After I wrote that Threadless post a couple of months ago, I got several emails asking about where I buy the rest of Noah’s clothes (on a budget).
Even though I write for a style blog over at Babble.com — where I’m frequently drooling over luxe baby gear and designer kid’s clothes — that’s not how we roll in real life. I’m not about to spend an inordinate amount of money on my toddler’s wardrobe, which he’ll A) stain and/or B) grow out of by next season. When it comes to accessible shopping (no shipping costs and long waits), here’s what I’ve found:
Best for Basics: Old Navy
This is a shot of Noah browsing the $5 t-shirts at Old Navy this week, which is my first stop for affordable basics in abundance. It can be a little hit or miss at Old Navy depending on the season, but I’ve ended up with some pretty great finds over the last two years. (Noah just about fell over in amazement when he saw Grover and Curious George on $5 graphic tees, but I nudged him over to this one. Much better, right?)
We ended up leaving Old Navy with a big bag full of clothes for less than $75 — and I know he’ll get mega use out of them all. (Want to see what we ended up with? Click over here.)
Best for Style: H+M
If I could choose only one department store to shop in, it would be H+M — hands down. It does cost a little more than Old Navy, but I just can’t help myself in the kid’s section. I’m especially in love with their kid’s skinny jeans, which are the absolute best quality I’ve found yet. (You can see Noah in them here, here and here.) I’m constantly getting compliments on them everywhere we go, and they’re less than $20. The quality of their kid’s clothes, in general, is just better.
Best for Designers: Target
If you’re all about the labels, Target is obviously on your radar. Their latest Target Missoni collection crashed their site in a matter of minutes, but there’s still some cute stuff left for babies and kids.
As far as online shops, my favorites are Zara (similar to H+M), Threadless and Etsy.
What are some of your favorite affordable shopping sources?
6 Comments to Reader Question: Where to Find Cute, Affordable Clothes?
christina
September 16, 2011 at 4:52 pm
An H+M just opened in Dallas and I’ve already splurged on a couple of things. Love love love.
And I’m going to sound like a commercial here, but its true…It will differ depending on region, but in Texas there is a chain resale store called Once Upon a Child. I always find Carters, Old Navy, Baby Gap and other name brand stuff for $2 and $3 and their onesies are only $1 or less. They have special sales all the time and red lined items are half off. I love getting a giant bag of clothes for the triplets for less than $50! And I sell the stuff my kiddos have outgrown and get cash to buy their new clothes.
michellehorton
September 16, 2011 at 5:22 pm
That’s a good idea to sell all of the baby clothes and use the money to buy new clothes. I stash them all away like a hoarder just in case I have another boy.
j.e.w.e.l.s
September 16, 2011 at 5:52 pm
I’m a thrift store / yardsale mama. 50 cents for a pair of baby gap jeans? don’t mind if I do. I’m also an ebayer, and I go straight to the sale rack in any store I go into. Thank god Staten Island has a once upon a child, like Christina said it’s great for finding name brands for next to nothing and it’s a great way of recycling. When I do buy things full price I go to H&M and Target.
Lauren
September 17, 2011 at 12:01 am
I’m all about Once Upon A Child! I just bought my daughter’s entire Fall/Winter wardrobe for $45!!! (Including shoes!). TJ Maxx and Zulily.com are also big fav’s because I can affordably find sustainable and organic brands which is definitely my preference when it comes to dressing my kid and myself.
Ty
September 19, 2011 at 11:29 am
Christina, Are you an “early mama” To triplets?! I’m 18 with BBB triplets.
Kelly Brady
September 29, 2011 at 3:32 pm
I am a huge fan of thredup.com. You list boxes of clothes for other people and you can choose boxes in the sizes you need. All you pay is for flat rate shipping!