Adding Pieces to Your Wardrobe | What I Wore #ootd

I used to shop 'til I dropped. When money and closet space were no object (they actually WERE, just not in my mind). These days I'm a little more careful when adding pieces to my wardrobe. It's more than a one night stand - I'm looking for a relationship.

Take this new top from Boden, for instance. I saw it on Instagram . . .yes, I really DO get inspired from online pictures and the things you share! So I searched the Boden site, using "polka dots" and found the shirt. Hey - it was on sale - that's good news. I also thought it would go with several pieces in my closet already (I have a vision of it with faded cuffed jeans and colored shoes).

Fit can be dicey when shopping online,  so I reviewed the charts and the reviews and decided on a size and ordered it. When it came, I love it. And I realized that the aqua dots, matched this comfy pair of cropped pants perfectly!

Pants - Lands End (last year)

Shirt - Boden (new!)

Shoes - Target (old)

Necklace - Tiffany

Bracelets - Alex and Ani, Tiffany, Stella and Dot and AnnikaLane

So what's a girl to do when she wants (ok needs) to add pieces to her growing wardrobe? I have a 3-part test that a piece has to pass before I lay out hard-earned cash.

1. Fit - The fit has to be right - no pulling, no a bit too tight, no too short, too long. Unless the price is amazing (like jeans for a penny) it has to fit well.
2. Compatibility - The piece has to play nicely with other pieces I already own. That means more than just a pair of jeans. I try to come up with at least three outfit ideas in my head before purchasing a new piece of clothing.
3. Price - If it passes the first two tests, then I need to seriously weigh if the piece is worth it's price. I'm looking for easy-to-care-for pieces now (not a lot of dry cleaning). Also, I'm not a fan of exposed zippers, poor hemming, rough seams . . .I like garments that are made well.

What's your shopping strategy these days?

catch you soon -
This post is linked up to The Pleated Poppy and to Get Your Pretty On