I've not been as active posting here as of late :  I am just not feeling fashion right now.  Too cold, too snowy, too January .  It's truly taken a back seat in my mind, and you know what? I really don't mind.   I don't have the bandwidth to plot and plan, nor to shop (although this post makes it seem like I've been a shopping fool ) .....which is a good thing. Fashion for me never was a hobby once I stopped sewing . It's an interest, and was a career, and that's it.  I don't get any pleasure from tracking, making lists, planning ahead , budgeting , "playing in my closet" etc  I tried, believe me, because I thought I *should*, but all it does is cause  needless stress and obsessing about clothes.

This is in no way a call-out or judgment to those who do these things, it's merely an acknowledgement of where I am now.

Anyways, I did take a few pictures today (and how I wish I could take pictures like Janet, with bright clear colours, a clean background, and in good daylight - but there's a reason she's a pro and I'm not - lol) because the adage "good things come to those who wait" happened to me  I have wanted an olive green parka of sorts to replace the Sam Edelman anorak  Angie and I both have/had from several years ago . It was a really nice piece, but was too lightweight for our winters, and also  size too big. I passed it on a couple of years ago. My current super-warm long puffer is black, and I hate it. Lol. It's slightly fitted, weighs a ton, is really puffy and needs to be flattened out each time I zip it up, plus the two way zipper is shot. It is just not a comfortable coat.  I've been complaining about it to anyone who will listen (= no-one) since November. Well yesterday, while out with DD at Sport Chek to purchase a couple of things for her, I spied this olive green parka from Ripzone (Cdn , but made in China, no down used) that was less than half price.  Husband had bestowed a " buy yourself something " blessing on me as I left the house (he was feeling magnanimous I guess, hahahaha) so I bought it. It's perfect:  tonal zipper, neat hood, two way zip PLUS side snaps, and a more modern cut and quilt design. I had resigned myself to waiting until next fall to buy a new coat, so had not even been looking. But here it was!  And on sale!!  

 One box a coat or jacket now has to tick for me is that it be style-able in more than one way.  A faux fur scarf, gold chain bag, black leather gloves and dressy suede boots could take this coat out to dinner.  A neck warmer, plain toque , flat snow boots and leather mitts make it work for a walk; while an ivory cashmere scarf, matching mitts , white or cream  sneakers, and a nylon cross body bag make it perfect for shopping or  out for coffee.  

The boots in the photo were another "good things come" score.  I had been "wanting" a new pair of Chelsea-like boots all fall. I knew what I didn't want :  an uber-trendy designer-knock-off extended/chunky sole from H&M/Zara/Aldo etc .  I saw  these Fly Londons a few months ago, but hesitated because of the price.   I did spend far too much time this past fall looking on line and in every store I went in to  - and started obsessing, which is crazy  . So I stopped looking .   But one day recently........the Flys  went down 25% , so I bit the bullet. They are perfect: a more current style (I already own classic versions), a high shaft, a great looking rubber sole, and a beautiful fit.  I've already worn them with skirted leggings, sweats, workout tights, a dress, and joggers.  

I've purchased a few sweaters recently too - staying away from shapeless heavier knits and  longer styles that do me no favours.  I have two new merino wool crew necks , a lovely flat knit plaid bell sleeved mock neck , and the soft flat knit hooded tunic several of you have , all from BR. I feel well set-up with looks more in line with the way I want to dress now.  I'll be passing along several sweaters from previous years that didn't pass the quality and flattery test .  

Thank you for indulging me . I appreciate all comments, jokes and ideas.  As always