Why would any of this go back? The pants in 3 are the same length as all the ankle pants I own, and I just fold up the hems (to the inside) to get them to be the right length. (Keep thinking I'm going to have them hemmed but never get around to it...)

Aah, ladies - thanks for your input. I think the pixies are going back. MsMary's comment confirmed it for me - if these need to be shorter they will not work in my climate. What I need is a pair of full length pants in this kind of fabric with a close ankle fit. I would love a pair in a new color for work - winter is just starting and I am already dreading 6 months of tucking into boots.

Still debating if I need the rest although it looks like they pass the YLF test. The vest is staying - it was under $10 and fits my indoor need well enough. For an outdoor vest I may hold out for a down puffer but there is no rush.

Elly, will see if I can find the cargo pants for you.

Elly, here you go: knit cargo track pants -

http://m.gap.com/product.html?.....pdn=search

I got them for 40% off.

Una-- you are awesome! As I suspected they are too short for me, but they kick butt!

Yeah, I see they come in tall and are 29" - they are supposed to be ankle pants but on me they are full length at regular size.

Una, I feel the need to remind you of something. Please think a little deeper about how these pieces fit into your lifestyle and wardrobe. Will they work? You have gone on impulsive casual wear shopping sprees before - love the stuff which looks great - only to be stuck in a rut and unpleased with your professional attire later in the season - thereby over purchasing for a lifestyle that you do not have, and under purchasing for the lifestyle that you do have.

I am gently trying to remind you of this shopping behavior. I desperately don't want you to be stuck with a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear. Hope that makes sense. xo

Angie, that is why I posted so of course I need that reminder. The tags are not off anything. I suspect the gear items will stay and replace some worn out loungewear. The vest is also staying in place of the Barbour. I am not committed to anything else here! It is hard to shop with a friend who tells you everything looks great, KWIM?

As a side note, my Theory suit and other professional items have gone sadly unworn in favor of comfortable tunics and ponte pants or knit pencil skirts and sweaters. I will don the suit for the first time in a year for a presentation at a conference this week. My dress code now is FAR more casual than when I had clients and court appearances. I know that seems counter-intuitive but it's the reality... My female colleagues and I have discussed it and agree that aside from no denim or excess exposure, anything goes.

I will definitely think hard before making any decisions.

AG, I'm glad Angie chimed in, because I did wonder a little if you had friend-shopping goggles on. Everything you purchased is fun and casual, but I was wondering if you would really wear it. (Except for the Gap pants, which I think are really nice loungewear, and the ON vest, which seems like a good swap for another spendy piece on which you had doubts.)

I also wonder if you could get a truly nice item for what you spent instead of a bunch of throw-aways. I too suffer from the "ooh shiny ooh it fits" syndrome when shopping so I get the purchase rush, but just because it fits and it's fun is not a reason to give something a permanent home. Or quasi-permanent, since at least for me those items end up being passed along or donated in a few months.

IK, I promise we didn't have drinks beforehand! I think it's more of the "ooh, for pretty cheap I can play dress-up in looks that I don't normally wear!" syndrome, combined with "wow, I look okay in this!?!!" fever as you've mentioned.

The floral dress has long sleeves and is similar to my Carven dress in style - I wear that every three weeks on my dressiest rotation, and would wear the floral exactly the same way (black toppers, boots).

I have nothing meaningful to add to the conversation (sorry!) but I really loved reading the replies and especially Angie's input on buying for your lifestyle.

I am curious to see what you end up with.

FWIW my fave is the floral and moto! You Una'ed that floral right up

Three word : Drink more margaritas. : )

It is all awesome AND very, very Una. Love it.