Interesting discussion. No, of course, it isn't always quite that simple, Gaylene--and Angie is an excellent example----but it certainly is one path to outfit nirvana. (Thanks for that expression, Suz.)
I am intrigued that some of you have had this realization but haven't yet put it into practice--I am looking forward to when you do. It will be interesting to see--especially as you both, Anna and Aida, have already got "style" with a capital S.
I would really like to get a few "statement" toppers like you have, Aubergine, though I doubt I will find leather jackets in both my size and price range, Isis. (What a thought!)
Lisap--oh my, well, I wasn't thinking about outerwear--but you are absolutely correct. I will get there, someday. Oh, I love all the ponchos I am seeing in the Bay these days! But a poncho on the LRT? Exposed outdoor train platforms? Brrrr. Do show us some pics so I can live vicariously through you, please?
Ceit and Suja, both on team topper plus footwear = style. I will have to watch your WIW posts more closely from now on to see how you put it all together with the shoes and topper.
And you are so right, Susie, finding clothes which are interesting already is a great way to go--and absolutely essential for those of us who can't wear the topper (like everyone in a hot summer) or who choose not too--but as has been mentioned, of course not every piece can be a "talking" piece--not that you were saying that, either--
Oh I don't know alaskagirl--an entire wardrobe of shoes and boots all of which are "statements" does not sound like a bad thing to me--an impossibility, perhaps--but not an inherently bad thing. (But then, all shoes and all boots speak to me. They all say something or another,some more clearly, somemore loudly, than others.)
Caro--yes, you are right, of course. But all the pieces working together is something I can see--but not something I understand well enough to create--well, maybe I could if someone were to put a rack of clothes in front of me--all of which ft me in ways that I want--and then said, "Go forth and make outfits." That would be fun. This business of trying to put together the pieces and the whole simultaneously (without having a clue) is difficult. But it's OK. Thank goodness you all are here.
K. Period--yes, a starting point. We have to start somewhere.
Shiny--I am sorry to hear about your boot woes. My feet became fussy after my daughter was born and for many, many years I wore the same pair of winter boots. I loved them so much (and was in such horror of shopping for new ones) that I wore them even though the uppers came apart from the soles and they leaked. And I wore them like that for one whole winter. The next fall, when they leaked again and my socks got wet, I finally said "enough" and went and spent a lot of money on really good, firm "gear-like" winter boots. They are going into their third winter this year. Not fashionable in the slightest.
Gigi, Suz, Gaylene, --one tool (well, OK, two) in an arsenal to help us look the way we want. Got it. Though Kiwigal does one bold piece. That's even easier to think about!
Joy--when you say "low stance" do you mean the closure has to be low on the jacket? Or the hemline is low? Or the neckline? (well, that would be the closure, by default, wouldn't it.)
Thistle, I went and looked at Janet's jumpsuit. Her shoes definitely set it off. Those classic pumps took it in one direction--lace up combats would have taken it in another....
I hope I've caught the ball and returned it to everyone! What a great discussion.
