Lesson 12: Shop Second-Hand

Yesterday I was off from work for the end of the first quarter (Halleluiah!), so you can imagine my excitement when I looked out my window this morning and saw the people at the end of our street having a HUGE yard sale of their grandson's clothes, toys, etc.

I might have gone over immediately - while still wearing my pajamas, no bra, and carrying a pj'ed baby with a dirty diaper - and come home with a bag FULL of clothes, a Leapfrog Learning Station, and $20.00 less. Might. ;)

Anyway, even though I've already mentioned it before, I decided this deserved a lesson all of its own. So...

Lesson # 12: Shop Second-Hand

Before I got married, I bought mostly designer brands and full-price items.  After I got married, I became an expert TJ Maxx and sale-rack shopper.  And, since having a baby, I've become almost obsessed with shopping consignment and yard sales.  (I guess if we have another baby I'll start making my own clothes or something!)

Sam grows FAST (although, it is slowing down now that he is a little older).  He is dirty (my boy loves dirt, what can I say).  And, he goes through a LOT of clothes.

I LOVE shopping.  I LOVE dressing my little guy. I also like buying myself cute clothes, going out to eat, decorating my house, and saving for college... 

So, to keep myself from going totally broke, these days, I hardly EVER spend more than 5 - 10 dollars on clothes for Sam.  In his closet right now, I would honestly say that about 90% of his clothes were not bought new. And, lest you be confused, I still think Sam is one of the best dressed toddlers in town. ;)

Thanks to stores like Once Upon a Child, big local consignment sales like Back on the Rack and Lauren's Friends and Alex (going on now in Roanoke), yard sales, and many generous friends - We get the name-brand adorables that I can't resist at less than HALF (usually less than 1/4th) the regular prices! It is the best of both worlds!

(Many of my friends also shop Facebook auctions for great deals on smocking etc.  But, I mostly save those for special occassions only - as the prices are still usually in the $25 - $40 range.)

So, there you have it.  You can have cute clothes for your little one and not spend a fortune.  Just buy yourself some Dreft and don't be afraid to dig.  Trust me, it is the way to go! :)

*And, a Word of Warning: You may want to avoid stepping into places like Baby Gap until you officially have the "consignment bug."  Today, I can't really stand to buy an item for full price; but, at first, it was much harder to practice self control. Ha!

This post is part of a series for 31 Days of Change hosted by The Nester. To see my other "lessons," click here.