Thanks to everyone for the comments. When Angie first posted Utility Pretty, I didn't see it as fitting my style, partly because I was focusing on the lovely skinny WHBM pants she chose which look terrible on my calves. So many you have posted your riffs on it, I realized how versatile it can be, and that my own version could actually match my life and style direction to a T. I felt very comfortable in this, and not overdressed for my extremely casual life. It is all about the accessories, isn't it.
The Keens come in many more colors, and a heel strap-only style. I think they would fit a variety of feet as they cinch across the instep and are stretchy. The full heel version fits my custom orthotics and is still cool and airy.
Firecracker - definitely feeling my way on the pretty still, and liking this as "pretty, but not too". And great point about the sandals being kind of lacy - it does seem to lighten them.
Jane - I don't want to whine about heat compared to many on YFL- I live at 6500 feet (~2000 meters) so it is relatively cool and very dry heat compared to rest of the world. But I am acclimated, and just melt in heat and humidity.
Karie- not to encourage hoarding for 15 years, but that top was nearly donated when I lost about 20 lbs 18 months ago. I so like the print that I took it in and shortened it, and wear it more now than I ever used to. Plus our Tahoe summers are short, so it is really a 4 months a year piece.
sklylurker - I have mostly worn black, orthopedic looking footwear for many years, so Angie suggesting lighter colored shoes for an outfit threw me for a loop. I realized that white - pants, shoes, purse, whatever - doesn't stay that way where I live. No sidewalks and it is either dust or mud season, if there isn't 6 feet of snow on the ground. So washable may make all the difference for me actually wearing things IRL.
