How not to waste your money

Since I bumbled a bit in the "smart wardrobe" area this week, I thought I'd counter that with a list of shopping tips and reminders. I believe you can live a simpler life without giving up pride in your appearance (notice, that's pride--not vanity). I have always loved style and fashion, and I am constantly trying to refine and simplify in those areas so I can live a more balanced life, without giving up the parts I find oh-so-fun.

1. Create some shopping rules/mantras for yourself. One blogger has such fashion rules as "Never buy something that's clearly not your style just because it's hot." If you know what you came for and what you love, you'll get a loss less distracted and end up a lot less broke.

2. Buy from thrift and consignment stores. Not only are you shopping locally and usually supporting a good cause, you're generally paying a lot less than you would at the mall. And chances are low that anyone else will be sporting that same top you bought at the Salvation Army last week.

3. Keep your receipt! I've learned the hard way that regret might take a few days to sink in. If you know you're prone to impulse purchases (even if it's only occasionally), keep the receipt and RETURN it. Less clutter and your money is back in your pocket.

4. Develop a minimalist style. Have a penchant for Calvin Klein? Study the style of minimalists, and you'll have a great style that doesn't require a lot of extra accoutrements in your closet.

5. Skip trendy and buy quality, classic pieces. What's a better value--the $10 t-shirt you wore once before it fell apart or the $30 tee you were able to wear 30 times before it started to go? One of the most wasteful parts of fashion is disposable clothing. Stop buying into trends that you toss after a couple of months. Buy classic (not boring!) pieces that you'll be able to wear over and over again. For example, I recently bought a pair of flats. I could've bought something bright and colorful like the ones below, but they wouldn't have coordinated with much in my wardrobe.

Instead, I stalked these flats at TJMaxx and finally bought them when the hit the clearance rack at $29. If you can get a lot of wear out of colorful items, then explore your options. But, if you're like me and get the long haul out of neutrals, then pick a classic shape and style that you won't have to toss a few months down the road.

When it comes to your wardrobe, there are plenty of ways to streamline without giving up your style.