When I was growing up and into my 20s, ladies such as my Mom would wear a dressmaker suit, hat, heels, necklace, pin,, hand bag and maybe a scarf and certainly a watch and earrings to go shopping downtown, even though the tourists would be wearing shorts. (We were so critical of the tourists for not being appropriately dressed.)

I learned a rule that I believe came from Madame Chanel: Before leaving the house, look in the mirror and remove one item--usually an accessory.

Today I needed to go to The Birdwatcher store for birdseed and to the grocery store, so I decided to break the rules.

First, I wore my J Crew leopard print shirt and beige pants, and added a necklace, earrings, ring, watch, and 4 bracelets. I don't think I ever in my life wore more than three bracelets at a time.

At the bird store there was a new clerk I didn't know, who commented that I looked pretty wild. She was referring my shirt, I am sure.

The thing is, the bracelets were narrow, and the necklace small almost invisible. If I'd had more time I would have found a bigger necklace.

Overall, I'd say not very wild--but I did break that rule!