Here I go again, prevailing on patience! There's more after this, too -- a few tops also snuck into that Zara shopping cart.

I have decided to wear (or at least bring) my vintage black kimono to the gala if I wear the sheath. So there is no need to buy any of these items.

However, I think there is room in the budget for one or two of them, should they seem like good additions to the wardrobe.

1-4: Blue Chinoiserie jacket. With my True Religions (and that ridiculously expensive Club Monaco shell that I clearly had a need for and am keeping) plus some leopard; with a tube skirt and top (blues might not be good here -- just experimenting); with my slouchy skinnies; and with my J. Crew linen shirt for some pattern mixing. I have about a million options for this one; works with pretty much everything in the closet.

5-9: Blue silk kimono. With tube skirt and white shell; with a column of white; with a few denim options. My concern with this one is whether it overwhelms. The sleeves feel a bit on the long side. It only comes in one size.

11-15: Cream poly kimono. This one is obviously less expensive than the silk. Showing with a few obvious options; I think it could work with quite a bit more due to the colour mix. This one does not feel oversized because it comes in my size -- so the bottoms of the lapel area (not sure what to call it) seems to fall right at my hip, etc. In other words, when I am wearing it, I don't feel like I'm wearing a bathrobe. Which I do to a tiny but not deal-breaking extent with the silk.

Again, I do not have to keep a single one of these. And I don't want to keep any if they are not genuinely useful additions to my wardrobe. Would love your thoughts! And thank you!!

This post has 15 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.