The last couple of weeks I've really been learning about what I already own, partly prompted by the seasonal change, partly prompted by some recent shopping decisions.

I've resisted it for a long time, but I've started making lists of what's in my closet. So far I've counted and listed:

• sweaters (7, only 2 of which are black)
• skirts (18!, 6 of which are black, 2 of which need tailoring/repairs, and 2 of which should probably be pitched)
• non-jean trousers (6)
• jeans (4, 1 of which is too short)
• cardigans (9; 3 long, 2 waist length, 4 cropped)
• jackets (12, 2 are new purchases, 4 I almost never wear, even though they're really nice, they fit, and I like them - have to think about that)
• dresses (14)
• nce tops that are hanging in the closet (as opposed to t-shirts and knit shells that are in a drawer; 9, 2 of which I never wear and should pitch)

I'm still afraid of the t-shirt/knit tops drawer :-).

I've learned that, previous unknown to me, I have a color palette! Almost everything is black, grey, heathery purple/plum and heathery or olive green. Weird, huh?

Staring at my lists has helped me think of about a bazillion clothing combinations that I've never thought of before, and has also provided me with a very interesting catalog experience. A couple of catalogs came today (JJill, Eddie Bauer, Garnet Hill), and as I leafed through them, every time I saw something I might like to buy, I thought, I've got something very similar to that already, or, I could put together a look like that with stuff I've already got.

Very enlightening! Oh, and the Goodwill bag is very, very full.