Right now I am working these 2 jackets into work outfits. The first is the more feminine style I am referring to, though not the only such type, while the second reads much more tailored-classic. #2 I got because it has been hard to find this color and fit in a year-round wool fabrication, so I just bit the bullet even though I might have liked a lower-stance single-button or shawl or tuxedo style. I will wear #2 with tailored trousers as well, since I need to do that and since the length is good for that, but to "mitigate" I will wear more lady-like top and shoes.

Oh fun! I love the casual glamour that the outfit & your finds seem to have, and reading the back & forth in the thread was enlightening. I just have one suggestion for you.

You might be able to pick up a suitable silk blouse secondhand. I popped over to Like Twice, searched 'silk' and limited it to J Crew tops, and came up with quite a few. None have the bow tie, and I'm not sure of your size, but here's a solid black one, a print, or a cream one. They all have a price point around $25, which would definitely help your budget! And Like Twice is easier to navigate than the wilds of Ebay.

A vote for the Chie Mihara sandals. They are block-y plus I love the color for Spring. The straps are neutral so they will go with everything while the splash of yellow color will add some brightness to the most ton sur ton outfit you wear.

As for jeans, have you thought of these?

I like the Madewell wrap jacket too.

The sandals, the jeans and the jacket would be my vote for where to spend your money because they are each a game/silhouette changer.

Denim purge this week and 15 percent off Anthro today. Both led to new buys. I have purchased dark blue cropped straight jeans from Uniglo - not flared and not high-waisted but $39 and if they fit well the color and shape will be great this spring. I also ordered a top from their Ines collection to try ($19). And I ordered the coral/red Anthro sandals (15 percent off). We shall see.

Unfrumped: thank you for those Finds. I actually own that BR jacket and I love it. And I have a similar JCrew jacket to the first - I have mixed feelings about it, it's a bit boxier than this one, but it may work well in my evolving look.

E: thanks for those ideas for less expensive blouses. I am holding off on the blouse now because I have a couple of feminine blouses and I've just spent April's budget. But I especially love the phrase "casual glamour" which may really help focus me this spring.

Cocolion: I love the sandals and jeans you posted but all are just too spendy for my current budget. I am hoping the coral sandals work.