Thank you all so much for your kind words and insights! And Angie "verve and charm" are precious. (If only!)
Interesting that several of you have suggested details that echo Angie's blog post re: including a bit of a print, a metallic, or a texture to add dimension. Without layers (e.g. #5), simple classics can go a little flat. The cut-off detail or a good bag can add dimension, but maybe there should a printed button-down or a silver sandal on my wish-list for next summer.
I don't think of myself as "edgy," but I see what you're seeing with the distressed denim and toughening up things that would otherwise be too pretty (that lace dress: a workhorse and a star!) with other elements.
I stole this straight from nemosmom, but today I was toying around with the idea of "urban adventurer" and it really crystalized something: ready for the road (including lots of time spent outdoors; lots of walking and sweating), much less buttoned-up and more rumpled than my winter look, and nothing overly precious (no silk here). It was amazing what a pleasure traipsing through the city was in 90-degree heat thinking of it like an adventure -- as in style, so in life!
BTW, here's WIW today after this morning's comments. Thanks again!
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