I don't wear perfume because my cosmetics have a scent, but you make a good point.

I actually picked up air drying from one of my DDs, who is very fastidious and yet almost never does laundry (we joke). I realized I was washing things out of habit, and that many of my clothes *needed* washing far less often that I had become used to. I also prefer the way they smell from being outside to the way detergents and solvents smell.

Obviously this doesn't work for everything, but you will know when its not an option!

Yes, why not? you will be the best dressed shopper!

@martinca_gw sunset zone 24 I love that look. I have many solid color t shirts that I haven't been wearing lately because they seem too basic. I need to elevate them with a scarf.

Since I don't like many prints on me, I am a big fan of scarves --- and vests

@martinca_gw sunset zone 24...Yes! Silk feels really nice too.

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Has anyone tried this brand of sock? Reg. $19/Sale for @$2.50. Thought I'd try them.

Last night we went out to dinner and I wore a shirt I bought last fall with a thrifted navy cashmere Armani jacket, yum.

Here is the L'agence top I wore , and like very much. I always get a lot of compliments in it.

I think it is almost the only patterned top i have, excluding stripes and gingham. It made me think I should look for some more patterns.

Even trying to branch out (for me) into patterns, it is hard to get me to look at things other than blue and white. And it made me wonder ...

Do you lean into your preferences, and consider it a signature look? For me that would be structured pieces in blue and white and black.

Or do you make an effort to create variety in your wardrobe?

I don't dress nicely enough to refer to what I wear as "signature style" with a straight face lol .. but yes, I tend to lean into my preferences in style and color. When I deviate, I almost always regret it.

@Nicole the reviews say they are quite tight. Thry ARE soft and stay up all day but the tightness could be a problem. ( Trailrunner)

I make no effort to create variety, just about every clothing item I own is far outside the norm. I would definitely say I have a signature look that I am sure makes some people think I am off my rocker. I think it was @bbstx who said I dance to the beat of my own drum. 😂

❤️

I cannot not wear any type of brown, tan, or khaki near my face. Those are just super unflattering with my skin tones so I don’t even look at anything in those colors. Same with olive types of green. But I get it. There are many outfits Ive tried on that fit but are just basically unflattering. So, if I find something that works, I will buy multiple colors/versions that do. I tend to stick to black, gray, B&W together in prints, navy, plum, maroon, purple since I feel I look better in those.

Last night wore this to a concert. Top is new from DH from Venus for Christmas. It’s got this little keyhole. Jeans are old Gap jeans that I can wear again. They are non-stretch.

My ”signature style” is jeans + shirt.

I do the same as gscience… if I find something that fits and I like it, I buy it in multiple colors, or sometimes the same color multiple times if it is a basic. And if the item goes on sale at an extraordinarily good price, I may ”stock up.”

I kind of admire Steve Jobs having a ”uniform” to alleviate decision fatigue.

That's it ... I think I have more a basic uniform than a signature style. A lot of what I wear are either classics or basics so I can't really claim the "style". I do jazz things up but usually with jewelry, scarves or an unusual/unexpected color in one of the basics.

I'm drawn to the basics - button downs, crew and v neck sweaters, blazers and jeans. I'm trying to focus on "elevated" basics (whatever that means) to avoid being too boring. I love prints - on others. I purchased this silk L'agence blouse last month and wore it to a party.

Not sure it will get much use but we will see. I don't wear a lot of jewelry so handbags and shoes are my weakness.

@Funkyart - I think an unepected/unusal color in a basic is something I need to add to my wardrobe to liven it up a bit.

@rubyclaire, my blue floral blouse that I love so much is L'Agence, too. Since I liked it so much, I looked at their other patterns but I only liked the -- wait for it -- blue and white stripe. I just can't justify another blue and white stripe, or can I?

@mtnrdredux_gw Well, I love the stripes and 100% sure you need it. But..did you see this one?

I did see that, and I like the print but I think it is too large a print. I am usually so plain in my dress, that when i have to choose prints I kind of freeze.

It is a large print - I totally get it.

I think Funky and I attended the same school of fashion.

I don’t wear prints very often. The few I have are mostly Lilly Pulitzer Elsa tops. They travel well and can make my black/blue/white pants look a little jazzier at dinner than my usual solids.

RC, if you decipher the ”elevated” code, please share! Is it just buying things that are more expensive or is there more to it?

I dont have a signature per se. I do wear a variety of prints and colors but only certain colors. Having had my colors done many years ago, I stick to what flatters me. I also wear a variety of pant styles; cropped, wide legs, skinny, jeans though not so much. I dress fairly casual but i do like to jazz it up at times. I’m not one for business or preppy styles. For instance, i like jackets, but never a blazer, something a bit more relaxed. i love accessories and shoes 😊!

bbstx - I am certainly not sure, but my interpretation of elevated basics means many of the same pieces I have in my wardrobe but with an eye to quality fabrics, better cuts (with tailoring if needed) and interesting details/accessories. Basics built to last. For me that means shirts, jeans, black pants and blazers that are great and not just good.
Like that Talbots leopard print blouse (like your sweater). I bought and kept that because it was on sale and I wanted something new. It is fine but does not meet the elevated basics description in any way for me. Or the L’Agence blouse I bought that was fun but may not get much use.
The good news is I have lost some of my passion for shopping so maybe “fewer and finer” can be my new mantra.

I am not entirely sure if this falls into the elevated basic category, but I bought this sweater at Nordstrom Rack before the holidays. I wore it for Christmas, for NYE, and again last night for a casual dinner party. Mine is black, which they no longer have. Last night, at least 4 people commented on how soft it was — it was a group of ”huggers” so a lot of people got to touch it, LOL, and then felt compelled to rub my arm or back a little more. The best part is that it is soft on the inside too and warm but not too warm. I almost want to buy a second one.

I hear you on "elevated," @rubyclaire. I tend to be, at least in relative terms, cheap when it comes to buying clothing. I have friends and coworkers who think nothing of, say $500 for a blouse.

I just ordered to things for pick up at Bloomies. Guess what, they are blue and white!!!

But they are sooooo different than what I have. One has HORIZONTAL stripes, be still my heart. The other is not blue flowers on white, but rather white flowers .... on blue! I know, I know I am just going wild

For trying things that are a bit different, I am bidding on some things on Poshmark NWT.

Seems like a lower risk to see if I will really reach for it in my closet.

Also bought 2 belts. Yeah, sorry, I'm in a rut. The other is black

Oh, and my/Jillys Pumas came.

Love!

And…you’re baring your midriff these days? I think that is maybe more daring than, uh, stripes. 🫣

Hi all, have been babysitting a LOT for the grands this past week and had another round of houseguests after we (finally!) said goodbye to the last straggler from Christmas 😳 Have enjoyed reading thru and have many thoughts whenever I have a half hour to sit down and write proper replies. Just wanted to share this fabulous blue and white ensemble that showed up in a Talbot’s catalog a few days. Thought it would be perfect for Mtn unless it’s too much like something you already have.

Love the placement of the print on this skirt. Interestingly the print is also festured on a blouse and dress and looks NOTHING like this— the placement of the print was not even considered and they look awful. The print is not even recognizable as the same thing. Attention to detail— RC I agree and that’s what I expect in an ”elevated” basic at the least. It’s hit or miss in the middling ranges, mostly miss but with the occasional nice hit.

That is so pretty'; love the pairing! Unfortunately, I don't wear skirts due to my slightly uneven legs. Plus I also feel a little weird about pattern placements and ... anatomy.

you’re baring your midriff?

God help us, nooo. I realize this requires some explanation. I will try on a larger size and pair it with high waisted pants.

Funny, I didn’t see a correlation there 😉 Love the blue and white belt— it would look so good with a white shirtwaist dress and blue cardigan 😍

@Mtn my ”Jillys” arrived Saturday I changed out the laces but do like them. I had forgotten to mention that I was able to find that navy GS ruffled blouse NWT on E bay!

I agree about pattern placement on the Talbot’s skirt. Lilly had a dress a couple of years ago that caused quite a stir because of similarly awkward pattern placement.

Sharing this video from Yvonne LeFleur who owns a boutique in New Orleans. I've never been to her shop but I am hooked on her soothing southern drawl as she informs on how to dress, etc. I am practing this move for fancy night at the GWGTG:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DScpeHPkVNd/

@rubyclaire

I love it!

The entrance is part of the outfit. Let them ad-maar.

That dress she is wearing is gorgeous.

I fell down a delightful rabbit hole and watched several of Yvonne LeFleur’s reels. I especially like the one about the antique silk flowers. Now, I need to watch Chanel Solitaire.

Mtn and Irish, my shoes haven’t arrived! I ordered them the day I posted. The last tracking update I got (Fed Ex, ugh) was this past Wednesday.

The boots came and are too small. I’m going to try a half size up. Otherwise, I love them.

Valentino has died at 93. Gift article; all should be able to access. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/19/style/valentino-garavani-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.FlA.0Sjp.8QRUDOkfwSlW&smid=url-share

Now, I’m off to look up some of the frocks mentioned in the article.

Jilly I ordered the same day you posted them.

They arrived on Saturday. I’m sorry your boots didn’t fit. Sneakers are a little snug in toe box and they don’t come in half size so i’ll make do.

I’ve lost a few lbs and am hoping my shoe size may get smaller too 🤞🏻

I agree they are a little snug in the toe box, but that is, in effect why I like them -- they are a bit sleeker. I am trying one size up. My left foot is a 10.5 and my right is a 10; we will see how the 11s fit.

I may try stretching them

Finally got mine!

I ordered my normal size (8) and they fit great. I really like them.

This pic might be too dark to see, I’m on my phone instead of iPad. I don’t have the laces tightened, just took a quick pic from my chair:

This might be better:

They feel comfortable, I’m happy. :)

My coat saga involved a total of seven coats. Really hate ahopping like that because is wastes time and resources. However, I ended up with this one from Cole Haan. Remember O also purchased wayerproof boots and I got a new ”wind-proof” umbrella.

Two weeks before I went, there was a terrible snow storm.

When I pulled my clothes a couple days before putting them in the suitcase, temps were in low to mid 40’s.

When I got there, it was low 50’s and not a drop of rain while I was outside.

Needless to say, I was a hot sweaty amd poorly styled mess the whole time!

I lvoe that coat, @1929Spanish-GW!

I was a hot sweaty and [sic] poorly styled mess the whole time!

Ah! the vicissitudes of travel. Always makes it fun! Love the coat! Was most impressed by the checklist you posted on IG. #travelgoals

Just receive my first Uniqlo order, and it's all being returned. I wanted to like the merino wool cardigan linked above, but unless Kswl appears in my closet to help me style it in a fun way, I look too matronly in it.

I also ordered a zipped hoodie because I walk to my gym, and, in winter, I wear a hoodie for the first 5-10 minutes of my workout because I'm still chilly from the walk. The Uniqlo hoodie is too cropped for my tall frame. There's also a top in the order that I haven't even taken out of the package, and won't.

I'm so irritated with the decreased length of women's tops lately. I'm tall and lanky, and have a long torso. I'm going to have to start shopping in menswear. Petite women, I bow to you... it's your time to shine.

I picked up the two shirts I mentioned above. The sweater is cropped but it worked with high waisted pants. I don't like the color. It was a $400 l'Agence sweater marked down to $90 but I think it looks like $25. The colors are too strong.

The blouse and belt, both Carolina Herrera, I love. Will post pics later

Feathers, I am sorry, but it’s about time!

Love,

Shorty

I was out walking in the wet snow last week and friend mentioned how warm her Uniqlo cashmere blend heat technology shirts are.

Just got a turtleneck today— $19. I usually wear a turtle under scrubs because some parts of our vet clinic can be chilly (the rooms that are not tropically warm). I like it— its thin for layering but sturdy enough to wear on its own. It fits closely but not tight.

I got some socks too. I only wear socks on the very coldest days or when hiking and these $5 socks work for me.

I have Uniqlo HeatTech turtlenecks and crew necks and I love them. My only suggestion would be to order up a size, and if you are between sizes order up a size and a half! They are very close-fitting…very!

Oh Feathers I am sorry the merino wool cardigan did not work for you! I liked the

blue one so much I ordered white, gray, black and navy, but in a smaller soze so I can wear them as tops alone without a shirt underneath. This is how mine looks with a rchambray shirt and jeans:

I wore this to babysit the gc’s, grocery shop and go to choir this past Monday. it’s not a very good picture— you can’t really see the sweater. I think most cardigans look ”matronly” because they are too long or too loose. I’m another short-waisted person who is happy to FINALLY not be swimming in tops and sweaters that fall past my hips. In fact, that’s why I bought these other colors— I thought I’d better stock up on this type of thing that actually fits (and cannot be altered when it doesn’t).

adding….. if I’m honest, the whole cardigan vibe is about as about as uncool as it is possible to be, which is probably a good definition of matronly regardless of the fit 🤷‍♀️