I went shopping yesterday with a friend with the intention of trying on black blazers (for replacement of current blazer which is becoming a bit worn looking) and generally to see what is in the brick & mortar stores in my city for Spring. I had a wonderful day and came home with some beautiful items that fit well, are good quality, felt good on and provide my wardrobe with some Spring refreshing. BUT....(oh c'mon...you knew that was coming!) I'm now feeling a bit of buyer's remorse (in fact I woke up at 4:00 a.m. this morning thinking about these items). I dropped a fair bit of coin yesterday for these things and although I'm still within my budget, I'm wondering if these specific items were the right place to put my money.

I'm primarily wondering if these items work with my current style direction and fit the goals I had set for purchases. Remember these parameters I had mentioned:

• Simple lines.
• Structured.
• Quality.
• Statement accessories.
• Chic with hints of hard edge.

Below in Pictures 1-3 are the items I purchased - all from Melanie Lynn, a mid range Canadian retailer.

Pic #1 - a navy "drape with structure" soft jacket. Has fabulous seaming which gives shape to this softer jacket and makes me look like I have a waist. It also has small shoulder pads so actually gives me a bit of a stronger looking shoulder, which works well for me.
Pic #2 - a white/navy stripe pencil skirt reminiscent of the B44 tiered skirt. This would work with hose since it is fully lined and gives a bit more "presence" than the black/white striped VC midi tube skirt that I have. Would be a replacement for that tube skirt.
Pic #3 - a mint vest - a completely emotional wild card pick. It was love at first sight both on the hanger and when I put it on. Couldn't stop smiling.

The skirt is very versatile and will work with a great deal of my spring/summer current wardrobe. The mint vest will work well with black and/or white which is very well represented in my wardrobe.

I love all these pieces and feel good in them. But I feel conflicted in how they relate to what I had expressed as my style goals. Are these items too conservative for me? How would I introduce that bit of edge I crave when wearing these items?

Then I look at my favorite eBay seller's site and she has the following EF pieces (pics #4-7) that I know would work on my body and work play really well with what I currently have. Plus she has a black/white BCBG blouse (pic #8) that is the sister to my blush BCBG blouse - that great drapey wedge shape that works well on my apple frame.

Ok...I realize I'm rambling now...maybe I need to try on the new items again with some of my existing pieces to see how they all play together and post some pics for feedback. Maybe I'm just "in a mood" 'cause it's snowing!

Any words of wisdom out there for me???