Kids clothing...I may have gone overboard

[Doesney]

I went on a little binge this morning at the mall. I spent more than I should have on the kids. Do you think 976.00 is unreasonable for 2 kids for the spring & summer? I shopped the Gap and Gymboree. Now what to tell DH.

The funny thing is I would never just go out and make a thousand dollar purchase without discussing it.

Wish me luck.


Holly

 

[Soccer Princess]

I think whether it's unreasonable or not depends on whether you have the extra money to do it with. If the purchases aren't going to hamper any other plans or bills and you have the money to do it, then I see nothing wrong with it. Another question to ask yourself is did the kids NEED all those clothes (outgrown old ones) or were they just "extras"? As a fellow shopper, I say if it doesn't hurt anything, then you had a productive morning!

 

[mommytotwo]

I agree with Soccer Princess. If you have the money and is able to use it on whatever you would like, then that would be a good choice cause your kids will need those clothes and kids always outgrow clothes fast.
Good luck with breaking the news to your hubby. Oh, maybe you should cook him a nice dinner and order him something.

 

[CEDmom]

Wow, that's a lot of money. I used to buy most of DD's clothes at Baby Gap, Gymboree & Talbot's Kid's when she was really little. However, I've learned the hard way that expensive clothes and daycare just don't mix. Now most of her clothes come from Target or Old Navy with the exception of a few nice outfits. If you have the $ then it's fine if you're nervous about what you spent than wait a few days and go through it all again. I bet there are things you'll decide they don't need. Also, don't take the tags off of anything because you might luck out and the items will be on sale in a few weeks. I've done this many times with both stores because they markdown so often.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

Gymbucks start tomorrow! Did you not have any?? I have my stuff (actually DD's ) from the new line on hold until then. I never have spent that much at once on both kids, but I shop a little at a time here and there. It probably adds up more than I imagine.

 

[Minnie824]

How old are your kids? Will they outgrow the clothes really quick? I spent (although DH was with me for 2 of the 5 purchases) $250 for shoes for the winter - 5 pair for our 2 year old. I know, thats crazy..but so cute AND she had shoes to match every outfit! Kids clothes are actually expensive! As long as you can afford it, and when you think about it, its for 6-8 months...thats not too bad. Good luck.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

Actually, if it goes on sale at Gymboree within 2 weeks from your purchase, they will refund you the difference just from the receipt. So the child could actually be wearing the item and you get the refund.

 

[Doesney]

Originally posted by Minnie824
How old are your kids? Will they outgrow the clothes really quick? I spent (although DH was with me for 2 of the 5 purchases) $250 for shoes for the winter - 5 pair for our 2 year old. I know, thats crazy..but so cute AND she had shoes to match every outfit! Kids clothes are actually expensive! As long as you can afford it, and when you think about it, its for 6-8 months...thats not too bad. Good luck.

Well my son is 7soon to be eight and my daughter is almost 5. As I sit here trying to justify my purchases I realize it includes 2 complete easter outfits along with a ton of socks and underwear. Of course the bulk of the $ was spent on DD. I just don't find boys clothes cute. On the other hand, DD needs a purse to match every outfit doesn't she? I'm sure to return a few things, and I'll go for the price adjustments as well. And I really got alot, probably 30 outfits for DD alone. and 4 bathing suits. a few pair of sandals.

ANd now I can make a nice deposit to our local womens shelter.

Hey I'm over the guilt. Thanks for letting me "talk" it out.

Holly.

edited to add. oh never mind I'll type a new posy

 

[Desnik]

Oh Holly we are so alike!!
First you went to Gymboree and the Gap, they are expensive!! I have a son and daughter and I agree with boys clothing not being as cute as girls! I spend so much on my DD. I only shop at Gymboree for her so you could imagine how much I spend. Not to mention that I am in there so much all the workers know me by name!! I shop for her at least every other week!LOL I think for what you bought you did good!!! Too bad you didn't have gymbucks because they can be redeemed tommorrow. Guess where I'll be tommorrow! Anyway did you get good deals? They had some 40% off spring stuff. I'm sure you got alot of stuff. I've already spent $400 on my DD and that is just SPRING clothes! So, you're doing better than me and you bought for both your kids!

Leave it to me to always justify spending money on my kids LOL

 

[dcgrumpy]

sounds like a lot to me. I usually don't buy too many kids clothes at once in case they all of a sudden hav a growth spurt



OT
I'm a bit confused, I could have sworn I saw you post that you had 2 boys. LOL. I must be confusing you with someone else.

 

[WeirdEyes]

OMG! Why does your DD need 30 outfits??? I'm sorry to say this, but I find this to be very excessive. I know it is your business though. I guess if you can spend that much on clothes for your kids, you must be very well off. If I did that, my DH would KILL me! And we aren't poor by any means....LOL! Please don't take offense to my post. I just refuse to spend that much on kids when they will outgrow the clothes soon. Good luck with breaking the news to your DH. At least your kids will look adorable.

 

[hentob]

Treat all stains with Shout Wipes and then throw Oxi Clean in your laundry. Honestly, some of those Gymboree sets bring in BIG BUCKS on ebay....even when used. Just make sure to keep up on stains.

I am such a major bargain shopper, that $900+ would give me a stroke. At the very least, a panic attack. But, I also enjoy shopping at Gap Kids, Abercrombie Kids, Hanna Anderson, Gymboree and Lands' End.

I think more than $10 for anything other than sneakers is expensive. What I do is buy end of season for next year. I just bought three Lands' End coats (original price $34.50) for $7.49 at Sears. My children now have their winter coats for next year and I got three for cheaper than one would have cost.

Sierratradingpost.com had Hanna Anderson Play Dresses for under $6 a few months ago. I loaded up on them. Abercrombie Kids had $5 T-Shirts at their summer clearance last year. I rarely pay more than $6 for ANYTHING at GAP. I just go often and get super bargains for the next season. Even shoes. I bought my son 6 pairs of GAP sneakers @ just under $3.97 a piece/all different sizes. I have purchased Columbia boots for under $10. I could go on and on. And on

Don't get me started on TJMAXX. AHHHHhhhhhhhh! Pure heaven.


I then sell most of this stuff on ebay for more than I paid for it. USED!

Sorry to turn this into a semi budget thread. Just wanted to suggest you shop a year ahead and you will be able to get triple for your money

Enjoy the clothes!

Hentob

 

[Doesney]

Well I certainly didn't mean to come off like I spoil my kids. (well maybe a little) But if you think about it, it is only 500.00 per child for a 6 month season. Now my plan is to be done. No picking up little things here and there because I think that adds up to just as much as a one time shopping spree. And this was much more fun.

 

[Doesney]

Originally posted by dcgrumpy
[B
OT
I'm a bit confused, I could have sworn I saw you post that you had 2 boys. LOL. I must be confusing you with someone else. [/B]

Actually I just went and reread my posts, and no you are correct.
I did infact say I had 2 sons. Just don't tell my daughter of the freudian slip

 

[jel0511]

Originally posted by Doesney
I went on a little binge this morning at the mall. I spent more than I should have on the kids. Do you think 976.00 is unreasonable for 2 kids for the spring & summer? I shopped the Gap and Gymboree. Now what to tell DH.

The funny thing is I would never just go out and make a thousand dollar purchase without discussing it.

Wish me luck.


Holly

That sounds just like me. I haven't hit the stores yet for summer and spring clothes, but I anticipate on spending right around that for DD 6 and DS 3. I HATE doing laundry (usually every 2 weeks), so I usually buy 14 or so outfits for each season, so 30 outfits seems right on the mark for me. I just bought their summer sandals and two pair cost me $100, and I haven't thought about clothes yet. I'll be at Gap and Gymboree probably next week, stocking up. Those are the only stores I shop in, since those clothes last the longest and look the best IMO.

 

[AirForceRocks]

Originally posted by Doesney
Well I certainly didn't mean to come off like I spoil my kids. (well maybe a little) But if you think about it, it is only 500.00 per child for a 6 month season. Now my plan is to be done. No picking up little things here and there because I think that adds up to just as much as a one time shopping spree. And this was much more fun.

But if most of the clothes are for your DD, won't you have to go out and buy more for your son?

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

I used to work at Gymboree. FYI when a new line comes in it goes on sale in exactly 4 weeks. It is usually 20-25% off. The previous line then goes to 40%. The line before that goes down to 60-70% off. Mark downs are usually done on Monday nights.

All of the mothers that I worked with said not to dry Gymboree clothing in the dryer. The colors stay brighter if you line dry them or hang them up.

Customers got price adjustments all of the time. Just hang on to your receipt.

Lori

 

[MosMom]

I don't even want to think about what I spend on the kids clothes. I work at Gymboree so I can't take advantage of the Gymbucks (although I get to close tomorrow and clean up after the tornado) but I get 40% all the time which is totally worth it.

If you like 0Gymboree you may want to go to Gymboree.Com and sign up for their emails. They will let you know when we are having special sales & Gymbucks. Before I worked there I took advantage of all these deals and it saved me a ton. Between the sales and selling the kids older season stuff on eBay, I never paid more than what I would pay at Target or Old Navy for great clothes. Same goes for the 40% off I get now.

So, I think if you have the money to spend then you aren't being excessive. Excessive is all a matter of perspective. Millionaires spend $900 or more on one outfit. Now, if you are not making your house payment or putting off bills to buy the clothes...I would return them.

 

[Doesney]

Originally posted by AirForceRocks
But if most of the clothes are for your DD, won't you have to go out and buy more for your son?

No. my son is not quite the fashion plate as DD. Believe me thing always equal out in the end.

 

[MosMom]

Originally posted by pirateofthecarolinas
I used to work at Gymboree. FYI when a new line comes in it goes on sale in exactly 4 weeks. It is usually 20-25% off. The previous line then goes to 40%. The line before that goes down to 60-70% off. Mark downs are usually done on Monday nights.

All of the mothers that I worked with said not to dry Gymboree clothing in the dryer. The colors stay brighter if you line dry them or hang them up.

Customers got price adjustments all of the time. Just hang on to your receipt.

Lori

The 4 weeks thing isn't true anymore. We just had a line recently go on sale only 2 1/2 weeks after it was out. We also haven't been putting lines down to 40% as quickly as we used to. We have had several at 20% and the entire lines aren't going on sale at the same time. We are pulling only select pieces to go on sale first. It is a real pain to separate lines and I wish they would stop that. They are trying to release more smaller new lines in order to not have as many older on sale lines.