We don't have H&M or Express here, but we do have NY&Co - will have to check it out. Plus my favourite thrift and consignment shops as well!

Here's my vest look. I also have a button-front dress I want to try wearing as a long vest and, of course, I'm keeping an eye out for more to thrift. Would love a cropped one. I would also be open to removing sleeves as Janet mentioned, but it would have to be a more casual piece for me.

Rae - I have been looking for a long cargo vest in military green, with no pockets at the hip for ages. Is this a recent purchase?
Never mind. I see the pockets. Have you spotted anything similar lately?

Zap, this was a thrifted find, unfortunatley. It's terrible finding long vests, isn't it? Maybe if you could find a jacket with zip off sleeves?

Ahhhh... yes, vests are not that trendy anymore. It is hard to find them:( Thank you for responding and I'm sorry Shannon for the threadjack.

Zapotee, Zara has one at the moment, but it has pockets though:
http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs.....RE%2BSTIJL

Shannon, I am the same way as well (and also, what Angie said about going soft overall ^^). For me, my 70s side comes out as more boho in warm weather; it's usually more glam in cool weather, and certainly a lot less prevalent overall when it's cool.

I'm all about waist surrender in heat. Can barely tolerate even my lightweight jeans.

Yes, I'm aware I look sloppier --- especially since I favour cottons and linens that love to wrinkle, and don't like very fitted garments and structured collars etc in summer --- but for me it will always be comfort over fashion. I'd *like* to learn to add fashion to comfort, but the other way around just doesn't do it for me.

Interestingly, as of yesterday, I've started using Suz's idea of winter-weight shirts as jackets. It looks less ludicrous to carry one in the heat, and adding a scarf makes Arctic Office just about bearably cold.

Another odd strategy: I like my hair is what goes structured or 'fitted' (pulled back) in summer, while I let it be wild and waving (whether long or super short) in winter. Okay, not much choice about the latter --- it's adamant! In fact, just got my summer cut this afternoon -- less layering, just long enough to tie back.

Style goes haywire in summer. The best look for me in summer-tight braid/ high bun, flipflops-the lightest, rainproof if any, volumeless tops-others wouldnot know where my bust is and where my waist is and the most loose bottoms. I look like I have just been out of mental asylum in summer.