When is enough, ENOUGH?

Very few people have heard me complain about having too much clothes. It takes a very special occasion for me to say it to myself, let alone out loud. Last weekend was one of those rare times.

I'm embarrassed to say that it took two cars and WAY too many trips up the stairs to bring my wardrobe to my new apartment (that was JUST my hanging clothes!). My dad counted the number of skirts, dresses, and tops I owned. I wouldn't let him to count my shoes or jeans. To both our shock, I managed to make my mother's shopping habits look mild! I even had a surplus of clothes that still had tags on them! I realized at this moment, that I have a few problems:
1. I shop too much*
2. I don't end up wearing lots of the things I buy
3. I have tons of things I don't even wear. I have convinced myself that I need to save my clothes even if I don't wear them so that my daughters will have vintage clothes when they come back in style.

Its a New Year and one of my resolutions is to save more and spend less. All the panic about the economy has finally started making me nervous. Here are a few of my tips for decreasing my shopping addiction:
1. I only bring cash to school. This makes it impossible for me to shop in between classes. Remember, I go to school in Union Square (a.k.a. the shopping mecca!) You can leave your wallet at home if you want extra help resisting the shopping temptation.
2. If I haven't worn something in my closet during the previous season- IT GOES! This does not apply to more expensive items, unless its fugly.
3. If it is out of style and from Forever 21 (or someplace like that)- I'm getting rid of it. Their clothes only last a few months anyways- saving them for my future children or grandchildren is not worth it. There is one exception, I think its ALWAYS worth it to save dresses. Nothing is better than a vintage dress!
4. Just because something is a good price or on sale, does not mean I should buy it! I think this is a hard one for lots of people. Here's my rule- if you suddenly like it more because its on sale, don't buy it! A sale should be a plus, not the plus.
5. The great thing about moving is that it lets you re-evaluate your closet. I cant believe what I forgot I owned!
6. If you look in your closet and think "I have nothing to wear!", then have a friend come look through your clothes. Fresh eyes help you see things in a better light. Lets be honest, whenever a friend wants to borrow something of yours- don't you suddenly like it more? Trust me! This works:)
7. Color coordinate your clothes in your closet. It helps you find things better and it also keeps things from getting lost amongst your other clothes.

*I am not, nor have I ever been in debt from shopping!