I’ve fallen into a frustrating pattern of buying something and liking it until I try to style it and make it work for my life and existing wardrobe. When I style it the way I envisioned I almost always don’t love it, try a few other combos and don’t love them, second guess it all, feel disappointed, return everything and start over. I have too many things I’ve kept and have never even worn, and I think I’m buying too many things that don’t really support my current retired and casual lifestyle. I admire those who make really smart purchases that support truly killer outfits and who make it look (seemingly) effortless.

This blazer and boots are a good example. I was trying to get out of my comfort zone with a pattern and colors I don’t usually wear. Both are new and styled simply enough with a black turtleneck and jeans. I think the result is good, but not the stellar end result I really want for my style (it’s a bit boring). Plus, the boots are a very warm color and the jacket is all cool tones. And, honestly, I probably would not wear either the boots or the blazer ALL that much.

Once I return these items, which I’m fairly sure I will, I may step back and stop buying for awhile. Then, when I do buy, it may be helpful for me to buy a complete look instead of pieces that never seem to integrate the way I had hoped. And to also be a lot more realistic about my very casual retired lifestyle. I tend to justify dressier pieces as “going out” looks, but I don’t honestly need an awful lot of those.