Thanks, all. Jenn, my Smartwool no-show or dressier socks do wear through relatively quickly, but when I consider the hard use they actually get, it's not so surprising. I walk a lot and there is friction when I walk, maybe more than typical because of my narrow heel -- in boots, for instance and even in most sneakers, my feet always shift around. Even so, my thicker Smartwool socks last years.
JAileen, I was pretty sure the red was too orange-y for me, but you never know how it will translate IRL and returns were free, so I thought I'd give it a go.
I'm on my second Thermoball coat. I had bright pink for two years, but the pink was too vivid for me, so I replaced it with a second-hand navy one. The navy is beginning to show wear and it has never been just right. The arms are too long, it has a bit more shine than I like, etc. Still, I'd replace it with the same model if I could find one in a colour I like at a price that makes sense. At the moment, they are over $300 in CAD and there is only one colour (a very pastel sagey green) available -- not for me.
Lightweight cotton tops work for layering here all year (or on their own) so they're a good purchase. But cat2, thank you -- I will check out St. James for more substantial versions!
Denise, that is so interesting. I wonder if these were a different fabrication than yours? I suspect they might be. What wash are yours? I think this particular wash (Rosalie) might have less cotton or something....I did really like the fit. The waist was not too high (as so many are) but felt current enough.
SF, it makes sense that we wear similar colours -- our natural colouring is not dissimilar, with cool skin tone and greying or grey hair.