I like all your choices. I think the ladies give great advice about trying everything on, and consulting the list of gaps in your wardrobe. This is pretty important, especially for you because you just got finished with a big closet clean out. I actually used to work at Express for a couple of years, and was the store's "Accessory Captain," which meant I spent a lot of time organizing and displaying the jewelry and purses. This is what I would do if I were you:
At my store, plaid suiting never sold out unless it was highly unusual. One year we got pink, light grey, black and white plaid that was *so* cute, and that was gone in an instant. Most other plaid there's always some left when the sale rolls around. And there were always size Os left, which I think you probably are in Express clothing. Sales happen every 3 months like clockwork. Of course things could always change, but Express is just wrapping up their summer sale now, so the next big sale won't be until October, and then one in January, and so on. I'd maybe keep an eye on these plaid bottoms, and see if you can't pick them up on major sale in October. As far as sales go--shop the first day. Stuff sells fast, and Express does mark downs every few days during a sale, so keep your receipt, and go in 14 days after. Ask for a price adjustment. They will give you a refund of the difference between what you paid and the sale price on the day you go back in. This might have changed because Express was actually sold to a different company (they are no longer owned by Limited Brands), but it's worth a shot. I've gotten as much as $40.00 back on sale merchandise I purchased the first day. You have to do it within 14 days, and you have to have your receipt (you don't need to bring the merchandise back in with you).
The jewelry is not well made. The necklace is so cute and unique, though. Keep an eye on it, and wait for it to go on sale. It will most likely be marked down to $19.99 first, and then $9.99. I'd buy it at $19.99 and do a price adjustment. In the meantime, look for something similar that is maybe a little higher quality. I know it will cost more, but I'm almost *positive* that one of those chains on that necklace is going to fall apart. But if you only pay $9.99, it's not such a tragedy, you know? You can just remove the broken chain and not feel bad that you spend a big chunk of your budget on it. This doesn't always happen, but some pieces were more prone to it than others.
Right now jeans are buy one get one 50% off. I would maybe consider taking advantage of this. The Eva fit has a mid rise that I like, and the jeans actually hold up okay for the price. Don't put them in the dryer! They will fade after only one or two dryings. I always air dried mine and never had a problem.
The top might actually be worth the money. I have a couple coupons--one is for $30.00 off a $75.00 purchase, and the other is for 25% off a $75.00 purchase. They have to be used by the 27th. If you want them, I'll e-mail the online codes to you, because I'm not going to use them. Make two online purchases and you will have to pay shipping twice, but you can use both of them.
If you have any money left over the black fit and flare pants might be a good buy. They do have a very low rise. If the rise bothers you, I'd try the Editors in the same fabric.
Hope I didn't overwhelm you!
