Friday, February 20, 2009

Day 296

Let me just say it now...Baby Boy is going to be the CUTEST kid on the block. I have had so much fun shopping for baby boy. After two weeks of scouring the stores, here's what I've learned:

1) You must shop off season to get the best deals.
2) It is totally possible to outfit your kid in Gymboree and Baby Gap for under $10.
3) There are entirely more clothes for girls than there are boys.
4) Baby Boy does not have to be a girl to dress sassy!
5) I need to start my own clothing line.

As far as number five goes.... Can I just ask - What does a girl gotta do to get all hammers, basketballs, teddy bears, pooh bears, and cartoons removed from every article of clothing???? Seriously. I'm sorry but I want my little man to look classic and cuddly...not a billboard for sesame street. Do you know how hard it was to find plain pj's?

Anyway, I had so much fun, I thought I'd share some of my favorite finds!

"I'm what all the buzz is about!"
Baby Gap $4.00


Old Navy $1.50

Sweatshirt and shoes - Baby Gap $12, Jeans - Baby Gap via Salvation Army $1

Walmart: $2.50

Wool Hat - Old Navy: $2, Shirt and Overalls - Gymboree via Salvation Army: $1 each

Most of the outfit $5.50 at Old Navy, Vest - Children's Place via Salvation Army $1.99

Brown Plaid Pants - Old Navy $5.99, Overalls - Baby Gap and Gymboree - $1 each

All this for $20.00 Between Old Navy, Target, and Walmart

I love pj's!!! Only 2 were bought brand new at Target ($5.99 each) The others were all bought at Salvation Army for $0.50 to $1.50

Shirts - Old Navy $4 for both (Can you believe that? The sweatshirt was $1.50), Pants - Baby Gap via Salvation Army: $2, the shoes were the big splurge....$5.00 at Walmart!


And my absolute favorite find???? This little plaid lumberjack hat proudly modeled by Mr. Stripes. Baby Gap $4.99.


I'd show you more, but I tuckered out of taking pictures and getting clothes out! You'll have to wait to see Baby Boy in all my sweet finds! I don't have many things for 0-3 months because a) I like newborns to be comfy and cuddly (that stuff isn't as fun to buy!) and b) summer stuff is just now coming out and stores expect you to pay a premium! I'll have to wait until the end of spring. I pretty much have the kid outfitted for winter, though!

I hit 2 jackpots. One, I was at Old Navy the morning of their 50% off the clearance racks sale and came out with two bags full of stuff for $100...the most expensive item was $6. And two, I have no qualms about shopping at Salvation Army. I know it's dirty; I know it's gross, but you HAVE to look past it! Everything washes (twice if necessary!) I've got that store down to a science...and I'm a brand snob (only when it comes to shopping at Salvation Army) . Here's what I do:

1) Go often! Sometimes you come out with nothing...but other times you have your hands full!
2)Only look for brand name tags. The quality is far above and most people that shop brand names take great care of their clothes.
3) Every week a tag color is designated for 50% off. Only shop that color. you can quickly scan the racks for the appropriate tag. Sometimes they go a step beyond and give you 5 items of that tag for $5 (Like today! Hence all the overalls).
4) Scope out the other items and if you see pieces you like with the same color tag, ask one of the workers when that tag will be 50% off...then remember to come back that week! Obviously, if it's too cute too pass up just splurge and spend the $4-5!

I have serious amounts of clothes for 3-12 months and I haven't spent more than $250.00!

I'm having such a blast. Hope you had fun looking through all the bags with me!

40 comments:

  1. You can't be too much of a brand-snob if you are shopping at Walmart. I'm just sayin'.

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  2. Reply to Teri:
    You got me all wrong...I'm only a brand snob at Salvation Army. If I'm buying used, I want it to be good! :)

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  3. Check out childrensplace.com and their markdowns! I get 99% of my little boys cloths there. And I know what you mean about not being a bilboard for all the charactors! Gymboree internet sales are good most of the time too!

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  4. These outfits are adorable, it looks like you've had a blast! I agree completely about the boy clothes and logos they come with. I also get sick of either sports or cars/trains. They are all cute to a point, but I guess I just don't like the stereotypical "boy" ideas many clothing designers have. You found some great deals, I will have to remember your pointers when our time comes. I am actually a "Sally Ann" shopper myself and I agree that it can be tough. Still, I have found some awesome deals there for myself, so I bet baby stuff is even better. :) Can't wait to see these clothes (and others) on your precious boy!

    Melba

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  5. I was gonna tell you to buy off season - I always get the girls next year's outfits when they are on clearance at the end of each season! I never pay full price for ANYTHING!!!

    Good job - shopping like an old pro mommy already! Yay You!!

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  6. I totally love your taste in baby clothes! I would dress my kid the same way!
    Love your salvation army advice, i'll have to start going there. I did go into a thrift store a while back and totally loved it, so i'll probably like the salvation army as well.
    you are very cool!

    cindie

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  7. Those are the cutest outfits- I personally loooove the overalls (the brown plaid is perfection!)I'm glad you're having so much fun- enjoy it!

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  8. Gotta love deals. I too have had a great time shopping for our baby boy. Good thing we don't live on the same block, becasue we will have the cutest boy on this block :) (although you are a much better shopper than me). It's a whole world shopping for a boy. Would love to get to BirchRun with you and Laura.

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  9. Ooo I love love them. I have a hard time shopping for the boys in my life too...same reasons. I love Children's place and I go to SA too and gt deals sometimes.

    Can't wait to see him wearing it!

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  10. and just WAIT until the hand-me-downs start coming in! We've seriously had items given to us with the tag still on it! Baby Boy's dresser will be stocked before you know it!

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  11. Love...Love...Love it!!! I am all about a great deal and I love Salvation Army and Goodwill. They are both great places to find good children books and clothes. You are right...it might take two washings, but that is okay!! =) Just so you know...Kohl's is a great place to find good deals on baby and kids clothes!!! The sales a pretty good right now!!! Just thought you would like to know that!!! I am glad you are having so much FUN shopping for your baby boy!! =) Enjoy!!!

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  12. lol, it looks like you are a bargain hunter to the core and I love it! :)

    you are very right about the season closeouts. they are the best. you did great! super cute clothes, I can't wait to see the little model in them!

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  13. I love consignment shops like Children's Orchard. I've often shopped at the thrift stores for a few items myself. So long as they don't reek of cigarettes, it's all good!

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  14. SOOO CuTE!!! I cant wait to see a sweet little body in them. Enjoy the cheap clothes while you can. As they get older, the clothes get more expensive. I miss buying a brand new outfit at walmart for my kids for under ten dollars. They are long past the little girl section. (sigh) I will live vicariously through your baby boy and oohhhh and ahhh over his cute things.

    R

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  15. You rock at bargain shopping! I have found that Childrens Place, Old Navy and Baby Gap have great sales! You just have to watch for them. And Target has great clothes, too. I don't like the logos, pics, etc on all the baby stuff either. If you sign up for emails at those stores you'll be kept in the loop on when their sales are and get coupons to use there, too.


    Keep in mind as you are shopping - when baby boys makes his grand arrival, you will be SHOWERED with gifts. People love to buy baby clothes, so you will end up with A LOT! So you may not need to buy too many 0-3 months things, but great job on buying ahead for winter!

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  16. I know I hate that all the boys clothes have footballs, or construction equipment. I have two boys and one girl the same age. I have way more girl clothes, doesn't seem right, of course I have the smallest closet in the house, so it may be some sort of passive aggressive backlash against The Man.

    Looks like you got some good deals.

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  17. Rebekah- You would LOVE Declan's wardrobe. ;) My favorite store is Once Upon a Child. Look to see if you have one near. I shop only name brand used clothing b/c of the quality. I would say that we probably had 4-6 of the items you pictures. ;) Today Decs had Old Navy "vintage" jeans ($3 @ thrift store), long white sleeve onesie with a Gap brown/what onesie ($2 @ thrift store) with an orange Gymboree vest ($3.50 at thrift store). The outfit was complete with a pair of Robeez that I bought (new in the box) for $8.50 @ the thrift store. You go girl!! You'll find such good steals!! Babies don't wear things long so you can usually find things in excellent or new condition. Fun stuff!! My favorite outfits are the ones that I bought him after we were matched and before he joined our family. They're so sentimental. ;)

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  18. Great finds.!! All those clothes are super cute. Well, I too got a cute outfit for my sweet girl from Old Navy.

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  19. Great buys! I love stalking clearance racks and I second the suggestion that you check out The Children's Place online, but only after you get on their mailing list to get the 20% off everything (even clearance items) coupons that they send out all the time. I am incapable of going to Target without browsing by the baby clearance racks, even though Evie needs clothes likes she needs to catch a cold ;)

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  20. everything is so cute! and dont worry about not having too many little clothes... if you end up with a chunker, he'll never fit in them anyway!

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  21. GREAT CLOTHES FOR GREAT PRICES! I love finding bargains....yes...they can be washed...no need to spend a lot when they won't wear them for very long. SO GLAD YOU HAD FUN! I like shopping for boys...I don't have to worry about dresses and accessories, and all the multiple things girls wear that boys don't. Overall we will save money...

    It's fun to experience my excitement again through you.

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  22. Rebekah--I was at Marshall's in Roch a few weeks ago and I got DKNY, Polo, and Calvin Klein clothes for my neices and nephews for like 90% off. They had some really good sales...and then clearanced on top of that. You should check it out! I always shop Marshall's! P.S. I was at Target and thought of you--they have a blanket that says "Rock Star" but it didn't match baby's room. I love baby shopping but I have to live through my sister's little ones. :)

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  23. Want to be MY baby Ben's stylist? Your outfits are just too cute! Great job, Mommy.

    I am a huge fan of a store in my are called Once Upon a Child. If you have one in your area, you should check it out. It's like thrift store shopping... only everything has been meticulously examined already and it is all brand name.

    Gymboree and Baby Gap are GREAT when you can find sales and buy ahead for next year. I contend that I can shop their sales and still come out cheaper than Target. you just can't get sucked into the "new line" stuff or the 1000 accessories. ;)

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  24. Cannot wait to see Baby Boy in his clothes...can just imagine how excited you are! Have fun preparing..and we are counting the days off with you! xx

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  25. and...I don't know if you know Denise from Bohophotography? They just because a mommy and daddy in November (also through adoption)...and her little Cedar also wears the cutest clothes...remember one little thing saying 'sweet pea'...go have a look...her address is
    http://bohophotography.blogspot.com/
    Have fun! xx

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  26. Your baby is going to be dressed to the nines!!! I love bargain shopping!!! You go Rebekah!

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  27. YEA! You are doing great...isn't it so much FUN??? And it is possible to get Baby Gap and Gymbo new from the store for crazy cheap too! I'm a huge brand-snob at Mom to Mom sales and Salvation Army as well. Looks like you are off to a great start!

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  28. very few things make me happier then a good day at the thrift store, he's going to be so stinkin cute!

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  29. Try looking for some outfits on Etsy. They have awesome clothes without all the characters/name brand hooplah! And, what can be better than buying handmade!

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  30. I am SO with you on the characters thing. My baby will not be an advertisement for some silly cartoon or tv show. And, every grandparent seems to think that is the standard for children's clothing. Ohhh....look at this cute Elmo bib or Handy Manny hoodie or Thomas pj's. NO NO NO. My little man dresses like a little man.

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  31. He is going to be such a stylin' baby! He is so lucky to have you as his mommy (and the other Rebekah too!)

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  32. How fun and how cute!!!!! Unbelievable finds!!!!

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  33. Thanks for the Salvation Army advice! I definitely plan to check out our neighborhood Goodwill frequently. Kids grow out of their clothes so fast. It makes sense to look for savings.

    And thanks so much for your kind comments on my blog yesterday. I added an ultrasound pic at the end of the post. She/He has a great profile.

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  34. i NEED that bee shirt, for my little bee! $4 you say?? i'll be shopping tomorrow! wow! i love a bargin!

    you found some super cute things!!

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  35. So stinkin cute! I love the overalls and I agree with you on the boy clothes. If we end up with a boy, I call your hand-me-downs! :)

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  36. Oh wow... "rock me to sleep" must be the about perfect phrase for yours and Ben's son! I love everything! (Tiny shoes are so precious!) Especially the price tally. Well done, Rebekah!

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  37. Baby Boy will be such a well dressed baby! Thanks for sharing this with us!

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  38. Rebekah, I was the same way with Mitch. (However, you can't tell now! They do develop their own taste) By far Gymboree had the best clothes and when they are (were) on sale watch out. Lots of cute hats too!

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