after i made my fall shopping list, i realized i forgot one important item – another cocktail dress.  i used to have exactly one cocktail dress in my closet, a black lace number that was a workhorse for me last year.  i wore it at every wedding and fancy event, and while it is lovely, i have been on the lookout for one more to add to the rotation.

although i kept an open mind on my search, my only specification for the dress was that it couldn’t be black.  as much as black dresses are a staples for city girls, i wanted something a bit different but just as useful.

i was at nordstorm rack buying a last minute tie for my boyfriend, and i spotted this number on the sale rack.  i tried it on, it fit like a dream without alterations, and i wore it to a wedding upstate that evening.

this is definitely one of those pieces that i love looking at in my closet.  the detailing is so lovely (and flattering!), and that shade of purple…

as i think more about the pieces i want to bring into my life, i love the idea of something made just for me.  i love how men can get custom suits and shirts made quite easily with their names and initials on them, and always wished there were more options for personalization for women.

when i was in paris, the favorable dollar/euro exchange rate had me eyeing a new handbag purchase, and i ended up coming home with this beauty.

the goyard artois bag is a bit smaller (and sturdier) than the brand’s st. louis bag, and only comes personalized.  because of this, the personalization only takes a few days, instead of a few weeks.  i choose red lettering to match the red stitching, and it gives me such a thrill every time i reach into the bag.

my previous shopping lists have helped keep me focused when adding items to my closet, so i created a short one for this fall.

the navy pants are still on there – i haven’t found the perfect fit.  you can see that the rest of the items are pretty classic, yet i was still missing them from my closet.  for many years, i just bought what caught my eye, instead of thinking about what worked with pieces i actually had.