I like to re-read this thread every so often. Things I've decided in the last couple of months, after going through various buying/consigning/donating phases:
- Don't buy Final Sale items online unless you are absolutely sure of the style, color, and how it will look on you. I've learned this the expensive way for designer handbags in particular.
- Buy from a local store when possible, and cultivate a relationship with a salesperson to learn about new styles and colors, upcoming sales, and insight into the brand.
- Don't fall into the trap of keeping up with the Joneses (or friends, school parents, co-workers). A bag or "fabulous" item of clothing purchased to keep up with trends won't feel very personally satisfying unless it fits a need in your life.
- Likewise, ask yourself, if nobody in my neighborhood or at my workplace knew about this brand, would I still feel proud to wear this bag?
- Very few items are going to disappear permanently and never be available again, and if they do, there will always be something equally fabulous down the road! Such is our consumer society.