Pic 1-2 :The saga of the Lewit trouser continues. I decided I might chance the hem-hang but that the pants were too big, even for my high-baggy leg tolerance. I was not optimistic the size down would fit and had just about decided to pass or perhaps see if went on sale again in late winter. But then I ordered the other size and I like them much better. Still very carrot on the leg but a neater fit. This makes them more versatile for me. I will tuck, mostly, but would also try "cropped" sweater out (if Angie doesn't bop me on the head). That would give very different looks and so more repeats of pants. Still plan to experiment at home with them for how the hem does.
Pic 2 is Topshop cropped sweater. It is a great length for very high waist items (otherwise would be too short) but I plan to return because: the bell sleeve, while not too belled. is too long and will be an issue, since I won't usually just wear sweater --meaning, not enough occasions. so is a problem for workwear, If bell were bracelet length or sleeves were long and straight I could deal. Also, while it's a great winter color or near-neutral, I am working toward less deep, dark colors. So it will not be versatile enough.

3 Vince cashmere sweater in mulberry. I went for the color. Is pretty deep but more plummy than the Topshop and more brightening. Softer and not itchy. I'm leaning toward keeping but I've not gone through my winter sweaters to see what it replaces, how they all fit. Nor have I tried it on with other bottoms. Thinking.

All pics. \PG studded loafer. I tried gray suede because... Gray. Suede.I'm conflicted, a bit. They're comfortable but not to -die-for but with suede that usually gets better. It may be the stiffer sole. Very lightweight, which is good. Heel slips but not with insert. I wish I could try 1/2 size down but doubt toes would like that.
Here's the rub. Loafers + bare-ankle look is not a winter deal for me. With my AGL black suede loafer I wore with some types of pants with a black trouser sock,

and I wear loafers + tights with skirts in winter.

and then into spring with nude hose. Used to have a black Halogen creeper-sole loafer for some of that. Would these work for that or look weird? Gray is harder than black but I wear gray tights a lot. I was also a bit unsure of the studs for my environmental norm at work but I think would be okay. Need to think about this.

Things that did not work:
EF scarf: Entranced by Jenn's pics. to me it was not true rust, is more red or even the EF Dark Tulip. Lovely weave. BUT too dark for my coloring now. Yay.pocketbook. I compared to the animal print scarf which I had targeted for its light and dark colors and yep, that combination of dark +pale works best for face colors.

EF silk top in Dark Tulip. Because...Dark Tulip. Same as my EF dress. I tried 3 different sizes before coming to my senses. Neckline is more a mock, not at all like the photo, and really it's just too tunic-like for what I wear--cuts me in half (tried 2 petite sizes ) Her similar T top I thought too short from the measurements. I have also to remember that the EF dress has its own other benefits--good color + length and drape + the wide neck added lightness to the look. Step away from the pretty colors.......

Trench in the rose color. Also tried the shorter poly-cotton trench. Colors are slightly different in the different fabrics. Modern one is too long and too A-line for me. Other one is browner but better length and style. Color was interesting to me and would go with most of my wardrobe but I think it's too dark, which surprises me a lot.

PG pointy loafer . Wah, wah. I knew at heart I should not go pointy, but--suede! so I stalked. Looks great but my toes cant' do it. Not a problem for bunion issues but toe tips.

AG ex-boyfriend jeans. They actually fit much like the pic. And a comfy denim. But don't like the whiskering pattern and meanwhile found BR girlfriend jeans for a tiny fraction of price that I like better.

Thinking: about: PG bootie. Too high heeled but I thought the calf fit might be nicely snug. Not as much as I hoped. I need to replace Munro booties that I've lived in for 3 winters. Least flower-pot I've ever had but they always were narrow in the forefoot and I don't think I can wear them all day now. They had 2 roles; with skirts, were more refined. Then, the fit was so close that straight pants would slide over them and not hang up on shaft. But, these don't work the same. If I use the "Joy" test, I will still be looking for the right ones.

Thanks for reading! Comments welcome.