Since I put my Thrifty Threads 365 challenge on hiatus, I’ve had a few people ask if I’ve had a chance to shop for new clothes. Like I wrote in a previous post, though I gave up buying anything new for a full year, I didn’t feel like I was being deprived of anything, so I didn’t have a serious urge to shop for anything non-thrift store related. But I finally changed that last week.

My first purchase was two pairs of earrings from H&M. None of the clothes caught my eye too hard {I’m waiting for the Maison Martin Margiela collection}, but I had to have these earrings. The turquoise pair have a vintage-y feel and the disco ball ones are fun and flashy, just my style.

This past weekend, my cousin and I hit up Dollar Tree {I’m obsessed with that store and pretty much any dollar store!} and after she wanted to head to Marshalls for a wallet. I had no intention on buying anything, but those are famous last words.

As soon as I walked in, I saw what I’ve been in serious need of this fall: tan boots!

The Kelsi Dagger boots had a solid, rubber sole and the lining was warm and I couldn’t believe the Dolce Vita flat boots were just under $50.

I forged ahead and followed my cousin straight to the wallet section. Before she even found what she was looking for, I stumbled upon a bunch of Betsey Johnson laptop bags for $25.

The bold hues and patterns caught my eye and the size is perfect. After some deliberation, I passed on the snakeskin and floral prints for the skull print one.

I’ve been looking for a laptop bag that could double as a purse, for those days when I have to leave from a work session to an event. It’s kind of like two bags in one and only $25.

My cousin found her wallet and I found something else…a sequin backpack from Deux Lux. I don’t normally like backpacks {they feel so childish, no?} but I’m a sucker for sequins.

I posted the photo on Instagram {user: LookingFlyonaDime} and Facebook and while my Instagram users said I should get the bag, the reviews were a bit mixed on Facebook. Some people thought it was cute, but not worth the $40 price tag.

Well, I bought the bag and absolutely love it. I can see myself taking it with me for weekend getaways and longer journeys, it has a convenient drawstring opening and inner compartments perfect for airport travel.

Budget Tip:
Before buying any item of clothing, accessory, etc., think of what you already have in your closet. Of course you don’t want to duplicate anything, but can you wear your new purchase with at least three items you already own? You should be able to easily incorporate it with the threads you know and love.