With the change of the seasons and the weather getting colder, it is a great time to check out your closet. It may also be time to clean it up and reorganize it with a new shelf. It is time to remove those items that you may have enjoyed wearing to death this summer, but time for the garbage now. So it is out with the old, and time to make room for some new items.

The first thing you want to do is get a pen and some paper, handy to make notes on. Ask yourself why you might not be wearing some items.

1. Is it because it needs to be fixed? Then fill up a basket with those items and do not return them to the closet until they are fixed.

2. Is it because it is missing something, like a belt or tie, or a skirt or pair of pants? Make a note on your paper of items you want to buy.

3. Is it because you do not like it? Then it is time to put it into a bag or box, to donate it so someone else who can wear it.

4. Is it because it does not fit you or you just don't want to give it up?

Any item you just do not want to give up put into a different basket. These are the items you can ask me what to do with. There could be a great way to recycle those items.

Once your closet is clean it is time to take that list and go shopping, to buy a few new items to jazz up your line of clothes. It does not need to cost a fortune. Even a new suit jacket or pair of pants, or new shoes will add new life to other items you already have in your closet. Just like trying new foods you need to add new things to your wardrobe to keep it fresh. This is a great way to keep your life exciting and give you a good feeling when you get dressed each day.

A NEW YEAR!

TIME TO WEED IT OUT AGAIN

Can't decide which clothes to discard?

Here is a simple idea: turn the hanger hook backwards on the rod for all your clothes this year. This is great if you separate your clothes, like shirts in one area, pants in another, dresses together, and suites. Then each year, check your wardrobe and those items that have not had their hangers turned around can be given to charity, since you never wore it.

If your the type that puts the clean clothes back on the rod at the left side and slide the other items to the right each time, try this: put a hanger at the beginning of the rod on the left side with a ribbon on it or use a colored hanger. Each time you put your clothes back on the rod the hanger will move down the rod to the right. So at the end of the year anything on the right side of that hanger you can give to charity.

What fashion issue do you fret about?

What are your shopping don't?

What should not be in your closet?

Here are just a few to get you started, then add your personal pitfalls or new resolutions to your fashion problems!

I will not buy anything without trying it on first. (it does not pay to buy something to take home, to find out it does not fit, and then just takes up space in the closet)

I will weed out the has-beens so my closet is stocked with wearables not worriables.

I will fix or sew items before returning them to the closet or give them away.

I will never again buy anything in a color that's pretty on everyone, but me.

I will not buy anything on impulse, just because it is cheap.

I will not buy anything unless it goes with at least two things I already own.

I will not buy or hold onto too-tight shirts or jeans based on the hopes of loosing five pounds. (loose the weight first and enjoy buying something then)

I will finally throw out my grungy sneakers or slippers or shoes or boots.

Get ready for spring!

Even Oprah is cleaning out her closet this month!

When you make your list of items you would like to buy keep it handy in your wallet, this will help to make sure you get what you really want and need. You will also have a list for your friends and family should they ask you what you might want for your birthday, christmas or any other gift giving event.