Thanks all. I am very flattered by your comments!

I will try to reply to everyone, but it may take a bit of time!

SarahD8, I keep the list on my phone. I started it a while ago when Zaeobi and Suntiger sent me down the Dark Autumn rabbit hole. I try not to get too caught up in wearing “my colours” but I found some of the more general descriptors that they used for Dark Autumn (like deep, spicy, rich) inspiring. So I used that as a starting point for my own list. It has some somewhat strange things on it like “industrial” (but I will know when I see it, ha ha!). I consult it when I’m thinking about purchasing an item (especially statement items). And try to consider how many descriptors it ticks off or might tick off when combined with what I already have. I also look at it when I’m thinking about putting together a special outfit, like this one. It helps me to keep on track because I’m appreciative of a lot of styles, but all the styles I appreciate aren’t necessarily “me”. I also keep some inspiration photos on my phone, especially colour palettes, and I use them for outfit creation. Despite the kind comments here, I do find I need help to figure out what colours work together (for me).

LJP and Bijou, that’s really lovely, thank you. I did think about a career in fashion when I was a teenager but I decided I wasn’t imaginative enough (based on what I saw coming out of the local design schools). I feel like that ship has sailed now, but I really enjoy it as a hobby. One of my ambitions is to get more into sewing so that I can create what I want. However, I’m making a skirt right now and it’s trying my patience! So maybe that won’t be the way to go for me. We’ll see.

Zaeobi, I leave no retail stone unturned. I like to browse a lot, which I’m ok with as long as it doesn’t turn into buying a lot. I bought the green necklace years ago. I found it in a clearance basket at the front desk of a boutique I was looking through. Always check the clearance baskets! Thrift stores are a good source of beads too. Recently I found a really lovely black and bronze beaded belt at a thrift store. Happy days!

Angie, yay! Mum loved it. She wasn’t that keen on the skirt to start with. She says I have nicer ones! But liked yesterday’s combo. We watched “The Graduate” and I noticed in the opening scenes Mrs Robinson wears a printed dress with a kind of black mesh overlay. She stole my “blackened” idea, ha ha!

Jules, I remember when dark brown was really in, maybe 15-20 years ago? Teal too. And, at that stage, dressy items were available. I had a chocolate brown velvet coat that I literally wore until it was threadbare. My husband staged an intervention and made me get rid of it. It’s still a regret. I’d like to see more brocade and tapestry type patterns. The warmer, lived in type colours really suit those stylings.

Nikki, glad you liked the belt. I tried the side belt once before with another belt but I felt this one worked better. Something about the shape of the buckle.

Sal, you read right. I’ve always preferred Summer from a lifestyle perspective and Winter from a fashion perspective. Since I got my casual Summer formula sorted a couple of years ago I find Summer dressing much easier than I used to. So I may be swinging towards a Summer preference overall. But I still love the layers and textures of Winter.

Irina, yes boots are signature for me. I’m pretty much a boots in winter and sandals in summer person. I wear sneakers occasionally and I have one pair of brogues. I do a lot of walking, including in muddy or dusty dog parks, and I find boots are the best for that.

LJP, I wore this to lunch with my mum. I do it weekly. Sometimes at her house and sometimes out. We make it an occasion and dress up for it. This was at her house. I did walk from her place to her local shop/restaurant strip (to get the food) and I also walked home with my dog (about a 2 hour walk). Suffice to say I didn’t see anyone else walking their dog in a velvet coat, but why not? As long as the shoes are practical, I’m good.

Slim cat, I do get the occasional comment at the dog park!

Ana, I love a dark romantic look.

MJ, you are too kind.

And thank you Suz, Peri, Dottie and Helena.

Lol, this actually seems kind of deep. It's like something I would try if I'd thought of it anyway. The mesh over teal thing is pretty wild I don't have anything mesh but I sew so I can get pretty much what ever I want for some time on the sewing machine. I might actually borrow some of this. I love old trucks and vans so I definitely know about patina. Usually I fight it with hydrochloric acid, sand blasters and spray paint but it's an

intriguing

idea for clothing. Have you got any pictures posted of this outfit or similar?

YKK, I did this post on the mesh top idea.

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-mesh-tops

Brooklyn, thanks so much for responding to my question so fully and sharing about your process. That’s so generous of you and I’m learning a lot, my wheels are turning!

Dark and moody, but not black! Love.

Beautiful colours and textures for you.

I am in awe! These are amazing, Brooklyn! Patina is something I crave, but struggle to find (or create). Burnished or olivey golds would be nice.

Your collection of earth tones in these stunning fabrications are so fab. I would love to play in your closet!!

Smashing! You are the definition of artfully dressed. I'm amazed at how you curate your pieces and how you put them together. Such a stunning look!

Wonderful outfit- I love the way you combine sumptuous colour and texture with the practicality of boots you can walk in!

No worries SarahD8. I think we all either consciously or subconsciously apply a filtering process to our purchases. I like to write mine down because it keeps it fresh in my mind. And it’s fun!

Thanks NM. “Burnished” happens to be another word on my list!

Thanks KG and Chiara, I do feel like I’ve made progress with my wardrobe in the last few years. I’ve been trying hard to get that mix right of special and practical items.

And thanks Kkards and The Cat!

Absolutely stunning! The color of the top is both beautiful in itself and gorgeous on you. I am always impressed by your exactitude in picking (and dyeing) the perfect color.

Thanks Jaime!

Stunning indeed! I have learned so much from you re: colour, depth, patterns. You are a very advanced stylist and dresser. Another gorgeous outfit on you!

Brooklyn - that is a seriously amazing outfit! You have seen Blake Lively's statue of liberty outfit from the met gala right? https://www.insider.com/blake-.....fit-2022-5 I absolutely love this. I adore patina and texture, for me much more than color. It has almost a provenance of it's own. Kind of velvetine rabbit, so much realer with more depth. That's why my mantra is enduring classic. I like things that have lived, not too perfect, like kintsugi or lillian helman's pentimento. To see and see again. Just amazing your eye for beauty. Such an absolute pleasure to see! Thank you so very much for sharing!!

Gryffin, thank you. I hadn’t seen that! I absolutely adore it! The copper to green hue and the amazing pattern on the bodice. It would be such a privilege to wear something like that. I always enjoy your analysis. I can see how texture becomes the star when you wear a limited colour scheme. I also have “lived in” on my mood list. Things that look too fresh and new don’t feel like me.

Synne, thank you. I am flattered that you feel you have learned from me because I very much enjoy your outfits.

Wonderfully dramatic! Fabulous!