My 40th birthday is coming up and DH wants to know what I want. He's said he wants me to have something nice but we haven't discussed what to get or price yet. I have to admit it would be really nice to get something luxurious or special or iconic, given it's a big birthday and this time around we are both earning a real salary as opposed to resident wages, but I have no idea what I should get.

I have no fine jewelry other than my engagement ring and a small sapphire pendant that DH gave me as an engagement present (yes, he has gotten off scot-free so far, LOL!) so maybe I should look into getting a pearl necklace or Tiffany necklace or diamond earrings (though I have to admit I'm not crazy about stud earrings--in general, I prefer dangling). I have a lot of nice purses like Kate Spade and Dooney & Bourke, but no higher end designer purses, and have thought about getting something like a Louis Vuitton, or a Chanel flap bag. I only wear one watch, a silver Tissot (actually the battery just ran out so I'm not wearing anything at the moment till I can find the time to get the battery changed), so maybe I should upgrade my watch? Or maybe it's time to finally splurge on a Burberry trench? Elle's posts certainly have tempted me, as she looks so great in the honey trench. Though I might even go for a color, like the burgundy (you guys know how much I love burgundy!).

The problem is I don't know where the best bang for my buck is. I love purses and would kill for a 2.55, but it's something like $5000 and I don't know whether I would want to carry just one purse every day from now on to justify the cost (I don't even know which color I would get, would love a red or cream but probably should stick with black). I really like matching my handbag to my outfit. Same with jewelry, I like mixing it up and making the accessory selection part of my creative process (plus I tend to prefer bigger, "statementy" jewelry with some presence, but that's not possible to do with real jewels). So does that mean I should stick to less expensive items, since I'm so "fickle"? I do appreciate quality, but I'm plenty happy wearing jewelry from Forever 21 too.

What did you get for your milestone birthday? If you have any higher-end items or jewelry, what is your workhorse or most important piece or your best investment? Do you wear it pretty much every day or do you still mix it up a lot with your lower end items on other days? What's on your fashion bucket list--what do you wish you could get sometime in the future?

Just trying to get ideas and guidance to narrow my focus. I don't know if I'm allowed to spend $500 or $5000 ;), but I'd like to decide on an item category or two regardless of the budget. I don't necessarily have to get anything right now or even in the next several months (depending how much the item is, I may have to save up for it), but I do want to have something in mind so the opportunity doesn't get "wasted" to splurge on myself, haha. And next year is our 15th anniversary, so I'll have another opportunity to get something nice, maybe an anniversary ring or necklace. (PS if anyone wants to take me virtual shopping, feel free to give suggestions!).