Saving money on clothes

I decided since I always check on Biblicalwomanhood.com for the Frugal Friday posts---that I s hould post a frugal thought, too! So here goes....

There are a few ways that I have found that save us money---especially when it comes to clothing for our little ones.

Clothing:
I would say about more than half of our clothing comes from consignment, thrift stores, garage sales or free from Freecylce (I'll get to freecycle in a minute). After going through infant clothes faster than I don't know what with DC (dear child) #1---I started looking at wardrobes in a whole new way. Now my husband and I also buy 2nd hand clothes---but because we don't need things as often---I'll just post what we've done for the kiddos.

- I usually know what it cost per item at my fav retail stores: Children's Place, JC Penney, Target, etc, etc...and so I know what a good deal is if I find an item in good shape second hand. I try not to spend over $7 on a clothing item NEW, unless it is a special item we are in need of want. So I like to keep things waaaay under that price point if I buy second hand.

- Second Hand is my first place to go: I have 3 Goodwill's, 1 Salvation Army, and many consignment places in my neighborhood/area and I try to stop in to check what is available in all of our sizes only if we are lacking in an area: size/season---or if we have a little extra room in our budget. I have to go in prepared that it will be a hit or miss. Sometimes there is nothing at all...other times it is like a gold mine. Salvation Army usually has 50% days where I can buy clothes for half off what the 'normal' price is...at my Salvation Army I have found many gymboree, children's place and even Zutano clothing for like .50 cents....50cents people:) **Please note that I am not 'brand' crazy---I just mention them because of cost reference** Oh and because getting a good deal, for me is like eating chocolate--oh so sweet:)

- I use Craigslist garage sale listings and map out where I should go the next morning. I am blessed to live in a community where garage sales abound and for most of the year:) I also try to get out of the house on the day I go Garage Sale-ing 30 minutes before the first garage sale opens and then move quick. I have found that if I am one of the first to arrive than I usually get the good stuff (like Little Tikes outdoor toys for less than $5, etc). I recently bought a coat and a windbreaker for DC #1 for like $5 and $3 a piece both in extremely good used condition--one was Carters' the other Children's Place. Also, I desperately needed fall and winter clothes for DC #2 and I scored about 15 complete outfits for under $1.25 each---that is pants and tops together...the majority were Green Dog (Macy's) and Carters.

- I also use Craigslist to buy DC #1's shoes...he has wide feet like his Momma (poor thing) and Stride Rites in W are pretty much the only thing that fit him right now...so I can usually get them for a fraction of what they cost new--and since he usually goes through them pretty quick---I don't feel bad that I am only out $5 or $10 vs. what they would have cost retail---yi!

-Freecycle: Freecycle is fairly new to me---but I must say in the past 6 or 7 months I have really scored some great items and for free. Freecycle is not available everywhere but you can check if they have one in your area. I sign up for emails in real time and because it is only specific to my area of town and not the entire city---I am not bombarded with emails of 'offers' of free stuff that is across town. Freecycle is where if someone has something they are looking to get rid of--instead of throwing it away or taking it to Goodwill--they first post it on Freecycle to see if anyone needs/wants the item. If you respond with a pick up time and are first or the giver approves---they will give you the address and where to pick up--usually easy front porch pick up. I have received kids clothes, maternity clothes, carpet cleaner, books, strollers in great condition, etc all from freecycle. And considering that kids clothes to me cost $3 an item when you average what I spend new and 2nd hand....when I can get 14 pieces for free---that is several dollars we did not have to spend from our budget. I say 14---cause yesterday I pick up 18 items in a bag for DC #2--in her size. 3 of those items were the wrong season/size and one was too stained. All the rest were in great shape ---majority from Carters. So I say Praise the Lord for Freecycle!

-Know when to stop---I am trying to have enough clothes for the days of the week with a few extra outfits and a few special ones for church, and also pajamas. I am trying to scale back in the actual amount of clothes we have....meaning when they have about 7 - 10 everyday outfits, and 3-5 sunday outfits, etc...we stop buying. That quantity may sound like a lot for some and not so much for others....but I have found that it works best for me if I have enough sets for them everyday of the week with a couple of 'cushion' outfits (for the really bad spills, soak throughs, etc). This has saved me from and will save me from doing laundry alllllllllllll the time and to keep their closets/drawers in order and because I like to buy easy 'sets' for the kids I can just pull together what they are wearing for the day super quick.

Ya know I never bought second hand like this before....but it has worked for us and helps us stay on track in our budget.

There are many wonderful posts with more frugal ideas at http://www.biblicalwomanhood.com/ ---check them out!