Style and Money: What's Worth It and What's Not?

If you had the chance to read my last blog, it is no secret that I enjoy fashion in every sense of the word; I enjoy experimenting with fun styles, and I don't mind turning some heads along the way.

I become weak at the sight of a pair of shoes or designer sunglasses; and when I can't get them out of my head, they make it right into my hands- and finally I spend the next week trying to justify the cost. I have learned some harsh lessons in this department.

This does not mean I always buy designer labels or names. I have not quite yet hit the lotto (wishful thinking). However I am guilty of indulging from time to time with the "I will always use this!" excuse, only to find that 90 percent of the time, that is not the case. I just pulled out my authentic Louis Vuitton handbag and started using it again after at least few years. The bag I will always use, is not getting much use at all.

While I do think it is healthy to have a guilty pleasure here and there, (we work for it, don't we?), I've learned a couple of things along the way that I thought may be helpful. Some may relate and some may not, but I have developed a new set of rules, after some serious spending mistakes, for justifying my fashion purchases.

• I need an outfit to go out in, tonight ... well, not necessarily, but this is something we often tell ourselves. If you must find something new to put on tonight because you were the victim of the camera and don't want to wear the same shirt 100 times, think wisely. As I was going through my clothing items recently, I cannot tell you how many fancy sparkly shirts that I have a hard time passing on, since I paid $90-plus for some of them, and wore them once. If your going somewhere and your going to take a bunch of photos – and you know as a result you will only wear that fabulous shirt one time, go into a different store. Chances are you can always find something similar or equally adorable for a quarter of the price, and not suffer from buyers remorse.
• Purses and shoes always fit, but ... your styles may change, even if only slightly. and the pair of shoes you would wear all the time, will start collecting dust. I do not regret all my shoe or purse purchases, but its usually the oddball finds that are more reasonably priced and FUN, that catches the eye. Its not the most expensive items that grab the most attention or make me feel the most confident. If you must splurge on that occasional designer purse or pair of shoes, (shoes being my guilty pleasure) make sure that you can wear it with several outfits based on color and style, and be realistic about it. You are not going to carry a $400 purple bag on a regular basis. Put it back on the rack. The $30 purple bag is equally as stylish.
• A little black dress and a suit .. are almost always worth it. Invest in it, and you will end up saving money. Men – a suit that fits nicely may cost a little money up front, but when you put a different shirt and tie with it for each occasion, it turns into a new outfit. Its one purchase that can be worn 50 different ways for one price tag. Ladies – a little black cocktail dress that fits nicely and flatters you, but may cost a little more than you wanted to spend up front, will turn into a completely different outfit if you know how to accessorize. Its flattering, shaping, and when you change the handbag and the jewelery, its a new outfit and nobody will know the difference. This sure beats the cost a new dress for every occasion. And so what if your waist size changes slightly, the answer is alterations. It works.
• Colors are important ... but in my experience colors sometimes determine my willingness to spend excessively on them. I love colors, bright and fun in every article of clothing. However the things that stand out like a sore thumb are usually the same things that I end up saying to myself "well everyone knows I wore this X times" and you put it back on the hanger. So usually if I'm being bold with colors, I try to spend less and invest more on solid colors, including black. You definitely don't want to look like your headed to a funeral every day, but when it comes to money be realistic about the colors you can play with, and the ones that will spend more time folded in your drawer.

Every person has their own set of guilty pleasures that are different than mine (have I mention corsets?). We are human and we will all cave on occasion. But these are definitely some things to keep in mind that may save you a few dollars; and I can guarantee, will still have you looking amazing. It doesn't take a lot of money to look and feel confident.

What are your tips for saving money on fashion?