A month of [almost] no shopping was an excellent opportunity to rethink my closet. And, it appears my wardrobe was in need of a few classic foundation pieces as evidenced by this month’s roundup. Many of these purchases were made in anticipation of our trip to London. I’m trying to curb my tendency to over-pack and looked for versatile pieces that I could wear multiple times on the trip. I’m still looking for a pair of slim black jeans or pants and a pair of black loafers to add to my suitcase. After those are checked off the list, my attention is turning to spring. I’m tempted to pick up the pink version of the black dress I snagged this month. Also on my wish list: this bag (but if I’m spending that much, I should really pick up the bag I’ve wanted since last summer), gingham flats, scalloped hoops, this silk scarf, and [surprisingly] a zip-up jacket. (I doubt I’d ever buy the last item, but man, I’m into it.)

PURCHASED
See all of this year’s sartorial additions here.

• Gucci ‘Marmont’ small matelassé shoulder bag – This. Is. Everything. I actually wondered if I’d still be enamored with it after saving up for nearly a year. Spoiler: I do. It’s a great size for all of my daily essentials and really does elevate any look. See my post on what fits inside here.
• J.Crew new icon trench coat (worn here) – My other trench coat (seen here, but most is covered with a scarf) is more on the casual side with a shorter hemline and a wide lapel with buttons that start lower. I still like it, but I wanted something that was more traditional. J.Crew’s latest version of their trench coat has a higher waist and a slightly shorter length. (Although, it still hits right above my knee and I’m 5’7″.) I went with my typical size 8 in jackets there, so I’d say it fits true to size. Although, I do have narrow shoulders and a small chest, so keep that in mind.
• J.Crew classic striped t-shirt – I live in striped t-shirts on the weekends and my old ones were getting a little dingy after years of going through the wash. This runs a little boxy, which I’m going to appreciate after eating and drinking on our trip!
• Puma ‘Basket’ sneakers – I wore my black suede Puma sneakers just about every day on our trip to Copenhagen (check out my travel guide here and tips here). I wanted a pair of white leather Pumas ever since that trip and finally spotted this style. They’re not readily available anymore, but sizes do pop back on Amazon. I prefer this style over my Stan Smiths because they have a slimmer design that looks sleeker.
• Target gingham bag – Isn’t this darling? I prefer it with the strap tucked inside and carried by the top handle. I’m not sure how much I’ll actually use it this spring, but it was too cute to pass up. That said, I already put together a few outfits featuring it in preparation for when the weather finally gets warm. I love it with the black dress below and a pair of black slides.
• Leith racerback shift dress in black – I’m all about a versatile, inexpensive black dress — especially when it’s machine washable! It runs true to size, but I’d recommend going a size up if you have full hips. I liked having the extra room.

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Things I tried and didn’t love.

• J.Crew reversible V-back long-sleeve tunic –  I ordered this in a small and it was too large and looked sloppy. The deep V looked best worn in the front, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it looked like a nursing shirt! It’s really soft, though.
• Line & Dot ‘Adelene’ babydoll dress – There are few things that are more “me” than a short, loose dress. However, the lining on this one was skintight and I could barely push it down over my hips. I hate when brands do that. I get that it reduces manufacturing costs, but a girl who wants a billowy dress doesn’t want a restricting lining inside!

What about you? What’s the latest and greatest in your wardrobe? What’s on your must-have list?

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