Thank you all for the very kind words. I've learned a lot from this challenge -- lessons to be shared in a future post.
Jean Seberg and Annie Lennox are easy style icons for me; there's a physical resemblance to both, and in addition, in a broad way I share their politics -- and I also some personality characteristics. Just wait until I branch out!
The sequin culottes were the smartest purchase I made all summer! I got them for $25 (which in Canada is ridiculous!!) -- a final sale item from last year's BR monogram collection -- and wow, are they every going to do heavy duty for me on the holidays. I adore them. And Mr. Suz thinks they are "sexy" so there you go. Not everyone shares the aversion to culottes, apparently -- not even men!
My next style icon is going to be completely different!