12 Feb Thrifty Threads 365 Update: How I’ve Managed to Maintain a Shopping Budget

Thrifty Threads 365 ended almost two months ago for me. Though I successfully gave up shopping for new clothes for an entire year, I was curious to see how I would adjust post-TT365.

Would I go on a shopping spree? Would I just stick to thrifting because department store prices would give me sticker shock? How much would I spend?

Well, it’s been an interesting journey so far..

If you checked out my January Favorites video, then you know I’ve already shopped at Target {I love the hat below!}, Sears and Rainbow. Though I picked up a few items from each store, I still spent less than $80. Not bad! But I do have to admit, I haven’t stepped foot in a thrift store since late December. Gasp! I know, I know.  But I plan on changing that within the next week.

However, even when I do buy something new, I’m extremely discerning with how I spend my cash. If I don’t really need it {I have enough blazers!} or it doesn’t add anything to elevate my wardrobe, I leave it on the racks. And if the price is a little too high {remember how I wouldn’t pay $37 for this printed blazer?}and the garment isn’t exactly worth it, I have no problem walking away.

Also, and most importantly, I try to only buy new if I know I may not come across something like it at the thrift store. Black blazers, silk blouses and basic tees are a dime a dozen at most thrift stores {see 5 Items You Can Always Find at a Thrift Shop}, so it’s pretty rare for me to buy one of those items new and pay full price. However, if I come across something like a statement making metallic skirt or crisp white skinny jeans I’d absolutely buy them new. For me, I’ve rarely seen white jeans that fit well and are perfectly white at a thrift shop. So it’s worth it to spend a few bucks at a department store.

So far I’m happy with my shopping budget. I mean, nothing will ever come close to the $233 I managed to spend last year during Thrifty Threads 365, but it’s all about shopping smart and buying what makes sense. Stay tuned for a February Favorites video that will include some new items and thrift finds.

Are there some items you always buy new, instead of thrifting them? How much are you willing to spend at a budget retailer like Forever 21, H&M or Target?