Savvy Shopping: Clean Closet, Happy Gal

We spend way too much time thinking about what we're going to wear, what we need to buy and what we wish we had in our closet. Is your closet overflowing, yet you don't love most of what's in there? Try these tips to help clean through the clutter and get what you really need.

TIP #1: Determine what you wear, discard what you don't.

Do you know most people only wear a fraction of their clothes? To see what you actually wear – and what you can part with – do this: turn all of your hangers backwards -- so it hangs looking like a question mark. If you're motivated, take a few extra minutes to pull out any items you know you're ready to donate. Now, every time you wear an item and return it to the closet turn the hanger the right way again. After a few months you’ll see what hasn’t been worn. Strongly consider if it’s time to give these items a better home (donation, consign, give to a friend, etc).

When I did this, I not only found items I could part with, I also put together outfits I haven't worn in ages or normally wouldn't combine because I was trying to make use of more of my wardrobe!

TIP #2: If you must, think before you donate.

I find it hard to get rid of clothes... though I am getting better. I’m crazy sentimental and therefore, kind of a pack rat. To minimize wasted space in my closet, I go through my closet every few months and make two piles: a donation pile and a “I don’t think I need it but can I live without it??” pile. I put that pile in the back corner of my closet (or wherever is convenient for you) and a few months later check it out. Did I miss these items? I wind up keep one or two things but the rest? Didn't even miss it. Donation! If you find it hard to part with items, try this method.

TIP #3: Plan before you buy.

With every new trend and every season, us average gals are dying for new pieces to add to our wardrobe. This season for example, there are so many trends: military, neutrals, greys, faux fur, leapord... I could go on and on. Before buying, consider what you really need and want.

Recently, I knew I wanted a Tory Burch wallet, skinny green cargo pants and a few blouses for daytime (felt like I only had blah tees and work-ish type shirts). Sooo.... I didn't buy a pair of jeans on a great sale at Loehmann's or pair of Steve Madden sandals on sale for $25 from $80 because I really didn't need them... just wanted them. BUT, I have since bought my fab wallet and last week I scored my skinny green cargos. And, every time I look at these items I'm really happy. Happier than those random jeans that would be sitting next to 20 more in my closet.

What do you really want? Make a list and stick to it!

****TIP #4: Only buy it if you love it (not because it's on sale!)****
Think of me as your best friend hanging over your shoulder as you're in the fitting room. When looking at sale items, ONLY purchase if you love it and would buy it at full price. I don't mean if you could afford it at full price, but do you think it's worth it? If you’re only buying it because “it looks good on me for $12 yet it's kind of bunches here and I wish it was slightly longer" then is it really a deal? Will you wear it? Save that money toward one better item! You'll be happy you did.

TIP #5: Don't be afraid to return
Did you buy something and a few weeks later you're thinking, why the hell did I buy this? Then, put in the to-be-returned item and reciept (I hope you save all your receipts, for at least a few months!) in your car right now. This way, if you happen to unexpectedly pass the mall or that boutique you can return it. I swear this has saved me time, effort and money countless times.

Happy de-clutting, saving... and shopping!