Maybe the wardrobe of your dreams is represented on a Pinterest board; if you’re a real Type A Personality, you will have taken it one step further so it consists of dozens of images linking to specific pieces in current collections.

Or maybe it’s more of a daydream – a hazy fantasy to be fulfilled at some vague point in the future.
Either way, being able to afford the wardrobe of your dreams requires one thing above all else – saving. Here are some idea to get you started, stay motivated, and eventually make your dream wardrobe a reality.
1. Set yourself a goal
This part will be a piece of cake for those with a strong Type A penchant for listmaking ;-).
For the rest of us, however, it can be hard to put the theory of savings into practice.
Of course the best place to start is by drawing up a budget, and determining your income after regular expenses like mortgage payments, bills, petrol, and groceries.
Next, decide how much money you’d like to put aside each month for your DWF (Dream Wardrobe Fund, duh). It’s much easier if you have a separate savings account for this, and set up an automatic transfer so you can forget about it.
Finally, make a list of your dream pieces, and how much they cost. Work out how long it will take you to save for each one as you come across them, and decide whether or not they’re still worth the time it will take to get them (this is an excellent reality check).
Try to reward yourself with one of these special pieces every few months to keep motivated! If you can see a tangible result of your hard-earned savings, you’ll be more likely to stay on track.
2. Don’t stop buying clothes altogether
We’ve all been there. You tell yourself that you’re not buying absolutely anything else, ever – or at least until you give a bunch of your old clothes to charity/the season changes/you’ve saved up enough for that one really pricey pair of boots.
Depending on how good your resolve is, this determination can last anywhere from days to months, until suddenly something snaps and you come back to your senses after losing an hour, holding three carrier bags full of ill-fitting pieces you’ll only wear once, and a depressing ATM receipt.
Absolute denial will inevitably lead to a binge (detox diets, anyone?). So rather than cut yourself off completely, shop smarter – check out clothing websites like www.stylekeepers.com.au for affordable, on-trend pieces that will get you your fix without blowing an entire paycheck – there are some excellent bargains to be had in the “sale” section.
3. No credit cards
So this one’s a no-brainer – by all means keep a credit card for genuine financial emergencies (and no, nothing to do with your wardrobe qualifies as one of these!).
If you don’t have the ready cash for something, then you can’t afford it. Simple.
Hopefully these three simple steps will give you the push you need to stop dreaming, and actually start acquiring the wardrobe of your dreams.
What is your best tip when you are saving for something special, whether it’s the wardrobe of your dreams or the holiday of a lifetime, or something else?!
Linking up with Essentially Jess, because I Blog on Tuesdays.
Hmmm… I’ve never bought clothing online (except the odd t-shirt). Perhaps I should start. I just spent four days wandering Brisbane mall and couldn’t find ANYTHING!
Oh I hate that, when you WANT to buy something and just can’t find anything!
Some good pointers there Janet! I need SO many new clothes but I’ve gained weight and so shopping is not enjoyable *sigh*. 2014 is the year I will lose some weight! I am a fan of shopping on-line because I don’t like shopping centres much and I love the thrill of a parcel arriving in the mail 🙂
I haven’t had much luck with online shopping for clothes so far Min, my best purchase to date is the dress I’m wearing today (I posted it on Instagram) which is from Katies. I think it’s a success because I already have a similar one from Katies so knew what to expect.
I usually sell some clothes online that I haven’t worn then use that money to buy items I will wear. I love shopping online now that I’m a mum and it’s a nightmare to go in the change room with little kids that like to peek under doors or open the curtains!
I remember those days Bec, and blessed those stores that thoughtfully provided a little basket of toys in the change rooms 🙂
What a great idea, an account for big wardrobe purchases, Louboutin shoes and a Birkin bag anyone? Hehe. Not sure I’ll get the husband to agree though! 😉 And I agree, no credit cards, DANGER (has anyone not seen Confessions of a Shopaholic!) lol.
LOL Steph when I saw the name of your blog, at first I thought it said “frocktail.com” as in a mixture of frocks and cocktails – totally works hey!
I always buy from thrift stores so I don’t need to save..
I usually try to give up one of my little luxuries while I’m saving for example taking lunch from home to work rather than buying it everyday.
I just don’t go shopping, I have very little willpower and most of the time just end up buying stuff for the kids! I could SO do with a new shirt right now, I wear the same things, day in and day out 🙁
For me it is not using the credit card and saving a bit every week/month. You are so right about not buying nothing as it will drive you crazy like starving yourself!