In the original thread, I identified my style as follows:
Current style: Feminine, Dressy, Colorful
Goal style: Creative, Polished, Effortless

Here's my attempt to capture my current style & push towards "goal." You can click on the pictures to see a larger view.

I opted for a warm weather version because it's currently over 90 degrees and I'd like to actually be able to wear this in the next week. I started with the base of denim clamdiggers (I could substitute jeans or skinny jeans in cooler weather), a teal ruffled cap-sleeve blouse (which hits the "feminine" note), and black patent and beige leather flats. To add some "Kari style" elements, I added a ruffly black waistcoat (which along with the shoes add a dressed up vibe), a colorful slouchy fuchsia satchel, a black headband with tiny white polka dots, and turquoise earrings.

I feel pretty polished considering this is a semi-casual outfit, but I'm not sure if I hit the mark on "creative" or "effortless". (I don't just want getting dressed to FEEL effortless, but I'd also like to avoid looking labored or overdone, like I spent a long time deciding what to wear.)