Angie, and everyone, especially other moms--I'm ready for some major help as I figure out my wardrobe and style as a mom to an infant!

I'd love it if you could tell me what you think should be in my wardrobe (clothes, accessories, outerwear) now. I'll tell you as much as I can about my lifestyle, taste, and needs, and feel free to ask for more details about anything at all. The more suggestions you have time to make, the better!

I live in Vancouver, as you know, which means fall and winter are my dominant seasons, but I also need some spring and summer things. My neighborhood is casual but stylish, and it's right in between urban and natural, since my apartment is blocks from the beach and close to a number of parks, but is also half a block from a major shopping, eating, and cafe street with many upscale stores and eateries.

I'm an hourglass, 5'8.5", strong shoulders, 166lbs--usually a size 10 or 12 or L, sometimes, an 8 or an M in stores that do a little more vanity sizing. I wear 30" or 31" jeans. Short light brown hair, green eyes with some grey and blue in them, medium fair skin with warm undertones (I tan easily).

I spend most of my days at home, mothering, doing paid work on the computer, and doing housework and cooking. I go for long walks every day, for exercise and to do errands and just for enjoyment. When I go out socially it's often to coffee shops, church (casual), casual or very slightly dressy restaurants, movies, and visits or parties and friends' homes (also usually casual to smart casual). Once in a very long while I need something semi-dressy, such as for my daughter's upcoming baptism (I'll start a separate thread for that).

I have fussy feet and I hate, hate, hate to wear uncomfortable shoes. HATE. I will not wear heels over 1" for daily wear unless they're supremely comfortable wedges.

I'm aiming for a modern look that's elegant but still casual, and that has a strong creative edge to it. I also like some boho things (cotton, beads, denim, worn leather, but not fringe or crochet) and I do not usually go for lace, ruffles, fluffiness, or ditsy florals.

I have very little time for clothing maintenance right now; ironing happens maybe once a month, and I don't have space or time to do a ton hand washing or hanging clothes to dry. Everything must be machine washable unless it's a very special item that will not be worn regularly. Dryel might be an option too. I've never used it before.

I have a small closet. We're talking about three feet long by five feet deep, plus a small coat closet.

Necklaces and dangling earrings are not practical because the Chickadee will soon be able to grab them.

I don't have a watch, but I need one.

I live near the beach and often go there for walks, picnics, and to relax.

I wear the Chickadee daily, either out and about, at home, or both, which means low necklines don't work (weight of baby pulls them down and reveals my bra), cross-body bags don't work, and the warmth of baby's body and the carrier act as at least an extra layer of clothing.

I'd appreciate your help so, so much! Angie, I trust you and the other ladies on this forum with my fashion life. My time to shop and dress myself is incredibly limited right now, so the more of a plan I can have in place before I do anything, the better.

I'll be interested to see how much of what you suggest I own already (or don't own already).