More birthday money to spend

[niccig]

I posted before about having birthday money to spend for my 40th. I have more $$ now to spend. I need a lot of everyday items (jeans, cords), but I want to spend the money on items that I'll use for a long time.

I've decided to use MIL's $100 and get a pair of earrings with my birthstone, I've always wanted some jewellery with my birthstone, and earrings I'd wear more.

I have $450 to spend, and I'm getting a gift card to Boden (not sure how much).

I was thinking of a wool coat. I have a black one I bought 18 yrs ago. I live in LA, so I don't need a heavy coat (I have a down coat from Costco I wear when visit family in midWest in winter). I get cold even in SoCal winters (hey, grew up in the tropics), so I would wear it over jeans/dresses/skirts during out winters. I like the sandstone one here but wonder if it's too long for what I need it for http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Coats-Jackets/Coats/WE402/Womens-Diana-Coat.html

I don't have a black cardigan or jacket to wear as a topper.

I don't have a party dress (didn't end up buying one for 40th weekend away as it was cold when going). I don't have a winter dress or skirt. Have plenty of summer dresses.

I've been lusting after pair of long black boots as want to start wearing boots with skirts, tunics and leggings. I will get money for Christmas from family (easier when they live OS to give giftcards), so I could get the boots then.

So any advice on a couple of key pieces that I'll have for a long time?

[pastrygirl]

I would love to get a pair of Ugg Cortona (https://www.uggaustralia.com/women-boots/cortona/1004616.html) boots, and would only get them if I had gift $ like you! Otherwise they are crazy expensive.

ETA: I try not to buy necessities like coats with gift money. That's no fun!

[twowhat?]

I say get the boots now!!! Or you will miss out on half the season for wearing them! Use the Christmas gift money for something else:)

[barkley1]

I vote for boots now, too!

[kwc]

Agreed on getting boots! Way more fun and suitable for birthday $!

While that Boden coat looks lovely, as a fellow Californian, I think I would save a bit of $ on the coat by getting something from Zara or Modcloth since it doesn't need to be heavy wool...
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/coats/baker-street-style-coat
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/coats/greetings-from-greenwich-coat
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/coats/early-to-arrive-coat
http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/coats/zip-up-coat-c269183p1386533.html
http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/coats/double-breasted-twill-coat-c269183p1537034.html

Of course, maybe don't listen to me as I just splurged on a Barbour waxed cotton coat and it rarely rains here...

[GaPeach_in_Ca]

I vote for boots as well!

[JdrKuhnert]

I vote boots, too. I splurged on a pair of Frye boots last week on amazon to take advantage of the 25% off on boots. I ordered the Frye Sabrina. These boots are beautiful and were well worth the price. I plan on many seasons of wear.

[luli13]

If you are looking for a dressier, wool-blend coat I just bought this at Target today
http://www.target.com/p/merona-women-s-shawl-collar-coat-assorted-colors/-/A-14566609#prodSlot=large_1_1&term=Merona+coat

I got 20% off using cartwheel so it was only 47.00. I have been eyeing a similar one at Zara. So glad I found this cheaper version and the quality is so good for the price. Though it is on the thinner weight side, it is fully lined. I live in PA so we get cold winters but this should be fine for a date night or the like.

Just thought I would share because you mentioned wanting a wool coat and this price is really nice :)

[Piglet]

I have been lusting after these Steve Madden boots:

http://www.zappos.com/steve-madden-lynet-black-multi (though I prefer the brown with the red zipper)
http://www.zappos.com/steve-madden-shawny-black-leather

[echoesofspring]

Another vote for boots. I have a wool coat that is very similar to the Boden one you bought and I have hardly used it since moving out here (it belonged to my grandma). Mostly I worry about it getting eaten by moths. Maybe something shorter like a pea coat. Or a slightly lighter weight but still warm jacket, I splurged on a nice leather jacket when I first moved here and it's my go to coat except when it rains.

[niccig]

I hear you on the boots, and I'm going to get a pair of black, and I could do with a new brown pair as mine are beat up but I'll wait until Christmas money for the brown pair. Love those Steve Madden ones. I have picky feet, so I'll try a few brands and see what works best.

I'm also going to get a nice cocktail dress for either a party or nice restaurant with DH. I never have anything nice to wear. I saw a couple of things on mod cloth that I'll try.

There's a couple of wrap dresses that get love on here, that I'll give a go too as I don't have anything to fit that gap in my wardrobe if I want to wear something other than pants.

Not sure what to do with the boden money, I'll have to think about what I think I'll use most, but I'll try to get an outfit eg. skirt + sweater combo. I'll post when I know more about how much I have to spend at Boden.

I've put the coat on the back burner. My current one is more pea coat in length and still OK for the use it gets. I wouldn't get enough use out of a new coat so I'll put the money to something else.