If you look closely, you'll likely notice that the great creatives - think Tom Ford, Betsey Johnson, DVF, Rachel Zoe, and Jonathan Adler to name a few - have established a unique design aesthetic that runs through every element of their life. Thanks to the voyeuristic nature of our society (and the internet, natch) we're blessed with sites like StyleLikeU that allow us to get a sneak peek (albeit an edited version) into these very personal spaces.

As I've gotten older, I've noticed a fundamental shift in the way that I think about money. Perhaps it's a generational change, however the conservative Arkansas in me never would have shelled out for a Chanel handbag. In fact, she would have likely carried a fake and hoped that no one called her out (seriously, the secret shame is intense). Maybe it's a sign of maturity, but every time I make a purchase, down to the coffee mug I desperately cling to in the morning, I think how it fits into my vision of my life. Would it look out of place in a photo of my desk?

Taking inspiration from many of the creative geniuses that I named above, I think about the impact my potential purchase might make within my apartment, my wardrobe or my every day life. For me, finding the balance between price, functionality and appearance is a struggle.  For example, when you pack for a vacation, do you pick a theme for your daily outfits and build upon that? Might one of your goals be to have matching luggage?

Granted, it's much easier to make these decisions when money is no object, but I'm so curious about the approach you take when adding a new piece to your life. What is your thought process?

Please leave your thoughts in the comments below!