Jules, Angie might be referring to the really offensive, sexualized advertising that D&G have used which depict women in a submissive position. One such ad was interpreted by many observers as depicting a gang rape and was banned in several countries. For what it's worth, I agree with her in boycotting companies who use violent or demeaning images to sell their products, especially when done in a stylized way that makes the images appear attractive on the surface.

I see decisions have been made! I just want to say that some Theory fits me well, other stuff looks beyond horrid. The Max C. pants were PERFECT on me and I hope the changed version is somehow better and not worse.

My point is, it's not you! You will find your perfect suit and you have the time to wait, so why rush?

Jules, I'm not referring to Gaylene's example, although I'm sickened reading the description. My Sis in Law who lives in London went to Monaco to interview Mr. Dolce for an upmarket Boating magazine, and he relayed thoughts and opinions during the interview that went against my principles extremely strongly. Since then, I cannot support the brand at all.

Interesting to read the process you have gone through SUz. I am still in shock that you do not own a black blazer! I have to scold myself into not buying another one! DO you have other black toppers?

This is more of a generic opinion, but I don't have any problem at all buying stand-alone jackets or pants that are (could be) part of a suit, because it's so hard to find a matched suit that I'd never get anywhere if I tried to follow the advice of "buy 2 suits in gray and black or navy and mix and match the pieces". So I think you can evaluate each piece as to whether it works well for what it is--if one of the jackets works great with many of your bottoms and it will be a great go-to jacket, (and is in your price range) then I'd just judge it that way--as a stand-alone jacket, does it feel like a fab 10 and plays well with my wardrobe? If not, then you're not just waiting for the right "suit", you're also deciding that a more fab jacket, suit or not suit or one of each, is likely out there. Also I wear pants a lot without using the jacket as a key part of the outfit, so I recently bought 2 pairs that had matching jackets available, but the jackets did not work. But they have to work with a lot of tops and with at least one unmatched jacket plus outerwear.

Yes, that is true Angie. I remembered. I think yours are older, before they changed their fabrics to the stuff that looks like the material from the GAP trousers though. Am I right?

I like the way Gaylene has rephrased the questions. Dear Suz, you have such a fabulous wardrobe - why settle? (Especially since this is not something you need tomorrow.)

I spent about four years looking for a leather jacket I really loved. It had to fit right, be simple, be good leather, and not be black. This year I found it. It was more than I had thought I would pay, but now I have a great leather jacket I truly love and the search is over. I am really starting to understand PPP. At my age I've decided I'm too old to wear clothes that aren't really what I want. (If not now... when? When I'm 65? 75? 85?)

Tara, Una, you are so right. No need to settle on this. I am going to wait. And maybe get a stand-alone jacket.

I was completely unaware of the controversies that Gaylene describes or Angie's SIL's experience but I am very glad that I did not buy that Dolce and Gabbana jacket! And I will never buy anything from them in the future, either. (Not that it was much of a risk, given my budget, but you know...)

Nicole, I don't won a single black topper at the moment. Not one. I own very few F/W jackets period:

1 white leather jacket
1 taupe leather jacket
1 blue jacquard blazer
1 navy military detailed jacket that is a bit dated and short but still wearable

I also have my fuchsia silk for special occasion, and a denim jacket that really only gets worn in summer.

Anyway...you see why I need toppers!

I think you've made a wise decision, Suz. Even though I really liked the jacket on you, if you're looking for a full suit you should hold out for a full suit.
But maybe you do need a black topper, too?

Ah, I'm a tad confused, being away for awhile! Hello! From what I was able to sort, Suz, I think you should keep the jacket! The pants in the pics are not the best fit - too baggy or something...just a tad off. Do-able, but not perfect. Apologies if I've overlooked something!

I'm appalled to hear about D&G! Eeks - thank goodness I've never seen the 'gang rape' ad. Would have gotten my blood boiling. Ugh. Sory to hijack! :/

Sounds like you made the right PPP decision, Suz. Good for you.

Love the fit of the jacket -- I feel like the pants are just a touch too roomy for my eye. However it works as composition because the fit of the jacket which is spot on is juxtaposed with the slouch of the pant. Ideally I'd want to see the perfect fit of the jacket align with perfect fit in the pant because the jacket is so crisp.

I've been in this position, really wanting a core item and just not being able to find it! It is so frustrating. Whenever I've settled, it's always been wasted money. Don't settle on something as expensive as a suit. The right one will come along. It took me 3 years to find a simple pair of black skinny jeans and now that I finally have, they were worth every penny. While I was waiting for them I sported skinny jeans in other colors and black trousers when I wanted black bottoms. Perhaps you can match up a cardigan and trousers as your "suit" until you find the right one? Or go tonal with a navy blazer and dark wash jeans?