Weekend Update

Autumn colors in Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Coming Attractions

I’m carving out some time this weekend to edit more of my photos from Paris and the Dior exhibition and will post more soon. And I’ll be contacting the five winners of Alyson’s book, “Know Your Style” and announcing on the blog once confirmed.

Let Me Say This About That…

I’ve been receiving feedback that some of the items in my travel wardrobes and outfits are too costly. All of the pieces I travel with and wear in outfit posts are items from my personal wardrobe. Many of the pieces (especially some of the Eileen Fisher basics) are now a few years old and were purchased when I was still working full-time as a corporate executive. They’ve held up well and the cost-per-wear is now actually quite low. I think that quality shows, and will almost always encourage buying fewer items of the best quality that you can afford. This has served me well in building my own wardrobe, and I intend to stick with this philosophy.

I also believe in supporting brands that are ethically produced and strive for environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes. So much “fast fashion” ends up in landfills now.

That said, I hear you and I get it. And I will try to do better with including more budget-friendly options in the future.

Floral scarves in fall colors. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Quite a few of you have specifically requested a less costly option to the scarf I’m wearing here. (Mine’s a couple of years old, and no longer available.) I’ve tracked one down! The scarf shown on the right is very similar in color combo and pattern, and it’s wool-free! The down vest I’m wearing on the left is from Uniqlo (and is currently reduced).

Bon weekend!

This Weekend’s Sales…

Ann Taylor: 50% off select full price styles, extra 50% off sale.

Anthropologie: extra 40% off sale items

Banana Republic: extra 50% off sale

Bloomingdale’s: 25-60% off selected items.

J.Jill: 20% off entire purchase, code 25NOV17

Lands’ End: 40% off all outerwear, 30% off regular-priced styles, code SNEAKY, pin 6193

Loft: 50% off select full-price styles.

Macy’s: 20% off selected items and sale, code BDAY

Neiman Marcus: First Call Sale, up to 40% off

Ralph Lauren: 30% off purchase of $125 or more, code STYLE17

Talbot’s: Friends & Family 30% off, code FRIENDS30

Uniqlo: free shipping on all orders

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71 Comments

  1. I still hope you will show the clothing I may not be able to buy.I think it’s good to look at them,to know quality,and comparison shop

    1. Hi Susan, yes, I’ll still focus on quality and timeless pieces. I’ll just try to provide a wider range of options.

  2. Appreciate seeing some lower-priced items, but am more aware all of the time that many of the less expensive choices may not hold up well or long–which is a sad use of precious resources. Have recently shared your site with several friends. Keep up the fun stuff and thanks!

  3. Susan, I hope you won’t feel you need to defend your wardrobe choices on the basis of cost. After all, this is your blog about you and your style. The rest of us just take what we can learn from it. I agree that fewer but better is the way to go. Your trip reporting is so entertaining. I’ll be you have loads of cool pics. Wish we could see them all!

  4. I agree, I look forward to your choices and while some of them may not fit into my budget I find them a useful guide when I’m shopping in my price range. That said, I’m good with you including a few lower-priced items as part of the mix but if you don’t it’s not a deal-breaker.

  5. Susan – I began following your blog because of your style and I could relate to you; professionally, personally, and what you share of your monsieur and un juene homme (my brother is special too). I understand your followers having budgets that prohibit them from making the exact same purchases, however, your style and choices should be a guide, a suggestion – I think we should all appreciate that and make our own choices. Consumers purchase fashion periodicals and don’t run out and buy the designer originals that were featured, they are views into another world, perhaps suggestions of trends for color, fabric, hair, make-up, etc. and your blog and your choices should and do serve that same purpose and the best part is that you are real! I want to see what you put together and how you wear it – what worked, what didn’t, and so on. Please don’t change that – I agree that when you link the items, you could source a budget friendly option and feature it as a choice, but please don’t change your choices. Thank you!

  6. It’s your wardrobe we want to hear about, imo. I heartily agree with your fashion philosophy, since it’s one I hold, and have since I was a teenager. When I was young I’d save and save to buy the perfect coat, that I couldn’t at first afford. I’d feel wonderful, and would wear it much longer than the cheaper version. Not everyone who loves quality clothing is wealthy.
    I still buy clothes that are quality. Not top of the price range; there’s no Gucci, or St John in my closet. But mid range, quality things like Eileen Fisher which wear forever, and are well made are an investment, I think.

  7. Hi Sue, I agree with everyone else – while it may be nice to see more affordable options, this is what you are wearing and what we come here to see! As Marguerite says above, you shouldn’t need to defend your wardrobe choices … and they are indeed real.

  8. Please continue as you always have. I am a very regular and long time reader, never poster. This is your blog, this is your life. Surely, people can translate what they like in their own ways to fit their own budget.

  9. PS I really like the warmer colours you are adding into your wardrobe. I think they suit your colouring and your own personal warmth

  10. Susan, I couldn’t have said it better than Sue above. Your style is a valuable guide for me and others.
    While I may purchase some less expensive items, I sometimes want to kick myself later for those choices!
    It may take a minute to collect a high quality, basic wardrobe that is ethically made. But will be well worth it.
    Keep your beautiful style!

  11. I love reading your blog and visit daily to read your posts and while I agree with the idea of buying quality over quantity, many of us (my self included) are not able to buy the items mentioned due to circumstances beyond our control.

    So asking for lesser priced clothing is more of a wish to connect with you than criticism.

  12. Although a regular reader I have never posted before but would just like to add that I too use you as a guide to what to buy etc not too copy slavishly. All I can say is keep up the excellent work that you do in informing us readers on your style. It is after all your blog.

  13. Seeing budget options is nice, but please don’t lower your standards. Your excellent taste for quality clothing is a large part of what makes your blog so valuable.

  14. I love your fashion philosophy and adopted it for myself a few years ago. Thanks to you, I now own several Eileen Fisher pieces. They wear like iron and it makes me feel good that I’m not filling landfills with cheap, worthless junk. It seems to me that a blogger cannot satisfy everyone, so just be true to yourself.

    Please continue to show us your real wardrobe, whether it’s within the budget of everyone out there or not. I love to see your outfits, especially when you mix older pieces in new ways. After all, isn’t that what we all try to do?

  15. I agree with the above sentiments. As I am now pretty much an empty nester, there is a better budget for myself and I much prefer to focus on fewer quality pieces that I can wear season after season. I enjoy exploring brands that I may not have taken a look at before–a French Kande piece is on my Xmas list–:-).

  16. I love to see more expensive pieces than I normally buy! I agree with you that quality shows, and I often pin your recommendations and seek them out on sale. Even if the specific item sells out first, I know to look for that brand in the future. Also, many of your pieces are quite affordable. I bought the Lands’ End packable down parka you wore in Paris last year for well under $100 at the end of the season. I wasn’t drawn to it in the catalog, but seeing it on you gave me a different perspective. Thank you!

  17. Please, don’t succumb to popular demand for less expensive items of dubious quality, looks and durability. Please continue to improve the looks of American women by encouraging them to buy less trash and more class!!!! The discardable wardrobes that I notice a lot of lately show in many ways: poor fitting, wrong colors, wrong styling, scratchy fabrics, discardable after first wash, not of the “chic” variety in general. Please continue to stress to American women that “ less is more”, something that European women have exercised for centuries!! Buy one current outfit and appropriate accessories each season but buy the best there is and make it fit to the inch!!

  18. Aspirational is how I would describe your choices. For those of us followers in the Southern Hemisphere we have opposite seasons to factor in as well as shipping availability before even starting to consider cost. Nonetheless, I so enjoy following your blog as you consistently appeal to my own sense of style. Merci.

  19. Just purchased the Uniqlo vest you wore in Paris! I enjoy seeing your choices and reading about how you select your wardrobe.

  20. I have long wanted to say this, without sounding rude to your other commenters, which is not my intent! Since you have brought it up and I see others have similar feelings, I am just going to say it:

    Please do not change what you post!

    I live in a very rural Southern town and make less than $7 an hour; yes, what you show is out of my budget for now, but I would never have known about any of these brands had you not shown them. I appreciate learning about better quality than what I can find at Wal-Mart, even if that’s where I have to try and find a way to duplicate your wonderful “look”.

    You put enough time and effort into this blog, without having to spend extra hours hunting down something for someone else. I should think they could Google “black duster cardigan” or “skirted navy overcoat” just as easily as you.

    And there is absolutely no need whatsoever to apologize for what you have or explain how you came to have it. Anyone who has a computer to get to your blog, and electricity to run it, has more than 3/4s of the world’s population, and should be grateful for their blessings.

  21. I love all the clothes you post and don’t care how expensive they are. For me, your posts provide inspiration and a challenge to find something similar within my price range. Keep up the good work!
    Johanna

  22. I totally agree with Darling Lily. It is so easy for us these days to google items of clothing if a fashion picture has inspired. Or copy the picture onto your phone to take with you while shopping. Your blog is an absolute joy just the way it is and I look forward to every post for inspiration in fashion and life. It has brought a whole new feeling to the way I see clothes and how I put them together. Thank you so much.

  23. I agree with the other posters. I love your choices, expensive or not. And I totally agree with you on buying the best quality one can afford, I really believe it’s more cost effective in the long run.

  24. so agree with most above. it’s your Blog about you and how you shop. your information can still be valuable to those who may not want to pay the price. The ideas and philosophy you project can easily be made to fit any budget. I hope you do not feel it necessary to alter what you have been so successful with. If you feel you want to, then that should be your choice. some fashion bloggers I follow will show a lower priced item that compares with what they have purchased. But, it’s their choice.

  25. I adore this post. And I agree with this poster and all the other posters here urging Susan to express her personal preferred style(s) unedited by a few readers.

    Susan, I don’t follow your blog because I’m making a shopping list of the exact pieces your blog presents. I follow you because I have learned over the past few years to appreciate your style and have honed my “eye” based on your choices. I actually could afford many of your choices. But I’m such a bargain hound that, post-retirement, I prefer to purchase most of my better “new” clothes at a high-end consignment clothing boutique that offers incredible value.

    Please, please … you do YOU! We’re all smart enough to interpret your choices in terms of our individual pocketbooks, bodies, lifestyles, and style aspirations.

  26. I agree with all of the above! Most of what you feature is out of my price range, but it certainly gives me ideas, and I have been able to purchase some of the lower-priced items and truly enjoy them. Please keep doing what you’re doing, both high-end and low-end! It all contributes to your warm and wonderful style.

  27. I, too, agree with Darling Lily!

    Please don’t change what you’ve been doing. If there are those who want to see other price ranges, I suggest they peruse other blogs. Simple.

    I know this may sound insensitive to some, but it is your blog. A great deal of time, thought and energy must go into producing your blog. I think it rather audacious to ask you to provide other price ranges.

  28. This is a great discussion. Susan, you are gracious and genuine in your choices. I can understand, however, that many of us are not fortunate enough to have family income to ever aspire to many of your wardrobe choices (or travel destinations). On the one hand, it’s lovely to live vicariously through you, while it can also be painful to be unable to afford those fashionable, sustainable, high-quality choices.
    Thank you for being kind and generous in sharing your good fortune.

  29. I love your style and read your posts for inspiration. Even if some of the items are outside my budget, I can look for similar clothes to get that look. I hope you continue to show us your real wardrobe and how you put outfits together.

  30. I definitely have purchased expensive pieces in the past when I was working in the corporate market. I still have items from Emporio Armani and MaxMara which are at least 12 years old and I am still wearing them. Although expensive when I bought them they have earned their keep. I still buy some expensive pieces such as my new leather jacket, which I saved up for and absolutely love. If I am buying a trend item I will often choose a more budget price item.
    Love the new warm colours on you.

  31. Everyone had their own budget and their own style. And, s such, there is a blog for every woman. I may be a “budget-Friendly” blogger, but that doesn’t mean I don’t read blogs with clothing that may be out of reach financially.
    We get our ideas from othets’ Styles. It’s like reading Harper Bazaar or Town and Country. We get ideas to see what we like and we build from there.
    Just be you. You’ve built readership based on what you DO and your style. As Billy Joel sings….”Don’t go changing……”

  32. I emphatically agree with all the above comments that are in favor of you continuing as you always have. I’ve followed and admired your blog for years, but have never posted. Today however, I really want you to know that I’ve learned so much from you and your wonderful writing and photographs. You’ve introduced me to new ways of thinking about travel, fashion, enjoying life, while introducing brands and styles to explore. I may not have your clothing budget, but I too am interested in fewer items of higher quality. I save up for a piece that will work for me and/or scour the online sales. In closing just a long overdue thank you for a lovely, lovely blog.

  33. I agree I am not out buying exactly what you wear necessarily but am more inspired by the way you put items together. That said…I would kill for a silk tank source more in the $50 range. Scream loud if you ever see the Eileen Fisher tanks hit that mark!

  34. I sort of agree with most of the commenters above…but have this to say: I have bought “economy” clothes all my life, along with expensive. You all know the drill. But, some of those less expensive (dare I say, cheap!) pieces have remained in my wardrobe for many, many years. H&M comes to mind. If chosen judiciously those less expensive items can last just as long as expensive. One note: we do not own a clothes dryer…so nothing I own has ever been in one! That may help them to last…….

  35. I agree with you, Susan, about buying quality. With all products, it’s the smart choice to make as things last longer and give greater satisfaction.

    The problem, and I see this affecting young people most, is that clothing-manufacturers have found ways to produce clothes incredibly inexpensively which has spread belief in “fast-fashion:” i.e., clothing so cheap it’s irresistible, even if it falls apart quickly. We need to fight that belief.

    1. Hi Shybiker, I think you make a very good point about how fast fashion has changed perceptions of what clothing should cost.

  36. I’d like to ask the question no one is asking- don’t bloggers make money via the links they post on blogs- which supports the blog- and aren’t some items gifted and not paid for for potential endorsements? It seems clear that susan wears what she loves- but perhaps an explanation of how that all works would help too.

    Loved the Paris photos- my favorite area in Paris too…

    1. Hi Nycslc, yes, many of the product links generate some affiliate commissions for me, either per click or a percentage of purchase. I have a disclosure on each post, and you can see my complete disclosure and collaboration policy here. I have received very few gifted clothing items in recent years, and those are always disclosed in the post and adjacent to any links to the item. Some of the bigger bloggers regularly receive gifted or loaned clothing, and I think that’s led to a common misperception that we all do. I do occasionally receive a gifted accessory and will always note that in the post.

  37. I agree with the positive comments regarding your clothing choices. Although I can’t afford some of the items that doesn’t mean I view your purchases negatively. I sometimes am envious but that’s my deal. Thanks for finding the alternative scarf from Soft Surroundings. Just bought it for myself. You’ve been my go to blog for years and love the efforts to make it current and fresh. Thanks for efforts.

  38. Agree with the others and love seeing your travel wardrobes. My EF pieces are also holding up well and fill a lot of my travel bag. We are traveling now, and I have pieces with me from as far back as 2009. You can’t beat that for cost per wear. I also like your reports on trends you see, although I don’t always buy the same thing you show. Darling Lily nailed it…Google is your friend, people.

  39. Susan. Love your blog. Also love your clothes choices and find that you often provide less expensive options. I like more expensive non trendy pieces because they last longer and look better and fit better. For quality and social responsibility please don’t forget NOVICA. Ladies, beautiful items. Personal touch. Global enterprises. I’ve purchased beautiful scarves, wraps, handbags, jewelry. Etc.

  40. To NYCSLC. It depends on the blog and the blogger. I add many links to many products and clothing I wear but I do it so those who read my blog can get information on specifics. I don’t receive a cent. That isn’t necessarily my decision. Affiliate sites have rejected me so if someone else can monetize their blog through affiliates then that’s a great thing. It means they are successful bloggers. We all need to support each other. That’s more important.

  41. Susan, I’m delighted that you’ve decided to feature some more affordable options. I love your blog and your style, which is a source of inspiration for me as we’re the same age and height. Unfortunately, we don’t have the same clothing budget! Of course what you wear and how much money you’re willing/able to spend on clothes is entirely up to you. I applaud your interest in ethical, sustainable fashion.

  42. I try to buy classic pieces and use less expensive jewelry and scarves to vary my look. I find many JJill clothes to be very similar in style and quality to EF and are slightly less expensive. At end of season sales you can buy excellent, high end looking scarves for between $15-$30 at JJill. That said, we could all probably get along with less clothing and should certainly keep in mind the cost per wear. I wear black pants, jeans, a denim jacket, a neutral cardigan, tank tops and a few other pieces at least weekly. And I bet others do too. We tend to look at special occasion wear as a place to splurge, when it is the basic wardrobe that should get the most effort and dollars.

  43. Don’t change anything! I love your blog and Darling Lily nailed it on Google. Plenty of ways to
    mix lower cost options if need be. Your choices, travel and tidbits have introduced me to some
    new things and I love it.BTW I am a shopper but appreciate your approach and have streamlined
    my wardrobe and love your approach!! Thank you!

  44. I agree that seeing outfits with higher-end choices offers good ideas, which is why I regularly come to your blog for inspiration. But many other blogs also offer some similar, lower-priced options in case the designer ones are out of reach. Just suggesting that that would be helpful to many of us.

  45. Chiming in with others, I like what you feature – that’s why I read your work. Sure, maybe I can’t afford a 900 dollar bag, but I can look for one more in my price range that reflects “the look”.

    And I agree re fewer, better quality pieces. You featured a coat a while back that was spectacular – next time I’m in Europe, I’m going to hunt it down. It was expensive, but it was timeless and beautiful – a real investment.

  46. It is hard to keep everyone happy, isn’t it? I have never thought you should buy/model less expensive clothing. I have no problem spending on some pieces of clothing (coats, dressier pieces & footwear) but others I look for more affordable options while putting together similar outfits to what you have shown. Some less expensive options would be nice but not necessary. In the age of computers, we can all look ourselves by typing in a few key words.

  47. I agree with the above emails – you should stay as you are. I enjoy your travels and your many suggestions. I have several Eileen Fisher pieces that I’ve had for 20 years – it is a miracle but they still fit. I think a few good pieces added to your wardrobe can always be used and last a long time. Thank you for your creative and enlightening posts – they are always a joy to read.

  48. I enjoy your blog. People think I am buying new clothes all the time, but I am just using my classic pieces in new ways. Some I have had for 10 years plus. You are an inspiration.

  49. I want to chime in with a couple of my own experiences as a result of following this great blog. I have always tended to shop sales, TJ Maxx, etc to find quality brands at discounted prices. That can be an exhausting process. As my career has progressed and I have aged, maybe gotten wiser, and, frankly, felt like I *deserve* some nicer pieces, I have shifted my view a bit. Many of these choices have been influenced by this blog.

    I remember the nervousness I felt when I purchased a pair of Eileen Fisher cropped slim ankle crepe pants two years ago. I had never paid $170 for a pair of pants in my life. That same day I tried on at least 8 other pairs of black pants for an upcoming trip to Europe. I decided on the EF pants to avoid the mistake I had sooooo many times before when I have ended up with (over time) three pairs of pants that I didn’t love and having spent MORE on the three than the one, perfect pair. I have worn them over and over. Cost per wear is low and I appreciate that EF is a conscientious company.

  50. I also discovered Aquatalia through this wonderful blog. And I have purchased four pair of Aquatalia boots, booties, and shoes in the past year – at Nordstrom Rack, on Poshmark, on The Real Real, and on Off 5th Saks – all at or under $100 (the tall “Duchess of Cambridge” boots, in exquisite navy suede, from The Real Real were the only pre-owned pair). I’m wearing a pairright now. And I feel better in better quality pieces.

    I am very grateful to you, Susan, for the inspiration you have provided us through your blog. Whether I use your choices as inspiration/aspiration or whether I actually choose the brands you recommend, I find a great deal of guidance here. Thank you for that.

    P.S. – I also purchased the Land’s End down-alternative travel coat you recommended (on sale :-)) It’s fantastic, and has traveled to Spain and Ireland with me as well as Chicago to see Hamilton! Thank you.

  51. Thanks everyone, for your feedback and support! I’m not planning to change up how I dress or shop for myself, or the style focus of the blog. But I will try to offer some options at different price points whenever it makes sense to do so. Thank you again!

  52. Hi Susan, I am really a fan of fewer, good quality pieces and I would not want you to stop showing the better quality things. As I have gotten older (I am a professional who dresses nice casual for work) I find that having fewer, really great quality things is optimal. Please know that there are many of us who appreciate this about your blog.

  53. I adore the items you post information on. True the items are not inexpensive, but I agree with the cost-per-wear comparison. I completely understand requests to provide less expensive options, but quality and ethically made items are the highest priority for me. Thank you also for the fabulous ideas in the What to Pack lists. I am fortunate enough to travel to Paris once a year, and – thanks to your lists – there is now LOADS of room in my suitcase to bring back Gorgeous Things For Grown Ups!

  54. Don’t change anything. I admit to gulping at the cost of most of your purchases, but the idea is not to slavishly copy you, but to draw inspiration from your style. I have found numerous new outfits from my own existing wardrobe and modest purchases just from seeing your styling. Carry on as you are and thank you for the time you spend on your blog to give us such pleasure and interest.
    SusanD

  55. Great post! This might be a good blog idea- what to spend on and what to save on. Nice basics I’ll splurge on but something trendy I’ll buy cheaper.

  56. I also bought the down coat from Land’s End after I saw it on you. It’s been a great purchase. And, I’ve invested in a few Eileen Fisher pieces, too. Like others have found, some of these EF pieces are very long lasting.

  57. Susan — blogging should be fun and people have a choice of what they want to purchase. Personally, I read your blog because you are an excellent writer and convey a positive message. I appreciate your tone and your generosity in sharing information about your ideas.

    Though many of the pieces in your wardrobe are out of my price range, I look to you for ideas. For example, I found a wonderful pair of Blondo waterproof (suede or perhaps nubuck) booties in Nordstrom for around $100.00. They look very similar to the pair you wear — and are incredibly comfortable, by the way. I have really nice quality Merino wool sweaters I picked up at Costco for $20/each. I also have a few Eileen Fisher pieces.

    There are pieces for which I would pay a premium — like the perfect pair of black pants. As you say, the cost per wear turns out to be pennies when you wear pieces you really love and they look good on you.

    In the end, it’s your inspiration that makes the blog a “go-to” site. Keep up the great work and thanks for your efforts.

  58. Hi Susan,

    I’m a younger reader (I’m in my mid twenties), and am just starting to find my way in the professional world, but I love your blog because it gives me something to aspire to. I love your taste and appreciate the time you take in selecting piece you love, that inspire you, and are made sustainably with an emphasis on quality. Recently I’ve been trying to do the same and invest time in picking pieces which truly suit me, but it is hard to do on a lower than mid range budget, so I understand the urge to see some of your great style at a smaller price point. But I must say, I find the pieces that end up staying with me longer are those I’ve put a bit more time and money in to selecting. There’s nothing more gratifying than looking in my closet and picking up a piece I may not have worn recently, but I still love and know will withstand the test of time. And your blog inspires me to keep making the (at times) difficult decision to think ethically within my slight means. So, thank you for all the advice and wisdom you share here, it’s been invaluable for me in the last two years, and I’m sure will continue to be.

  59. Please do not change your style! I think there are many of us who appreciate you just the way you are. Part of the fabulousness of being a slightly older more experienced fashionista is an appreciation of timeless classics and the quality of well made pieces. I have stopped following other bloggers as they sold out to Target and other cheaper and less fashionable choices in order to appeal to a broader base. Perfect just the way you are!!

  60. My travel wardrobe is possibly more important to me that the regular day-to-day things I wear at home. Travelling means more frequent laundering and multiple wearings of the same garments. Clothes need to hold up to more abuse. I don’t regret spending more for a good pair of black pants that can be washed in a sink and dry overnight. I find it interesting that the “cost divide” some people see is more often than not Eileen Fisher. I have quite a few EF pieces in my wardrobe, but I also have less expensive things as well. I find that jjill will have similar styles for much less. My sister-in-law is a dedicated vintage shopper, and she has a closet full of designer styles (Including EF) that she has purchased for surprisingly little. She has a vintage style that she carries off with great success. The cost of clothing does not have to be the sole deciding factor in putting together a wardrobe.

  61. Please do not change your style. Because of you, I bought my most favorite shoes ever… the Gucci loafers! I’d never spent that much on a pair of shoes, and when I went to try them on, at Bloomingdales, two women (whom I’d never met) came up to me while I was looking in the big mirror — both told me “those are beautiful!! Honest story. I love your style… it’s not crazy expensive…and if it’s more than some women want to spend, then it’s pretty simple to search for an alternative that fits the same vibe.

  62. Amen to all of the above comments. I don’t have nearly the budget you do, but I look at the line or the style philosophy and take what will work for me in the form I can afford. Bright floral scarf? Column of color? Just find the parts within your reach and work them. Sometimes it’s a matter of watching for sales — I got that fantastic packable jacket from Land’s End for practically a song this past spring. I think of you (and the commenters on your blog) whenever I wear it.

  63. What size did you buy the Uniglo brown vest? I purchased a small and it’s a bit tight. I’m 5′ 1″ and 115 lbs.