On Monday I spent an hour at Von Maur trying on various tops, toppers, a dress and a couple pairs of pants. Almost all of them fit me, all were quite appropriate and lovely for the occasions I want to prepare for, some were on very good discount. But nothing spoke to my heart.

After that I went to Chico’s where I rarely find success. Lo and behold there was a jacket on clearance that I loved. It’s a kind of velvet lace with a hook closure at front waist and a peplum; the sleeves and upper back are suede. It must be past season since nothing else in the store was in that colorway or marked down so low. One way I would describe is a jacket -sweater hybrid because it’s soft and fluid. Brought it home.

Then I worked my closet for combos. The ivory knit top with beads at the neck has seldom been worn but I’ve always loved and kept it for that party waiting to happen. The skirt is a summer staple, usually worn with black tank or floaty sleeveless top. I would probably add tights. What color?

The black jogger pants I’ve had for a few years, solid workhorse for work and church, still in lovely condition, not sure of trend status but hope they look good here.

The plum, cream, dark green and black satin shell has been a favorite, worn with black pencil skirt for work, though never worn with these pants before. I don’t think I ever paired it with the silver necklace, but maybe since the green stones match the green of the print.

The sleeveless plum and gold floral top is lined chiffon, purchased yesterday. After the sales lady at Christopher and Banks said they had nothing in that color this fall, I found it on the sale rack. So much for knowing your stock.

Though I wasn’t going for matchymatchy and still like the idea of a citron, teal or tangerine top to go under this jacket, I’m pretty thrilled that I have put together outfits I could wear to gallery receptions in cold weather, and in this time frame, because the first one is November 1. I’ll arrive home from Colorado on the train mid-afternoon on October 31, jump in the car with a different suitcase and let my DH drive me 9 hours in the opposite direction to East Tennessee State University, where a quilt of mine is included in The Fl3Tch3R Exhibit! I need to get there by 5:00 November 1 for the jurors’ lecture and artists’ reception. I’m very excited! (The Colorado trip was arranged awhile back and itinerary can’t be changed.)

Any advice or opinions are welcome! But for now, I’ll hold off on any more wardrobe action and concentrate on some other chores and tasks that need to be done before the trip.