You have a smaller budget but not a smaller appetite for fashion. What to do, o’ fashionista? Shop smarter of course, and in the fashion world that means shopping with love and embracing quality over quantity. Analyzing the cost-benefit of each selection and purchase will yield better results for your wallet and your closet. So the next time you’re in the store pondering whether to buy that crisp A-line teal skirt, and avoiding your next confession as a shopaholic, ask yourself these key questions:

• Do I love it? Or even better, is anything worth purchasing that you don’t love? How else do you think Carrie Bradshaw managed to wow us with each outfit? I’m sure she didn’t go for anything that she was feeling so-so about. Avoid the 'just okay' shirts you see and buy that one 'can't live without' top -- you'll be less likely to drop it off at the Goodwill next year.
• Does it flatter me? If you’re going to spend money on something you love, make sure it flatters your figure. Don’t buy based on what it looks like on the mannequin. You have to assess all angles in the dressing room. Good tailoring and quality definitely make a difference as well, which is why you should also pay attention to the brands or styles that generally complement you. 
• Have I evaluated everything in my closet? You want to have a clear picture of what you do and don’t need. “A well-edited closet should, believe it or not, be relatively small,” says Michelle Madhok, founder of the fashion and style site SheFinds.com. “The last thing you want is to have a closet full of things you never wear -- the volume will only distract you. Every good closet should have the following basic pieces -- and no more than two of each: black dress, nice jeans, good black pants, trench coat, white button-down shirt and black blazer.” 
• Does my roommate or sister have something like it? Why buy what you can borrow? Now, you don’t have to go crazy with borrowing your friend’s entire closet (assuming she’ll even let you go there) but a belt, hat or shirt here and there won’t hurt and will save you money -- especially if it’s a trendy item you won’t wear for long. Also, keep you ears open to news of a friend cleaning out her closet, and you might the the lucky recipient of some freebies!
• Can I mix and match it? Unless you’re planning to overhaul your closet, then it would be wise to consider if your new purchase would complement the colors and items you already have, in order to get the most bang for your buck. 
• Is it on sale? If you’re shopping at a national retail store, then shame on you for even considering buying at full price. Although boutiques are quite a different story, chain stores hold rather frequent sales, so it’s best to hold off, mull over your purchase and wait for the price to fall. “Thanks to the volume of designers' collections at discount stores and chains raising the bar on the quality of their collections, you can find a lot of the basics for not a lot of money,” Madhok says. “It's not necessary to splurge on a white button-down, for example, since you're going to have to replenish it in a few seasons to keep it white.” 
• Do I need it? Need is such a malleable term when it comes to fashion. Maybe you don’t need an extra [insert coveted item here], but a new bag may be worth the splurge. "You should spend money on items you use on a regular basis,” Madhock says. “Handbags, for example, are worth the money since the more expensive ones tend to be more durable and you will most likely use yours several times a week.”

What are your shopping strategies?