Budgeting help!

Hi everyone!

So I've been dabbling in the fashion for a couple of years, but now that I'm older and can start to afford it more I really want to nail down my style. The sorta thing which I'd like to do would be Sweet-Classic and some OTT-Classic.

I have a handful of basic dresses, with my crowning glories being a blue "Mother Goose" JSK, and a pink floral OP whose name I've forgotten, both by BTSSB. The other stuff is largely off brand, a few replicas (forgive me! I was young!) and basic bodyline.

Recently however, I've saved up a little bit of money to spend on Lolita. It's about enough to buy a new brand name dress and still have a little left over. As such, I've come to a bit of a cross roads, and come to you guys for advice. So, my question is, should I spend it all on brand? I'd happily buy second hand. I also want to buy some accessories and the like as well. A hat or a bonnet would be lovely. Or should I go for a cheaper option, i.e. Taobao or offbrand? Where I would be able to build my collection more.

So, Lolitas, the ultimate question is "Is it best, when one is new, to bulk up and focus on quantity or sacrifice that for quality?"

Thanks everyone!