I think I see where I want to go now, whatever the underlying reasons may be. I am very attracted to texture and pattern and admire a complex, layered style. Maybe Giovanna Battista would be an example of someone who does this well (see Mochi's thread).

However, I think that kind of style requires a big wardrobe, whereas I need to downsize and make more room for other things in our home, like baby toys and whatnots. I also want to cut back on my budget. I think the way forward is to simplify, a process I prefer to call sleekify.

I think my style moniker, casual euro chic, is still right on for my lifestyle and preferences, but I think I need to adhere more ardently to the practical side of euro--that is to say a reduced color palette and great basics that can be elegant or casual with little tweaks.

For me personally I think this means to buy more versatile pieces and less pattern and colors that can only be worn in a few ways. I used to shop in a way that I focused on something I loved and maybe only wore it one or two ways over and over. That worked for me, but it demanded a bigger wardrobe. Now I want to focus more on great modern classics (searching for the term Angie would use here) that can be combined in multiple ways. I know it sounds so ho-hum, cliched, pedestrian, but this, folks, is my insight for the night. (I can't sleep.)

Two examples of this new direction are the taupe suede Sam Edelman Petty's (not distressed or cowboyesque like my other suede boots, just classic good looks)

and this fabulous simple sweater from Gap (in navy).

I have bigger fantasies of having only one kind of sock, one kind of underwear, one kind of camisole, etc. and then imagine how orderly and in control my drawers would seem! But I am not going to throw away perfectly good things just for this illusion of control. It is a nice dream though.

I would have been bored by this approach a year ago, but now it feels right. Anyway, maybe this won't last and is just my little bubble for now, but I thought I would share. Thanks if you managed to read all that. All thoughts are welcome.