Apr 13 2009
Dressing your children for less
Unfortunately, not everyone has a sister who had a baby almost exactly a year before they did (thanks, Michelle!), so savvy mommies and daddies are always looking for ways to simplify the clothes-buying experience.
I could tell you all about how to find clothes at consignment shops, garage sales, clothing swaps, and the like, but that only works if you time and inclination to go through piles and piles of clothes looking for the right size, style, etc. But since this is a blog about simplifying your life, instead I’ll talk about a few other ways to gather the adorable little outfits for your adorable little people.
First off, find a store close by that you like and can trust. It doesn’t matter if it’s a locally-owned store or a chain, as long as the quality is good and the prices are such that you can live with. One of my favorites is The Children’s Place (www.childrensplace.com). Their quality, selection, and price all fit what I’m looking for, and the clothes are really cute! They also have outlets if you prefer to shop that way.
Next, try to anticipate what sizes your child is going to be, and shop the sales. You can often find terrific deals! For instance, at The Children’s Place, items are often marked off by at least 25% during sales, and they offer tons of coupons and specials. Right now they’re having a Spring Sale, including on their website, which offers $5 shipping no matter the size of your order. The Children’s Place also has a store credit card with reward points if you want even more savings. You can even make a wish list on their website to give the grandparents some hints.
Lastly, be sure to stop in every few months to see what’s new, what’s been discounted, etc. Stores like this change their stock often, and with your baby or child growing like a weed, you never know when you’re going to need another few pieces to round out their wardrobe!
