How To Avoid A Mispurchase

We've all been there... Buying a piece of clothing that didn't turn out the way we wanted. Too big, too small, just doesn't fit right. Or maybe it did fit your body, but not your mind?

Finding your style, and buying stuff that fits your personality, isn't easy. What do you like, and what do you hate? Here's my guide how to avoid mispurchases, and getting the wardrobe you've always wanted:

- Define your style! Is it classical, rock chic, casual cool, sporty, romantic, or a mix? My style is simple, feminie and rock chic. I think less is more, and I want to wear clothes that fit my figure, and I love elements of leather, skulls and studs.
Take a look into your closet and see what you got. Jeans, skirts, black, lots of colors? Organize you closet by color and type, so when you need a pair of jeans and a black tank top, you know where to find it. And get rid of clothes you don't wear, that doesn't fit, and that you just don't like anymore. Get a fresh start!

- When you get a picture of your style, you also get a picture of what's not your style. Write down things you know you should not be buying, becasue you know you get sick of it in the end.
I don't like colors, polkadots, harem pants, flower prints, and a lot more, so I try not to buy any of these. It depends on the piece of clothing, of course, but you know that in the end, it's not you, and you will stop wear it.

- Write a list of what you actually need. Black pants, dark denim and light denim jeans, black and white tank tops, black and white tees, a black blazer, a pair of ankle boots. What would be your perfect basic wardrobe? When you got all the basics, then you can start playing with trends. But only follow the trends you like, and that are very close to the style you already got. Don't go bananas and be someone you're not. It won't last.
I've tried a few trends over the years, maritime style, cow-girl, double denim and so on; horrible! Hated it, got rid of it all, and never went there again. It's okay to try and fail a couple of times, but in the long run, you know you're better of being you and getting another pair of Converse than a pair of ballerina shoes.

- When you shop on sale, have this in mind: would you have bought it if it was full price? If yes, go for it. If no, put it back. Don't buy it just because it's a great deal, it will probably be just another wasted piece in your closet. And another thing, take a good look at the clothes that you are buying. Are the buttons okay, the zipper, are there any spots or holes? Missing any studs? If there's something defect, tell the cashier, and you might get some percents off, but ask yourself: Can you fix it? Or will you wear something that's broken? If not, just forget about it. If yes, okay, get it.

- If you're having inspiration problems or just doesn't seem to go anywhere with you style; find yourself a style icon. If they got the same size and hight as yourself, it's a bonus, because then it will be even easier to get dressed. Just be a copycat. It's okay, we all do it sometimes.

I hope you find this guide useful, and remember: Fashion is fun, so have fun! Rules are made to be broken. Take chances and be a fashion rebel! It works if you work it!

I think Olivia Palermo, Whitney Port, Blake Lively and Kate Moss got a great sense of style, and when I'm stuck I turn to them for inspiration.