Sorry have been a bit scarce due to lots of things going on. Have been trying to keep up here and there.

I have tried a few online things recently on basis of their possibly being in my direction. More on the order of, I can't really tell from the pictures and I havent' had good luck in local stores and yet if these worked they would be useful for some capsules I have going on.  So chalked it up to Retail Research.

First up--I had focused on the utility of the medium-blue jacket as an alternative to gray that is more flattering than black or even  navy, for some extra options for having "complete" outfits.  I actually would like a medium other color, possibly teal tweedy or not too bright berry color. But I can wear the sort of medium-rich denim-like blues and they can go with black  pants and with column of color or with brighter tops.
Hence the tencel WHBM jacket already purchased, but I was interested in lighter weight and/or not denimy.

First, 2 fails: The AT sharkskin seemed like it should be great, but it just looked dowdy on me. Something about the cut and fit seemed neither classic-flattering nor versatile. And maybe the color was not as happy as I needed, either, Could not turn it into a great work piece. (Trousers a good color for work pants but too saggy. My eye has moved to trimmer cuts)
        Next the Talbots linen blend jacket--should have heeded the reviews on "boxy" but I thought I could do slightly boxy. The fabric is very nice, unlined but with finished seams, so it would be a great summer weight, but style is way too plain and boxy for me. Baaack.

Next, casual tops in target colors that caught my eye so I wanted to stock up if good. The mauvy blush cotton top is nice. Not as good quality as some of my older JJ and Talbot's pima cotton, but okay for casual and a useful pale almost-neutral.
      The linen top in this berry color is a gorgeous color. i got a large because many of  the AT knit tops are running that way for me, yet this one is a bit big through chest and armholes but just right through hip;  and am almost tempted to re-order in M to compare but fear it will be too snug in hip and not fall properly, so may just keep it loose, since is for casual.

Next: dresses. For some reason I tried the wrap dress even though wraps R Not Me, because the length is longer. Tried this print. My 'usual size fit pretty well and I would be able to add a snap to the V neck, but maybe a bit skimpy  and maybe it's ??? not super fashion forward on me--  I would need to size up at least. Then I noticed it in the berry color also--I swear that was not there before--so got the new color in a size up.
That size fits better with more of the drape of a wrap and the color is great. A drawback is that the waist falls still a bit high for me and emphasizes long hipline in the rearview, but maybe I'm being picky. I know that wrap + V is not my "traditional" best bodice look,  but with a snap it's a high-V and the pleats help the bodice wrap closely with no gapping. So I'm  thinking that I will keep the lovely color as strategic, to have a dress with sleeves that could go to wedding or day dress event or dinner, (and even to work for that matter, but footwear is more problematic) , and forego any of the neutrals, because it's the color makes it happy-special for me and  I don't love it enough or wear enough dresses to duplicate. Not sure that makes sense and will do some more try-ons. 

Lastly, dress-fail. The VC is a good neckline and sleeve cut for me but the main deal-breaker is that it's too clingy in the jersey for midsection confidence; also the neutral print, which I like in the photo, and thought it might "hide" the clingy issues, is not that great on me. I also knew the sharkbite looked pretty dramatic and that proved true, it's a bit too much hem for me because I will not wear a high heel. But I think this is a nice dress for the right person!  I have ordered a similar EF dress before this one came and I fear I may find it has the same issues.

Maybe these "reviews" will help someone else! ETA: just got notified Mordstrom " unable to fill order" do must have sold out while placing the order! And I thought I jumped, and all that!
So in addition to no EF dress, I just think the AR wrap dress looks somehow not modern at all on me. I WANT to love it because of the fab color and it's knee length and it actually fits. But I don't look like I want to look in it. I had just about made up my mind to keep
it with several " but.."

Does anybody get this? ( I know pics would help but I just can't right now). Is my Imaginary Style Image keeping me from accepting dress reality and I will be Missing Out?