I’m not a mom but you’d have to be living in a cave somewhere to not know that kids’ clothes are expensive! Not only do they cost a lot, kids are notoriously hard on them, and the more fashion forward of the bunch get tired of what they have quicker than Kim Kerdashian. This is where Austin’s next super model, aka my nephew Zach, comes in to illustrate sane, fashionable and very thrifty options for clothing your own crumb-snatchers.
Kiddos age eight and older aren’t too young to begin grasping some important financial concepts. First: things they want cost money. Second: money is finite. At eleven, Zach recognized that $3.99 shirts and $4.99 pants were a lot less expensive than clothes he’d seen at other stores. He’s also old enough to appreciate the value of his own money whether earned through chores or gifted at birthday and other special times of the year. Today’s spending equates to tomorrow’s deficit no matter how tempting the bargain.
Zach loved the jeans and khaki pants that he tried on and would have been perfectly happy with any of them. And since there were tons to choose from, finding his size was easy. The same was true for casual pullover shirts and tees – all priced well under $5. He really liked the University of Texas Nike pullover and his aunt really like the $4.99 price tag.
Most local schools incorporate a dress code so any parent armed with that year’s color shirt would likely find inexpensive options that make the grade. Zach recalled that the blue shirt he liked would have been just right at his former school.
Zach loves his satchels and carry-alls so enjoyed accessorizing his outfits. Not pictured but definitely purchased was the terrific, brand new American Eagle canvas backpack, 90% off retail, that would make Indiana Jones green with envy!
The white t-shirt with the trompe l’oeil tie was the hit of the day and went home along with the backpack. Not sure how impressed the ‘rents were with his selection but it’s a cute shirt and for $2.99 a bargain to boot!
Today’s lesson: why in the world would you pay retail for kids’ clothes when you can get gently worn, if not new, bargains at your neighborhood Thrift Town? Now put that on your standardized test!
Stephanie F. is a dedicated thrifter whose mantra is, “Buy used – there’s just too much stuff in the world!” She became hooked when she found a pair of sock hop saddle shoes in junior high that she could actually afford with her allowance money (hey, it was a RETRO sock hop!). Today she lives and works in Texas’ capital city doing her part to “Keep Austin Weird.” She’s the author of an Austin blog – The Thrifty Snicker – which lets her prowl local thrift stores while telling herself that it’s not shopping; it’s research.
