Budgets get such a bad rap, and to be honest, it's just about giving yourself a limit. Sure, that might not sound like much fun, but think of it this way: being able to set a limit is a blessing—be grateful you can afford even a few things. Praise God!

Anyways, Sister Shay has left the building- let's get back to why you're really. How do you master the art of shopping on a budget?

It requires a lot of planning ahead. Well for starters, create a budget. As simple as it sounds, this is usually what we're doing wrong. Open your banking app and take a good look at your finances. Ask yourself, “How much can I comfortably spend today without regretting it tomorrow?” Set that number in stone. Let's say it's $200.

Now, with your budget in mind, think about what you need. How many pieces are you hoping to come home with? There's a huge difference between wanting to get four pieces with $200 versus eight with $100. Make a list. Prioritizing helps you stay focused and avoid impulse buys that can blow your budget. 

After understanding this, we can start choosing brands to shop at based on our budget and what we want to take home.

Tier 1: Under $20 per Piece

Looking to spend under $20 per piece, shops like Target, H&M, and Primark offer trendy basics and seasonal pieces that won't break the bank. They are perfect for finding stylish yet affordable options.

Tier 2: $20-$50 per Piece

With a budget of $20-$50 per piece, includes stores like Urban Revivo, Princess Polly, and Mango. These brands provide stylish and slightly higher-quality fast fashion options that are still budget-friendly.

Tier 3: $50-$100 per Piece

Looking at $50-$100 per piece, brands like Abercrombie, Rumored, SNDYS and Meshki offer trendy, high-quality pieces. These stores are ideal for finding timeless and stylish wardrobe staples.

Tier 4: $100-$200 per Piece

With a budget of $100-$200 per piece, check out Nordstrom, Aritzia, and similar brands focus on high-quality, trendy pieces that justify the investment.

Tier 5: $200+ per Piece

Where you're willing to spend $200+ per piece, includes luxury retailers like Nordstrom, Far Fetch, and Cult Gaia. These stores offer a wide range of designer and high-end brands, perfect for adding premium, statement pieces to your wardrobe.