-wash indigo — was sold out in petites, so I bought this lighter wash version instead. In person, it’s cute, if a bit basic. I found it runs large; my usual size of PS was too big on me. I opted to exchange it for the PXS, which is on backorder at the moment so I won’t see it until January. No big deal; spring is months away.

Jacket: GAP Icon Denim, size PS, $39.95 CAD (reduced from $79.95)

Old Navy Active

Old Navy is great for wardrobe fillers: T-shirts, sweaters and items that travel well and won’t break the bank, available in petite sizes at wallet-friendly prices. Taking advantage of the Black Friday 50% deal, I decided to pick up a few workout tops to add to my pile.

This v-neck quick-dry top looked cute in the photo, and I wasn’t disappointed with it in person:

The top is loose and flowing, comes down to my hips, and is nicely comfy. It’s also in my favourite colour. I’ll get a lot of mileage out of this one, and may pick up a couple more of these in other colours. At this price, why not?

Top: Old Navy Performance, size PS, $8.47 CAD (reduced from $16.94)

I was a bit less lucky with these mesh running tees, in pink and navy blue:

They looked oh-so-cute in the photos, and finding workout tops in petite sizes is so difficult that I was hopeful. They’re a bit loose on me, but the fit isn’t bad. And I love the colours. Sadly, they’re a bit see-through in bright light. Since I don’t particularly care to flash the neighbourhood while I run, these are probably going back.

Tees: Old Navy Performance, size PS, $8.47 CAD (reduced from $16.94)

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this post, coming soon once I head down to the US to pick up my cross-border purchases.