I've often though what Mochi said about you going pro, Suz. Yet another hat to add to your collection

PRO??

You guys are joking, right?

Everything I know I learned from the real pro. And you know who she is!

The brilliance of a real pro is that she can figure out what will work for all kinds of body types and situations. I don't think I have that talent. I haven't even figured it out completely for myself. But I do enjoy the process of imagining.

I also like how we can learn from our mistakes. I've learned plenty from my own over the past few years. Even outfits that seemed great at the time now make me cringe. There wasn't necessarily anything "wrong" with them, by the way. They were very nice. But I am only now BEGINNING to see a way towards an authentic style.

Sara, it's interesting you mention Claire. I see this happening very clearly (um, no pun intended!) in her posts. It's really her, you know? Such brilliance. I've seen it more and more in Sona's posts, too. And Rae's too -- even though she has been doubtful about her new style direction.

Which is not to say I haven't also seen it in others (I remember when GP - Natalie showed a sudden flowering. I also remember a huge leap in Sveta, who now has YLF iconic status.)

Anyway -- point is, some of us come here less tutored than others, some have lesser means so take a while to build our wardrobes, some undergo a big change that suddenly discombobulates, or catapults us into style stratosphere.

Gorgeous! You look so "put together". You have arrived stylewise. Celebrate it!

I love how everything has come together in these outfits. The colours are just so right for you (& the season). The fit is great &, as you said to Sarah, the scale is spot on for you Fabulous Suz!

Unfrumped: You asked, "Are you able to find a magic length or fit or are you finding that some jackets only go with a couple of bottoms and that's okay? Or do I have poison eyes and am fretting over things that other people will not notice?"

Hmmm. Good question. As you can see, I'm wearing different jacket lengths and cuts here. So there is no magic length and fit, and no, I don't try to wear all jackets with all bottoms. Typically I wear my cropped denim jackets to dress down dresses and skirts (though I can also imagine wearing them with high waisted trousers, if I had any). I wear cropped and reasonably short (i.e. hip length) blazers with just about everything (with some fiddling, perhaps.) So some of these jackets do work with (straight) skirts and jeans and trousers. I wear other jackets very selectively. The long blazer in the fuchsia silk suit is not a great style for me; it works best in a column of colour, though I might wear it open with denim.

In my case, the necklines of tops seem to be key to getting overall proportions right. If I go too wide and low, I won't look right to myself, no matter what (i.e. even with a great topper -- though of course that would help give some needed structure.) So I am paying very strict attention to that right now. What necklines will work for me WITHOUT a jacket? (Because I need to go jacketless a lot in summer).

This post, along with Claire's, are powerful demonstrations to me of the lessons that can be learned on the forum. You and she have arrived at a style that is integral with your essence; you both inspire me.

Wow wow wow! I have been revisitng your post and pic over and over yet I still dont feel like I have managed to construct a cohesive comment. I really love the tightly edited collection you have put together for the season. I like how you are making the florals fresh and the consistancy you bring to a variety on looks. I am taking lessons Your lessons learned are showing top marks in your fab x authentic outfits here

Suz, you have mastered the most challenging dressing for us - summer! You have such a strong integrity to your outfits now- both in color and in style - it is really inspiring!
I hear you on the Clarks sandals: somehow they feel too heavy for you even though the color is right. I think this is because there is such a swing now to more refined footwear, don't you think? Too bad SE sandals are not that comfortable, they look great. I did not buy a similar pair of NW sandals because I had a suspicion they would not b comfortable enough. Too bad when style does not come with the comfort!
If I have a wish about your summer wardrobe it is for you to get more fuchsia in it because IT-IS-THAT-GREAT-ON-YOU!!!

Thank you for those compliments, Sveta -- coming from you they are all the more treasured, since you are one of my YLF icons! As for the fuchsia, I think we can probably manage that somehow....hehheheh. Actually, today I bought a nail polish called...wait for it: BACK TO THE FUCHSIA!

I can't add any more to what has already been said. You really have mastered your style. You have such a great collection of summer looks here. The colors and shapes suit you so well and really work well together. Very well done!

Sorry, I didn't intend to embarrass or offend.

Oh, Pil, you did not at all! I am sorry that my caps were shouting. I was honoured, of course! Just surprised!

And Pil, speaking of people who are coming into their own style-wise. You have made such amazing strides in one short season here!

I love your set, and the cohesiveness of your style. I also love your observations about necklines (and it makes me think I should observe mine more closely).

What a fabulous season!

You are truly an inspiration and can hardly wait until I reach your style level.

Well you said we do not have to examine in minute detail but we can if we want to right? You are in your style zone and I lost track of how many outfits I thought I would choose as my favorite as I flipped through. You may not be a fashion pro (I wouldn't want you to give up your writing), but you certainly have reached mentor status in my book!

I love nail polish puns.

There is nothing I can say that everyone else hasn't said better. You are a style icon and inspiration in every way, Suz. Truly.

Stunning Suz! You have honed your style and it is beautiful and professional! So inspiring to see your WIW's and read your wise comments. Thanks for your contribution!

Late to this party I'm afraid But wow! so glad I joined! How fab to see a lot of your outfits all in one place. You have really got your style groove as I think you look wonderful. There is a real cohesion to everything and the items you have play together so well. I agree with Deb, you are an inspiration and I'm glad I 'met' you.

YOU LOOK FAB in all the pictures Suz...love all your outfits and combinations! I m going to steal some ideas from here!

Late to this one as well, on weekends I do my best to stay away from the computer. But what a wonderful start to the week... to see a "pic heavy" post from Suz!

It's awesome to see your style laid out like this Suz. And funnily enough, I went straight to the pics before reading your thoughts, and thought "hmm" about the same shoes you are questioning. I think they are fine, just not at 10. And wow, do you ever rock the florals! I hadn't realized you had so many pieces, they really add oomph to your overall look. Love love love the kimonos.

I hadn't realized that I had so many florals, either, Elizabeth. I guess it makes sense, in a way -- a girly, feminine look is probably my "shadow style" and so they make an appearance especially in summer when I also wear more dresses.

Una, I couldn't resist that nail polish, could I?