I have two addictions that my friends may know about but my readers may not… curious? The first, I LOVE to clip coupons (yes, I am cool like that). Secondly, I am a consignment junkie. I could ramble on about coupons all day so let’s skip that addiction and head straight to consignment. For all the moms that want their kiddos to look super cute but don’t want to spend a small fortunate on clothing, this Meaningful Monday is for you!
The first few months following Micah’s birth, I quickly realized the value of a dollar. To shed some of my extra baby weight, in the mornings I walked the mall with one of my girlfriends. More often than not, we found ourselves drifting into stores like Gymboree, The Children’s Place and Baby Gap. It only took looking at a few price tags before we were ready to head for the door. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVED the clothing, but there is no way I could bring myself to pay $25-30 for a pair of jeans that Micah would wear for all of three months. So what name brands do I purchase? Gymboree, The Children’s Place, Baby Gap, Ralph Lauren, Janie and Jack and Zutano among others. I shop consignment sales semi-annually and purchase all the name brands for a fraction of the sale price!
Some questions that I am often asked.
Q. How do you know about the sales? A. I’ve joined consignment mailing lists as well as Children’s Consignment Sales in Knoxville on Facebook. If you do not live in Knoxville, I’m sure a quick google search for sales in your area will provide some helpful information.
Q. Do you purchase any clothing as long as it has a great price? A. NO! I only purchase name brand clothing that is reasonably priced.
Q. What if the clothing has a small hole or stain? A. I NEVER purchase items with holes or stains.
Q. How do you know what items you need? A. I go through the clothes I already have and make a mental note of items I need to look for when I am shopping.
Q. Is it possible to purchase complete outfits? A. Yes, I rarely purchase a shirt if I don’t have or can’t find a pair of pants/shorts to match and vice versa.
Q. Do you only purchase clothing or do you purchase any other items? A. I purchase clothing, shoes, toys, books, outdoor play equipment and the list goes on!
Q. What are your favorite sales? A. In order: Knoxville Multiples Club, Duck Duck Goose, The Picky Chick, and Middlebrook Pike UMC Consignment Sale. I may be adding Jack and Jules to the list… we’ll see what Thursday brings. I’ve been to a ton more than this but I’ve narrowed my list down to the above sales based on the quality of items at the sales.
Q. When is the best time to shop? A. If there is a private sale, find out how to shop it. If there is not a private sale, arrive 30 minutes before the sale begins and get a good place in line so you can be one of the first shoppers inside!
Q. Any other helpful bits of info? A. Take a laundry basket or small cart with wheels to throw your clothing in while shopping. Always Always Always, go through your basket and closely examine the clothing. Look for stains, holes and missing buttons. Put back items that don’t meet your standards or items that you wouldn’t purchase in a store. If you wouldn’t purchase it in the store, most likely you will never dress your kiddo in it once you get it home!
Hope this helps at least one mommy on a budget. Please feel free to email me any questions you may have! I don’t mind… it is a small obsession if you can’t tell! Below are some of my recent purchases from consignment sales.

Zutano Play Outfit

The Children's Place Outfit & Stride Rite Shoes

Stride Rite Tennis Shoes

Gymboree Outfit

Micah's Easter Outfit-Gymboree (still had the tags on it)

The Children's Place Vest (came with a dress shirt; it's in the wash)
Have a super saving, deal crazing day!
Amy
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