How to Make your Kids Clothes Last Longer

Your assistance in our Coco petition, garners ample appreciation. something wondrous like:
5 Steps to Extending the Life of Clothe-lettes

Proceed with me to your retributed reward...

Step I) Buy High Caliber Clothes
You may erroneously assume that investing in dandies for your dickens is equivalent to stocking your wipey case with George's minted profile.  But you are wrong (hence erroneous).  And I will methodically address each of your arguments.  

1. Small people grow big too quickly 
   Better clothes include self-adjusting details. Multiple button homes on elastic waistbands or shoulder straps allow clothing to be purchased roomy and worn from season dawn to season set, if not the next season go-round as well.
2. Minors major in clothing destruction  Better clothes are made of better fabrics.  Tighter weaves proffer stain resistance, larger seam allowances protect against dropped hems, scientifically smartish blends stretch then rebound.  Give the fabric a tug, without compromising comfort you want a taut response.  A dense weave locks out potential stains.  Check the garment's innards, the seam allowances should be generous and reinforced.  Hems should never look malnourished.  Inventory the tag, if it's intended to stretch (ie a pull-on t-shirt) it should include a touch of spandex or lycra or similar.  Plain cotton will stretch, but it won't rebound, and Flashdance fashion should never be forced on juveniles.
3. Better clothes cost too much.  Quality is not measured in the number of digits on it's retail tag.  Buy the best quality you can afford at the lowest price you can find.  Filter through end of season clearance racks at the stores you wish you could shop at...and you probably can. Buy for next season, then catalog it away until it is time to wear.  Check thrift and second hand shops, if they made it for a second go round, it may last longer than brand new disposable clothing.  Always, always, consider cost per wear

Step II) Dress for the Occasion
My babies dine in diapers.  Their petal soft skin is far easier to polish clean than their clothes are.  While this technique may not be appropriate for your ten-year-old, prepare ensembles for activities with clothing pollution potential.  Make smocks, aprons, or pre-stained items available for painting, grass rolling, cooking, etc.

Step III) Refashion Outgrowths
Cut back on giant arm syndrome by rolling the sleeves.  Layer a thin cotton underneath. Make what you already have work.  Winter's wool trouser may blossom into wee tween short pants.  A-line dresses make natural tunics and what was originally donned as this year's denim skinnies may evolve into summer capris and can even be selected for boot tucking next winter.  Evaluate how you can refashion what you already have before you buy your next season of inventory.  

Step IV) Cross-Dress
This button-up was intended for Baby Boyfriend's fall collection, but while we waited for him to sprout a few lb's and "'s, sister enjoyed it for a few summer frolics.  If there's little chance of it wearing out, buy it in a gender neutral color.  White onesies and socks know no gender boundary.

Step V) Wash Less, Quickly
If you want to obliterate the Winnie-The-Pooh coveralls that Grandma gifted your darling, wash them.  Wash them every time you pass a dirty look at them, because washing is the fastest way to break fibers down.

Conversely, the fewer times you have to wash an item, the longer it will live.  Step two's occasional dressing will aid your wash resistance and so will the liberal wielding of your wipey case. Wipeys aren't just for diaper debris.  Those and their wet rag cousins can remove all kinds of unset stains.  Address baby spits, toddler dribbles, and the like as soon as they land.   


In short, if it isn't stinky or soiled, put it back in the drawer.  If it is dirty, treat it as soon as possible.  If you don't have a load to launder at hand, apply stain remover and a quick warm water soak to ensure the stain doesn't set.  When you're ready to wash,  use a quality detergent to support clothing longevity.  If your detergent is efficacious in one wash, you've saved yourself at least another wear.

And I'm not done thanking you, next post I'll address how to dress your tween.

In the meantime, book a Virtual shopping session for you, for your progeny, for your next family frolic.  I was born to fashion childhood and the supporters of it.

End of Season Clearance: Monthly Markdown Schedule

Bethink the serendipity of meeting the perfect pretty whats-it, for 50% off the original price, precisely when you needed it for that such and such thingy.

Well cease with the ritualistic discount drumming and throw away your mark down predicting tarot cards which you wield in a futile attempt to recreate favorable deal finding circumstances.  It's far easier to read the predictable retail markdown calendar. 

January	outerwear and winter accessories
February	fine jewelry, boots, and cashmere sweaters
March	linen suits and separates, handbags, and spring raincoats
April	silk separates, spring raincoats, and dresses
May	spring shoes, dresses, and suits
June	swimwear, casual shorts, t-shirts, and summer dresses
July	summer shoes, drastic reductions on swimwear
August	summer clearance and fall season sales
September	lined raincoats, wool blend blazers, handbags, and backpacks
October	leather jackets, fall suits, career, and casual sweaters
November	eveningwear, fall shoes, and boots
December	clearance coats, cashmere sweaters, and fine jewelry

Now you can choose to fashion happenstance whenever you choose. Simply catalog what you actually need, then plan the most parsimonious opportunity to acquire it. 

But that does require pre-shopping, a topic to discuss tomorrow.

Let Cardigan Empire search out the best seasonal discounts for you.  A complete Fashion Package: combines a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Freshy Fall Trends for Less: Tribal Elegance

Fall is more of a theoretical season in Arizona.  And if I can't enjoy cooler weather, at least I should be able to enjoy autumnally appropriate clothes.

Get yourself a complete ensemble on the right for less than the price of one piece on the left.  Use the difference to add an extra gallon or two of gas for your air conditioned sedan safari.

Day Dresses by Anthropologie
Boots at Endless.com

Downeast Basics Any Which Way Dress

Scarves & Wraps by Lucky Brand

Let Cardigan Empire fashion you for Spring.  Freshen up with a complete Fashion Package: combining a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Visit any DownEast Basics store in the Phoenix metro area from 8/29-9/12 & enter to win a fall fashion makeover! 1 lucky winner receives $250 shopping spree + DownEast will donate $250 to a local school of winner’s choice!

Freshy Fall Trends for Less: Mod Colorblocking

The juxtaposition of geometric houndstooth over curvy hips is divine.  And bold colors buffeting the surrounding vicinity ensures no inch of your chic is ignored.  

Get yourself a complete ensemble on the right for less than the price of one piece on the left.  Use the difference to add some more alluring curves to the skirt with an "I'm so frugal gelato".

Shortsleeve Tops by Asos
Flats at Need Supply Co.

Shortsleeve Tops by Asos

Let Cardigan Empire fashion you for Spring.  Freshen up with a complete Fashion Package: combining a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Fitting Room Friday: Thrifty Penny

Paraiso Dress: $148 to $79.95 (46% Off)
Anadyomene Cardigan

Purchases don't always happen on the first introduction. Maybe you first lock eyes online...flirt in the store window. Courting advances in the dressing room. But when your prize's price is reduced; the productivity of playing hard to get has climaxed. You carefully remove your darling from its officious hanger station and take it home to cherish.  Now if an item isn't worthy of this progression, why is it worthy of your closet?

Think of price reductions as opulence diets.  Many (silly) women will wait to purchase until body weight has been shed.  Yet it is far better to procrastinate purchase, on something that fits now, until its lost price?

Meredith is a thrifty-ite, and after approximately four weeks of waiting, we scale her savings potential at over $250 of savings.

Buttondown Cowlneck: $88 to $29.95 (66% Off) + Quiet Approach Skirt: $78 to $39.95 (49% Off)
Loop Stack Cardigan + Peak Through Belt

Springing Season Blouse: $68 to $39.95 (41% off) + Joe's Provocateur: $157 to $99.95 (36% off)
Pulling it Together Sweater

Nuances Necklace $48 to $29.95 (38% Off)

Fountain of Youth Dress + Striped Femme Henley

This last ensemble is one I think she should continue to woo.  And what, might we ask, are you stalking at the moment?

Let Cardigan Empire search out the thriftiest option for you.  A complete Fashion Package: combines a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Thrifty Penny: Markdowns

'Without frugality none can be rich, and with it very few would be poor' (Samuel Johnson)

Ok, here is my disclaimer. 
I do not speak as an official representative of any of these companies.  The information I present here is based on personal experience and may or may not be company policy.

STORE	MARKDOWN SCHEDULE
Anthropologie	TUESDAYS True for online and in stores.  Shop early for the best selection. New shipments Monday through Thursday.  Semi-Annual sales around Christmas and during the Summer.  Also I recommend adding your birthdate to your Anthro account.
Banana Republic	SUNDAYS Not a rule (may not happen every Sunday) but definitely a good suggestion.  New Shipments Mondays and Thursdays.
Dillards	1st OF THE MONTH additional discounts announced on Wednesday's.  Regular weekly shipment receipts.
Forever21	MONDAYS Not a rule (does not happen every monday) but definitely a good suggestion.  Occurs regularly as dictated by corporate.  New shipments multiple times a week.
Gap/Gap Kids/Baby Gap	WEDNESDAYS New shipments twice a week.
Gymboree	MONDAYS Usually every other week.  Also watch for gymbucks and end of season sales.
H&M	END OF EVERY OTHER MONTH These are end of season sales, the current sale (Spring 2011) started on Tuesday, March 29th.  New shipments weekly.
J. Crew	TUESDAYS Not a rule (does not happen every Tuesday) but definitely a good suggestion.
Janie & Jack	THURSDAYS Usually every other week.  Also watch for end of season sales.
Kohls	WEEKLY Regular one days sales and weekend sales.  Also watch for lowest price of the season sales.
The Limited	SEASONAL Markdowns at the end of season.  New shipments multiple times a month.
Loft (& Ann Taylor	SEASONAL New shipments Monday and Friday.  Apply for an Ann Taylor Credit Card to earn $20 in rewards for every 2,000 pts of s
Macy's	SUNDAY-WEDNESDAY Macy's starts their markdowns on Sunday, and work to be 100% marked down by Wednesday, close of business. 75% off, you should get it, as it will rarely go any lower. The next week they will box it up and ship it out to their clearance stores.  Also watch for "wear red" (extra 20% off) days and semi-annual sales in different departments.
Nordstrom	SALE SCHEDULE Half-Yearly Sale for Women and Kids—starts Wednesday, May 25 Half-Yearly Sale for Men—starts Friday, June 17 Anniversary Sale—starts Friday, July 15 and ends Sunday, July 31 Half-Yearly Sale for Women and Kids—starts Wednesday, November 2 Half-Yearly Sale for Men—starts Sunday, December 25 online, and Monday, December 26 in-store  Also shop for additional savings at Nordstrom Rack and Last Chance.
Talbots	MONTHLY Sign up for e-mails to receive regular promotion notices.
Target	SEE SCHEDULE Monday - Electronics, Kids Clothing and Stationary (Cards, GiftWrap, etc.) Tuesday - Domestics, Women's Clothing, Pets and Market (food items) Wednesday - Men's Clothing, Toys, Lawn & Garden, Health and Beauty items Thursday - House Wares, Lingerie, Sporting Goods, Shoes, Music / Movies, Books, Decor and Luggage Friday - Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, and Jewelry 50% off the day after holiday for three days 75% off the fourth day after holiday for three days 90% off the seventh day after holiday for 1-2 days Target rarely marks down non-holiday items below a 75% off discount. And if the price ends in the number 4, you may be looking at your last chance to buy.
Victoria's Secret	ANNUAL & SEMI-ANNUALS SALES January & July
White House | Black Market	AS NEEDED Join Black Book (free customer service program): Once your merchandise purchases reach a net of $300 you will obtain Black Book membership status. As a Black Book Member* you can look forward to these benefits: Preliminary Black Book benefits include: Be the first to know about newest collections, sales, and offers Preview new collections via email Black Book (once your merchandise purchases reach $300) benefits may include : 5% off every merchandise purchase Birthday bonuses Double discount days Invitations to special parties and events Private sales *To be eligible for birthday bonus benefits, Black Book members must have shopped with WHBM during the past 12 months.

Once again this list is not an official statement from any of these fine retail establishments.  It may contain errors or inconsistencies. 

Please pretty please, share what you know or have experienced.

Let Cardigan Empire search out the thriftiest option for you.  A complete Fashion Package: combines a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Thrifty Penny: Price Adjustment

 

'Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves'

Price adjustments are slightly different than return policies. With price adjustments, you can still get the difference in cost even if the product has already been opened or worn, as long as you have your original receipt.

STORE	PRICE ADJUSTMENT POLICY
Anthropologie	14 days with original purchase date or date of shipment(you can use your anthro card as receipt)
Banana Republic	14 days one time adjustment within 14 days of purchase. For an online purchase, call 1-888-BRSTYLE or send an email message including order number in your email message.
Dillards	No policy
Forever21	No policy
Gap/Gap Kids/Baby Gap	14 days one time adjustment within 14 days of purchase. For an online purchase, call 1-888-GAPSTYLE or send an email message including order number in your email message.
Gymboree	7 days One-time price adjustment on any item within 7 days of initial purchase with original receipt. To receive a price adjustment for an online purchase, email us at orders@gymboree.com, contact customer service at 1-877-4-GYMWEB or send the entire packing slip to: Gymboree Online Store, Attn: Price Adjustments, 2299 Kids Way, Dixon, CA 95620. Forms must be postmarked within 14 days of the order date noted on the packing slip. Price adjustments will not be allowed on some orders that receive promotion discounts (e.g. Gymbucks). If the price adjustment brings the purchase below the required earning amount for a coupon (e.g. Gymbucks), the coupon will be decremented or deactivated. Online orders can only receive price adjustments as a result of a change to the price of the item at gymboree.com. Online orders cannot receive price adjustments in our retail stores.
H&M	14 days One-time price adjustment will be granted when an original sales receipt is presented within 14 days of purchase.
J. Crew	7 days one-time price adjustment on full-price merchandise within 7 days of the retail purchase or mail order ship date if accompanied by the original receipt.
Janie & Jack	7 days One-time price adjustment on any item within 7 days of initial purchase with original receipt. To receive a price adjustment for an online purchase, email us at orders@janieandjack.com, contact customer service at 1.877.449.8800 or send the entire packing slip to: Janie and Jack Online Shop, Attn: Price Adjustments, 2299 Kids Way, Dixon, CA 95620. Forms must be postmarked within 14 days of the order date noted on the packing slip.
Kohls	14 days with original dated sales receipt (not available on clearance markdowns)
The Limited	14 days one time adjustment within 14 days. For online purchases, contact our customer service center by phone or e-mail within fourteen days of the purchase date. Call toll free at 1-877-LTD-1963 (1-877-583-1963) between the hours of 6 a.m. - midnight EST, 7 days a week or e-mail us and include your order number in the e-mail message.
Loft (& Ann Taylor	7 days One price adjustment for merchandise purchased at full-price, which has been marked down for the first time, may be made within 7 days from the original date of purchase. Price adjustments are not eligible on special promotions, including %'s off (e.g., 25%, 40%, and 50% etc.) and $'s off. Please note, our stores are not able to process price adjustments for online orders. To request a one-time price adjustment, please e-mail us at clientservices@LOFT.com within the 7-day window. Should you be eligible for a price adjustment, we will gladly credit your original form of payment within 1 week of receipt of your email and send you an email reply confirmation. Depending on your credit card cycle, however, please allow 1-2 cycles for the credit to appear. Should you not be eligible for a price adjustment, we will reply with an email, as well.
Macy's	14 days With original dated receipt in stores. Submit request for adjustment on online purchases here
Nordstrom	14 days With original dated receipt in stores.
Talbots	14 days With original dated receipt in stores.
Target	Same week or following week If Target advertises a lower price either the same week or the week following your purchase, bring in your original sales receipt to Guest Services for an adjustment.
Victoria's Secret	14 days in store 21 days online
White House | Black Market	14 days With original dated receipt in stores. A one time price adjustment may be made by calling 877.948.2525 for online and catalog purchases.

If you are outside a merchandiser's price adjustment window, but within the return window, and have not worn the item,  bring the actual item into the store with its original receipt, return it and repurchase it.  Again this option only works if you haven't yet used the item.

Let Cardigan Empire search out the thriftiest option for you.  A complete Fashion Package: combines a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session