It's Not All About the Benjamins...

So you know that tree that money grows on?  I've been searching for it for years, but have come to the conclusion it just simply does not exist.  Our parents weren't lying after all.  Who needs it anyway.  A tree like that would just contribute to inflation, and then we'd be no better off.  Okay, refocusing...Over the years, I have learned to be content with what I've been given, and have found that materialistic possessions mean little.  That being said, we still have needs, err many of those needs can be better categorized as wants, and I've learned that you have to decide what you'll spend the buco bucks on and what you'll save on.  Even items that I was willing to spend money on (for those of you who know me, my splurge is premium jeans), I have found ways to save.  

So here we are - our first official blog post - It's Not All About the Benjamins.  It's all about the "how can I get exactly what I want but for a price I really want to spend."  This is doubly important when you have children.  Once you start perusing the children's stores and online market place, you realize just how stylish you want your child to be, and then quickly realize that spending $40 on a pair of shoes that will be "so last season" before the season's over (not because they went out of style, but because you can no longer squeeze your child's rapidly growing foot into them) is simply not worth the $40 you paid.  Trust me, I know this well.

So here is a tried-and-true list of ways to not brake the bank, but keep you and your kids clothed and looking swank for less than the oh-so-often outrageous retail prices:

1) Sign up for designer discount sites such as Zulily, Steals, MyHabit, and HauteLook.  Signing up is free, and they feature deep discounts on brands you crave!  From infant to kids to women's to home goods, you will find brands like Toms, See Kai Run, Tea, Joe's, Paige Denim, Spanx, and so many more for much less than you'd pay at the stores.  Shipping can be a little pricey, so keep that in mind, although www.myhabit.com ships free no matter how small the order.

2) Search out traveling consignment sales.  Not only can you find great deals on pre-owned items, you can list your own no-longer-needed items and make some extra money.  The Spotted Whale and Moo La La sales are two such events that travel through our neck of the woods.  I've found brands such as Cake (an upscale line from Petunia Pickle Bottom) and Tea for a fraction of what they retailed.

The Spotted Whale 

September 13-15, 2013

669 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo

3) Check out your local consignment stores.  Sure, these can seem a bit pricey, but here and there you can find a great deal.  I scored a Petunia Pickle Bottom Cross Town Clutch for only $30!!  And it was virtually brand new!  

Central Coast Consignment Stores:

Merry Go Round, San Luis Obispo

Kids 'n Things, Santa Maria

4) Don't underestimate yard sales!  My cousin-in-law/good friend Nicole is an absolute pro at finding high-end, super stylish brands at garage sales.  I ask her all the time "Where did you get that [top, dress, outfit for Eden]?" and she'll often say "At a yardsale!"  So I asked her what her secrets are to successful yardsaling and this is what she said:

• Scope out large yard sales and annual sales, as well as sales that advertise having baby and children items and moving sales.  Craigslist is a great resource for finding upcoming garage sales.
• Going early to the sale will ensure the most selection, but the highest prices, while going later will give you the best prices but second picks.  
• If you find a whole bundle of items, you can make an offer for less than buying items individually, but still be respectful of what you offer, remembering that paying $2 or $3 for an item is still much less than you'd buy it new for.  
• Never buy something that you wouldn't pay full price for, because this ensures that you actually love the item and you're not just buying it because it's a steal.  Also, if you buy items just because it's a great deal, you'll run out of money before finding that perfect item later on!
• Know the appropriate retail prices of items you are looking for.  $2 for a pair of used boys board shorts may seem pricey to some, but if you knew that these same Billabong board shorts retailed in the stores for $30, then you'd jump all over them!
• Buy clothing in the off season, accounting for the fact that your child will be bigger by then.
• Lastly, my favorite tip from Nicole, leave the kids at home so that you can shop distraction free and avoid coming home with "3 train sets and some cheap McDonalds toys you didn't know that you needed." Hahaha!!

5) Remember Ebay?  It's still going strong and with a little searching, you can find some great deals! I recently bid on and won an adorable pair of Gap sandals for my daughter, that I'm even envious of!  They were about half of what I would have bought them new, and although they were "used" they appear to be brand new.  Plus, it was free shipping!  Another item that I was "watching" had expired with no bids, and since I hadn't bid in time to win, I emailed the seller to see if they'd re-list them with a "buy it now" price of the opening bid.  They did, and I bought them immediately.

Well, I hope some of these tips have helped!  Let us know how you like to save on duds by commenting below!!  Also, what's been your most prized steal?!