I'm thinking of you, Suz. My mum is here with me this week, and as always it is an extraordinary, bizarre, and wonderful time. She is both so my mother and so not-my-mother, given her continuing journey down the dementia path. But since both she and my dad are now much closer to 90 than 80, I can't take anything for granted. This morning I woke up wondering if one of them had died in the night. It's weird, the thoughts that come. Anyway, we do what we can and what we must.

As for your recent shopping, I am most impressed by what a balanced and varied haul it is! Such a fab array -- and all so perfectly curated for your new hair color and your new vibe. Your gorgeous edgy sister made the choices, I presume? I can't wait to see pictures.

Oh, Cheryl -- thank you. Yes, the whole family thing can be complicated, can't it. So sorry you had to deal with that in addition to the sadness.

Yes, the Okalas look great with the culottes if I want to wear in warmer weather -- but I am thinking of shoes for more wintery days. I don't wear the Okalas with hose, really.

Ha, Vivian, I love you.

Hang in there with the parentals!! It is indeed a strange and beautiful world with them as they age.

BTW, I had my own moment of retail therapy this morning. I was/am so committed to saving for NAS that I returned the second coverup (to save $23 for NAS!) but then, this morning, after having that weird parental death thought, I ordered that BR shirt Angie posted about ($88) without hesitation. That's some kind of strange math.

Well, the top is gorgeous and would be extraordinary on you. And since it is poly, and perfectly washable, you can use it as a cover up too!!

How's that for girl math?

Oh, Suz, I can imagine what a difficult time it is for you. Nothing wrong with a bit of retail therapy at such times to help see you through.

I really like the items you're considering keeping. I think the sparkly culottes are great! Love the layered tank too.

Thinking of you, Suz. These anniversaries bring it all back and if retail therapy is part of how it goes, so be it.

I like your choices. Sequined culottes, why not? The dress looks like a good contender and the denim shirt is a no brainer.

No worries. You haven't gone too far.

Retail therapy is sometimes just what is needed - and it looks like some good picks you made.

Elizabeth - the top is absolutely black and white. Nothing grey about it or on it or in it

Vivian - I know all about that dying in the middle of the night thought . It's bizarre, isn't it? I too have the BR shirt in my cart -

Suz and others, my sympathies on your losses...it's never easy and it never really goes away no matter how many years pass. DH has a martini every year on the anniversary of his dad's passing. That was h is dad's favorite drink and he makes it with the same ingredients using his dad's little jigger/ice smasher tool.

Let me chime in and say I view retail therapy as a serious and worthy type of therapy. Really, it is. It makes us feel better and as long as you are keeping an eye on your budget it does absolutely no harm. The return-ability quotient adds an extra safety valve

Suz I have to say your analysis skills around what you like and don't like to wear are really awesome. I know you've been on this YLF journey for a while but it's still very impressive. You got yourself a bunch of really great pieces! Looking forward to seeing what you decide to keep.

Wine club LOL that's one that does not tempt me...I love good wine but don't feel all that great if I drink it every night.