Suz -- I knew you would understand. You were the first person on the Forum that understood I was not buying for my lifestyle/climate. You gently started pointing me in the right direction. It took me two full years to give up my fantasy of a ski chalet in Colorado and start buying for my true climate.
I stand solidly in reality now. I understand my climate and I understand my lifestyle. I want to thank you for all those wonderful posts that guided me along the way. I don't know if I would have learned my lesson as rapidly if not for your perserverence and patience.
Barbara Diane -- Thank you for posting. I am glad we all have the opportunity to learn our own respective lessons. Layers equate to cozy in my book.
Christina F. -- I secretly wish for arctic air conditioning. I work in a "green building." No amount of tinkering will ever achieve arctic air conditioning for me. I am grateful I am not on the sunny side of building.
It is a shame you have to hide your sleeve details under a jacket/blazer. It occurs to me sleeve detail is the perfect way to elevate the style quotient. I might consider that for myself in future purchases. Slaps head.
Janet -- Your wardrobe is astonishing beautiful. Your jackets in particular are fabulous (and shoes). I really like the distinction between "distinctive" versus "trendy." I need to give this some thought and decide how that phrase might translate to my life. Pure brilliance.
Cardiff Girl -- You literally made me laugh because you are so right. I personally have always found dressing for hot/humid weather to be challenging. But over the course of the past two years I have found my stride. I think acknowledging it was the first step. That suddenly opened up a world I didn't even know existed.
Hi Joy -- It is nice to see you. I hope you have been well. A lot of area businesses have definitely set the thermostats higher. Some have set it too high in my opinion.
Ryce -- It is also so nice to see you too!!! We have had the strangest weather in 2018. Extremes!!! Absolutely nothing in-between. My teeth are either chattering (because I washed and put away my winter clothes) or I am burning up.
In terms of looking more polished in the absence of a blazer, the extra little things like shoes, bracelets, necklaces make a huge difference. It was an element of style that I was completely missing because I was always trying to make a blazer work for me. SHOES. OMG. The difference shoes can make. I officially understand what every shoe-loving woman has always known. It just took me until 2018 to understand ....
I also discovered that perfectly fitting tops, however simple they may be, can elevate an ensemble. Somehow the lines of the top make up for the absence of a third piece.
Hi Delurked!!!! You bring up an interesting point. I thought that short sleeves were my answer to summer dressing, but I felt less stylish in short sleeves. I don't know why! It makes no sense whatsoever. I eventually settled on sleeveless as my preferred Summer top. I feel refined and elegant in sleeveless tops.