My Closet and My Shopping Rule

This is my closet, and yes, it's organized by color. That's kind of what I'm well-known for in my family--organizing my closet by color. I've been doing it that way since I was 13, I think? I really don't change that much.

I don't have the problem that many women complain about--that of not wearing a lot of the clothes they own. I mean, right now I'm feeling like I don't wear much of what I own because I'm forced to wear all black 4 days a week. But in general, I enjoy wearing all of my clothes, and I never open my closet and think: "I don't have anything to wear!"

I credit this accomplishment to religious observance of my shopping rule: Only buy it if I'm in love with it. Don't buy it 'cause it's a good deal, don't buy it because I think other people will compliment me on it, don't buy it because it would be a really practical staple wardrobe piece. When I'm considering buying a shirt, or a dress, or a pair of shoes, I ask myself, "Will I regret it for the rest of my life if I don't buy this?"

If the answer's no, I really won't regret it....by next week I won't even remember what color the shirt was! Then I don't buy it. If the answer is yes, years from now the pattern and style of this dress will haunt my dreams; then I buy it.

It's my theory that this shopping system saves money. Because how often can you honestly say of clothes that you are in love with them and will regret it for the rest of your life if you do not own them? This rule also makes sure that I get my money's worth out of my clothes. If I buy a $5 sweater that I didn't really love, but it was a good deal and I needed more winter clothes....I'm really not getting a whole lot of enjoyment out of that $5. If I buy a $12 pair of bright green skinny jeans and wear them again and again and smile every time I pair then with pink, purple, black, red, or blue shirts--I've made a good investment with my money!

 This was one of those: If I don't buy it I will dream about this dress for the rest of my life dresses. I'm glad I bought it!

I have a few items though, that I hold onto without ever wearing them. Mostly they are hand-me-downs that people gave me. I keep those because I think they might come in handy someday, though they aren't something I would have picked out if given the choice.

I also have about 3 pairs of jeans that I bought during my freshman year of college that remain stubbornly too big for me. Apparently during that stage I gave up on finding jeans that actually fit?? I haven't worn them in a few years because they won't stay up without some major help from a belt--but I figure they are useful to keep around for future reference.

Linking up with the Arizona Russums for the Closet Challenge!