Some of you know that I started a new job last week, joining the Estonian EU Presidency team for 10 months. I’m very excited: the work is going to be interesting and we’ll be doing great things. Less maturely, a new job also seems like a perfect excuse to buy new stuff. Sometimes you actually really need that stuff: the dress code might be different or there are tools of the trade you need to acquire. In my case, though, it’s mostly about creating or reinforcing the feeling that I have my shit together. Which I think is a noble reason for buying stuff, until you don’t rely solely on a new bag and perfume to reach the state of Absolute Shit-Togetherness.

Here’s a completely rational and scientific list of things I needed to start in a new office, both in terms of categories and specific examples:

1. Shoes. Much has been written about the power of shoes to elevate/ruin any outfit and not without reason. I still think there is nothing quite as useful in the office as a classic pump with a stiletto heel. But considering my specific circumstances, I decided to invest in power flats instead. I’m walking to work now (about 15-20 minutes) and I’m not going to do that in heels. I also often have meetings outside the office before getting in, so I need flat shoes that make me look like I have more shit together rather than less*. Enter the classic black Gucci loafer: I’ve been wearing my pair for a couple of weeks and I adore them. The quality is great, I like the narrow fit and, let’s face it, they are Gucci. This makes me feel less shabby by default when hurrying to my 8am meeting.

2. Bag. Depending on your preferences and environment, a handbag might be an even better choice for a big spend. For example for frequent travelers, I find a good bag indispensable. I, however, spent all my money on the shoes (see above) and therefore my new work bag is a very neutral 19 euro Zara number that I didn’t even bother to photograph. I’m still contemplating what kind of a bag to buy once my finances recover, considering that Hermes Kelly is not an option.

3. Notebook and pen. I mostly use my iPad for notes these days, but I love to have a good notebook and a beautiful fountain pen on hand. Instead of a classic Smythson or a cool Moleskine, I went for Christian Lacroix this time – his stationery looks eccentric and flamboyant, but is nicely made and not overly expensive. Also, I cannot resist an AbFab reference. My problem with fountain pens is that I always lose the nice ones, so have almost given up buying them. Fortunately, the lovely Liina (follow her on Instagram as @liinabachmann if you know what’s good for you) gave me a beautifully understated Parker that I cannot lose, as it’s a gift.

4. Perfume. What kind of perfume you can wear at work depends very much on the kind of office you work in. Generally, I find that Chanel and Jo Malone are often great for work, but my new office scent (I have many, mind you) is Tom Ford Vert de Fleur. It is a green floral – green and woody enough to provide some structure and refinement, floral enough to be beautiful and a tiny bit glamorous. It makes me feel like I’m actually running the country, not just explaining to journalists how it’s run. I have a full story here.

5. Coffee mug. I drink coffee every morning and most afternoons, so a mug is probably the only thing on this list that I actually, practically need. I have worked my way through all the Penguin ones, so decided to move on to the Virago range. I haven’t read Excellent Women (yet), but the title sure makes for a great mug slogan. There is also a matching notebook. Just saying.

6. Foundation and concealer. The first months/weeks in a new place I’ll make an effort to put make-up on before getting to work. I know this habit will not last, but I will try at least to use foundation: I can skip everything else, if my skin looks fine. I like my work foundation a little bit more matte than my absolute favourites, so Cle de Peau foundation and concealer are fantastic options. They are insanely expensive, however, and not that easy to get. L’Oreal True Match is a good reasonably priced alternative and if I had access to it, I’d buy Tarte Shape Tape concealer this very moment. Other important make-up items: brow pencil (I use Tom Ford), tubing mascara (Kevin Aucoin), nude and red lip items (Pictured are Smith & Cult and YSL, respectively). And I’ll have a cushion in my bag for that day when I’ll – inevitably – need to do my makeup in the office.

7. Fancy post-its. Just because.

I also need to remember to replenish my “essentials” stash, as described here. Do you feel the urge to spend when starting a new job?

*I promise this is the last time I use this original metaphor. At least in this post.