Hi again and Merry Christmas! I love Christmas. I am off in 1 hour to start my travel to Ohio where my family lives. It has been 5 years since the last trip home for the holidays!

I have been trying to get back to answer Claire, Suz and Mandipa about my 40 piece wardrobe and explain my current style

First, from January I feel I am a true veteran here. I know I have veteran status from lurking around reading posts for 6 months before I dared post one comment, but I feel I truly joined in January 2012.

For the next 9 months I posted 2-3 photos every week getting pros and cons on all of them, with the purpose of finding a style that suited me, my local environment, and the style culture (super office casual).

I must say, it wasn't until I got a killer fab from Angie that I felt I had nailed a look that I wanted more of. It is casual, a touch tough tomboy and a touch woman! The main concept was skinny bottoms (in casual form like jeans or cargos) and a blousy top just fitted enough to show a waist, and loose enough to not be too dressy. I put all my pieces to the test wearing them all, then tore my closet apart just throwing out everything that didn't give me the feeling of that look.

I don't exactly recreate it every time, because I still love my blazers which have always been a bit of my style, but now they are dressed down to give the feeling I am looking to recreate. And I realize it is a feeling, more than a specific look.

Finally I had to take a hard look at my dresses and skirts and realize that although a pencil is sexy on these curves (lots and lots of curves), I don't want to be sexy or feel sexy at work. Plus, the style matches the more formal lifestyle of my past, and here and now, dressed down is best. So except for a pencil plus turtleneck, I have left them behind.

what is left then after this major try and error and purge of the last 3 months? Well, for fall/winter...
4 pairs of jeans (dark, black, medium, light)
3 pairs of the super slouchy pleated trousers that I happen to love
5 blouses in the rich tones that I love.
8 blazers and more blazers (waving at Suz!)
4 dresses
2 skirts
various other simple toppers in neutrals and solids

the big addition this year is belts in wild patterns, studs, and materials.
and serious neck bling - to think I never wore a costume jewelry necklace before 3 years ago! I have lots of big and chunky, long and wrappy, and just BIG necklaces now.
I guess it is my way to have sparkle since I am not crazy about glitter on clothes

I am including a shot of my winter wardrobe so you can see what is left. This closet was packed a year ago and I felt helpless trying to put things together.

I cannot believe what a difference a year made. I am no where near finished figuring things out, but at least fall winter wear is coming together.

Thanks YLF! Without your comments and encouragement and honesty, I would not have gotten this far

oh and a couple photos of 'the style' to help you see it...in two variations (notice all that bold color Angie and you all got me wearing?)