Gryffin, it takes lots of practice to be a good shopper I like your expression "elevated basic". That's exactly what I am on the look out for post challenge. Although I am trying not to practice my shopping too much. Thanks for your kind words.
Sally, I need to be very tolerant of my boots. Mid-April and it's 33C/91F today, for heaven sakes. (Actually, I lost my tolerance and am back in sandals today.) Love the MTM comparison. Thank you!
Cardiff girl, thanks! It varies. I don't think we have the same range available as in the northern hemisphere. I am often envious of the wide range of colours I see in US retail. But lots of the big international retailers (Zara, H&M, Topshop, COS, Forever 21 etc) are represented here, so I think we get a lot of same clothing at the same time as the northern hemisphere. And because our climate is warm, lots of lighter weight stuff is still sold here in Autumn/Winter. Some trends I saw emerging here before I saw them on US retail sites (eg dark floral, embellished or floral boots, flounced tops) but some trends that I see emerging in US retail I haven't seen here yet at all (eg lilac).
Smittie, thanks! My tolerance for boots in warm weather is bang on trend here in endless summer Australia. I think we get sick of wearing the same old stuff at the end of the season and are keen for a change.
Angie, thanks! It's funny that you say the jacket outfit is a little retro. I had a very similar jacket (same shawl collar) in the 90s. I loved it. That was part of the attraction.
And thanks the Cat, efgben, Jessikams, Rachy, Aurore and Jussie!