LOL. "Your coconut bonk process." Love that!!

And waiting tables = parenting little kids. Yup. True.

Angie really hit the nail on the head regarding why you're not wearing your silk blouses and jackets/blazers. After I sold my pleather jacket, I've wondered if I even need a real leather one. It's not like they're exactly a slam dunk for my climate. I love them, but I like them best when worn with a plain T shirt underneath. Since I don't wear T shirts anymore, it doesn't make sense to buy a leather jacket, even if I find the perfect one. The whole look has to work for me, and not just the item. Good job on your "flying by the seat of the pants" closet analysis. You don't necessarily have to put things into a spread sheet to notice a pattern.

I have three pairs of wool trousers that are baggy and tapered, and wear them frequently. The last pair is four years old. The other two pairs three years old. These are the types of trousers I see for your style - and have suggested it before. Bootcuts and snow are a bad idea.

Thanks Angie! Any pointers in the right direction re: brands would be great.

Denise, great point. My work is nothing but heavy mental lifting - by the time I get home all I want to do is flop down on the sofa with a drink and cuddle my boys and and pets!

We'll have to see how the season unfolds - but my trousers are from Ann Taylor, Theory and Club Monaco respectively.

LOL, CocoLion.

Great job on the analysis, Una!

I can see you in the pants in Angie's photos - especially #4.
Funny Denise - except kids grow up

This is all useful information Una! I don't know that you need to be any more analytical than this, you've very clearly established several things that are and are not working for you.

I nodded along to many of your work musings, especially re non-sweatered tops, unworn jackets, and a desire for interesting professional pants. My own musings for myself regarding the first two are that 1) I don't like wearing sweaters under my non-leather jackets, therefore all my sweaters need to look best as stand-alone tops, and 2) I really need looser blouses to wear under my jackets AND that means my jackets also need to be looser and longer (most are more on the shorter and fitted end). So basically I realized that I need all new blazers, which is a little depressing.

Why not wear your silk button-ups under your jackets? Too corporate looking? I love wearing my (very few) silk shirts with my jackets, they are pretty much the only thing I have that I can wear underneath and I wish I could afford a few more. And why are your leather jackets not getting worn? That seems an odd one to me.

Regarding the work pants, I've slowly been collecting interesting trousers but most of them are more summery. I just can't seem to find good wintery trousers like the ones that Angie posted! And when I do, the fit is always off. I share your frustration with this one, hopefully we can both find something good this season.

Aida, thanks for chiming in! I think Suz is right, leather jackets not worn because of season. Also not work appropriate and I'm working full time rather than self-employed, which is a big shift from two years ago. I would def wear the silk shirts under jackets if I could find the right panst to wear with them that are work-right but not too corporate.

What kinds of blazers are you seeking out? I'm interested in the longer looser concept and how you picture it working for you!

Leather jackets not getting worn due to season makes sense!

So this is a blazer I'm looking at: http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Blazer.....id=3924467

Much longer, and rather loose. Specifically to be worn with looser soft blouses, and likely over slim pants with tall boots or booties. Doesn't have to be crepe, but definitely in a lighter and more flowy fabrication; many of my current ones are a thicker, stricter cotton or cotton-blend. Unfortunately budget doesn't allow me to get much more beyond a few key necessary wardrobe items right now, so I have to wait a little while to do this upgrade (though I'm itching to do it!). I'd also like to purge all of my cardigans and get one or two long chunky cocoon shaped ones to replace them. Totally over the straight shapes I currently have.

Funny Aida mentioned that! I plan on wearing my Zara blazer over the new blue silky blouse (along with my shorter, crop tux jacket for a long over short look).