Seven years ago (when I first started blogging), my personal style motto could've been summarized as "I only wear the cheapest." I didn't care about being best dressed, I just wanted to save the most money. But here's what I've learned over the years:

You feel better when you wear what actually makes you happy.  You are worth the investment!! 

Spending more to get what you actually want doesn't just give you the warm fuzzies though, it's also practical. It saves you money in the long run, because you won't find yourself re-buying the same type of items over and over again! I'm not saying that "best" necessarily equals the most expensive option, or the one other people will like. Best equals what makes your fashion heart most happy. It's the thing you'll actually wear again and again, and the thing that is instantly your favorite in your whole closet. Today's star bodysuit is a great example of that for me. I knew I wanted a star print but passed on the bodysuit at first, on account of it being "too expensive." And then I realized, why not get the thing I really want? It may not be my initial instinct to spend $70 on one item, but technically it's still in my budget, and if I'm truly following my new motto of "I only wear the best" then I should go with my top pick!

Ps. I'm wearing my usual UK brand size 6 here, but realized during the photo shoot that it's way too big in the back (the zipper was sticking out), so the size 4 is on it's way! Fingers crossed it works. 

Update: The size 4 fits perfect - woo hoo! And even better news. The price dropped 50% so I got it for only $35!!

Top: Nordstrom, $70 (which wound up being only $35!)
Jeans: Nordstrom, $78
Skirt: Bloomingdale's c/o, $68 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Charlotte Russe, $25 (similar)
Purse: Macy's c/o, $55 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Kendra Scott, gift (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 3 years ago. Purse and earrings are 1 year ago. Jeans and shoes are recent. Top is new.

Nordstrom  /  Revolve /  Bloomingdale's  /  Modcloth  /  Saks
Forever 21  /  Nordstrom  /  Nordstrom  /  Bloomingdale's
Asos  /  J. Crew  /  Bloomingdale's  /  Asos