The money mindset to materialize your dream closet without the spending shame.
A transformational formula to align your spending & dream style.
Hello!
I hope you're doing well. Apologies for my brief absence from your inbox, life has a way of throwing unexpected twists and turns, but I’m back and ready to share some very important thoughts on purchase justification, but more broadly- spending money on yourself.
There’s a familiar dilemma when it comes to investing in yourself (specifically when shopping for our closets). Beyond the practical questions like, “How often will I wear this?” (calculating price per wear) or “Does this integrate aesthetically with my existing wardrobe?” there’s often an overlooked yet essential component to the conversation. And yes, it might sound a bit “woo woo,” but it actually gets to the heart of what shapes our taste through resonance, not external influence, which is energetic alignment.
Stay with me lol…
When we strip curation down to its core, it’s not just about practicality or design- it’s about how the purchase aligns with our sense of self-worth and the value we assign to the item. Every piece we choose to bring into our lives is a reflection of how we see ourselves and what we believe we deserve.
It’s not just about whether something looks good or fits well; it’s about whether it resonates with our identity, aspirations, and the energy we want to embody.
Think about the difference between an impulse buy and a purchase that feels deeply right, one that carries a sense of certainty, satisfaction, and fulfillment. The latter isn’t just about the item itself; it’s about the emotional and energetic exchange taking place. When we consider a purchase from this lens, we’re not just acquiring something, we’re reinforcing a belief about who we are and what we’re worthy of.
That being said, I came across this powerful money spell/ mantra/ formula while listening to Love Money, Money Loves You by Sarah McCrum, which can greatly help us clarify our spending choices & make more meaningful decisions.
It goes like this:
If self value + object value = price, then buy.
If self value + object value > price, do not buy.
If self value + object value < price, do not buy.
Let’s break it down a bit further.
If self-value + object value = price, then buy.
This is the goal. The item resonates with your personal identity, aligns with your aesthetic desires, and integrates seamlessly into your wardrobe. It is priced appropriately for its quality, longevity, and the role it plays in your life. There is no hesitation, only clarity.
Example: A vintage leather jacket that meets your cost expectations. It feels timeless to you, crafted with exceptional quality, and slipping into it feels like you're putting on a second skin- the investment is justified.
If self-value + object value > price, do not buy.
Just because something is a “steal” or has high resale value doesn’t mean it deserves space in your wardrobe. The emotional pull of a deal can override discernment, leading to purchases that can feel pragmatic or experimental, but lack deeper alignment. This is where strategy comes in: Is this an intentional acquisition, or is it just opportunistic?
Example: A second-hand designer handbag is on a major sale that stops you in your tracks. It’s in great condition & it’s beautiful, but it’s not something you would buy full-price. You’re drawn in by the brand or discount, but deep down, you know it wouldn’t be a cornerstone of your wardrobe. Don’t buy.
If self-value + object value < price, do not buy.
An item can be beautiful, opulent, or even aspirational, but if it requires you to stretch beyond your means financially or energetically (it’s draining you emotionally to invest), it diminishes rather than enhances your self-perception. The allure of luxury or even social signaling can be strong, but real personal style is about self-understanding, not external validation. If the purchase makes you feel uncertain, unworthy, or uneasy, it is not meant for you at this moment.
Example: A fine watch gives you butterflies, but it’s beyond the budget you allocated for this category in your wardrobe. While you’re drawn to its craftsmanship and the statement it makes, the cost feels burdensome, and it doesn’t align with your day-to-day needs or lifestyle. The idea of owning it is tempting, but deep down, you know it wouldn’t add true value to your life, and would be a constant reminder of money down the drain that could have been better used elsewhere. Don’t buy.
Shopping, especially when curating a wardrobe with intention, is a practice in self-awareness, control, and discernment. It’s not just about collecting things you like; it’s about making choices that affirm and elevate your identity while keeping you balanced energetically.
I highly recommend giving the audiobook a listen for a deeper dive into money receptivity.
When we approach spending with a deep understanding of our own worth, we naturally cultivate a wardrobe (and a life) that reflects a high self-esteem.
I’m eager to hear how this formula influences your spending! Keep me posted in the subscriber chat.
Thank you so much for reading.
Sending lots of love.
X,
B
Transform your wardrobe sustainably in just 30 days.
If your inner monologue sounds like this:
"I’ve been chasing trends on Instagram and buying into every influencer recommendation, but none of it feels like me. I just want to look polished and put-together in a way that feels true to my style."
"My mornings are chaos— I spend too much time rifling through my closet, trying to make something work. It’s exhausting not having outfits I can rely on to make me feel confident and ready to take on the day."
"I just got promoted to a leadership role, but my wardrobe still feels like I’m stuck in my intern days. I want my clothes to match the confidence I need to project in my new position."
"My closet is full, but I don’t want to wear any of it. I keep buying things on impulse, hoping to spark my style, but instead, I end up with random pieces that don’t work together."
It doesn’t have to be this way- there’s a smarter, more intentional approach to personal style & closet curation.
My Signature Styling Service:
It starts with a style audit & closet review. As we gain clarity on your challenges and conceptualize a creative direction for your wardrobe, you'll upload your closet items to your personalized style site.
We’ll meet once per week to align on your schedule for the upcoming days. I will create 4 bespoke outfit formulas (8 outfits total), linked to your style site calendar. (The formula-based lookbook teaches you how to iterate & expand your creativity through seemingly minor changes. It sharpens your eye & perception).
Each week, we’ll target 3-5 essential categories to shop for as needed (e.g., white t-shirts, black boots, raincoats). They will be carefully selected to address the immediate priorities of your wardrobe. For each category, I’ll present multiple options tailored to your unique style and budgetary goals.
Two 1-hour style calls are available for the duration of your package for a boost of inspiration, packing assistance, or event preparation.
Enjoy complimentary premium access to my Substack for 1 year.
The proof is avail:
Hear what some of my clients have to say.
"Bari’s styling is not a short term band-aid to looking more hip. Rather, if you are ready to invest in yourself, look inward and understand who you want to exude to the world, and slowly curate a closet for yourself that will last a lifetime, connect with Bari. She has changed the way I think about clothing and I am forever grateful!"- Chloe C, ATX
“Finding those unique, high-quality pieces that I wouldn't have spotted on my own was awesome. Plus, the outfit formulas were super helpful—they'll definitely guide my future shopping and keep my impulsive buys in check.” - Morgan G, NYC
"She quickly and effortlessly understood my taste, even better than I did. Bari was able to develop a cohesive aesthetic and core principles for my style, something I had struggled to define my entire life."- Hannah D, NYC
You can read through more client experiences, here.
Pricing:
Book 1 month for $1,750, or 3 months (you can split them up throughout the year) for $4,500 (save $750). Pricing is subject to change.
Payment plans are also available- if you have questions or want to explore more, feel free to book a discovery call or email me at thecuratedtastemaker@gmail.com.
Mwah!
The way Bari's brain works is a gift to us all! This is a brilliant breakdown of how to avoid buying something just because the price is right while ALSO helping stop us from buying something outside our budget!