Ok, just to make sure I have this right:

I ask Cora a question. She'll edit her post in response with the answer, and whoever posts beneath me I will in turn, edit my post to reflect my answer? Apologies if I'm wrong on the way this works, and for assuming gender of the AAY/person if I'm also wrong with that, too.

There must be some items/themes you avoid or won't use at all: why not?

Edit to answer Cora:
For a CI, definitely The Dryad's Hollow. I use the backgrounds constantly, for nearly every avatar I make. As for common items, the gold galaxy sash I also use constantly. It just layers so neatly and ties in the top and bottom into a cohesive looking outfit.