I think we have mastered the art of saving on back to school shopping and last year I shared with you my list of MUST HAVES for back to school (click HERE to check out last year's post). I have paired down my list a bit this year and focused really on things to start off the school year and cover the transition from summer wear to fall wear and that's it. Of course, we have found shoes as well since flip flops just won't do for school. We LIVE in flip flops all summer long...it's a sad day when the socks come out around here.
I hear many people saying they don't believe in back to school shopping yet and I totally understand that sentiment. However, I have learned from years past that if you wait for the weather to change and hope to find some fall clothes, you may very well miss out. Maybe you'll score a few sale deals, but more than likely you'll be faced with winter clothing. Retail is soooo far ahead of where we are mentally that I start early. In fact, I saw Halloween costumes already. Crazy right? Although, I too join that club and have listed my Halloween trick or treating bags in the shop and filled quite a few orders already. Click HERE to see them.
I have a few tips to help you save on clothing this year and to help you make the most of your time.
1. Go through all of your children's fall/winter clothing NOW and try it ALL ON. This is a very painful and long process around here, but well worth it. Not only does it give me a chance to see what fits, but it also helps me see what styles they still like. My daughter tastes changes faster than the wind so this is crucial with her. Last year...all leggings. This year...all skirts.
2. Lay out the items that do fit and assess what you might need to find to coordinate with these items. For instance, maybe your child's favorite pants still fit, but they grew out of all tops from last year. It's good to know what you need prior to leaving the house or you might come home with 10 shirts and have only 1 pair of pants. This would equal a great deal of laundry to keep up!
3. For the items that do not fit, consider consigning them. This has been so profitable for us. In fact, I just picked up a check for $70+ for summer clothing that was sold through my friend's consignment store. And that was JUST summer clothing!!! The clothes were of no use to use since they didn't fit, but they gave us money that we now can put towards new things. It's a win-win for everyone.
4. Subscribe to your favorite store's email lists. I have gotten so many coupons already this year from our favorites. Just this morning I got 30% for 24 hours only. I have seen free shipping, 25% your total order, $25 off $75 or more, BOGO...you name it, the coupons are everywhere right now. Clip them before leaving for the store.
I thought I'd share a few of my "window shopping" and real-life finds with you in case you loathe shopping. They are at all different price points and shops too!
There's always online shopping which has its own set of perks too if you like to do it from your own home.
I am shopping for a tween girl and a soon-to-be 6 year old boy so my finds are primarily centered around these ages. I did add a few other favs that I would loved too!
(I have listed the store you can find each item and you can click on them to take you there!)
For Big Girls
Some trends I noticed for this year include:
All things that shimmer- I love a little bling especially on a little girl. How cute are these sparkly things?
Animal Print - By now you probably know that I have a zebra lover in my house. All things zebra that is...bedding, school supplies, hair accessories, even her desk chair....BUT and a big BUT, I draw the line at clothing. I just can't seem to find a love for zebra clothing. We did have a cute t-shirt last year with a zebra on it, but that's all I can stomach. Some of the other animal prints I think are cute though. Check these out:
Dolman sleeves and 3/4 Length Sleeve Tops - I think these are so darn cute...especially layered with a camisole. My daughter has already stated that she can only wear them until coat season starts because she hates the feeling of her shirt in her coat when it's a 3/4 length sleeve shirt. She's so my daughter...I feel the same exact way, but I love the look just the same.
Colored Jeans - These are EVERYWHERE this year...girls, women, boys and even for men. I love the trend, but you wouldn't catch me in them. I'm way too plain Jane, but I still think they are so great. Here are a few colors I adore.
Moccasins and Sperry's -All I can say is that if you hold onto things long enough (which I never do), it all comes back in style. I had both a great pair of moccasins and a pair of Sperry's back in the day, but neither were quite as fun as the ones around today. My moccasins had little beading on them...anyone else remember those?
I think I might have someone in my house that would go CRAZY for these!
For Little Girls - For some reason, when I think of the little girls I automatically think of sweet little dresses. I am so far past this phase now and I know they are not the most practical thing weather wise, but they are so darn cute just the same.
And of course colored jeans for little girls...so great!
For Little Boys
I know I said this last year and I still stand by it, I like to dress my son like a little man and as long as he'll let me, I will continue to do so.
You can't tell me that isn't handsome? Anyway, I am all for "dressing down" too and prefer the sporty, preppy look!
Layered shirts- These continue to be "in" and we love them because my son is a peanut so it adds a little extra weight to him.
Preppy - I've always had a thing for the preppy boys. I think this is a look that even when it's casual...it's still put together. I'm all about it!
Graphic Tees - I think my love of graphics in classic themes comes from my childhood. As a kid, we didn't wear much logo wear and my kids really don't either. But....I had a Ziggy (if you remember him) nightgown that I LOVED!!!! What I love most though is that the humor and nostalgia is as much for the parents as anyone else.
That wraps up my Back to School shopping ideas and ways to save yourself some money. Isn't it all about getting the most for what you have? I hope you will find all that you and your children are in search of this year and that you will have few arguments over taste. I wish this for myself as well...ha ha.
I have some fun ideas to get your children excited about back to school and some fun ways to celebrate for those of you who have not yet gone back over the next week. Stay tuned!
Poshed Up
Today, parents have wished to see, your kid in trendy clothes. It is important to look at the current trends. For instance, the fashion industry is going big on eco-trends, right now. Therefore, kid's clothing pieces that make use of highly sustainable materials rate high in the trendiness scale. These pieces have distinct characteristics that make the material evident; for instance, the hue of clothes, from organic cotton or bamboo is somewhat, lighter than normal and the texture of clothes, from sustainable materials, have this unusual, but still comfortable feel.
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