rachylou, certainly not just any old top! If you're going to the trouble, you may as well get something you really like and make a complete outfit with your new jeans and loved boots.
Adelpha, fashion, she is a cruel mistress! I will mourn with you the loss of your beloved silk top. So sad. Yes I aim for a high degree of control over my wardrobe...but is it really controlling me?
thimbalina, your words have pierced my heart! I can relate to much of what you said. This reminds me of when our family's budget was so very, very tight (all so we could pay off debt early). It was a very stressful time, with no room for error. The ten-item wardrobe project started out as a means to an end for me, and now it has become an end in itself. I think I have some soul searching to do.
Suz, You're right. From my limited experience, finding a great piece is kind of a numbers game, and what I hear you saying is that we have very little control over choosing a perfect item that is guaranteed to wind up as a workhorse. I believe that. Just because you will something to work perfectly with numerous other items, doesn't mean it will! We probably buy the same number of items. i just run mine right back to the consignment store at the first sign of trouble. No wonder they love me! I'm their biggest money maker, FCOL (For Crying Out Loud--it's too sad to LOL).
shevia, drink your coffee and then talk to me woman! I'm having a teachable moment, so whatever you want to say, just say it. So far you're saying I need to phase in a looser fit? Agreed.
Deborah, thanks for sharing how this is all working for you. Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel, or maybe that's just an oncoming train! I agree that it's fun to solve wardrobe puzzles. There is something in my brain that would much rather do that than play solitaire or Candy Crush. I just need to learn when it's time to put it down!
Beth Ann, I feel your pain! I need to wait for things to trickle down in fashion too. Affordable cocoon coats will come. I'm not feeling anything shrunken or cheeky right now, even though that cut is still being sold and plenty of people are wearing them. Angie has us spoiled for the latest looks. Sadly, flares are a no-go for me because of the heels I need to pull them off. I'm all for a fluid silk blouse though. Great idea!