I gave myself an actual clothing budget this year for the first time. I'm in the middle of a slow wardrobe review and style update, so I was pretty generous and bought more high-quality items than I have in the past (sometimes with an accompanying higher price tag).

On the topic of the style update, I think I'm finally starting to figure out what's me and what's just not. I ran across an old thread about style monikers, and I think I've settled on Elegant Bada$$... sleek and streamlined, but with some tough/functional elements.

This isn't everything I've bought this year, but here are some of my favorite new things.

1. Corset top and Sandy shoes: I've always loved corset lacing, and I have mixed feelings about it being trendy now. On the plus side, lots of things available! On the down side, I often don't like the actual execution on things, and trendy now means it'll be dated eventually. But I only buy trendy items when I happen to like them for their own sake, and this top also happens to be one of my favorite colors.

2. Skechers shoes: I needed new walking shoes and saw that Angie recommended the Skechers GoWalk line, so gave them a try. They're awesomely comfortable. The rest of this outfit is old stuff, but the oatmeal-colored shirt is finally getting some wear after hanging unloved in my closet for years. It's All Saints and was a thrift shop score. It's not my favorite color, but it's growing on me, and it fits nicely into one of my favorite style genres: explorer chic.

3. Sanctuary linen jacket: A Hautelook purchase and another explorer chic piece in a favorite color.

4. Leather jacket bought from Amour Vert (from Swedish designer Deadwood), distressed jeans, Frye boots: I binge-watched Jessica Jones and got a strong craving for distressed jeans, a real leather jacket, and low boots (see the find for a better view of the boots). The jacket is amazing... fits my broad shoulders but is also very fitted at the waist (so much so that I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who doesn't lean to an IT shape), and it's made from recycled leather so it's buttery soft and pre-broken in. The boots are my first Fryes and they're great... my only gripe is that they jingle with every step.

5. Amour Vert Ines dress: I'm trying to wear dresses more, and not just in a work setting, so I bought this as a more casual option. I haven't worn it out yet, but I love it... super cozy and should be easy to mix with a range of things. I debated between black and gray (I'm hoping the black comes back in stock in my size, because now I want both), but went with gray because it was less inherently dressy.

6. Taylor Stitch trench dress: Again, my favorite color, and a versatile piece. I'm unlikely to wear it much on its own like this (kinda short), but it works really well over leggings and a tank or tee, and also is nice worn open as a long jacket. The quality is bulletproof... it may outlive me.

7. Helmut Lang wool dress: This was a consignment purchase from The Real Real. The zipper/slit/seam in the front winds around the back and straight up the back of the neck... it's a neat and unusual design. I haven't worn it out yet, but it should show up in my work wardrobe now that the weather is finally shifting toward autumn.