Rae, I don't have a blue one yet- it's pre-ordered, so I just colored that one in to imagine how it would look in blue.
When the blue one arrives I'll have an orange vs. cobalt show-down!

Thanks for the explanation, Parsley -- context is everything!

I have a personal aversion to orange because it's not a color that works on me, but I have set that aside and the orange jacket has totally grown on me. I think it works on you. I will reserve final judgment until I see the cobalt.

I am following your threads with particular interest because with my lifestyle I've had to develop the "casual yet polished and maybe a bit funky" and get that down pat. DH and I have an active social life, since I work at home (telecommute) when the day is over I'm craving social interaction so we go out and about. This is only going to increase now that the kids are off to college in a few weeks. I spend more on my "out and about after work" capsule than my work capsule. I don't know if this is your issue, but for weeknight going out I try to achieve the "I just came from work and swapped accessories to make it going-out appropriate" effect. That is my own sensitivity to the fact I work at home -- whereas the people we meet up with are coming from the office. Does that make sense?

I will stay tuned with interest!

Oh, wow, I either need more sleep or you did a great coloring job! Eagerly awaiting the showdown.

Shiny, I like your term "out and about after work" capsule. That is pretty much what I'm aiming for. Only I don't mind if I don't look like I just came from work- when you work in a hospital, people are happier if they think you've changed your clothes!

I'm eager to see how you fill that capsule, too!

Rae, there's a great tool on Photoshop called "replace color" that makes it pretty easy- although I don't really know how to do it well. Kind of fun if you want to virtually change your outfit to see how it will look, though.