I've been wearing my burgundy Bailey 44 Tiered Stripes Dress so much since December that when I saw it was being offered again at Anthropologie, I couldn't resist snapping it up in red despite the jaw-dropping price.

It's just such a powerful dress. While it exposes my shape, it also really celebrates my curves and gives me a kick of body-positive energy every time I wear it. Looking at some of my favorite examples from the burgundy dress: with faux-fur or button-down waistcoats; with flat oxfords and a bulky scarf; layering over AND under at the same time; keeping it simple with a pendant necklace and bright pumps.

So I splurged and duplicated this dress in a bright, bold red shade, and I'm glad I did. The two wrap dresses that I was mulling over earlier this week pale in comparison.

Can you see the boost of confidence on my face?
(Worn with mustard handbag, low leopard pumps, and purple beaded disc necklace.)

So between this dress, sorting out my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale keeps-and-returns, and an upcoming move... I'm done shopping for a while. My wardrobe is in a great place; my closet is rocking out with pretty patterned dresses; my intimates and basics have all been recently updated. I still can't believe it, but I even have a small but very well loved "statement purse" collection with the handbags added this year! So it's time to let the purchases settle and play with each other before adding anything new to the mix.

I don't want to say that I'm OFFICIALLY on a shopping ban through the end of 2012, but I'm leaning that way. For now, I'll be happily shopping (and, in a few weeks, organizing!) my well-stocked closet.