The most powerful enemy of our wallets is the big “i” – impulse.  This strong urge from within is responsible for silly in-the-heat-of-the-moment decisions such as spending $300 on a white shredded tee or exceeding our budget by a landslide just to outbid our comrades on eBay for that DVF dress.  I started writing a guide to shopping for clothes wisely while I was on lent last year.  I did it mainly to curb my own impulses, but perhaps the rest of you can take something away from this information as well.

What this guide entails is a list of 10 questions to ask oneself before making a clothing purchase.  The objective of said guide is to empower the consumer to make an informed decision by keeping impulses in check and prompting him/her to think about the purchase in a multidimensional way.  Note the point of these questions is not to discourage you from buying something.  They simply address issues that we tend to miss when the glory of an attractive item blinds our eyes.

(from St. Regis Room at The Bay on Queen Street)

Smart Question #1: Can you afford it?
This is obviously the most important question you need to ask yourself. Can you afford it?  No, seriously, can you really?  I’m not talking about putting it on your credit card and shredding the statement when it comes in.  Do you have money in the bank that can pay for this item right now?  If not, forget about it.  Clothes are just clothes.  There’s nothing you can’t live without.  The last thing you want to do is rack up debt from clothing.  It’s not worth it.  Just walk away.

Smart Question #2:  Does it go with other items in your current wardrobe?
Do you have clothes in your wardrobe that can work with this item?  I know what you’re thinking, I’ll just pick up those shoes and that belt to make this outfit perfect!  Oh and this would be really hot with that cute little clutch that I’ve been eyeing too! Stop.  I understand if you’re shopping an entire new outfit, but this is rarely the case and we simply can’t afford to think this way all the time.  You’re more likely to wear an item if it mixes well with your wardrobe.

Smart Question #3:  Off the top of your head, can you think of at least 3 ways to wear / style the item?
So yes, it goes with other items in your wardrobe!  Before you let the associate ring it up, stop.  Think about specific things in your wardrobe.  You need to be able to have this conversation with yourself: This navy bandage skirt I am about to buy can go with nicely with my white ruffled blouse and blue cardigan.. Another great idea would be wearing it with my black turtle neck and my pearl necklace.. How about dressing it down with my forest green oversized tee and grey tights?.. ohohoh, also with that men’s blazer I got from the thrift store last week.

Stay tuned for more..