Hi Astrid --

Coming in late but that worked out well as I could seem the streamlined, "I'd wear this as-is" Pinterest looks.

Like others said earlier, I do think you have a very cohesive style right now. You've already done lots of thinking about preferences and how you want the exterior to reflect or offset your personality AND found colors that flatter you.

I think it's just about getting the budget + needed or wanted item + right-for-you-color lined up. That's always a PITA, more so when one's budget would be better served by less pickiness -- not that I think you should settle! So I feel your frustration.

I really like Caro's idea to go through your closet and match up items to these photos. I know you have great A-line skirts, and I saw the lovely new sandals you picked (busy time for me, I admired from afar and think they are SO MUCH BETTER than the Birks...sorry Birks).

From the smaller set of inspiration photos I see:

• Romantic elements front and center!

• A mix of interrupted and continuous vertical lines (high-contrast vertical breaks and low-contrast/tonal looks that don't break the vertical line)
• Generally, one strong standout item -- patterned tights, large print scarf, statement necklace, bold dress or a single high-contrast piece

So while you're thinking and picking/shopping, I'd make sure you're working toward those elements. It won't do you any good to have *only* contrasting separates if you really love lower-contrast/tonal looks, and vice versa.

Good luck and keep us posted!

When budget is an issue, you really need to know where you are headed and what you feel is missing.. The suggestions for doing that homework will help you get there... If you could make a list of wants and prioritize them then you would have a roadmap to where you want to be... Defining the problem and new direction are the toughest parts.... Wishing you a fun journey of discovery!

Thanks Diane! Please post a link if you try it yourself? I'd love to see what outfits you'd choose.

Thanks Vix! Better late than never... I love your posts, you always are dead-on. Good points! And yes, I'm going to do the exercise Caro suggested tomorrow and see what I come up with. I've nothing else planned, so I can get busy and play a bit in my wardrobe.

Thanks Tracey!

Chiming in late here, Astrid, but I think I struggled with something similar to you - and I think it's important not to be too hard on yourself while your style is in flux.

I really like your pinterest board, it seems very romantic and natural in its tones, and a lot of cardigans and blazers to make interesting layers - it's almost very Anthro

Best of luck!

Your new board is fabulous, Astrid, and I think a genuine reflection of where you already are, in spirit. And now I am going to do something similar. I do have a board of "I can see myself in real life in this" as well as an inspiration board, but I notice I forget to add to it, and so it is somewhat lacking. It does help to refine in this way, though.

Oh, I like the new board! I liked the old one, too, but this one seems more focused, and I can see you in everything there. Kind of like a blueprint for future outfits vs. an inspiration board. And when you are looking at blueprints, it can help you see what materials you may be missing.

Thanks Lyn! I could't imagine how "Anthro" looks like because it's not somewhere I shop, but I had a look at their European website and I can see what you mean.

Thanks Suz! You're right, this board tells me I'm on the right track and I'm very happy about that.

Thanks Rae! A board of blueprints, that's a good way to describe it!