Whew! i'm busy all weekend, and very glad i got these posts done before it officially starts! Best of luck to all the contest entrants!!

Here's another take on my typical "planning for spontaneity", "ready for anything" outfit. Errands, birdwatching on the Embarcadero, cappucinnos on the sidewalk, ice creams cones while strolling the Elmwood.....this look can do (and has done!) it all. Sadly, my Royal Robbins 'khaki jeans' jacket is pretty old, in fact its on it's last legs. My husband picked it out and bought it for me several years ago it is starting to look it. For more casual wear that's just perfect, and when camping and hiking has the added benefit of making you look like you know what you're doing

But in more urban, swankier environments (or when you just want to look clean and grown up) something a little more stylish, more up to date, more ..... Coco Chanel in feel is just the ticket. Again, with my "rugged romantic', 'extreme balancing' style personality, hitting just the right place on the 'Victorian Courtesan - Edwardian Explorer' scale is a tricky business.....for all of us except "you know who". This lady manages to marry tough and tender and keep the romance alive! Specifically in her Olive Ruffle Trim Jacket.

Seriously, this type of jacket has been a classic for over half a century. Karen Kane updates it with 3/4 sleeves and ruffles and a great tonal effect on the olive color. I thought the color would look great against the faded cinnamon of this linen skirt, and that the ruffles would look fun with the subtle eyelet trim on the blouse. (I added the scarf to give a feel for the color scheme with the olive jacket, but i would most likely wear this looks sans scarf with the olive ruffle trim jacket.) This piece would not only complete my outfit, it would fill a rapidly expanding sinkhole in my wardrobe and take it's rightful place as wardrobe workhorse.

Angie and Karen, thank you for sponsoring this fun and generous contest! I so much enjoy seeing what other people come up with, it gets me inspired!! And putting together my own entries has got me thinking about what i can do to add to my own closet.

Karen Kane, Keep Me From Running Around Town Like A Tatterdemalion and Complete My Outfit! steph