In this struggling economy, where jobs are scarce and college graduates are running home to the shelter of mommy and daddy, shopping is the last thing on anyone’s mind. I haven’t purchased anything be it clothes, shoes, or bags in a little over a year.

In Georgetown last week, skulking into Steve Madden, I found the perfect pair of black pumps. They were sleek, classically beautiful, and on sale. If the shoe fits, right? It did. Waltzing up to the counter, I eagerly handed over my debit card. The plastic slide through the machine like butter and an excited shiver ran through me—I had forgotten the thrill of shopping since I had been on withdrawal for so long.

The shoes gave me a buzz but now I was starving for another a fix. The coupon for Coach burned a hole in my purse and I did need a new tote for school—one that was durable, dependable, and delectably cute.

In the end, yes, a shoe is just a shoe and purse is just a purse. However, I don’t consider myself a fashion victim for buying purses at a slightly elevated price range. I consider myself a sharp shopper.

Learning to be frugal and budget is very important. But what’s also important is learning to run a cost-benefit analysis on your clothing, shoes, and accessories. Spending a little more on classic pieces like that little black dress or those black pumps, will ultimately save money in the long run. It’s true you are spending more money—but you’re only spending it once.