Tops are my nemesis. I find one I like and wear it to shreds then won't let go because I can't find anything to replace it with. I realize this is no help but I know exactly what you mean and the seasonal thing is very frustrating. I wear the same colour palette as you do and I think part of the problem is that Spring tops are in "Spring" colours and they are not flattering on our colouring so mostly I pass them by on that basis and maybe you do too?

In past summers I've defaulted to a bunch of inexpensive tanks that I wear for everyday around home and toss a vest on top when running out. I've managed to pick up some nicer tops but tend to find them off season. Too many would be great if they weren't polyester. I still like wearing the breathable nylon mesh Sweet Pea tops and wish they would get restocked.

Oh yes, summer tops are hard to find and run out of steam with all that washing... I dont tend to have so many statement tops and the neutral pieces to go under toppers seem to satisfy all of the above. I scored well for casual tops at old navy over here. But nicer tops I struggle with the level of dressiness factor. In a few weeks will the stores be full of beachwear tops? I find this hard to get work tops.

Shannon, I feel your pain and clearly many others do as well! I was just in to Reitman's yesterday and found a bunch of really cute spring/summer toppers in the Petites section. I didn't have time to try them on, but I am going back today to have a look-see and see what I can find. I generally struggle with the quality of Reitman's and don't shop there often, but I tend to buy summer tops there because it's not too expensive for 1-2 season wear. I'll let you know if I find anything!

i like dressy tees and jersey knots that i can layer. somehow, this year, i have enough of them, but not enough or the right jackets, sweaters or blazers to layer on top.

Shannon, my go-to source for summer tops is usually J Crew for their linen T's and sweaters; the fabric is cool and the tops are available in a host of colors. I also find the J Crew feather-weight cashmere really useful when I'm moving between the sticky outdoors and frigid, air-conditioned interiors. Even their T's can be a bit more interesting than the average department store variety and, for me, the fit is much nicer.

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../71290.jsp

I don't think that J Crew has any stores near Winnipeg yet, but I've always had good service from the online Canadian site. Right now, the site is offering 25% off with the code SPRINGBEST; shipping is a flat rate of $9.95, although the fee is often waived during promotions. You might want to check them out.

Piggybacking on Gaylene, J Crew's sister store Madewell also has some nice linen tees and tanks this year.

I seem to have a good amount of tops for work but needed more weekend casual tops. LOFT had 40% off last weekend and I bought 3 cotton tops that are a good shape (not too long) to wear with shorts and 2 linen tees that are a bit nicer and can do double duty for work.

I have a problem with tops, too! For me it's partly that I really don't like 3/4 length sleeves much, but it has been surprisingly difficult to find long-sleeved tops. Sometimes the arms are a bit too short when I do find them. Short-sleeved tops are easier to find but I'd rather wear long sleeves 3 out of 4 seasons here.

It's definitely something that I look out for when I shop.