Yep GoS I agree. I also think being overperfectionistic about motherhood is a mistake - less than perfect is fine. I'm trying to convey to my girls what it is like to be a real woman in the real world - that includes bursts of anger and juggling with career and travel.
Just had a brilliant working morning. Took my computer to a sidewalk cafe and read the entire book MS - plus drank a cup of espresso and ate a napoleon (I'm following the French Women approach, ie, savoring every bite and enjoying life to the max but trying to be smart about it). Then had a very light and summery lunch of new crop potatoes, pickled herring and green salad. Felt very summery in Roxannes, white shirt, green Dayanas and Zatchel. Ample people watching: Bloss, I saw a woman wearing black cropped skinnies, chunky heels, white tee and gray blazer and an amazing raspberry bag. Without the bag the outfit would have been boring and ordinary, with the bag it was sublime.
On my way home went to a couple of boutiques and found a few good quality long sleeved tunic tops for everyday wear (for SS in Scandinavia, for AW in Italy): floral silk cotton (in my favorite colors) cotton coral, navy linen. Looked really good with skinnies - I need longline and dropped waists to keep my proportions right.
Have looked a little at AW clothes but the colors are all wrong for me. I prefer to wait until the winter sales. My winter wardrobe is pretty complete anyway from past seasons - may update it with a few key pieces but do not need anything major. And many of my summer favorites can be worn in winter too.
Marsha what a pain with the washing machine! Ours died when DD1 was born and we had to wait for 2 weeks for the replacement 
Portia sensible shoes is my middle name. Love many things about Nordic countries but weather is not one of them.