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About: Updating Your Wardrobe Essentials

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Essentially speaking...

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I've been enjoying the conversation on Angie's thread.

Sveta said: "This is how I understand what are essentials: things which simple enough in color and style to play well with a lot of other things AND without them you CANNOT build outfits true to your style AND lifestyle."

This rings so true to me. It's that intersection between style and lifestyle that is so interesting and important to recognize, and unless you do this, you'll never be able to identify your true essentials. It takes acceptance. Acceptance of your body type/ income level/ climate/ actual activities (vs. fantasy) and your genuine needs.

Well -- call me lucky, or blessed -- or maybe dull as dust. Because for me, identifying essentials has never really been a problem. I knew what they were, intuitively, even if I never really thought about it explicitly. And I consistently bought them, over and above any statement items. In fact, I still do. (More on that in a moment).

CocoLion added something that also resonated: "...for me, a head-to-toe essentials outfit is easy but can get boring. I think this is why every few days I wear a bright colored shirt just to break things up."

Wow, did I recognize myself there. And here's the unhappy result: In the past year I have been feeling a bit guilty or worried about what I see as too much "churn" in my wardrobe.

As a work from home mother who consistently wears outfits that fall into Amid Privlege's "Humming along" category, I find that my clothes "work together" really easily. The wardrobe is cohesive. And I can get dressed without any real angst.

At the same time, I easily tire of the same old same old sweaters/ jeans/ belts looks. The fact is, I get bored.

Like Denise, I've typically looked to colour and/or pattern to elevate items from the "essential" to at least the "regular" category. But that doesn't stave off the boredom. So I've been trying to vary the silhouette a bit, but that requires a bigger investment.

Lots for me to ponder here. I've just come up with a set of ratios -- my personal percentages of essentials, statements, and regulars in each clothing category. But I will save this for another post because this is already quite long.

Thanks for reading these musings and I would love to hear where you think you fall on this spectrum and what the effects are, for you.

Dressing

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catgirl

Veteran

Suz, this is interesting because I think you always look incredible, and when Angie said an outfit of Es can add up to an S, you are what came to mind.

I'm realizing I think of my Es as fall-back items, on days when I have no time to think and just have to roll my eyes and tolerate the default. When I can wear my S pieces, it's like going out to dinner at a place I love. It's how I feel when I drag out the nice china too - and then wonder why we don't use it more - but if we did, would it still feel so special?

What do you consider your S items in your closet, and how do you FEEL when you wear them?

Tanya

Veteran

Great thoughts, Suz! I can identify with a lot of what you say here.

For example, my lifestyle/job require that I pretty much live in jeans. I am also tend to get bored pretty easily and require a lot of variety. So, maybe ten or so years ago, I realzied that I need a lot of diversity in my jeans. I was always on the lookout for unusual colors/patterns/cuts even before the whole explosion of colored and patterned skinnies. Different cuts automaticaly made the whole issue more complicated, as they required different shoes and also fairly different tops/toppers. So now I have a couple of different formulas based on the different cuts/styles of jeans and have managed to acquire enough supporting acts that things mostly work. For a first time since I started realy thinking about clothes my shopping list for the season does not involve any new jeans!

Another observation, about "humming along" outfits. I find that I am perfectly happy with them as long every single item is of a great quality and modern cut, a '10', essentially. But that is a huge challenge financially as high quality simple essentials tend to be on the pricey side. So my rescue are inexpensive In-between, or regular items. I find that if I invest in great quality essentials and in some statement items (like outerwear, shoes and bags); that I can add a lot of inexpensive regular items to serve as a glue.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Suz, it was a sudden light bulb moment for me actually. At first I wrote that sentence without "lifestyle" in it but then I got thinking...Angie, you and myself all have similar style preferences - but our essentials lists are not identical - because we have different lifestyles! Angie is out and about with the clients, you work from home, I work in the office...it stands to a reason that our essentials are not all the same!

Now about the boredom...If you saw my WIW posts you must have noticed that I vary not just outfits but silhouettes during the week: this is how I stave that boredom away without a need to replenish a half of my wardrobe every year (well, I actually needed to do it this year but for a different reason ) If I was to wear the same style of jeans and a sweater each day for all week I would be bored to death by the end of Wednesday - even if this would be a different pair of jeans and different sweater every day. I need variety in styles, not just in colors / patterns to feel happy.

I am going to open my wardrobe spreadsheet now and identify how many essentials vs statements I have: may be fun!

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Suz, I already expounded on this a little over in Angie's thread, but I'm very much in the same boat as you, Sveta and Denise in this respect. Dressing in all essentials has little appeal for me, though I think I'd feel more than a little panicky if they were all stripped away or even if I didn't have a good handle on what they are. I had never consciously written down my personal style essentials, but found the challenge was easy to complete when Angie threw it down. Still, for me the ideal mix is to have one statement piece in each outfit. Sometimes it can be a subtle statement, but a statement nonetheless. That keeps me from feeling the style fatigue you eluded to in this post.

For me the biggest challenge is repetition. Once I hit on a combo that works, I tend to stick with it. Remixing is an art I have yet to master but that I think could come in handy to help certain items transition from one category to another and keep the wardrobe feeling fresh.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts - theyy were intriguing as usual!

Your reply

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I try to not over think this all, but to me the essentials are the glue that keeps everything together, allows you to wear your 'stars' and are items you don't even really have to think about styling, they just work. My skinny jeans don't need a lot of thought or creativity to wear. I pull them on. Done. ya know? Ditto my drapey Old Navy white tee. It just completes whatever I pair it with. I don't have to work at styling it. Ever.

bj1111

Veteran

Tanya, I am reaching the same point you are which is purchase quality essentials that link the disparate parts of my closet...like the featherweight tneck from Jcrew which is magical, to replace the tjmaxx special which is schumply.

My problem, as I mentioned on Una's thread, I can't seem to bring myself to purchase needed essentials like a dressy flat waterproof knee high boot (I have none and I live in the snowy middle west!!!) instead just purchasing a high heeled suede closed toe bootie (to be fair, a hewi).

Another question, what do you prioritize--upgrading /updating essentials or purchasing hewi' that come into your life?

Isabel

Veteran

Suz, this is just awesome. I am going to print it and put it in my notebook of "secrets". I write all kinds of things in there..and hope to pass it on to my daughter ( and son ). One of my favorite thoughts is " Don't be brave, be fearless." This mantra seem to apply for everything, even clothing. The intersection of which you speak, is so hard for some reason. It is frightening to accept. I don't know why. Is it accepting your life as is that is scary ? Is it because we are constantly aspiring ? Is it because we are a society where "enough" is somehow not acceptable " How quickly we veer from clothing to philosophy ! LOL

Our timing here at YLF always amazes me. We are like the women in the college dorm whose menses all end up coordinated ! I say this because I had just come to the "essentials" as Sveta described it after months of thinking about it, reading about it , writing about it, packing up clothes. In the end, I came to my Common Core ( hereby to be called my Essentials ) capsule ; which perfectly describes my capsule.

Thank you for this thread...everyone.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Isabel connecting the dots between fashion and philosophy = exhibit A of why I love this group of ladies so much.
But she's right. Suz actually hit on some pretty profound stuff here around acceptance. I didn't give those statements the thought they deserve at first, but I suspect I will from now on. Thank you both.
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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Astute as always, Suz.

Suz, I suggested to you in the thread that I started that you CAN wear statement pieces when you work from home. Like today, I'm home all day. I am wearing old zippered blue skinnies (E). New plaid shirt (E), and new CM chunky shell (S). Add my apple green specs - a big Statement - and it cuts through the boredom.

It sounds like you need a few more casual statement pieces in your wardrobe, but they have to work for your lifestyle.

Your point about Acceptance is KEY, Suz. As much as I love to wear skirts and dresses - I am too cold most of the year to do so - and the footwear that I prefer to wear along with the look is not as comfy as a pair of low heeled booties. ACCEPTANCE. The same way I mentioned to Ornella that the biggest challenge about her style - is her very casual lifestyle. Unless you are prepared to be very impractical about it - it brings me back to your point - Acceptance.

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catgirl

Veteran

You're not alone in the struggle to accept it all? I've come to terms with my climate and ditched the surfer girl fantasies, exploiting instead the endless opportunities for boots and jackets. :). But I have yet to embrace that I am in a conservative career with a public face, not in my UWP fantasy life. Fortunately my job does have far more leeway with dressing - I could wear those new brocade Kuts on a weekend shift, for instance.

Might you pick certain days to treat as dress-up days, when you might have to go out for a bit? I crave my casual outfits and never wear my work stuff at home, but you're in the opposite boat and maybe you need to create some false structure in your days to give you the chance to wear your statements!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow, great thoughts and observations, everyone, and thank you for chiming in.

Isabel, I was thinking of you when this talk of essentials came up; you've just identified your core items (some of which you always not-so-secretly knew) and now you will have the pleasure of wearing them, knowing that they are your core. I wonder if that will make it easier to add statements when you want and need to?

Ruth, I've been on a bit of a mission this year to replace my bleah essentials with better quality and updated ones. But you and Tanya are right -- this can get really pricey. I think this is where identifying your colour palette can help to reduce the cost (which I know you and Tanya have already done). And also maybe filtering out a COREcore set of essentials, a la Vivienne files (and as per Isabel). Even among our essentials there are some that are more essential than others!

And you see, we are the opposite kind of shopper. You can't bring yourself to buy the much needed high quality weatherproof boots. I can bring myself to splurge on those -- but can't bring myself to splurge on statement items.

Can't even bring myself to recognize what they would be. I mean -- which ones would give me the most functionality and joy? I have no idea!

Mo, totally agree. The essentials are the things we need to make outfits work.

Michelle, I think you are very wise to mention the way that even a single statement item can elevate the way an outfit feels. I need to remember that. It is easy for me to follow this guideline when I go out into the world. It's harder for me to put it into practice working from home. Part of the reason, I've learned, is that my statement items are heavily in the bag and shoe and coat categories. Interesting, no?

Sveta, you hit the nail exactly on the head. Even if I wear a different colour every day, when I wear the same jeans and sweater silhouette day after day, I am so bored. This is part of why my winter at-home wardrobe bores me more than summer. In summer I have an easier time varying the silhouette with skirts and dresses, with BF pants, skinnies, long shorts, sarong shorts, BF shorts, flowing pants, etc. So much to choose from!! But in winter, the endless days of skinnies and boots just grate on my soul.

Also, I love your example. Angie, you, and I do share many style preferences. But because our lifestyles and our climates differ, our actual list of essentials won't be the same.

Tanya, that is a really great point about "regulars" being the glue that unites the essentials and statements and perhaps upgrades or adds interest to essentials without a high cost outlay. I unconsciously adopted this idea in building my summer wardrobe, buying a lot of pieces that functioned as essentials but included unusual design details that put them slightly outside that category and made them feel a bit special. So, my high necked Zara silk front sleeveless tops are an example. In my core neutral and a core colour, they are simple, go with everything, take the place of a t-shirt for me, can be dressed up or down. So they are not statements. But their fabrication and slightly unexpected style makes them a little bit different than a background essential.

Una, thank you, and that is a great question. I will try to address it in another thread I think. I need to give it a bit more thought!

catgirl

Veteran

One more point - I know neither of us are big on jewelry but sometimes when I'm all about the FFBO essentials outfit, a statement necklace will pick up the energy for me. Or shoes - the oil slick oxfords or patent booties have been huge in elevating the "daily grind" looks. Do you wear shoes in the house?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Angie, you are absolutely right. My number crunching has led me to the recognition that I need a few more statement items that work in my casual life.

I do have a few statements for my going-out-in-the-world outfits. And that is why I prefer those outfits, probably. I just don't have enough for the at-home capsule. It includes mostly essentials and regulars.

This has been SUPER helpful to me and will probably save me a ton of money in the long run, so thank you all!

Now I just have the task of identifying those items and figuring out if they will truly work. Because like you, Angie, I'm too cold to wear skirts and dresses in winter (except maybe when going out), and I won't wear heels, and at home I don't carry a bag, and I'm not big on jewellery. And so on.

Una, that's a good point -- I do try to do what you suggest, and consider even a trip to the bank an "outing" when I get to "dress up" in some of my statement items. It definitely helps me to plan occasions to wear my more interesting pieces.

Thanks, all - super, super helpful!!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Una, this is a big part of my issue. MOST of my statement pieces are shoes. And I don't wear shoes in the house except on rare occasions when we are entertaining in winter.

I hear you on the necklace thing and might have to pay more serious attention to it. Anna was always after me to get a statement necklace and I think she was onto something.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Suz, perhaps scarves could be a good vehicle for your at-home statement pieces? They can be very budget friendly, transition to multiple seasons, and help combat your perpetual cold. Plus, there are countless ways to experinemtn with them. Would that work, or are you just not a scarf person?
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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ah, Michelle, thank you! The scarf issue is one for a thread of its own, but for now, I will just say that in fact, in winter, scarves have been my fall-back statement item a lot of the time. To the point where I am sick of outfits involving scarves, which now feel a bit fussy for my style direction. But I can't stop wearing them because I need them for warmth (practicality) and I seem to need the statement item to make up the outfit!

It's not that I dislike scarves, really. It's that I resent my continual dependence on them, ha!

Well, we will explore that dilemma another day, I think. For now, I simply know that I need to add a few more statement items to the casual fall/ winter closet. And will need to give some serious thought to what those might be.

Anonymous

I'm desperately trying to take in what's being written by you and Angie about 'E's versus 'S's (I have a case of serious brain fog... thank you menopause :P) But Una writing this: ' Might you pick certain days to treat as dress-up days, when you might have to go out for a bit? I crave my casual outfits and never wear my work stuff at home, but you're in the opposite boat and maybe you need to create some false structure in your days to give you the chance to wear your statements! '... Was just what I needed as a fellow work at home gal like you Suz. I just need to stop wearing the same pair of jeans and cardi ev-er-y si-n-gle day... And I need my brain to clear enough to analyse why I always do grab the same old stuff all the time.

bj1111

Veteran

Hah! "I resent my dependence on [scarves]." Yes! That's me with essentials--they are the vegetable of the clothing world. Not the yummy snow peas, but the reviled swede.

Aubergine

Veteran

I've been following the essentials/statements threads and trying to figure out where my wardrobe fits in. So far, I think I've got two mini-insights:

1. Like bj, I'm not the greatest at buying essentials. There's probably a couple of things going on here. Some essentials, like jeans and neutral coats, just aren't fun to shop for, so I'll try to fudge it with worn-out or less-than-ideal versions I already own rather than dealing with looking for a new one. Others, like neutral cardigans or pencil skirts (or flat black booties, like the ones in this thread, which I finally decided to keep), seem so easy to find that it's hard to pull the trigger on an actual item that works well enough when some magical perfect version, or one that's an amazing deal, could be around the next corner.

Consequently, I do feel like my lack of good wardrobe essentials translates to a lack of wardrobe "glue". On the other hand, I've gotten a few updated essentials that I really like (e.g., EF black merino cardigan, Madewell cognac booties) and clearly need to keep looking for purchases along these lines.

2. Left to my own devices, I think I gravitate to in-between "regular" pieces, not statements or essentials. I keep buying things in fairly simple, basic cuts with colors and/or patterns that make them more memorable than an essential, but not dramatic enough to be a statement. Maybe this is related to having such a dress-based wardrobe? It's hard to imagine a dress that's plain enough to be a true essential, except for something like a LBD. But, at the same time, a dress that's more statement-y feels more in-your-face than a top or pants because there's so much more of it. So that's less appealing to me than something more subtle.

rabbit

Veteran

I think one thing I've noticed in my own closet when I'm apportioning budget to new items, is that 'workhorses' and 'high happiness factor' pieces are where I want to spend more of my budget, regardless of whether they are statements or essentials.

For example, I have some essential pieces that aren't workhorses, like a belt narrow and short enough to wear with any dress (I don't wear a dress that needs a belt that often, although I enjoy it a lot when I do). I also have some black tops that work well with more unusual skirt shapes, or my moth-print track pants, so they are essential, but I almost never chose to wear them when I'm NOT wearing interesting bottoms. The same with certain tights and leggings, essential (or even basic) but because I have a couple of different colors and textures, not workhorses.

I also have several statement pieces that ARE workhorses, such as shoes and bags with a high wear count that work cross-seasonally.

When bj1111 was talking about apportioning budget to the Burberry versus the Aquatalias what I took away from it was that one made her feel powerful or happy to wear, and the other didn't (or she didn't foresee it being energizing, just ho hum). This is why I will splurge for a leopard coat, but not a pair of black skinnies, because I don't yet see a fundamental difference in the look or 'happiness' of wearing high end solid black skinnies, and mid range black skinnies. It might be different if I was wearing black skinnies a few times a week, but I'm wearing them maybe once a month.

I am also agreeing with Tanya that simple quality essentials tend to be more pricey then they need to be to my mind. Why is a bootie less expensive if it has a strap or chain then if it's sleek and minimalist? I don't get it. (Don't get me started on bags and trying to buy quality with no large logo at a lower price). They are also the kind of things that are rarely sent to thrift stores unless the owner changes sizes, and rarely end up on sale and clearance racks---which are prime hunting ground for statement pieces.

Elly

Veteran

I guess I have a hard time with this because I love my essentials dearly. I'm not saying that I don't love and need statements to complete things-- but I love to buy essentials. Nothing makes me happier than nice leather, well-fitting denim, layering tees, flannel shirts, and pullovers. For example, today I'm wearing a medium grey flannel shirt with jeans. I'm wearing dark purple specs and shoes. Guess what I am chuffed about? The dark medium grey flannel shirt! A high quality essential just feels so good to me-- so comfortable and so smart. My purchasing trepidation is almost always reserved for statement items--- although once in hand I do fall in love with some of those, like my purple specs, red shoes, draped crossover top, etc. I just have a much harder time shopping for them--- they don't jump out as "so me" as quickly as the essentials.

I think others may have already said this, but I'll highlight it again. I think the key (esp. in a situation like Suz's) rests on two points:

1. Varying your silhouette/ having multiple uniforms so it isn't button down, skinny jeans, cardi every day-- one day is ponte pants and tunic, one day is bf jeans and a pullover, etc. I love the simplicity that fewer silhouettes lends me with shoes and tops and pants working together, but even I find that I need to switch it up

2. Pay a high level of attention to the details -- get fab slippers or outfit coordinating socks, wear earrings, wear a watch, pay attention to color, pattern, texture and shine-- I'm not even on team polished, but those things make a huge difference in feeling put together in casual duds, and SPECIAL too

OR -- go very put together with home outfits but use them as a base for a collection of great jackets, purses and shoes that you layer over them when you go on outings several times a week

Anonymous

Well, this was an interesting thread to ponder while eating dinner at my desk (yikes) . I don't tend to think a lot about things like this, as I've never approached dressing as any kind of science. But getting your money's worth out of your closet should be considered a science and needs to be paid attention to.

I identify most here with Sveta's comments. I have quite a variety of looks I like and wear, and I cannot imagine wearing a version of the same look (based on essentials) over and over again throughout the week without adding some major statement piece (be it an accessory or an article of clothing) to make it mine. This , however, doesn't mean I don't wear the same essentials day after day at home in my office or on the weekends at home....because I do. That's a different topic to me . Yes, it's boring, but it doesn't bug me terribly.

But - I would never go out for groceries, to the drugstore or bank, shopping , to a restaurant, anywhere in fact - without something to move an essentials outfit to something interesting. I love statement pieces - and to me, they are worth the money as they make me feel dressed, pulled together, and different looking from everyone else out there. I don't want to look the same as everyone else, and I truly like striking , sometimes weird or dramatic things that set my black leggings and sweater outfit apart from the crowd. Does this sound obnoxious? I don't mean it to sound that way.

I always have one or two statement pieces in every clothing and accessory category, and have to reign in that impulse to have more. My skull cashmere sweater, plaid bracelet sleeve coat, orange gloves, leather leggings, safety pin earrings, skull print McQueen scarf (shameless lover of designer accessories) , Prada bag, crystal bib necklaces, etc - I never leave home without something like that on. But the downside to loving statement pieces is ignoring keeping up with current essentials. I am not particularly in love with plain basics and tend to accumulate just a bunch of the same things over and over again. But this fall , for instance , I found myself with a whole drawerful of sweaters that aren't fluid and roomy enough now to look current, and replacing them is stressing me out. Anyways - sorry to hog space here - I am particularly long winded today.

I guess the question is: what is the "right" breakdown between statement and essential???

Anonymous

Suz, I had another thought too that I wanted to share...

I've always admired women, like you, who are able to wear essentials based looks with a very defined style. To me, it speaks of quiet confidence and is classy and beautiful - like you! I have never had the confidence in my appearance to wear "plainer" or essentials-based looks, feeling I needed to work harder than many to make myself look better or acceptable.

Adelfa

Veteran

I love dressing in all essentials. I just met some old friends for a walking tour of downtown LA wearing jeans, gray Cons, and a charcoal tee. (I did a training yesterday in essentially the same outfit but the charcoal tee was silk front--the training involved self defense hence the casual attire).

I feel intensely happy dressed this way. I think I add a statement with jewelry, most of which is delicate, but I layer it. Gold is my favorite lately even with gray tees. My one big item is a blue agate ring that belonged to my dad--love it with jeans.

Of course I don't get to dress super casually that often, so I'm happy to own four gray tees! I did get really bored with wearing black pants to work so hat was my example of overdoing an essential item!

As for acceptance, I had to quit buying lovely statement bags because I never carried them. They are in my desk drawer all day.

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UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

The whole essentials / statement thing is easy enough for me to parse, because if it's grey, black or dark blue, I probably have it in multiple items and it is an essential! I am not sure what to call things that I go overboard on due to their essential nature but I'm envisioning that expanding grey sweater shelf in my closet as I type. Maybe they are wardrobe hamster nests ... Things you need a lot of around to feel comfortable. There are some people for whom that might be black leather (looking at someone who might be able to see Russia from her house) but for me the nest item is grey knits.

Suz, as another work from home, statement shoe lover, I feel your pain. I need some studded, glamorous, pointy toe, metallic grey leather, shearling lined cosy slippers to walk into my life and glam up the impending winter cardigan world.

Isabel

Veteran

Michelle, that is why I love this place too. Nothing here is ever superficial. : ) There is almost a spirituality and openness here in the way the women are introspective and not afraid to examine who they are. I love that and it helps me feel safe in doing the same. It is so incredible to share a scary journey of introspection with a group of women who fully understand that vulnerability. Aaaaahhhhhh......

Suz, yes, it totally makes my wardrobe work. It is very interesting to me that you noticed that these were things that I have actually known for a while. Yet somehow it was such a convoluted road to finally say, " Yes, I LOVE this, it works and I am really ok with it. " I have always loved scarves and jewelry since I was a child. So my essential core capsule is just great for that. It doesn't compete with my statements. I think that part of the issue for me was two fold : I really kind got lost once I became a stay at home, then again after my artery burst and was followed a year later with the cancer diagnosis. I never realized how much it affect me until this summer. It was almost as if I had no energy to actually be me and then I forgot who I was. How funny that going back to what I love in clothes somehow represents getting my life back. I am not my clothes....but somehow I am. My essentials give me peace of mind that no matter what happens, I will be dressed for it. And not uncomfortable or paranoid that it is just maybe not working.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Such a fascinating thread & will re-read all the comments to make sure they sink in Your comments about acceptance are spot on imo.

I've come at this from the opposite direction Suz - I had statement pieces in abundance but I couldn't find the right essentials that would turn them into outfits. I've also found that I'm not happy in an outfit of all essentials so I don't need that many of them. For everyday, I only have x 3 pairs of jeans - white, blue & grey but I have about 15 non-essential toppers that give me the variety I need. I also have statement pants - silk track pants & x 2 harem pants which I find way more useful than so-called essentials like plain black pants.

Isabel

Veteran

Oh, I forgot to say that I don't bore easily. I have no idea why. I have always been that way. I just don't get bored. But maybe I became afraid being boring to others. But thankfully no one has ever said, " your grey cashmere v neck sweater bores me ! ". ; ). I recently read that 80 % of sartorial activity should tweaking and refining and 20 % should be experimenting. I have come to realize that 20 is too much for me.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Suz I so love threads like these - please muse your pretty little head off ;-)! Ok, I will reread when I am fully caffeinated later, but the idea that our essentials must incorporate both our tastes, our physical selves and our lifestyles strikes me as the very heart of what personal style is about.

So if I may use shoes as an example, my lifestyle requires comfortable shoes as I walk a lot, and my feet are most comfortable in flats. Within those constraints, I right now prefer pointy toed flats for my essential shoe (the ones that are my default choice that go with most everything), because the look of the pointy shoe is most pleasing to me on me (a pleasure that is informed but not determined by what is current). Hope that makes sense! Anyway, I'll be back to this thread!

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