Animal Print and Thoughts on Shopping

 You all have hear me talk about thredUp a number of times on here, and today I'm sharing probably my favorite find, this animal print dress from J.Crew, which has been on my wish list for quite some time.  I had a number of referral credits, so I was just glancing though the newest additions in my size and this dress popped up, just as quickly it went into my cart.  I love the shift style and the neckline too.  I wore it for the first time to church yesterday with this blazer and pumps, and going to wear it to school again this week.  Today I'm at a conference, hopefully not being bored to death.... Next, I think I'll pair it with my denim jacket, tights, and booties.

Have you joined thredUp yet?  If not, sign up here and get $10 of your first order and I get $10 too. : )

I've been thinking a lot about the purchases I've been making for the last six months or so.  I feel like there has been a significant shift in how and what I buy.  For the past few years I've had the mentality of buying as much as I can with my budget each month.  The problem with that was that I ended up with a lot of things I didn't need, or things that didn't fit perfectly, just because the price was right.

Now, I couldn't tell you the last time I went to Target "to look" or a thrift store. Why?  Because I ended up with a bunch of stuff I didn't need.  Now, I buy a lot less, but I'm willing to spend a bit more to buy quality that fits right and will last.

For example, last year I hemmed at hawed about this cute animal print dress that was $30. I ended up settling for one I found at Goodwill for $5 (seen here).  The dress is really pretty, but the top really gaps on me and it probably needs to be tailored to fit right.  I have quite a few examples just like this.  Now, I'm still all about a deal, but only when it fills a hole in my wardrobe.

I feel like this blog has really shown an evolution of my style, plus how and what I shop for. My suggestion for you who might be in the same boat as I was in:

1. Stop shopping when you'e bored, upset, exhausted, or if you just need some "me time." Instead treat yourself to a latte and book or magazine.  It's a lot less expensive and I bet you can find the same satisfying results without getting shopper's remorse.
2. Make a list of holes in your closet, when shopping stick to the list.
3. Some of you might disagree, but I now prefer shopping online. It helps me stick to my list, when I actually go shopping I have a tendency to browse (especially the sale rack), and I ended up with more than I need.
4. If you have a budget, realize you don't have to spend it all.  I use cash, so it's easy to just save it, then if I do want to purchase something bigger, I have the money saved up.
5. If you blog, it's a good idea to refrain from buying "for the blog." I've done this too because something was trending, or whatever.  I don't think this is ever the right reason to buy. Enough said.

What advise do you all have? I'm definitely not perfect, share your wisdom with me!

Blazer: H&M similar

Dress: JCrew (via thredUP) similar (on sale)

Necklace: Mariposa Medley c/o similar

 Bracelets: chloe + isabel c/o same, same 

Shoes: Nine West similar

Bag: Coach