I love to shop. For me, few experiences are more exhilarating than scoring the perfect must-have item.

But after trying to make a list of all the possible things I want to buy for fall, I came up short. I realized I don’t really need anything.

After reading the book, "The Shopping Diet: Spend Less and Get More " by Phillip Bloch, I was inspired by the idea of shopping in my own closet for clothes.

To me, that concept was foreign. The world is full of so many fabulous clothes, shoes and accessories. Why wouldn’t someone want to shop for more?

So I challenged myself. I needed to see if I could embrace the concept of learning to love what I already own rather than buying more items that I don't really need.

My journey began by evaluating all the items in my closet. The experience was agonizing. When I removed all my clothes from my closet, I learned that I had 13 new dresses, 10 pairs of shoes, 2 suits, 5 pairs of slacks and 11 shirts that I have never worn. That count didn't include clothing and accessories that I've worn only once.

I felt a sense of guilt. Why do I buy so much? Do I really need 20 pairs of jeans when I wear only 3 pairs? Do I really need another expensive handbag?

I felt really bad when I "found" items in my closet that I don't remember owning. For example, a sequin skirt that I had custom-made seven years ago I wore for the first time at an event last week.

I found a pair of leopard-print ballet flats (thank goodness animal prints are always in season) that I purchased a while ago in New York because they were so cute.

While I tend to purchase items that are more quality-over-quantity, I realized my quality items have increased in quantity. That's not a good thing. As I continued to clean out my closet, I realized that having more really made me have less, because I didn't see the value in the items I already owned because I rarely wear them.

It took me two days to organize and clean out my closet. In the process I have come to understand that I needed to let go of the items that were only in my closet to fill space. Now I can focus on building outfits from the items that I really love.

Now, don't get me wrong; I will still shop, but not as much. My new goal is to wear what I have before making a decision to purchase more.

So, if you see me in the Qcity wearing the same ensemble on different occasions, remember true satorialista's shop in their own closets first.

Here are tips to help you "shop" in your own closet.

1. Time Management: If your closet is a mess, take the time to whip it into shape. Assess everything you have in your closet, even accessories like belts and hats. Make two piles - a keep and donate pile. Remember, when you get rid of items that no longer work in your wardrobe you're making room for the items you already have to breathe.

2. Organize it: I'm sure you've got plenty. Put all shirts together, dresses, slacks, jeans, etc. Arrange clothing from the darkest to the lightest. That will make it easer for you to shop because you will see what you have and you'll feel better.

3. More than Goodwill and Salvation Army: Donate gently used and clean items to organizations such as Dress for Success, The Women's Shelter or Men's Shelter, or the Florence Crittendon Center.

4. What's old is new again: After you've done the hard work, use fashion magazines to see how many current trend items you may already own. Keep pictures that you like in a folder. The pictures can be used as a reference on how to wear the latest looks by using items you probably already own.
 

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