How to choose GREAT pieces to add to your closet

It's the age-old question for most women...how do you choose what to add to your closet?  If you're really trying to be picky about what you purchase you have to set out some criteria for yourself.  Like I mentioned at the beginning of the month, I am trying my hardest to really use my current closet more, shop less, and remix, remix, remix.  If I make a purchase I only want to buy things that are stand outs, things that I can easily remix, things that I can get good use out of and things that are unique.

Like many, my closet is full of lovely things to choose from each morning.  When one has a hobby of shopping you start to accumulate quite a few things.  I'm like a collector.  A collector of clothes.  And here I always prided myself in not "collecting" things.  Jokes on me.  =)  My collection holds many things...some things I should still probably get rid of, some things I wear over and over, and some things I'm not totally in love with but keep because I know I spent good money on it and feel like I should find a way to make it work.  Those are the kinds of pieces I'm trying to avoid purchasing anymore.  

  As I was browsing Anthropologie recently I came across a cardigan that I just love and feel like it fits all the criteria I've mentioned above.  

Australe Cardigan

It has fabulous colors that can easily match multiple colors, it has stripes which are always fun and something I'm comfortable with, and it has a really cute flower detailing (that continues onto the back) that makes it stand out from other cardis.  I thought I would put this cardigan to the test and try to mix and match it with multiple things using Polyvore.  I wanted to see how and if I could make it work with what I already have in my closet.  The rule I had for making these sets was that I could only use things I already owned so I could get a good idea of how I would really wear it.  Here's what I came up with:

Look #1: Everyday Cute & Casual

Australe Cardigan/Twisted Ascot Tee/Toothpick Ankle Denim by jennifoundinmycloset featuring a modal shirt

Look #2: Sunday Best

Australe Cardigan/Sidebent Tank/No. 2 Pencil Skirt-Spicy Gold by jennifoundinmycloset featuring tear drop earrings

Look #3: Date Night

Australe Cardigan/Glimmer Graph Shell/ AG Stevies-Sulfur Plum/Chiseled Wedges by jennifoundinmycloset featuring tiffany & co jewelry

Look #4: Summer Days 

Australe Cardigan/Sunrise Shirtdress/Lemon Stick Wedges by jennifoundinmycloset featuring forever 21 jewelry

Four outfits, four totally different looks, only one cardigan.    Love! I've convinced myself this cardigan is a must-have in my wardrobe and can't wait to give it a go. I hope it hits sale soon because at $118, I'll definitely be waiting for a price drop.

So what special items are you waiting to add to your closet right now?  Do you struggle with how to choose what you purchase?  How do you pick??

Hope you have a great day!