First of all, I'm overwhelmed by the lovely replies - thank you all! I'll reply individually here but I may start a separate thread on dressing to beat the heat, since there seems to be general interest in that topic and I'm sure folks have wisdom to share.
Thank you Taylor, cardiff girl, catherine, mirjana and lyn.
TorontoGirl - that blouse is a new one from BR. Definitely up your alley! It's a nice one for providing coverage while staying cool, too. I needed more blouses like I needed a hole in the head, but I'm happy I got it.
kkards - the subway is hell, and is one of the reasons dressing is so challenging here in the summer. People go from that awfulness, to the somewhat less awful air, to frigid offices. My office has been less frigid this year, but the struggle is real--especially as I'm committed to walking outside as much as I can.
Lisa - the humidity here combined with the head is definitely no joke. The concrete creates a sort of heat seal over the city. When we buy our next apartment, climate control is near the top of my wish list, along with more sunlight for my cats. The climate's only gonna get worse... Knotted tops have been my best friend for making my skirts and more voluminous pants work. I've made sure to get a variety of them so I don't have any more orphans.
AJ - glad to be helpful. I want to start a tread on this subject too that's more tips oriented.
Carla - high praise, thank you so much! Knee skirts are the best - odd that I prefer my shorts shorter, but there must be something different about the proportions when the garment hugs the leg...
shevia - Thank you! As you gathered, the footwear is a core component for outfit creation for me. The shoes also need to be comfy and functional, but I've amassed a collection I'm happy with, and most of them get put through their paces (literally) on our sidewalks.
Sal - thank you, and no worries, my favorite Boden dress isn't going anywhere. The high quality of the items insures I can wear it as long as it fits! Rompers are tough to fit for me especially with a smaller, short torso. This could could be taken up in the straps if I wanted a better fit but I probably won't bother for what will mostly be a beach/casual item. So the top billows out a bit near the waist instead.
firecracker - thank you for your very kind words, and for validating my romper. I'm glad it was cute, as it was all I could stand to have on that day.
suntiger- I happened to check the weather in Miami last evening, out of curiosity, and it was ten degrees cooler than here. Ugh. I don't know about you, but we're getting a break in the temp with some rain now.