There is one question that I will always ask myself prior to purchasing something: "Will I get a lot of use out of this item?" If the answer is yes, I will invest in it. If not, then I will pass. Previously I have tried to be frugal and bought items on the whim just because the price was lower and/or it was on sale. I find that at the time, it may seem like a good buy, but later on, it just isn't worth it. The material either deteriorates or the piece goes out of style (or I get tired of it!). I will probably only get one or two uses out of it. That's not to say that I won't buy items that are priced lower and/or on sale. If an item costs less and/or is on sale and I know I will get a lot of use out of it, then I will buy it (major win!). But in general, I find investing in high-quality pieces that will get me a lot of wear is more important than buying a high quantity of pieces. Like the saying goes, "Quality over quantity!"