Thank you all -- i brought this up because I really had a (ridiculous) emotional meltdown when I was preparing for my roadtrip in sept and realized I needed them for stability when wearing something where a white sneaker or my black hokas werent appropriate. I looked at them as "grandpa shoes". I still havent fully embraced them but I am reaching for them more.

@daisychain011 I shared the brand in previous threads-- it is Ara and this shoe is the Mikky but there are other styles that are just as comfortable. I have white with navy and this is sand with platinum. Other colors include -- black patent, all black, platinum and maybe others?

I have a slightly wide foot and a bunion and they fit me fine. I would think it is worth a try. Here's what my local boutique says about them (btw my local store is great about noting what fits a wide foot, what runs narrow, etc. I love them!)

• These fashionable sand coloredsneakers blend style and practicality. With a wide fit,removable footbed, bamboo terry cloth lining, and excellentarch support, you'll appreciate how these shoes can elevate your everyday outfit while providing long-lasting comfort. For a narrow foot, or to snug up the fit, consider adding a fit pack.

Another brand I like for a slightly elevated fall sneaker-- though not quite as comfortable -- is Gabor. I have the beige but they have a variety of colors including a royal blue, fuschia, navy, white and black with stripes. These run slightly wide.

from my store:

• One of our best-selling styles (now available in pink), this low-top, suede sneaker is the perfect combination of sporty and feminine. This style is a great choice for those with a medium to slightly wider foot, and the removable leather footbed gives you the option to use your own orthotic footbed.

Ara has some cute loafers! Esp like the rhinestone ones for dressing up when you don’t want to wear heels.

I am pretty sure i saw patent leather ara loafers also at my local store-- a rich burgundy and navy, i think? I also kinda like these suede ones though the buckle makes me think of the pilgrims lolol

Funkyart I love the suede ara loafers but now I can’t unsee the ”Pilgrim” buckle …lol

LOL I know, right?? Last summer, I was loving a white dress-- right up until Sue mentioned that it looked like a nurse's uniform. I couldnt unsee that-- or get past it! LOL

I posted a question about golf shoes here and thought I should move it to the golf thread as it is so specific. Sorry, and thank you BBstx!

Has anyone had their ”colors” done? If so, where do you go to have the evaluation?

@Kswl, my hajib magnets came in today. I’m so pleased! Thursday evening, I’m going to a ”dressy casual” dinner. I’m wearing black pants, a sequin front sweater, and a cashmere knit stole because the temps are going to dip. I’ve already tested the magnets with the stole and they worked perfectly. Thanks for the great tip!

So glad to hear it Bbstx! I just received the fancier faux pearl ones that I thought would be useful when a neckline is too gaping… they look like nice buttons.

A couple of Boston outfits

A day of walking… architectural tour

Short green knit dress with tartan scarf from Scotland trip. (The scarf has three different hues of green and was very useful both as warmth and to tie different pieces together)

Did not take pictures of others that included light green satin blouse and darker green ponte flared slacks and dark green faux leather trousers with a vintage wool mock neck sweater. Black and gray bootees and a pair of black flats were my only shoes. It was a very easy travel capsule. For our next trip I am looking at gray, navy and burgundy 😎 No wait— not true! Our family retreat will be blue and white with red accents, mainly because it goes with my casual parka. Also, everyone is bringing a white shirt and blue bottom (probably jeans) for a family picture.

Love your green capsule travel wardrobe! The gray, navy, and burgundy sounds pretty, but I’ve never been able to make gray work for me.

I had my colors done many years ago when that was the thing. I’m not sure where you would have it done now. IIRC correctly, there was also a book showing the colors, etc

You look great, KSWL.

I had my colors done when my now 42 yr old DD was in nursery school.

They had it as a fundraiser. I think I still have my little booklet somewhere.

I was/am a winter. It really was impressive,as they placed swatches/scarves of colors next to your face. I remember in particular when they did it with white or beige and the difference was astounding. ( White agreed with me; beige made me look like I needed hospitalization). They also did it with metallics, silver and gold.

This particular company had it divided by seasons. I was a winter.

I believe it was a franchise kind of thing, and some people were really good at it. It was great doing it in a group because you could really observe the differences.

Unefemme (clickable link which might not be obvious) is a style blogger who does color analysis. I imagine you’d have to travel to her, but bbstx you like to travel. Make it a GW meet-up! Or maybe invite her to the Texas meet-up in January!

I used to read her blog but stopped when she monetized it. I stopped most blog reading then because all the ads and pop ups and videos running made it a less than enjoyable situation for me. Marie_cate linked the blog recently and I was reminded about her and how much I enjoyed her blog. I like her packing posts, and how she reviews what was a hit or miss.

She used to wear mostly black, had her own colors done, and now seeing her blog I’m impressed by how great she looks in ”her” colors.

@salonva, I am also a winter, which is a good thing as I do not care for earth tones 😂.

Google color analysis near me or whatever. When I did that I found several options within an hour of us. Some had group packages, some not. My one hard to buy for DD wanted that as a gift. Humm,maybe I need to revisit that since I never purchased that for her.

I, too, thought the color analysis thing had faded away, but I’ve recently seen articles that indicate it is back or coming back. I didn’t have it done during its first wave. A friend did. She told me I was a ”winter.” Even if that were accurate then, I’m sure my skin tones, and for sure my hair color, has changed in the last 30 years.

Great tip, @RNmomof2 zone 5!

I haven’t read unefemme in forever. I didn’t realize her format had changed. ETA: EEK! She charges $400 to put together a ”travel wardrobe” for you. I think I can DIY that for a whole lot less by reading and looking at TheVivienneFiles.com !

I can't remember what I looked up recently but I think it was related to color analysis, and there was a company who had local "reps" in my area. I checked out the two (very young) women's instagram accts near me, and that was as far as I got. I think in looking at their pictures, I decided I didn't think what THEY were wearing was very flattering.

I kind of just go by what random people tell me what looks good on me. I do know that black is not my friend, but somehow I still gravitate to it because it's just easy. I at least try to throw on a colorful scarf if I wear a black top.

@Sueb20, I’m with you on the black. It is my go-to, but since I’ve gone gray, I think I look rather washed out in black. I may be more willing to wear a scarf now that Kswl has let us in on the hajib magnet secret! Before, I hated the fiddly-ness of scarves.

I think you would still be a "winter" BB. My hair is now gray with dark streaks, although my skin tone is pretty much the same. The same colors still look best on me, other than I think black against my face is a bit harsh. Brighter shades of pink, blue and green are my friend. Lavender also, which I never used to wear.

Bb, I also end up tossing the scarf at some point. But at least I looked cute briefly LOL.

I had a color analysis done at a charity luncheon over 35 years ago and I don't remember any of it. Over the years my wardrobe has become darker with more deep colors like navy, black, burgundy, forest etc. I would like to add more color and have an analysis done so that I had an idea of which way to go when selecting new pieces.

hhireno - I agree that Susan Blakely (une femme) looks much better now that she has incorporated more color into her wardrobe. I tried to find the post where she mentioned the name of a franchise that does color analysis. I couldn't find the specific post, but I remember the name: House of Color. Unfortunately the closest one to me is 25 miles away and north of Philadelphia. There was a post on Reddit that mentioned several in Manhattan, I could hop the train and spend the day in NYC.

https://www.reddit.com/r/NYCbitcheswithtaste/comments/1c6h1rf/ok_ladies_so_where_are_we_getting_our_color/?rdt=58700

Maire

I think part of it is wearing what you like, which makes you happy, and makes you look better.

Loving this combo

Cute, Mtn!

Mtn, will you show your belly button, too?

If you ask nicely

LOL Sue/Mtn!!

I was soooo good for the last month but today I bought a ridic # my fav cashmere blend socks (in fairness, some were for one of my nieces who is equally obsessed.. but still the # was ridic) and then I found some super deals on Nordstrom Rack by accident. I need a new laptop, I do not need new clothes!

House of Colour USA Personal Color Analysis & Image Consulting | House Of Colour

I was a summer 30 years ago and thought it would change when I turned white but nope still summer ($275 later) haha

I was going through a box ofclothes bound for Goodwill when I found this— had not seen or tried it on for ages and don’t even remember putting it in the box (yikes). It is a thin french terry asymmetrical jacket (?) with a leather strap closure and tulip hem. Perfect with corduroys for a chilly morning of errands including the nursery for more poinsettias, grocery store and UPS store / Amazin returns:

And in other news, A. Putnam has a 30% off sale and I bought two new golf skorts— one is navy pointelle knit and pleated, and the other is a faux wrap “rattan” color skort with gold and tortoiseshell buttons!

Cute jacket, @Kswl!

I’m trying to plan what I’m going to wear for TD so I can get packed. Every place I’m going is going to be very casual, so I’ll probably be wearing jeans with sweatshirts/sweaters.

My Putnam vest just arrived. I love it. It is a very thin quilted layer, not puffy at all. Barely there pale blue, and I thought it reversed to cream but it reverses to a very delicate cream and tan sort of faux boix pattern. Nicely made, true to size. Armholes are unusually low, surely to swing the club.

Dang I paid full price

It looks beautifully made, Mtn, and the color is lovely— what I know as ”ice blue.” Adding….you could certainly call and request a price adjustment. I did that once (not with Putnam) and was pleasantly surprised at how gracious the person who took my call was to me.

KSWL, I did, and they refunded me $60. I almost feel guilty. I will buy something else from them! Yes, the quality is great.

Kswl, I love your sneakers in your latest photo! I'm in a shoe rut, and need some inspiration.

They are Born sneakers, Feathers, thank you, and they ZIP up on both sides of the lacing so you never have to retie. They are Nubuck and I do brush them after every wear (which is seldom) so they look new. They are three or four years old.

Taos makes that style of sneaker too.

I've been eyeing this coat for several years and it went on sale and I pulled the trigger. I've been wanting a refined wool coat for dressy winter events. I've had an old wool JCrew peacoat and loved the quality but fell out of love with the shape years ago. I'm hoping this will be a nice option for an upcoming ladies outing to see the Nutcracker ballet. I love the new updated style this year with hidden buttons. The shape seems flattering (hopefully) and classy. The red was so pretty but I opted for black since that's my go-to color for everything in my wardrobe.

JCrew Lady Coat

Still trying to decide if I'll order the Talbot's cashmere v-neck sweaters and Kate Space purse. Between a business trip and the resulting COVID infection, I haven't found time to do much shopping. But I don't want to miss out on some great deals going on right now.

That is a beautiful coat Prickly! Years ago I had a similar dark brown one with princess seaming from Ann Taylor that lasted about 15 years. There are days when I wish I still had it!

Bbstx, our Thanksgiving is also going to be very casual this year, but if the weather is nice we will undoubtedly take pictures on the screened porch. For that I plan to wear a short (knee length) gray pleated skirt with a navy button down 3/4 sleeve button up shirt, navy tights and loafers. Not dressed up but churchy. If it rains I may have to rethink 🤔 Side zip slacks and a mock turtleneck with 3/4 sleeved, probably. High temps here are still in the mid 60’s.

Love the coat, Prickly! I was semi-seriously looking at dressier coats but I am going to wait. I don't need one this year.

I did pick up this Vince funnel neck cashmere sweater at Nordstrom Rack. It is a nice heavy weight and very good quality for under $100. The fit is oversized but not unflattering .. I like the neck and I am happy to add this color to my winter wardrobe.

I have a few vneck sweaters in my cart at Quince but I am also looking at the same ones you are considering from Talbots, Prickly. I am just not sure I need another cashmere sweater -- but a vneck would be nice! I wear them through spring so it would definitely get some good wear from them!

ETA Nordstrom proper has the same sweater on sale today-- $317. I got quite a deal! I love this color but not enough to pay 4x as much

I wore my new sweater yesterday and my sisters and SIL-to-be loved it and all had to touch it! My gift for my sister fell through so I decided I'd get her one in black and I'd like black also. Of course now I can't find another at the same price.

Funky- what a great sweater and the color is really perfect. So different.

I love sweaters. I don't buy much or often, but when I do, I'll see a nice sweater and think how I don't have that color so it makes sense to buy it.

I go to put it on the shelves with my sweaters, only to find I probably have 2 others very similar color wise.

I did that with my recent purchase. Anyway I'm pretty sure I don't have that color :)

Funky, Quince has a very similar sweater!

I wore a brand new Garnet Hill cashmere sweater yesterday and was disappointed to see that it wasn’t pilling exactly, but ”fuzzing” by the time I took it off last night.

Thanks, Sue.. i know quince has a similar style but what is special about this one is the "boiled cashmere" and the quality/weight of the cashmere. I am not unhappy with my quince sweaters at $59 but they dont come close to the quality of this one ...

Funky I LOVE that funnel neck sweater, what a fabulous look and even better price!

Bbstx, I just had to let you know…. Nikol Johnson (YouTuber) just bought your pink feather dress from Tnuck! She said she bought it for holiday events and plans to style it with a gold bag and shoes on IG. She raved about how comfortable it is and how cute the feathers are. We know YOU are the real trendsetter 😁

😁 That’s interesting about Nikol Johnson! I generally like her clothes. I can’t wait to see how she styles it. It was one of the most fun dresses I’ve ever worn.

Today I am wearing the BR cashmere turtleneck sweater that funky made me buy. I like it so much I just ordered it in another color. 40 percent off.

https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=543262122&cid=5032&pcid=5032&vid=1&nav=hamnav%3Awomen%3AWomen%27s+Clothing%3ASweaters&cpos=9&cexp=2252&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D5032&cvar=17248&ctype=Listing&cpid=res24113011536865998309508#pdp-page-content

LOL Sue! We are twinkies! I am wearing the same BR turtleneck-- and came home and bought another! I got the mink heather -- what color did you get?

I wore the chocolate ganache (brown) turtleneck with my semi-new brown uggs. Wearing them both for the first time was the only bright side of the freakin crazy cold temps this morning!

It is nice and soft-- but I just gotta say no where near as soft or as cozy as the Vince boiled cashmere above. I also ordered one of them for myself (ebay) and one for my youngest sis (not ebay lol).

Hahaha! I got the very christmassy green, not a color I usually wear but we’ll see.