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{Cos Little Navy Dress, Burberry Trench (also smitten with this plaid trench), Celine Handbag, Mango Necklace, Hermes & Vita Fede Bracelets, Christian Louboutin ‘Charleen’ Pumps}

I wear certain articles of clothing to death in everyday life, but the pics don’t always make it to the blog.  This little navy dress is an excellent case in point! I purchased it while in Italy last Christmas, and I just can’t get enough of it.  It’s perfectly polished and ladylike, plus it’s wearable in different seasons.  I find myself reaching for it whenever I need to be presentable for work but don’t have the time (or the energy) to fuss over my outfit.  I believe every woman should have an arsenal of pieces like this in her closet… or at least women like me who are notoriously grumpy and sluggish in the morning.  Over the years I’ve tried to build a wardrobe that works for me, and not against me.  So far my growing fleet of standout dresses and well-made shoes has served its purpose, and I can generally cobble together a decent outfit in under 5 minutes.

Speaking of shoes…

Maryjanes are hands-down my favorite style. And for the past 3 years, I’ve reserved a little space in my bank account for a classic, black patent leather pair by Christian Louboutin. I’ve tried (and failed) at walking in monstrous Lady Dafs. And earlier this year, the Neo Pensee looked promising.  But as soon as I stood up, I realized that the 120mm pitch defied all sense of reason and perhaps a few laws of physics.  After a while, I started to think my dream heels were just an urban shoe myth.  I’d just about given up when, lo’ and behold, Charleen stepped on the scene. With my birthday 6 weeks away just around the corner, I took a leap and decided to treat myself.  And I’ve been in shoe heaven ever since!

Has there ever been a dream item that you just had to have in your closet? What was it, and were you eventually able to find it?

{Ralph Lauren Crested Blazer, Tommy Hilfiger Sweater Dress, Lancel ‘Daligramme’ Tote, Fendi Sunglasses, Handmade Espadrilles via Casa Hernanz}

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect cricket sweater for at least 2-3 years, but I’ve always come up empty-handed.  In my mind, THE ONE would come in a creamy cableknit wool with red and navy trim and slightly puffed shoulders.  As my search continues, I’ve managed to tide myself over with this adorable sweater dress I plucked from the clearance rack at Century 21 a few months ago. I decided to venture into full-blown preppy territory with my ensemble by adding a crested blazer and my much-treasured espadrilles that I purchased while on vacation in Madrid.  And of course, my personal habadasher (aka my husband) refused to let me leave the house without a proper pocket square to match.

I’ll still be scouring eBay, Etsy, and various vintage shops for a proper cricket sweater, but this fun little dress will certainly do for now. And if push comes to shove, I also have my eye on a few of these more modernized options below.

Thanks, for reading!