So glad this thread is still here. Did a whole house renovation 8 years ago and just bought a new (to me) house, and about to do it again. Stuff that has held up well and I will definitely be looking at closely again this time around are: - Rohl fireclay sink (nice and quiet, plenty big to hide lots of dirty dishes in the sink; I might get 2 this time!) - Pacific Crest cabinets (despite some issues in their shipping (some banged up cabinets when they arrived), the company stood behind their product and made things right and they have held up quite well -- and everyone comments on how nice they look) - Prefinished hardwood floors (wouldn't get Brazilian cherry again because they are too sensitive to light, but with two 50-60lb dogs running around, they have held up remarkably well, especially compared to friends who had site-finished floors. now I just need to find another wood species I like as well) - Kohler Vinnata faucet (after all this time, I looked around at faucets again the other day and this is still the most gracefully sculptural faucet profile; also I had no problems with this at all.) - GE Monogram 36" range, 30" fridge, island hood (the range cooked great and was a breeze to clean, the fridge had no issues whatsoever with the icemaker/water dispenser, and the range, though a real b*tch to install has been a real workhorse around our house; surprisingly had very few issues with these appliances) - Miele dishwasher (this is the one with the top silverware rack; it was called Incognito back 8 years ago and don't know what it's called now. It cleans great and once we figured out how to use the salt/softener thingy left no streaks on our glasses) - Kinawa white granite (husband likes the veins in this and I like whiteness, and we this is as close as we can get to white carrara w/o the maintenance headaches) - Never M-T soap dispenser (what a great tip I got from this site 8 years ago. I give this to friends now, and they think it's genius) - Air Switch for disposal (another great tip I got from this site; likely ubiquitous now but it's still wonderful) - Kohler's Memoirs collection stately pedestal and drop-in sinks, and toilet (very classic looking) Looking forward to another fun remodel

Marlene, I almost spit my coffee when I read your reply! You are too funny! LOL Never heard of units.. in the 80s I was in high school and college. I wore a lot of esprit and limited items... tiny waist, baggy body pants/jeans with over sized cotton or linen tops.. or those very deep V sweaters from the limited! Ponchos, especially, have been back for awhile. I love them-- both dressy and casual. Aran sweaters weren't really something I thought went in or out of style-- I consider them a classic (though I don't wear them) like a button down shirt. They are too bulky for me and I don't wear crew necks (unless in a cardigan) so just not something I wore. I do wear fair isle sweaters and have for many years-- but i am VERY particular about the design. I like the icelandic ones. I consider toggle jackets pretty classic too-- like barn jackets. I don't wear either of them because the shape doesn't work for me but I do like them. Shoulder pads? LOVED THEM.. loved the drama and yes, I think they also balanced my shape-- which back then was a tiny waist, wide hips (and broad shoulders!). I actually added shoulder pads to things that didn't have them-- or that didnt have enough padding!

I have small wide feet. Very difficult getting shoes. Years ago, for work, my go to was Naturalizer because they offered wide. When I stopped working and had my daughters, I was in Nike or New balance sneakers. My sneakers now are Nike. I had to order and send back so many pairs as the stores didn't carry wide. Now it's crocs (so many cute ones now a days), Bernardo flip flops, Easy Spirit, a Reiker loafer I bought years ago. (I had the sense to stockpile two extras and now I'm on the last pair. I have some Aerosole, but from years ago. Nothing seems to fit there. Added woe. The Easy Spirit store closed. Macy's bought Easy Spirit so they might begin to show more, but Macy's isn't really convenient for me either. I have one pair of Ecco shoes, but they aren't really comfortable. I wear the Ecco sandals all summer for taking long walks.

I am sorry that I haven't responded to each person individually... but I appreciate all that everyone has contributed!! More than you know.. because shoe shopping has become sad and stressful so your input and suggestions makes it much better. Yeonassky, I am not sure why you'd think I'd lambast you-- or want you to delete your post. I very much appreciate your insight. Spreading my toes while I walk won't help me but it's surely possible it will help someone.. as these shoe suggestions will likely help others as well-- even if they won't work for me. Daisy, funny-- I thought you were the one who recommended kork ease. My sister loves Born but they've never fit me well. I have been looking at that first sandal but even with the straps, they'll be too high. 1.5" is about my max, I think. I am actually thrilled that the 1.5" platform above worked for me-- they don't usually. (however, I am saying that without walking on a sidewalk with lines and cracks.. and a curb). I do love a cork heel! Tina, I don't really like toes out with suits. I feel like a suit needs a sleek, tailored look. Of course, on our hottest/most humid days, I don't usually wear a suit. I also like the shoe with the white spots-- it's a cole haan but I haven't been able to find it in my size :( What I'd really like for summer is a flat shoe with both bone and black. I've seen a d'orsay like that in past seasons but not now that I want one! I agree that the tortoise is best for fall-- the shoe style itself is best for fall. Maybe I am being conservative regarding what shoes I'd wear with a suit.. I'll think about it a bit. :) Again.. thank you all. I am very sorry I haven't responded to each!