Ten Shopping Rules To Live By

wardrobe rack bell sleeves blush shoes closet organization pink trench coat
Top:  Madewell purse (similar HERE) | River Island lace top (similar HERE) | Topshop jacket (similar HERE) | Rebecca Minknoff cropped trench coat (similar HERE) | White bell sleeve top | River Island ruffle sweater (similar HERE) | Topshop collarless blazer (similar HERE) | Banana Republic pink trench coat (similar HERE)
Shoes: Marc Fisher wedges | Halogen d’Orsay pumps (similar HERE) | Linea Paolo mules (similar HERE) | Manolo Blahnik BB white pumps | BP sandals (similar HERE) | Wardrobe Rack
After many years of blogging (almost 8), I’ve accumulated A LOT.  Way too much.  It’s out of control.  Unfortunately not all were great choices but I’ve learned from my mistakes.  Here are ten shopping rules to live by that will help your wallet and closet.

1. Buy Things That Fit

Being petite, this is extremely difficult to follow and sometimes we have no choice but to break this rule. Alterations are so insanely expensive so if I can avoid having to completely alter the item, I will  pass or at least try to.  It’s best to buy things that fit or need minimal alterations. It will not only look better on you but will help your pocketbook too.

2. Don’t Let Sales Cloud Your Judgement

 I have a very difficult time w/this one. Who doesn’t love a good sale? I certainly am a major sucker for a good deal and low prices but due to my impulsive purchases, I am left with a large pile of donations. I am definitely guilty of breaking this rule multiple times. I am working on getting better but it’s such a struggle (lol).
I used to get really excited when shopping and jump the gun on basically anything that I liked.  After a lot of experience and plenty of “what was I thinking”, I shop a lot smarter now.  I’m much pickier about the items I buy especially as of late.  If I don’t get excited about it right away, I’ll pass.  This used to be very difficult for me but now it’s much easier for me.  The one questions I will ask myself is “will I wear this more than once?” If the answer is no, then I move on.
5-6 years ago, I would buy anything and everything w/out even giving a thought to fit. Unfortunately, I was buying all the wrong sizes which left a hole in my wallet after alterations. Now I try to give my purchases some thought and I have to really LOVE what I am buying otherwise it will end up collecting dust and eventually at Goodwill.  If you just feel “meh” about the item, it’s probably not going to get much wear.  Try to practice some self-control and either walk away or close your browser.

5. If You Have To Think About It, Let It Go

If you have to second guess it, it’s probably best to not buy it.  Obviously there are exceptions to this rule but I tell myself, if I’m questioning it, chances are I will not wear it.

Anyone guilty of this? Story of my life.  This rule kind of goes along with Rule #2. I sometimes will buy things just because it’s dirt cheap and then guess what happens? You guessed it- it sits there, tags attached and then ends up being donated.

It’s better to have 5-10 great investment pieces that can be worn year after year verses a bunch of crappy clothes that you’ll wear a couple of times.  Classic items will always be better than trendy pieces that will last one or two seasons.  This is one rule I battle with but have gotten better over the years.

Buy items that will pair with other items in your wardrobe.  Versatile pieces will always get more wear and you get more bang for your buck.  If you don’t think it will go with more than one item you currently have, move on.

9. Buy Things You Feel Good In

You know what looks good on you so buy what you feel great in.  It’s great to go outside of your comfort zone but let’s be real, most of the time, that item that you thought you HAD to have but will never wear probably won’t make it out of your closet.

Instead of spending sporadically every month, I suggest a list of of things you really want/need to buy.  Set a budget and stick to it.  This will help you stay focused on what you really want instead of buying whatever is on sale.

If you asked me years ago, I definitely would have a different answer as to which rules I have excelled in and which rules I need to work on.  This year, I need to work on #2, #6 and #7.  As you may know, I’ve been doing some major closet purging and will be giving away some items from my closet!  Stay tuned! 🙂

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  1. Whenever I go to shopping, I always think to a find a piece that could fit to the other items on my wardrobe but you must consider that neutral colors like white, black and white can fit to any other pieces. It’s a lot convenient and money-saver.

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