How exciting that you get to buy something for cold weather! I keep flipping through catalogs looking at things we cannot wear here for months (at least not practically). I love the glamour girl look we are seeing so much of. It is very sexy yet sophisticated. I would go with a feminine sheath in a textured fall fabric in a plum, teal or charcoal. (I don't know your coloring.)You can do opaque tights and a mary-jane or a dress boot. If you prefer separates, try a frilly feminine blouse in a print and pair it with a pencil skirt. Then you can wear the blouse with dark denim and heels for date night.
For dresses, I think it is easy to hit the department stores where you can try on lots of options, as opposed to hitting a lot of boutiques. Don't be afraid to cover several departments and take them all to one dressing room. Then you only undress once.
Speaking of MN...If you need a coat, Rue La La (online designer one-day-sale sight) has Via Spiga today. They had lots of coats for around $150 which is roughly half off.
I am a wardrobe consultant and personal shopper, and new to Mamasource. I hope that was helpful.
Happy Shopping!
H. Gorman