Let me demonstrate by sharing with you my mini spree at Deseo yesterday. A couple of days ago, I got a text from Deseo, telling me that their store is displaying new arrivals and that I should go be the first to see them. So I thought, "Ok.  :)"

I managed to snag two dresses and one top from the new arrivals rack to try on in the dressing room. One was this beaded satin singlet-dress ($59.90), which was quite simple in cutting, but made up for the simplicity with the beads and purpley stripes. The other dress was of a classic style ($59.90) and geared towards work attire but with a sexy twist. Black, of course. The top ($29.90) caught my eye because of the rich red colour. On closer inspection, the fabric was soft silk and the top's only embellishment was some beading to the shoulders.

• The Fit

This goes beyond whether the dress or top or skirt is your size or not.

It may be in your size, but is it your fit? A good fitted outfit is tight and loose in all the right places.

• The 3 Views

Front, side and back. Everyone check the front of their reflections, but some forget to check from the side and back. People don't always face you directly from the front, but usually from angles. So, checking the outfit from these main angles may just be a good idea.

• Quality Check

Is a button missing? Has the stitching come loose? Is the hem uneven? If yes, inform the sales staff. They can either mend it for you or discount the item for the defect.

• Price vs. Value

If the price is crazy high but the overall value of the outfit (design, fit and quality) is just so-so, it probably isn't wise to purchase the outfit. However, sometimes the design is rare or this good of a fit is rare. Rarity = increase in value.

So, those are the four main deciding factors I'd take account of when deciding to buy an outfit or not. It takes a lot of practice to discipline yourself when something is just oh-so-beautiful, and I'd still have trouble half of the time I go shopping.

But I think I did a good job yesterday because the outfit I chose passed all the above four tests. Guess which one I ended up with? :)