I can imagine the not preppy part could be very annoying to seek. Does Nordstoms or their local equivalent have personal shoppers in the men's departments? That might be a way to go.

I have a GP appointment at 1 and acupuncture at 2:45, so that's good. My blackberry is flashing a baleful red light at me though, and I don't want to look.

You can satisfy the "not look preppy" part by making it out of the skin of your enemies.

Do we have a local equivalent to Nord's in NYC?

I would like to be the sort of person who had a strong sense of personal and individual style. If I did, I would be able to work it, because I have no problem confidently wearing something unconventional. But I am too lazy, and it all ends up cargo pants, 'cause, pockets! Woe.

What I'm thinking about now is a sort of pseudo-military, monochromatic, highly structured wardrobe. Sharp clean lines, functional and hard-wearing, modular. But I dunno if I and my body type could pull it off. Definitely my budget can't.

I don't have a look. I just have clothes I like. Periodically I sweep through to make sure everything I have is either needed or loved, but that's about it.

If I could learn to resist the siren call of the long black skirt (the velvet one from J Jill looks marvellous--well, on the hanger. I haven't quite tried it on yet) I'd be in a much saner place, wardrobe wise.

Do we have a local equivalent to Nord's in NYC?

Barney's?

This where I mention my project this month - I'm taking pictures of what I wear every day (to work and weekends.) Other people are doing it too. It's really interesting, to watch a whole wardrobe come out on a person you don't really know. And to see what looks good and what looks like crap on you. Anyone is welcome to join us... [link]

Tom, have you tried Loehmann's or the Filene's in Union Square?

I just interviewed a six-year-old for a summer associate position. Based on his unwillingness to go to parties and get taken to lunch every day (even though he wanted exciting work) I'm not sure he's going to get the job. On the other hand, he is the son of my boss, so maybe he's got nepotism in his favor.

Literally six, or emotionally/socially?

01 Basic Black Dress: um, about 6 of them. some are more businesslike, some are more casual.
02 Trench Coat: black, of course.
03 Classic Dress Pants: Numerous, mostly suit pants.
04 Blazer: heh. yes, several.
05 Skirt: long, short, solid, print, you name it
06 Classic White Shirt: the only thing I don't have. It's hard for me to find one that fits. I was going to try a Target to T custom made, but they stopped doing that (shakes fist).
07 Day Dress:several.
08 Jeans: I have one pair that I love, but I LOVE them. If Old Navy lets me return 2 year old sweaters, then I'll try the Old Navy ones.
09 Sweatsuit Alternative: Yes. My "wearever" pants by J. Jill. Super comfy, doesn't wrinkle. Only way they could be more perfect is if they had pockets.
10 Cashmere Sweater: I have one. I don't think that this is a necessary item. A i nice sweater, yes, but but doesn't have to be cashmere.