Now that I am home from work, I have had a chance to re-read everything and answer some people a little more specifically...
Thanks for all of the green love. It is my favorite color, and while I really don't care for brights (sorry Angie!) I do LOVE this particular shade of green so much!
Leopardlux: I am so glad to hear you say that you like the shoes in the first one. Even though I was updating the look by changing the shoes, I still adore those.
Gryffin, Suz, Lyn: I loved that you picked up on the grey trim. It was my very favorite part!
Suz: the new shoes really are very comfortable, which was a great bonus.
Lynn: I am still longing for the Okala's... This was my nod in that direction... But oh my how I would love a pair of those!
Angie: <3
MuseumGal: Your question was so good - I thought about it on my drive home from work. The short answer is that I strive for for nothing more than authenticity. The more complicated answer is that authenticity for me is truly eclectic. Not only am I the human equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, both at work and at home (you know... jack of all trades, master of none) but I have had unusually diverse life experiences. I have lived in jungles and bathed in rivers, used outhouses, and had no electricity for long periods of time, but I have also felt at home in five star restaurants and spas. I have lived in hospitals, and hotels, and boarding schools, and while my home is quite tiny, it does boast a heated toilet seat (in its one and only bathroom). I love to dress up and wear high heels, but I can rock a tool belt and paint brush with just as much joy. So... Aren't you glad you asked? That may have been a little more than you asked for! I am actually really glad that you picked up on my diverse style persona... Maybe that means that I have truly achieved my goal of authenticity!