Thanks for all the lovely comments everyone! Seems like gray and black are resonating with many right now. Fun to hear lots of love for the sweatshirt dress too. It felt like a wildcard purchase, aaalllll the way at the very far end of JFE
Lisa, the cheetah booties are still available at Zappos if the exchange rate isn't too awful right now.
Maneera, looking forward to seeing your sweatshirt dress outfit ^^
Aliona, switching to clutches was super easy, particularly because I already don't like using bags with shoulder straps. I don't carry much which helps too. If you tuck it under your arm it's plenty secure; I hold them both that way and in my hand as my photos show. Never had any problems leaving them anywhere. I vote give it a try if it's a look you like!
Jaime, yes I think the texture is a big part! I was just thinking this morning that all the newer "solid colored" pieces I've been buying are heavily textured; they function a lot like my beloved patterns.
Angie, I hadn't thought of #4 as being particularly 80s but of course it is! *stuffs shoulders*
Kelly, filling my closet with color, pattern and texture so that everything is just that right bit of crazy when combined? More seriously though, that is what I am trying to do. I've been disciplined about NOT buying "basic" essentials except in a few strategic places -- everything else needs some level of interest whether that's in the color, cut, fabric, texture, pattern, shine, you name it. The key is identifying which handful of "basic" essentials are necessary for your style.
Diane, I didn't wear a topper either day with the sweatshirt dress but it's cold enough now that future wears for the season will require one. If I were to wear a jacket I'd likely opt for something very cropped for a dramatic hem difference. I do need to have a play and see what will work with it, though. My winter coats are also probably long enough to fully cover the hem, too.
KP, hah I apologize for nothing! Don't you love how the whole Oribe line smells that same yummy!? Which ones are you using these days?
Sara, that must be nice, I have no idea what that's like Weather is the #1 driving factor behind ALL of my outfits, every single day; almost always start from the feet.