Don’t Break the Budget on Kids’ Clothes

Ready or not, spring is here! I can’t wait! Sunshine. Outdoor Activities. Longer Days. New, Bright, and Colorful Clothes. Oh my! I love seeing kids in pastel colors and airy fabrics after the dark colors and layers of winter. Just picture an adorable seersucker dress with yellow piping or linen shorts with a pastel pink collared shirt. Can we say adorable??

I enjoy dressing my kids in boutique or higher end brands, but I am also not one to let my fashion vision break the bank. I have a few tips on how to dress your kids without going broke.

Firstly, I am constantly browsing web sites to see what’s available that season. This way I can keep an eye out for sales on some must have items. There are always a few.

Secondly, I shop consignment stores. This is a wonderful resource for gently used clothing at affordable prices.  There are plenty to choose from in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas. They all offer different quality of clothing, but the central idea is the same. Good Clothes Great Prices.

My personal favorite is the Refinery. This is a one stop shop for boutique brands and endless smocked items. They do sell baby gear and toys but in a smaller quantity compared to other consignment stores. This is a great shop for special occasions. I can’t say enough about the quality of clothes sold at this shop. I know first hand that each item is reviewed for stains, missing buttons, and/or worn fabric. They only accept the very best to ensure that your kid is dressed in the very best.   I have bought the following brands there: Kelly’s Kids, Ragsland, Vive la Fete, Castles and Crowns, Crocs, Sperry and Sun San. The prices are very reasonable in comparison to these same brands at an independent Boutique or online store. A few years ago, I got an adorable Christmas Dress for $27 verses $67 at a local boutique.

Once Upon a Child, which just opened at the end of January, is part of a national chain. Talk about quantity. The store is huge. It has whole aisles for each age/gender. This is my new go to for nice weekend play clothes. They do have one rack of smocked clothes and one rack dedicated to LSU items, but are literally overflowing in the following brands: Old Navy, OskKosk, Gymboree, and department store brands. Each time I have been there, people are lined up selling tote after tote of used clothes and gear. Yippee – new inventory!

Oh and let’s talk about gear. As soon as you enter, strollers, bouncers, exersaucers, and swings line the wall. The entire back wall is full of toys and books. It’s a playrooms dream. Another excellent thing about Once Upon a Child, they have a return policy. This allows me to go without my kids then try clothes on when I get home. The last time I went, I purchased a pair of jeans, chambrey shorts, checked button up shirt and soccer gym shorts for $20. That is a steal.  I will definitely be back.

I personally have never been to Abigail’s Best. I do “like” them on Facebook so I get to see the great deals that are offered. It is my next spot to check out.

Lastly, I choose items that I am willing to spend my money on. I love appliqued and personalized clothing. I will spend a little extra money on these items. I frequently purchase LSU and Saints appliqued shirts that my kids can wear multiple times during the season and even beyond. One way to lessen the cost of personalized items is to get a plain shirt/dress from Target or WalMart and have someone add a  monogram. If you buy a $5 dress add a $7 monogram  now the dress looks $25 from a boutique.   Luckily, I have many friends that make hand made clothes from home, so I pay them to make shorts and skirts that my kids can wear throughout the season. These usually run me $25 for appliqued shirts and $15 each for the shorts and skirts.

Here’s how I justify spending the money on personalized items…$25 for a shirt. My son wears it 10 times (at least). It really only cost $2.50. Can’t beat that, right?

Do you have any GO TO places for discounted kids’ clothes?