I didn't do any back-to-school shopping.
(I realize I've committed retail heresy. I shall flog myself with Children's Place ads and Mom Guilt.)
Elizabeth has a complete wardrobe thanks to my insane squirreling away of 90% off clearance racks and Consignment Shop End of Season Sales.
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| $1 jeans?!? Hells yes! I'll take every size you got. She'll wear them when she's 10. |
I realized I have a problem when I dug in a clearance rack and snorted, "Five bucks?!? I don't pay more than $2.50. I shall take my business elsewhere!" and stormed out of T.J. Max with a hair toss.
I have giant tupperware containers (the kind that hold Christmas decorations) filled with Future Sizes jammed in my attic. And? They are ORGANIZED like a mofo. I've never lost an outfit or pulled out a misplaced, now-too-small tank top. It's a gift, people.
In case you would rather spend next August hanging out at the pool with a trashy (and yet hilarious) smut novel instead of OUTLET SHOPPING HELL--here's what I do:
- Shop for next summer NOW. "But Jaci, I don't know what size to get!" Neither do I. I guesstimate, and when in doubt, go bigger. I also remind myself that I'm "gambling" about as much money as two large pizzas. It's not going to break the bank if it doesn't fit next year. (Tip: Don't try this with shoes--buy those as needed.)
- Make outfits in the store. Bit o' wisdom I learned the hard way. That adorable, moss green corduroy skirt with the silky ribbon bow isn't such a deal when it sits in the closet because you never found anything to match it. (I hate that damn skirt.) If you have no idea what will go with it--PASS.
- Rock Consignment Sales. $12 used Gymboree? No thanks. Gymboree for $3? That's better. My experience with consignment is that it's overpriced garage sale stuff every day except end of season sales. I go two or three times a year with my Big Ass Box (see below) and kill two birds with one stone. (Note: I'm not a big enough whore to do yard sales. That's a whole culture I just don't get.)
- Get a Big Ass Box! Cardboard or some fancy pants homemade craft project--just get a box. (Me? I went for "liquor store brown".) Take said Big Ass Box and shove it beside your dryer for a handy place to dump too small/end of season outfits that you want to donate/sell. A couple times a year, drag Big Ass Box to a consignment shop or Goodwill and purge.
- Tupperware is your friend. The back of the closet isn't such a great spot for storage. For one thing, the kid sees it and screams for the Dora hoodie in July. That's always fun. But mostly it's too easy to lose stuff in there. I toss new clothes in a container, label the outside, et viola. Jam it in the attic until needed.
10 comments:
I have always done this....and I also do it with Chrismtas gifts. I buy all year during the sales...before the huge markup. My kids wore nice clothes....I just didn't pay full price for them. They still love shopping for a deal.
i do this too. very rarely will i buy something not on clearance. if i do?it must be awfully cute.
I always buy those great, giant tupperware containers from Target that are seasonal colors...because once the season is gone they mark them down waaay cheap!
That is the way to do it!!! I do the garage sale thing as I don't purposely go for childrens clothes (but I am a grandma now), but I have seen many many clothes for 10 cents to a quarter on perfectly brand new looking clothing for the young ones. I do the bargain shopping for myself as well. At goodwill I purchased 4 pairs of slacks, a pair of capris and a pair of shorts and paid $24.
They were all like new and were quality clothes. I love to bargain shop!
Ah, Jaci! A woman after me own heart! I NEVER, EVER pay full retail price. (Unless I absolutely HAVE to - i.e., those damn school uniforms they sprung on us at the last minute this year; or there is a SERIOUSLY CUTE pair of shoes screaming that they want to come home with me)
I didn't even KNOW that consignment stores did end of season sales. Yet another reason to love you, Jaci.
I weave grass from our backyard into clothes for my kids. Their shoes are made from orange peels and string.
I win.
girl, i feel ya. after a couple good consignment sales, i bawk at anythig over $3.00- it's robbery!
-rachel
I'm with you, girl. except i do it online because i live in BFE. clearance is the ONLY way to go :)
This is a great post. A couple of years ago I got a coat at Osh Kosh for the next winter - it ended up lasting two because my kid is a bean pole and will probably last 2 for my 2nd son... best deal ever.
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