in my dreams

The first time I tried this dress on, it was on sale for 30 percent off, and I couldn't even come close to justifying buying it. Nonetheless, I was in love. It was close enough to Christmas that I thought a second markdown might be a possibility, so I gave the saleswoman my number and told her to let me know if it was still around when the next sale hit.

She called me back that night -- it was scheduled to get marked down to 60% off that weekend, and she could hold it for me if I still wanted it.

Still, oh my gosh, we're talking Balenciaga here. This wasn't exactly a Forever 21 or H&M impulse buy! But I've really been making an effort to buy more investment pieces, things that I'll have in ten or twenty years and still love.

And for me, this dress was it. Classic, elegant, simple as can be, but beautifully crafted. My tailor took up the hem a little bit (I'm short), but other than that, in my mind, it's pure perfection.

Balenciaga dress, gifted Falke tights, J. Crew (on sale!) and Alexis Bittar bracelets, gifted Payless heels (under $40!).

Makeup: Estee Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow Duos (in Modern Mercury and Black Chrome); Estee Lauder Liquid Eye Liner in Black Quatz, Duralash individual false lashes, DIORSHOW mascara.