Can you believe it’s been a year already?! Exactly one year ago today, I started phase two of my Thrifty Threads 365 challenge, a full year where I only buy secondhand clothes and spend $50 or less per month. For the past year, I’ve shown you my Thrifty Thread outfits as well as a tally of how much I’ve spent each month.

For the month of September, I spent….zero dollars! Seriously, I didn’t spend a penny on clothes or accessories last month. I’ve been way too busy with work to shop {woe is me!}. Oh, and I’m prepping for The Today Show next week {but more on that in a few days}.

And over the past year, I only spent $460 on clothes. Yup, an entire year’s wardrobe for less than 500 bucks.

And with that $460, I’ve snagged some great pieces…

From piles of clothes at the Housing Works Buy the Bag sale

To a vintage 90s dress from Clothes Contact in San Francisco {ps: I’m dying to go somewhere fancy so I can finally wear this!}

To funky boots

To an awesome trench that would have retailed for more than $100

To flirty frocks that cost less than $1.

So of course the natural question is, what’s next for Thrifty Threads 365? Though a lot of you weighed in saying I should continue the challenge, I’ve decided to put it on hold.

I started the challenge to really show people how fashionable secondhand clothes can be and that your wallet never determines your style. I still feel that way, but I’ve been doing TT365 for two years straight now and it would be nice to hit up a department store for some new pieces, at least for a few months. I’m proud of myself for sticking with the challenge for yet another year and when I look at my overflowing closet, I know I’ve literally saved thousands by thrifting, compared to buying new, designer items.

Though I’m putting the challenge on pause, that doesn’t mean I won’t pick it up again and of course I’ll continue thrift shopping. And if you’ve joined the challenge, of course that doesn’t mean you have to stop.

And due to my overall thrifty nature, even when I buy new threads, they’ll still be affordable. I don’t believe in paying full price for anything, so budget chains and clearance racks will be my new besties.