Shop and Save

When my second grade niece and I started having impressively substantial conversations about Project Runway, I think I realized it: kids get fashion. They may not be leafing through the latest issue of Vogue, but younger and younger kids are starting to create their own personal style. This is a great thing in term of your child developing their personalities and ever dynamic selves, yet this is not such a great thing on… oh say, your credit card.

Clothes and accessories are already expensive, and with gas prices the way they are, no parent wants to spend a fortune on clothes their child will soon grow out of. Luckily, we have some ideas to help save your wallet without stifling your fashionista.

• Make Your Own Jewelry: Instead of hitting the mall, spend an afternoon at your local craft store. Pick up some colorful thread and beads to create your own jewelry. Kids will love the ability to choose their own colors and styles, and you can spend a whole day making the pieces and perhaps having a fashion show afterwards to show off their newest flair.
• Earn Your New Looks: Every time your child successfully completes a chore or helps out around the house without being asked, add a star to a chart. Set a predetermined number equal to a piece of clothing. For example, 40 stars = 1 new shirt. When your child has enough stars for a new outfit, have a special day of just the two of you shopping. Not only will this motivate the completion of housework, your kids will appreciate their clothes!
• Stretch Your Money: Sometimes, you cannot wait to get your kids new clothes. Whether it’s back to school or just getting cold out, the change of a season marks the inevitable search for fashions that fit. Despite this necessity, there are still ways to save. Have your child look through catalogs and circle clothes that they like. Then, take the pictures with you to a store like Marshalls or Dots. The clothes will be much cheaper, and your children can still have the in-look!

You don’t have to spend big bucks to be well-dressed! As your children learn to appreciate bargains and the excitement in shopping, you will both look forward to the days of accessorizing… and of course, those intense conversations about Heidi Klum and co.