First, let me comment on how incredibly knowledgable and helpful this forum is. Thank you all for taking the time to help me solve my problem.
There were two items under consideration. Although the tote IS gorgeous, I have other totes in really good condition that serve their purpose for (winter, summer, and travel). I’m good. Thank you for that easy and obvious assessment, Liz.
Gryffin — this doesn’t scream my name (thank goodness). It was a whim. I was at the store and decided to try on every single item in the Eileen Fisher section. Yes. I had that much time.
Ninety-nine percent of what I tried on did not suit me. This duster and one single top were great. But I wonder if I wanted something to work “for all the effort I expended.” As a side note, I look forward to your post on "recognition of style." That type of post will certainly resonate with the entire Forum.
Janet — I did try the duster on in the store. I fell in love with the feel of the fabric and the deep, deep pockets. I was also in awe of the length of the duster on my body. Finding items like this that are actually long enough for me is rare. That may have swayed me considerably. It never occurred to me to sit down, Delurked!! What was I thinking? I stood in front of the mirror and posed. I didn’t even attempt to walk in it. Static never entered my brain, Joyce.
Delurked -- I started my transition away from black because I simply got tired of it. I had worn it for so many years and just got tired (and depressed) seeing so much black in my wardrobe. Now having said that I still wear an awful lot of legacy black. These older pieces still form the backbone of my wardrobe (along with navy). And I do wear them together ... just not comfortably. I think Joy’s idea of finding a jewelry piece or scarf that combines the two colors is the answer for me. Emily’s idea of playing with it and creating some outfits is helpful as well. If I purchased it, I am sure I would get over any aversion to mixing black/navy petty fast ... especially if I thought of it as a coat.
So it is obvious this duster would work with my current wardrobe! I still have a lot of black! My wardrobe plan going forward was not to add any more black. I assumed that over time my wardrobe would slowly transition from black to navy. I don't hate black. And yes, Joy, there are times when the situation absolutely calls for it.
Jenni — You are right. I don't think I could wear this as a longish-blazer in the office. After some considertion, I would wear it as a coat. I should be able to wear it for a minimum of three months per year, no less than three times per week, to and from work. I would keep it for the rest of my life so the cost per wear would be very reasonable. The thing is I have other coats. It never even occurred to me that I would be considering a "coat" this year or any year in the near future.
Liz — Your comments gave me considerable pause. It was as if you knew me personally and had been in the dressing room with me. You are right on every single point. You are especially right about me needing some degree of structure. Standing motionless in front of the mirror was not the best way to evaluate this garment. I need to compare it’s fit to other similar garments. That said, I am not giving up on a duster, Staysfit. I think I need to test several of them before committing to one. But I am now in love with the idea. Thank you Staysfit.
Liz -- and yes, I still have a weird addiction to bringing home black pants … just in case they should ever stop making them. I mean you never know, right?
Elpgal — you made me laugh. I still might bring this duster home with me to experiment. I need to walk in it. I need to sit in it. I want to test it for structure. Even if I don’t keep it, this experiment could pay dividends down the road because I am now in love with the idea of a duster. Posting WIWs on YLF might be the most helpful and useful way to achieve this goal.
Jaileen — they did not have grey at the store, only black (deep, rich black). I didn’t even realize there was a grey option. I could combine grey with navy and black. I could rock me some grey!!
