As much as we would like it to money doesn’t grow on trees, and there isn’t a secret Narnia in our cupboards providing a secret world of endless storage space.

When it comes to buying a new article of clothing I always ask myself these questions before purchasing.

If I’m still keen on the item after considering all of the above, then it gets welcomed into my wardrobe. It’s important to invest in a few key staple garments that can be worn all year round.

I’ve had this Estelle dress for around six months now.

I paid over $150 and took it with me to Europe recently. With the simple addition of leggings, boots and a long sleeve top I was able to wear the dress in winter as well.

Now I wasn’t always this savvy with my shopping.

There was a time in my life where I purchased what I wanted, when I wanted, without any consideration. If an outfit looked good on me, then I felt good and I didn’t care what it cost and I secretly had it in my mind that my long term partner at the time might tell me I looked good too. {I actually cringe at the memory and admitting I felt like this}

My spending got a little out of control but hey I had a whole extra bedroom in my house for my clothes and had a good job, so surely it was okay right?

Deep down I knew it didn’t feel right, and the fact is, it wasn’t. The spending needed to stop and so did the reasoning for my purchases. Always trying to win his affection with my clothes and styling was unhealthy and financially draining. Eventually, the unhappy relationship with my partner ended and I decided that my entire life needed adjusting.

It wasn’t until I left my Melbourne city life behind, and went back to basics. I lived and worked on a remote tropical island resort, where uniforms were mandatory, storage space was minimal, suddenly I was on my own and away from tempting shops, and I began to understand that I’d been irrational with my purchases.

Fast forward a couple of years and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, 100% comfortable with being on my own, now knowing I’m beautiful without a man having to tell me, and a whole lot smarter with my shopping.

Nowadays, rather than impulse buying, I ask myself those key questions every time I’m considering buying clothes.

Finally, now when I do buy something, I either sell, donate or gift an article of clothing. Out with the old and in with the new I say.

Jo from iCurvy runs a 30day challenge what you got series once a year where for a whole month you wear what’s already in your wardrobe. Here’s her 2014 challenge